Kuya Bong pushes disaster resilience agency anew

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has refiled a bill proposing the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), reaffirming his long-standing call for a dedicated agency to enhance the Philippines’ preparedness, mitigation and response to disasters.

Go reintroduced the measure at the start of the 20th Congress.

The senator stressed that this is not his first attempt to establish the department, having previously filed similar bills in past congresses, as he maintains that a more centralized and empowered structure is urgently needed given the country’s vulnerability to natural and human-induced calamities.

“Natural disasters can cause such far-reaching and impactful consequences that it has become clear that a comprehensive, specialized, and focused approach is the only way to move forward from the effects of natural disasters,” Go explained in the bill’s explanatory note.

The proposed “Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2025” aims to create a national agency led by a cabinet-level secretary. This new department would unify and streamline all disaster-related responsibilities under a single chain of command, addressing limitations observed in the current multi-agency setup under Republic Act 10121, which established the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“There should be a department truly focused on this kind of crisis — prepared, with a clear system and clear mandate led by a secretary-level who will serve as the helm during times of disaster,” Go said.

The lawmaker cited the necessity of transitioning from a scattered framework to a full-time department solely focused on building disaster resilience.

“It is only through the creation of a highly specialized government agency, with all its resources fully focused on its mandate, that the events of past disasters can be avoided,” Go said.

He added that the department “shall possess the necessary powers and functions, along with the technical expertise and government support to carry out the ideas and plans which our earlier laws failed to realize.”

The bill envisions a DDR that would implement a whole-of-society approach, coordinating with national agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, communities and international partners to manage and lead national disaster resilience programs.

“The proposed measure shall unify and streamline the responsibilities and functions related to the country’s disaster preparedness, provide a clear chain of command, and create a more holistic and proactive approach in dealing with emergencies headed by a cabinet-level secretary,” Go explained.

According to the senator, the proposed department would also be equipped with emergency powers to ensure swift action during disasters if enacted.

“Emergency powers during, and in the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters, shall be exercised by the Department to provide timely response and to mitigate the sometimes unavoidable consequences of natural disasters,” Go said.

The proposed law includes mechanisms for recovery guided by the principle of “Building-Forward-Better,” aligning with internationally accepted standards.

It also outlines remedial measures during states of calamity, such as imposing price ceilings on basic commodities, reprogramming funds for critical infrastructure repair and offering no-interest loans to vulnerable groups through government lending institutions.

The DDR would also ensure the provision of evacuation centers, particularly for the most marginalized populations.

“In providing such evacuation centers, due regard shall be given to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, respecting the dignity and culture of persons and using proportionate force in implementing such emergency measures,” the explanatory note read.

Go cited that this aligns with Republic Act 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored. That law mandates the establishment of disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities to reduce the burden on makeshift shelters during calamities.

He also stressed the importance of translating painful lessons from previous disasters into concrete action.