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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senator Villar pushes for passage of magna carta for disaster risk reduction workers amid intensifying calamities

Senator Villar pushes for passage of magna carta for disaster risk reduction workers amid intensifying calamities

By MBrand
Published Aug 2, 2025 01:57 pm

As the Philippines continues to battle increasingly severe weather events brought on by the southwest monsoon and recurring typhoons, Senator Mark Villar has filed a priority measure in the 20th Congress to safeguard and support the country’s frontline disaster responders.

The proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers (PDRRMWs) aims to institutionalize fair compensation, job protection, and professional support for rescuers, volunteers, and personnel who risk their lives during emergencies.

According to the 2024 World Risk Index, the Philippines continues to be among the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
Recent episodes of torrential rain and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon, or “habagat”, have once again highlighted the indispensable role of PDRRMWs, as documented in daring rescue operations in Caloocan and Las Piñas, where responders waded through raging floodwaters to save lives.

“Palala nang palala po ang nararanasan nating mga natural disaster at sakuna. Dumadami ang lugar na binabaha at mga pamilyang kailangang i-rescue at tulungan,” said Villar, emphasizing the increasing frequency and severity of natural calamities.

He further questioned the lack of systemic support for those who consistently step into danger for public safety:“Kung sila ang tumutulong sa atin sa panahon ng ating pangangailangan, sino naman ang tutulong sa kanila at kikilala sa kanilang mga sakripisyo para sa bayan?”

The key provisions of the bill are:

• Free medical, mental health, and psychosocial assessments for PDRRMW

• Work-related injury compensation and sickness benefits
• Mandatory life and accident insurance coverage• Educational trust fund for dependents of PDRRMWs who die in the line of duty
• Professionalization and career development support for disaster management workers
Villar stressed the importance of going beyond symbolic gratitude: “Oras na po para kilalanin ang efforts ng ating PDRRMWs sa pamamagitan ng pagbayad nang tama, pagbibigay ng benefits, at pag-professionalize ng kanilang mga trabaho.”

The senator envisions a more robust and dignified disaster risk reduction workforce as a cornerstone of national resilience.

By equipping and honoring the country’s unsung heroes, Villar believes the government can significantly enhance its capacity to respond to the worsening impacts of climate change.

The bill is expected to gain traction among lawmakers and LGUs, especially as communities nationwide continue to experience the harsh realities of extreme weather and climate-induced disasters.

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