Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill calling for the creation of the Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers.

In filing Senate Bill No. 2927, Legarda cited the importance of DRRM workers to the country and recognize their efforts in a country that has consistently topped the World Risk Index among 193 countries.

"The country as a whole faces natural hazards more than any other nation in the world; we face earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural and human-induced hazards," said Legarda, a UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience.

“With the passage of this bill into law, we want the government to recognize the significance of their contributions by supporting those who consistently risk their lives to save others from certain destruction,” she said.

The proposed law seeks to institutionalize measures to protect DRRM workers' welfare, promote professional growth, and enhance the capacity to deliver critical services efficiently.

The measure also aims to improve the working conditions of DRRM workers in terms of career advancement and psychosocial care to help them be equipped to satisfy their roles.

The bill also provides hazard pay for high-risk activities, mandatory insurance coverage, overtime pay, night differential, and retirement pay for eligible DRRM workers, among others.

"To be disaster resilient, we must be able to be capable of covering all fields, including our DRRM workers that have tirelessly risked their lives in the field," asserted Legarda.

"As we seek ourselves to be more capable against the power of Mother Nature and increase the chance of safety, we hope that the passage of this bill into law can also help inspire many to stay in this noble endeavor,” she said.