Strengthening The Philippine Disaster Control, Capability And Establishing The National Program On Community Disaster Preparedness

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1566

Declaration of Policy (Section 1):
- Promote self-reliance, self-help, and mutual assistance at local level
- Utilize available resources before seeking external assistance
- Primary responsibility rests on government agencies in affected areas
- All government agencies must have documented emergency plans
- Planning and operations to be done at barangay level
- Regional offices led by Regional Commissioner in absence of regional government
- Leadership responsibility rests on Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, and Barangay Chairmen
- In multi-area emergencies, city personnel under Provincial Governor's control
- National government supports local government during emergencies
- Conduct periodic exercises and drills at all levels, especially barangays

National Disaster Coordinating Council (Section 2):
- Composed of Secretaries of various departments and other officials
- Chaired by Secretary of National Defense
- Advises the President on preparedness, operations, and rehabilitation
- Utilizes facilities and services of Office of Civil Defense

Regional Level Organization (Section 3):
- Regional Disaster Coordinating Council chaired by Regional Commissioner
- Composed of regional office executives
- Establishes Regional Disaster Operations Center

Local Government Level Organization (Section 4):
- Metropolitan Manila Disaster Coordinating Council led by Metro Manila Governor
- Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council led by Provincial Governor, with Provincial Police Superintendent as Vice-Chair
- City/Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils led by City/Municipal Mayors, with Police Station Commander as Vice-Chair

Tasks of Council Members (Section 5):
- Secretary of National Defense convenes Council, coordinates national efforts
- Civil Defense Administrator coordinates activities, provides secretariat, prepares manuals
- Secretary of Local Government oversees council organization at local level
- Secretary of Labor organizes disaster groups in factories/industries
- Secretary of Education organizes groups in schools/institutions
- Secretary of Trade organizes groups in commercial/recreational buildings
- Secretary of Social Services provides emergency relief and rehabilitation
- All members provide personnel, facilities, and expertise

Planning for Disaster Operations (Section 6):
- Office of Civil Defense prepares National Disaster and Calamities Preparedness Plan
- All plans must conform to the national plan
- Implementing plans documented and provided to Council within 30 days
- Plans revised and updated as necessary

Rules and Regulations (Section 7):
- Chairman of Council issues rules and regulations for implementation

Drills and Exercises (Section 8):
- Organizational and community drills conducted within 60 days and periodically thereafter
- Supervised by concerned department or agency

Funding (Section 9):
- Local government units program funds for disaster preparedness
- Includes organizing councils, establishing facilities, equipping and training teams
- In addition to 2% reserve required by Presidential Decree No. 477

Repealing Clause (Section 10):
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, or regulations amended or repealed

Effectivity (Section 11):
- Decree takes effect upon approval