DRRM signed into law

9-10 June

President Arroyo finally signed on May 27 the Republic Act 1021, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The law recognizes the role of local government units (LGUs), its capacities in preparing for, mitigating, and recovering from the impact of a disaster. The law also aims to engage participation among civil society organizations, private sector, and volunteers to government’s disaster risk reduction programs for the complementation of resources and for the effective delivery of services to the citizens (Sec. 2m).

In the law, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) will now be called National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) with the Secretary of Defense as the head. Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), on the other hand, will formulate and implement the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP).

Sources: Business Mirror, The Philippine Star, RA 10121