Rep. Nathaniel Oducado of the 1Tahanan Party-list, in a move to strengthen the country’s preparedness and quick response to calamities, has filed House Bill 5764, which aims to establish the Department of Disaster and Emergency Management (DDEM).
The proposed measure seeks to create a specialized and permanent government body dedicated to safeguarding Filipino lives and communities against natural and human-induced disasters, Oducado said.
“The Philippines faces recurring threats from typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and other hazards that continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods,” Oducado said. “We can no longer afford fragmented, short-term responses. The government must act with unity, speed, and foresight,” he said.
The bill intends the DDEM to serve as the country’s lead agency for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, response, and recovery. The department would consolidate and strengthen the current functions of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) — streamlining operations and ensuring a clear, accountable chain of command during crises.
The measure mandates the DDEM to establish a permanent, typhoon-resilient evacuation centers across the country; integrate disaster preparedness and climate resilience into national and local development planning; utilize science-based tools such as geographic information systems for risk assessment and decision-making; and ensure transparent and efficient management of resources, guaranteeing that aid reaches affected communities swiftly and equitably.
Oducado said the measure also upholds the humanitarian character of disaster response.
“Disaster management is not just about structures and systems — it’s about people. Every action must protect the dignity, safety, and welfare of our citizens,” he said.
With the creation of the DDEM, House Bill No. 5764 envisions a more resilient Philippines — where government response is timely, coordinated, and accountable, and where communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from disasters.
“In every storm, Filipinos stand strong. But it’s time that the government stands even stronger with them,” Oducado said.
