DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENTS PLANS

AND STRATEGIES

 Disaster risk reduction and management is everyone’s business. It is not the sole responsibility of the
government to devise and implement disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) strategies
and plans. For a DRRM preparedness plan to be effective, the cooperation and the systematic effort
of the government and the communities are essential. It is very important that each member of the
community is aware of and is contributing to the implementation of the DRRM preparedness plan
because there is always potential for a disaster anywhere.

Lesson 1
CONCEPT OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
 Aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquake, floods
drought, and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. Disaster Risk Reduction
includes activities that will minimized disaster-related losses of life, property or
assets and environment.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
 Is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and implementing strategies
and plan that aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazard.
 DRRM includes the concept of mitigating and preparing for the adverse impact of
hazards, reducing vulnerability to hazard, wise management of the land and the environment,
and increasing disaster resilience of communities, among others.
THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly created the United Nations International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) in 1999 as part of
the UN Secretariat. Among its objectives are the following:
The Philippines is part of
 Climate change adaptation Asian and Pacific , known
to have the highest
 Increasing investments for DRRM
frequency of disaster
 Building disaster-resilient cities, school, and impact. It is recommended
hospitals then that an effective
disaster risk reduction
 Strengthening the international system for DRRM plan be implemented in
the country to reduce the
UNISDR now leads the global forum for disaster risk negative effect of disaster.
reduction where various communities and countries share
strategies and guidance.
IMPORTANCE OF DRR
 Disaster risk reduction is essential for securing a more equitable and sustainable
future. Keeping people aware and prepared at all times are some of the systematic
efforts brought by practicing practicing disaster risk reduction which are the
necessities to attain full resiliency to disaster. Every person is to be involved in
practicing DRR since it is for the safety of the majority. Not just the government
should be the ones who will be leading the people towards being aware of DRR,
but the people themselves should have the initiative and be empowered enough to
get involved on learning how to deal with disasters so as to reduce the risk of
impending calamities. (Clark, 2012)
IMPORTANCE OF DRRM
DRRM should be given utmost priority, especially in the Philippines, because of the
following reasons:
 The Philippines, by virtue of its geographical location, is exposed to numerous
geological and hydrometeorological hazards. To lower the risks of the disaster
brought by these natural hazards, it is important that a DRRM in place.
 The Philippines, being a developing country, may not have enough materials an
support to address the immediate needs if disaster victims and to recover from the
damage of the disaster. To be prepared for the potential damage of disasters, a
DRRM needs to be implemented.
 DRRM is essential in building a more equitable and sustainable future for the
communities in high risk areas for disasters.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF DRRM
The principle of DRRM justify why certain changes have to be made (if any) and explain
the urgency of creating a DRRM plan. Key principle should be able to make people realize why
disaster plans should find its position at the top of the priority list of any community that is
vulnerable to any forms of hazards. Hence, all DRRMs are created on the following premises:
 Development can either increase or decrease disaster risk.
- part of the human development is the continuous alternation of the
environment to meet the demand of the growing population.
- along with the inevitable changes in the environment, provides some
challenges in the adaptability of human and other organism.
For example:
In developing a piece of land for agricultural purposes, the clearing of
the land in preparation for land use poses a threat to the native species inhabiting it.
The disaster risk also increase if the land is inhabited by people. However,
development projects may decrease disaster risks if the communities have proper
disaster prevention and mitigation plans.
 DRRM policies, laws, and regulations will not save lives unless implemented in
communities.
- “Action” is the most important component of DRRM. Action could take the
form of the drills or the actual implementation of the disaster plan. Policies, laws, and
regulations are drafted by experts and authorities and, such, they are feasible and
supposedly ideal, specific to the target community.
 The community is the front line of disaster risk management.
- The primary objectives of DRRM plans is to save lives. This is why the
community is the first consideration in all phase DRRM plans. Its demographic profile
should be first established to custom-fit the plans
 DRRM is not a stand-alone activity.
- DRRM does not only consider the direct or primary effects of disaster but also
the network that connects communities internally and externally. When drafting a
DRRM, all sector of the society should be considered, from individual families to
schools, hospitals, economic sectors, tourists, and external supports.
 The main objectives of DRRM is to build a resilient community.
- a resilient community is able to withstand the likely impacts of a hazard without
suffering or being devastated completely. They are aware of the lurking hazards but are
not worried because they know they are ready and equipped. Resilience creates a
 stronger relationship within the community and with outside entities.
ELEMENTS OF DRRM PLAN
A DRRM plan covers all stages of development from planning all the way to execution.
It also incorporates feedback, recommendation, and guidance taken from various sector of the
society. The following are the basic elements of a DRRM plan, in order of execution.
1. ASSESMENT AND ANALYSIS
- this is also known as the needs and risk assessment.Risk are identified and
assessed based on the following:
a. Hazard Profile
b. Vulnerability of the area
c. Capacity of the community
- the analysis of the gathered data can be done more accurately with consulting
with stakeholders and professionals. These includes the national and local governments
or agencies, education institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) private
sectors, households, communities.
2. DESIGN
- this molded on the findings from the ASSESMENT AND ANALYSIS stage. It
should include, at the minimum, the following components:
a. issue identified during analysis;
b. identification of responsibilities,priorities, competencies of individuals and
institution or agencies carrying out the task;
c. identification of others program and strategies that may complement, add,
or duplicate with other program.
d. potential partners, allies, and network; and
e. Source of funding and its restriction.
3. RESULT OF IMPLEMENTATION
- Implementing the DRRM plan is usually in the form of a drill. Regular
implementation is important because new condition or unforeseen situations always
arise in communities because of their dynamism. The outcome of the implementation
should properly and accurately documented so that any necessary changes in the
DRMM design can be made immediately.

