The Disaster Risk Reduction Bill, which was actively pushed by the Philippine Consortium on Good Local Governance (PCGLG), the Disaster Risk Reduction Network among others, has been signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last 27 May 2010 by virtue of Republic Act 10121.
Known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, RA 10121 seeks to strengthen the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system through the adoption of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP). It further aims to recognize and strengthen the capacity of the national government and the local government units (LGUs), together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all levels.
The Bill serves as the Consortium’s first victory in pushing for much needed structural and functional reforms. Not only was the role of local governments as the first line of defense in facing disasters was finally recognized but it also marks the paradigm shift from focus on “rescue and recovery” to “preparedness and risk reduction.” The Consortium was organized by the Local Government Development Foundation (LOGODEF) in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.