Philippines Enacts Law for Early Disaster Response to Mitigate Impacts

The Philippine government has enacted the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act (Republic Act No. 12287), a pioneering legislation that integrates anticipatory action within the nation’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework. This new law was crafted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) with technical assistance from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners.

The legislation authorizes government agencies to initiate early interventions based on hazard forecasts and risk assessments conducted before disasters occur. By doing so, it aims to protect lives, livelihoods, and properties ahead of time rather than relying solely on post-disaster relief.

Anticipatory action involves the use of early warning data and pre-arranged funding mechanisms to reduce the potential humanitarian consequences of impending hazards. This approach enables communities to take precautionary measures, safeguarding themselves and their assets before emergencies fully develop.

Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, Administrator of the OCD, highlighted the significance of the law, stating, "The passage of Republic Act No. 12287 represents a major advancement in our country's ability to manage disaster risks proactively. This policy ensures better protection, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors during emergencies."

The law empowers the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to recommend a declaration of imminent disaster to the President or for local councils to advise local chief executives. Such declarations trigger the early release of government funds to implement risk mitigation efforts, changing the disaster management paradigm from reactive to proactive.

Regis Chapman, WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director, emphasized the importance of this legislation in the context of the country's exposure to natural hazards: "With the Philippines experiencing an average of 20 typhoons annually, this law is crucial for enhancing disaster preparedness and response, especially concerning climate-related shocks. Anticipatory action saves lives and significantly lowers emergency response costs."

Since 2015, WFP has collaborated with Philippine authorities to weave anticipatory action into disaster management at both national and local levels, promoting sustainable early action programs. Their efforts include anticipatory cash assistance schemes activated before typhoons in regions such as Bicol, CARAGA, and Eastern Visayas. Moreover, the approach is being localized in municipalities vulnerable to hazards like typhoons, floods, storms, and landslides, including Jabonga, Legazpi City, New Bataan, and Palo.

The United Nations World Food Programme, as the largest global humanitarian agency, continues to support such initiatives that save lives and foster recovery from crises caused by conflict, disasters, and climate change.