MANILA – Basic sectors now have representation in the disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation processes, following a new initiative by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). On September 1, NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III ratified Memorandum Order No. 001, series of 2024, which formally integrates these sectors into National, Regional, and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.
According to Philippines News Agency, this development is key to enhancing the country’s disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts. The memorandum aims to promote a more consultative and transparent approach to policy-making while advocating for poverty alleviation reforms. Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, supports this initiative by guaranteeing meaningful participation and representation of basic sectors across the NRLDRRM councils. This is seen as vital in upholding the rights and welfare of impoverished communities throughout the Philippines.
The memorandum does not infringe upon the state’s policy regarding local autonomy as stated in RA 7160, the Local Government Code. It emphasizes that the synergy of local autonomy and private sector engagement is reinforced through improved coordination between national and local government agencies. Amid the adverse conditions caused by Tropical Storm Enteng, which affected Luzon and the Visayas on Tuesday, Regina Salvador-Antequisa, representative from the NAPC Victims of Disasters and Calamities Sectoral Council (VDCSC), highlighted the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness. Salvador-Antequisa emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) to bolster disaster response mechanisms at the grassroots level.
She also pointed out the current efforts of VDCSC member organizations and other non-state actors in providing micro-grants for livelihood recovery to the most vulnerable groups. However, Salvador-Antequisa stressed that these efforts are insufficient without effective and targeted programming by the government to complement other initiatives on the ground. The impact of Tropical Storm Enteng has been particularly severe in low-lying urban areas, danger zones, and coastal regions, compounding the challenges faced by those who have lost nearly everything, including shelter and household possessions.
Salvador-Antequisa called for an expedited and strengthened grassroots disaster response from concerned government agencies, LGUs, and CSOs to better support those affected and facilitate a more effective local response to disasters.