Estrada pushes for Dep't of Disaster Resilience, Food Bank Act
At A Glance
- Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said these two proposed laws aim to address the gaps that often lead to avoidable loss of lives, hunger, and delayed recovery.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is now pushing for two measures aimed at providing a broader, disaster-ready blueprint for the country: the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) and the establishment of a Food Bank and Stockpile Act.
Estrada filed both measures ahead of the Senate’s opening for the 20th Congress.
“Disaster resilience begins long before the typhoon hits or the ground shakes. It starts with smart planning, readiness, and rapid response capabilities,” Estrada noted.
“These two proposed laws aim to address the gaps that often lead to avoidable loss of lives, hunger, and delayed recovery,” he said.
The proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act seeks the creation of an agency that will unify, strengthen, and streamline disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the country.
Under the bill, the DDR will be the primary government agency tasked to implement disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), climate adaptation, emergency response, and long-term recovery.
The DDR will take the lead in preparing, coordinating, and implementing national and local disaster resilience efforts, including matters related to natural and biological hazards, typhoons, earthquakes, pandemics, volcanic eruptions and other climate-related threats.
Primarily, the proposed DDR will be responsible for conducting risk assessments, building compliant evacuation centers, leading disaster recovery efforts, and developing early warning systems.
Likewise, it will be tasked with coordinating with local governments, national agencies, and international partners, while providing timely support and information to affected communities.
Alongside this bill, Estrada also pushed for the Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, which was initially filed in the 19th Congress.
The measure seeks to establish food and supply hubs in every province and highly urbanized city to ensure quick and effective delivery of aid during crises.
Non-perishable food, potable water, medical supplies, first-aid kits, power and light sources, tents, and communication devices will be stored in the said local stockpiles.
Under the bill, the warehouses will be calamity-proof, secure, and jointly managed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Given how natural disasters can seriously affect our country’s economic progress, it’s important for the government to put in place long-term strategies and practical solutions to manage risks and help communities become less vulnerable,” Estrada said.
“Our people deserve a government that is ready not just to respond, but to anticipate and act. With the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience and the establishment of local food banks, we can ensure that no Filipino is left behind in times of need,” the senator emphasized.