By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
On Tuesday, June 3, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) pushed for the immediate passage of a bill that aims to revolutionize the country’s disaster preparedness efforts.
Senate Bill No. 2999, known as the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Bill, seeks to establish a legal framework for declaring disasters before they occur based on scientific forecasts and assessments.
“It’s time to prioritize anticipatory action—preventive steps that can stop disasters from escalating. We need laws that empower communities and make our disaster response more proactive rather than just reactive,” OCD chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, aims to fill the gaps in the country’s disaster protocols by allowing authorities to declare a “state of imminent disaster”—a proactive move based on scientific forecasts that can trigger early action.
This approach is already supported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and aligns with regional practices, including those of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Usec. Nepomuceno commended Sen. Estrada for championing the bill saying, “We commend Senator Estrada for championing this initiative. Moving from a reactive stance—responding only after disasters happen—to a proactive approach is essential. Acting early can help prevent or significantly lessen the impact of calamities.”
Addressing the country’s vulnerability to disasters
Estrada highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability, noting that the country faces around 20 typhoons each year, along with floods, landslides, and storm surges.
Last year’s storms alone caused an estimated P20 billion worth of damage, affecting millions of Filipinos.
Estrada also emphasized the importance of giving local governments more flexibility, proposing that 70 percent of disaster funds be allocated for anticipatory measures.
This way, he said, local officials can act quickly when warnings come in, rather than waiting for the disaster to strike, “As climate change accelerates, we need to move from being reactive to proactive. This bill is about turning disaster risk into an opportunity for leadership and innovation.”
The legislation is also designed to improve coordination among national agencies, local governments, and international partners, making disaster response more efficient and effective. (PNA)