ELEMENTS OF DRRM PLAN

A community -based DRRM is essential to develop, implement, and maintain an
effective early warning system in a hazard-prone community. For an effective community
preparedness plan, communities need to be actively involved in it. The key components of a
community preparedness plan are the following:
1. Community Profile
A. Identification of vulnerability communities
- this account for all communities within the area and their level of exposure to an
identified hazard.
 B. Manpower
 Expert conducting risk assessment
 Rescue team
- trained personnel or expert are designated to form a team for the
following:
 Search and rescue
 Medical assistance
 Reliefs distribution
 Relation connectivity wit local authorities, NGOs, etc.
2. Physical Infrastructure
- this is the identification of both vertical (building, poles, and trees) and horizontal
(road, cable wires, pipe, and bridges) infrastructure and natural elements that may be
affected or can cause disaster from a hazard .
3. Risk Assessment
- this assessment, done by the experts identified in the Manpower Section, includes
comprehensive and specific discussions on risk assessment, risk reduction, disaster
preparedness, and risk management plans before, during, and after the disaster.
4. Early Warning System (EWS)
- An early warning system is the provision of information about an imminent hazard
that is likely to affect a community. Most warning systems involve alert levels that
are distinguished through colors Red usually connotes imminent danger.
5. Emergency Response Protocols
A. Search and Rescue
- the objectives here is to search for and provide immediate aid to survivors of a disaster.
One important aspect in a successful search and rescue operation is the familiarity of the rescuer
with the various location in the community. The rescuer should also be cognizant of potential
risks such as limited entry or exits, possible secondary or multiple collapse of unstable structure,
electrical and gas hazards, and water-borne diseases. To ensure their safety, the rescuers should
observe the following:
 Wear protective gear at all time
 Constantly monitor for vital signs. If there are signs of exhaustion, the
search and rescue operation schedule should be adjusted, or the
personnel be rotated.
 Decontamination of rescuers and their equipment should be before
leaving the rescue site to prevent the spread of health hard or
secondary contamination.
REFLECT UPON!
- What do you think are the traits of a good search and rescue worker/vulnerable? Why
are these traits important?
B. Needs of survivor
- in the midst of losing properties and loved ones, survivors need to
address their basic needs:
 Clean, potable water
 Ready-to- eat food
  Huge, secured, and safe evacuation centers
 Visible, secured, and equipped health care providers
 Debriefing
C. Survivor kits and materials

Food
1. Clean drinking water (at least tree
liters/day per person)
2. Easy to prepare, store, and carry
foods (biscuits, cookies, cracker, canned
foods on easy-open cans)
Medicines
1. For fever and nausea
2. For cough and colds
3. For stomach upset (Imodium or
Loperamide)

3. Candies (to maintain sugar in the
body)
4. Food for babies or elderly
4. For headaches and other pains
(paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic
acid, etc.)
5. For allergies (antihistamine)

6. Special medicine for diabetes,

hypertension, etc.

