'Department of Disaster Management' sought
January 8, 2015 | 2:30pm
MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker proposed to create a distinct and separate Department of Disaster Management (DDM).
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo noted that natural disasters such as typhoons, storm surges, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have become the "new normal" in the country.
He explained that such disasters are "bound to happen in significant frequency" and that a separate body for planning course of action during such events is a necessity.
Castelo authored House Bill (HB) 5278 or "An act creating the Department of Disaster Management as distinct and separate from the Department of National Defense and for other purposes."
Visit our Bill Tracker to view the proposed measure.
The lawmaker cited the Philippines' during typhoons Ruby and Yolanda, noting that the country is in the path of typhoons which makes it vulnerable to disaster.
"The Philippines has historically suffered from a high rate of natural disasters, but climate change is giving rise to even more frequent and more disastrous weather-related calamities, a situation appearing to be the new normal," Castelo said.
The bill provides that the proposed DDM be comprised of the resent Office of Civil Defense and/or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
This would allow the agency to have a distinct and separate mandate to carry out safer, adaptive and disaster-resilient plans, particularly in dealing with disaster, According to Castelo.
HB 5278 is now pending with the House Committee Government Reorganization and Committee on National Defense.
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