Press Release - Jinggoy bill institutionalizes anticipatory actions on disasters

Proactive and preemptive strategy

TO save more lives and livelihoods due to climate crisis, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has introduced a measure proposing the establishment of a system in declaring a "State of Imminent Disaster" and allowing the implementation of proactive measures before natural calamities strike based on risk assessments by agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

"This measure introduces the concept of 'anticipatory action' to reduce the impacts of a forecast hazard before it occurs, or before its most acute impacts are felt to mitigate its impact on people, animals, and properties that are likely to be affected," Estrada said.

Senate Bill No. 2643, or the proposed "Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act," sets the criteria for such a declaration, among them the likelihood of a disaster and its potential to significantly damage essential infrastructure and disrupt critical services like electricity, water, and healthcare.

This legislation, Estrada explained, aims to shift disaster response from reactive to proactive, enhancing resilience and preparedness amid the increasing threats of climate change and natural calamities.

"Malaking tulong ang Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) bago nanalasa ang bagyong Odette noong Disyembre 2021 kung saan anim na rehiyon ay na pre-identify na high-risk regions kaya nabigyan ng mga kaukulang hakbang gaya ng preemptive evacuation at maraming buhay ang nasalba mula sa tiyak na kapahamakan," Estrada said.

Still, the Senate leader saw the need to scale up mechanisms and put in place a well-established disaster risk reduction infrastructure using national and local resources to implement anticipatory actions.

Under the bill, the President may declare a State of Imminent Disaster over a cluster of barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, and regions upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC.

Provincial governors and mayors shall also have the authority to make such a declaration based on the recommendation of the Local DRRM Council (LDRRMC).

A State of Imminent Disaster may be declared due to various hazards, including natural