The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has lauded Senator Jinggoy Estrada for sponsoring a bill that aims to revolutionize how the country prepares for disasters. Senate Bill No. 2999, known as the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Bill. This legislation aims to establish a legal framework for declaring disasters before they occur—based on scientific forecasts and assessments—allowing authorities to take early, preventive action and mitigate harm.
In a statement, OCD Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno said the bill is a much-needed step forward.
“We commend Senator Estrada for championing this initiative. Moving from a reactive stance—responding only after disasters happen—to a proactive approach is essential. Acting early can help prevent or significantly lessen the impact of calamities,” Nepomuceno said.
Why This Matters
Senator Estrada highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability, noting that the country faces around twenty typhoons each year, along with floods, landslides, and storm surges. Last year’s storms alone caused damages estimated at around twenty billion pesos, affecting millions of Filipinos.
The bill aims to fill a gap in our disaster protocols by allowing authorities to declare a “state of imminent disaster”—a proactive move based on scientific forecasts that can trigger early action. The approach is already supported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and aligns with regional practices, including those of ASEAN.
Empowering Local Officials and Improving Coordination
Senator Estrada also emphasized the importance of giving local governments more flexibility, proposing that 70% of disaster funds be allocated for anticipatory measures. This way, local officials can act quickly when warnings come in, rather than waiting for the disaster to strike.
The legislation is also designed to improve coordination among national agencies, local governments, and international partners, making disaster response more efficient and effective.
A Shift Toward Prevention
“As climate change accelerates, we need to move from being reactive to proactive,” said Estrada. “This bill is about turning disaster risk into an opportunity for leadership and innovation.”
The OCD, along with other stakeholders, is calling on the Senate to pass the bill quickly. Nepomuceno stressed that this law would give authorities clear guidelines for early declaration of imminent disasters and, more importantly, allow them to act before a disaster hits—saving lives and reducing damage.
“It’s time to prioritize anticipatory action—preventive steps that can stop disasters from escalating. We need laws that empower communities and make our disaster response more proactive rather than just reactive,” he added.
If enacted, the bill promises to reshape the country’s disaster management system, making it more resilient and better prepared for the increasing threats posed by climate change.
