Purpose and overview:

The brochure explains in a layman-friendly language the basic features of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010. In addition to legal provisions on community participation and representation at Local DRRM Councils, the brochure (or information and education material) highlights the rights and roles of vulnerable and marginalized groups in community DRRM, gender sensitivity and the link between DRR and climate change adaptation.

The brochure was published in early 2017 and is about to be disseminated to communities through PRC Chapters this year (2017), details 11 key messages for inclusive community participation in Philippine’s disaster law:

1. It is important to build the resilience of local communities to disasters and promote their participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) planning and implementation.
2. Climate change adaptation measures should be integrated into local DRRM planning and implementation.
3. Localized risk assessments and local risk patterns should guide DRRM measures.
4. DRRM measures must be respectful of human rights of all peoples, including the rights of vulnerable groups that are crucial for their protection from disasters.
5. Gender responsiveness must be integrated in DRRM measures at the local and national level.
6. The differentiated needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups must have formal representation at the local level.
7. The government encourages volunteerism for DRRM through community disaster volunteers.
8. There are mechanisms for both proactive and reactive local DRRM funding for the benefit of the community. Community members are encouraged to participate in DRRM planning to influence the use of these local DRRM funds.
9. The local government is responsible for ensuring the safety of its community from risk through preemptive evacuation, and the community has the right to be consulted on plans for preemptive evacuation.
10. The local government is the community’s “first responder”. It has the primary duty to prevent and alleviate human suffering of its constituents due to disasters, making sure that the differentiated needs of women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are immediately addressed.
11. The Philippine Red Cross is a permanent member of the national and local DRRM councils, and it is always ready to help local communities in meeting emergency needs caused by disasters and strengthen their resilience.

Usage: IEC material

Audience: National Societies staff, volunteers and community