By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang has directed all concerned government agencies to implement the 2024 National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), a strategic plan aimed at ensuring a timely, effective, and coordinated disaster response.
Memorandum Circular (MC) 100, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Sept. 23, orders the adoption and implementation of the 2024 NDRP, to “preserve lives, provide immediate assistance to affected communities, and minimize exacerbation of emergency situations.”
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), was tasked with spearheading the implementation of the 2024 NDRP, according to MC 100.
“It is imperative for all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and LGUs (local government units) to support and cooperate towards the successful implementation of the 2024 NDRP,” MC 100, which takes effect immediately, read.
National government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, are directed, while LGUs are encouraged to support the implementation of the 2024 NDRP and its related programs.
MC 100 mandates close coordination between the OCD and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to ensure the effective dissemination of the 2024 NDRP to all concerned government agencies and offices.
The funding requirements for the implementation of the strategic disaster response plan will be sourced from the existing appropriations of the respective agencies, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
The NDRRMC has recommended the adoption of the 2024 NDRP to provide overall directions to all agencies and networks involved in disaster risk reduction and management, with a particular focus on disaster response.
The ultimate goal of the NDRP 2024 is to save lives, ensure immediate assistance to affected communities, and prevent the worsening of emergency situations through a well-established and effective disaster response and early recovery system.
