CHUA, MARIELLE P.

BSN-4D

Disaster Management and Risk Reduction: Philippine Laws

A. Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121)

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121) aims to
strengthen the country's disaster risk reduction and management system by establishing institutional
mechanisms, which is the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as the
primary agency responsible for disaster risk reduction and management in the country. Also, promoting
disaster preparedness and response, integrating disaster risk reduction and management in
development plans, and promoting the participation of civil society and the private sector.

B. Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act (RA 10344)

The Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act seeks to enhance the country's
disaster resilience by ensuring that communities and their respective LGUs are equipped and prepared
to respond to emergencies and disasters.

C. Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA 10821)

The Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act seeks to ensure that children are protected
and their rights are upheld during emergencies and disasters, and that the necessary mechanisms and
systems are in place to prevent and respond to any threats to their well-being.

D. Philippine Environmental Laws

1. Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749)

The Philippine Clean Air Act aims to promote the sustainable development of the
country while protecting and preserving the environment, particularly the air resources. The law
establishes a comprehensive framework for air quality management that involves various
stakeholders and promotes public participation in the process.

2. Tobacco Regulation Act of 200 (RA 9211)

The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 seeks to promote public health by regulating the
production, use, and sale of tobacco products. The law imposes restrictions on smoking and
tobacco advertising and promotion, imposes taxes on tobacco products, and requires
manufacturers to disclose the contents and emissions of their products. It also provides for
penalties and sanctions for violators and establishes a commission to enforce the law.
 3. Toxic Substances and the Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 (R.A.
6969)

The Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 seeks to
protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances and
hazardous and nuclear wastes. The law establishes standards for their handling, treatment,
storage, transportation, and disposal, and requires compliance with environmental standards
through the Environmental Compliance Certificate system. It also establishes liability and
responsibility for any damage or injury that may result from their activities, and provides for
penalties and sanctions for violators.

4. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003)

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 seeks to promote a

comprehensive, ecological approach to solid waste management in the Philippines. The law
prioritizes waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and disposal, in that order, and
requires LGUs to create solid waste management plans and establish MRFs. The law prohibits
certain activities that contribute to solid waste pollution, provides for penalties and sanctions
for violators, and mandates public participation in the implementation of solid waste
management programs.

5. Wildlife Resources and Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147)

The Wildlife Resources and Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 seeks to protect
and conserve the country's wildlife resources and their habitats. The law establishes protected
areas and conservation programs for endangered and threatened species, and prohibits hunting,
killing, capturing, selling, or trading of these species. It also regulates the trade in wildlife and
their products, and provides for penalties and sanctions for violators. The law promotes
education and awareness programs for the protection and conservation of wildlife, and
mandates the creation of the Wildlife Enforcement Bureau to enforce the law.

6. National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) (RA 7586)

The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law seeks to protect and
conserve the country's natural heritage and biodiversity by identifying and designating
protected areas, creating management plans, and regulating the use of natural resources within
these areas. The law provides for penalties and sanctions for violators, and promotes the
participation of the public in the management and protection of these areas.

Guidelines in Disaster and Emergency Situations

A. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency and Disaster Situation

The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in
emergency and disaster situations emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety and security,
assessing and addressing immediate needs, providing psychosocial support, building resilience,
coordinating services, and addressing long-term needs. These guidelines aim to promote the well-being
and resilience of individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies.

B. Infant and Young Child Feeding during Emergency and Disaster Situation

The WHO guidelines for infant and young child feeding in emergency and disaster situations
emphasize the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding, providing support for non-
breastfeeding mothers, ensuring safe feeding practices, providing infant and young child feeding
support, maintaining maternal and child health services, and coordinating and integrating services.
These guidelines aim to protect the health and well-being of infants and young children during
emergency and disaster situations.

GENERAL REFLECTION

Disaster laws and guidelines are important tools that provide a framework for managing
disasters and reducing their impact. They are designed to ensure that response efforts are coordinated,
efficient, and effective in addressing the needs of affected populations. Disaster laws and guidelines are
also meant to protect the rights and dignity of disaster victims and ensure that they receive the
necessary assistance and support.

One of the most important aspects of disaster laws and guidelines is their emphasis on
prevention and preparedness. By investing in risk reduction measures, early warning systems, and
emergency preparedness plans, countries and communities can mitigate the impact of disasters and
reduce the likelihood of loss of life and property.

Another critical aspect of disaster laws and guidelines is their focus on ensuring that
humanitarian principles are respected during disaster response. These principles include the right to life,
dignity, and non-discrimination. In addition, disaster laws and guidelines emphasize the need to ensure
that humanitarian assistance is provided in a timely, equitable, and accountable manner.

Overall, disaster laws and guidelines play a crucial role in ensuring that the response to
disasters is well-coordinated, effective, and protects the rights and dignity of disaster victims. However,
the effectiveness of these laws and guidelines depends on their implementation, enforcement, and
continuous improvement based on lessons learned from past disasters.