The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology launched a newly developed automated planning tool for disaster rehabilitation and recovery, a web application called "PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild", on 14 September at Novotel Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through the Office of Civil Defense, DOST-PHIVOLCS, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in partnership with The World Bank and other NDDRMC member agencies, seeks to revolutionize disaster risk reduction and management planning processes in the country by using the app.

The PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild planning tool aims to help LGUs quickly formulate a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan amid calamities. The app is eyed to improve LGUs' decision-making capabilities by giving them the tools to improve their respective plans for pre- and post-disaster events.

The app is set to pilot in 137 LGUs within the NCR, CALABARZON, Bicol, Central Visayas, and Caraga regions.