The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill institutionalizing a mechanism and setting criteria for the declaration of a state of imminent disaster and providing for government responses.
House Bill 11430, or the proposed Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, was passed unanimously with a 177-0 vote.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, the bill’s principal author, said the measure seeks to reduce the loss of lives, properties, and livelihoods in the event of natural or man-made disasters.
“The proposed law will enable the national government, local government units, and our communities to better prepare for and respond to disasters or calamities,” Romualdez said.
Under the bill, the President may declare a state of imminent disaster over affected barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, or regions, based on guidelines from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Local chief executives may also declare the same within their jurisdiction upon recommendation of their local DRRM councils. The measure also mandates the integration of anticipatory interventions in LGU and national agency budgets and plans.
As Congress pushes for stronger disaster preparedness, the NDRRMC elevated its operations center alert status to blue on Friday in response to a low-pressure area (LPA) spotted near Guiuan, Samar in Eastern Visayas. The LPA, in combination with the southwest monsoon or habagat, is expected to bring widespread rains, flooding, and rain-induced landslides.
To mitigate risks, all regional and local DRRM councils, along with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), have been directed to activate minimum preparedness protocols.
These include mobilizing emergency teams, stockpiling supplies, ensuring communications readiness, and placing personnel from the AFP, BFP, PCG, and PNP on standby.
The NDRRMC stressed that the blue alert ensures proactive coordination to reduce the impact of slow-onset hazards.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “House OKs Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster bill.”
