HB05989: AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS MANDATE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
This comprehensive bill establishes the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) as the primary government agency responsible for leading, organizing, and managing national efforts in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. It mandates a "building forward better" approach to recovery, emphasizing the creation of safer, more adaptive, resilient, and inclusive communities. The bill also outlines specific powers and functions for the Department across various phases of disaster management, from conducting risk assessments and establishing evacuation centers to regulating humanitarian assistance and leading reconstruction projects.
The significance of this act lies in its aim to create a unified, empowered, and specialized agency to address natural disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change. It seeks to protect lives and property, uphold the dignity of individuals, and preserve social, economic, historical, and cultural heritage. By establishing clear responsibilities at national and local levels, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and providing for emergency measures and funding mechanisms, the bill intends to foster a culture of resilience and ensure more effective and efficient responses to future calamities, ultimately leading to more robust and prepared communities across the Philippines.