Disaster Preparedness and Local Governance in the Philippines

Abstract

The high level of casualties, population displacements, and economic costs from recent disaster events still point to necessary augmentations in disaster preparedness. Policy has to be revisited, institutional arrangements have to be reviewed, and resource mobilization issues have to be addressed. Republic Act 10121, albeit strong on its own, has to be enhanced and supported by a functional department policy to be aptly cascaded. Policy and planning alignments should also be enhanced both from the national to subnational levels and, horizontally, within local government institutions and national government agencies.