First Aid Sanitation and Toiletries

1. Medicated plastic strips 1. Tissue

2. Gauze 2. sanitary napkin and diaper

3. Antiseptic/disinfectant 3. Toothpaste and toothbrush

4. Antibiotic ointment 4. Bath soap and laundry soap

5. Wipe packets 5. Small towels

6. Plastic and garbage bag

Clothing Emergency Tools and Gadgets

1. Extra clothes 1. Plastic whistle

2. Jackets 2. Flashlight

3. Blankets 3. Batteries

4. Underwear 4. Radios

5. Mobile phones and chargers

Important Item Important Documents (sealed in

waterproof container or envelope)

1. Keys 1. Birth and/or marriage certificates

2. Cash 2. Bank pass books, investment record

3. Jewelry 3. Government ID’s

D. General evacuation procedures

The following are general guidelines that need to be remembered and followed in an
evacuation:
i. Be ware of the emergency exits and warning calls of the buildings you
frequently go to.
ii. When emergency alarms are sounded, keep calm and try to keep others
 calm, too.
iii. Exit the buildings using the stairwell. NEVER use elevator.
iv. If there is DRRM personnel directing people on what to do, follow his or
her instructions to facilitate a systematic and orderly evacuation or DRRM
procedure.
v. Once in the assembly area, notify authorities of people who need
assistance such as injured, trapped, or disabled.
vi. Never reenter the building unless it has been declared safe by authorities.
1. Recovery Plan
- This is the process of gradually restoring the community to return to its predisaster
level of functioning. Remember that one of the principles of the DRRM is to build a resilient
community.Having recovery plan will give communities options for rehabilitation of livelihood,
restoration of social and economical activities, advancement in development project, and
reconstruction of shelters and infrastructure.
2. Community Disaster Reduction Fund
- It is important to develop comprehensive DRRM plan to estimate and estimate and
allocate funds for the implementation of the plan before, during and after a disaster.

REFLECT UPON!

- Why is it important to locate emergency exits whenever you enter a new building?

Lesson 2
GENERAL PROFILE OF DISASTER IN THE PHILIPPINES
 The geographical location and geological makeup of the Philippines make it important
for our country to develop and out into practice a reliable DRRM program, in addition
to climate change program.
THE HYGO FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION (HFA)
Participants in the World Disaster Reduction Conference held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in
January 2005 realized the urgent need to prepare for the face challenges of disaster around the
world. Realizing further that the climate has changed and that the patterns and intensity of
natural hazards have become unpredictable, many countries are now concerned with how to
prevent, manage, and recover from different forms of calamities. The conference held in Japan
was, by far, the best opportunity to take part in promoting a strategic systematic approach to
reducing vulnerabilities and risk to hazards. The following HFA priorities were endorsed by the
UN General Assembly following the World Disaster Reduction Conference 2005:
Primary action 1: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and local priority with a
strong institution basis for implementation.
Primary action 2: Identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
Primary action 3: Use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety
and resilience at all levels.
Primary action 4: Reduce the underlying risk factors.
Primary action 5: strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.
RELEVANT LAWS ASSIOCIATED WITH DISASTERS
- following the HYOGO Conference, three Philippine laws were formulated and instantly
executed to guide and direct efforts to mitigating disaster.
1. Climate Change Act of 2009, also known as RA 9729
- the law recognizes the constitutional right of the people to have a cleaner
environment. It mandates the formulation and implementation of plan and strategies that
would lower the vulnerability of local communities, especially the most vulnerable
sectors of the society.
2. The People’s Survival Fund Act of 2011, also known as RA10174
- this law was established to help achieve the objectives of the climate change
adaptation programs. It sets 1 billion pesos per year and maybe augmented from various
sources through donations, endowments, grants, and contributions.
3. The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, also known
as RA 10121
- Following the law is the birth of the NDRRMC. The key objective of the
organization is to “to strengthen the capacity of the national government and local
government units, together with partners stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of
the communities, and to institutionalized arrangement and measures for reducing disaster
risk, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response
capabilities at all levels.” ( Sec. 2, RA 10121). This act acknowledge the need to “adopt a
disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive,
integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of
disaster including climate change, and to promote the involvement and participation of
all sectors and all stakeholder concerned, at all levels, especially the local community”.
(Commission on Audit, 2013)
IV. Education and Training in DRR (Section 14)
SUMMARY OF THE LAW V. Operational procedures
I. Declaration of Policy and Definition of Terms (Sections 2 A. Coordination during emergencies (Section 15)
and 3) B. Declaration of state of calamity (Section 16)
II. Declaration of Scope (Section 4) C. Remedial measures (Section 17)
III. Creation of Institutions: D. Humanitarian assistance (Section 18)
A. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management VI. Prohibited acts and Penal Clause (Sections 19, 20)
Council VII. Funding schemes (Sections 21, 22, 23)
(Sections 5, 6, 7) VIII. Annual report, IRR, Oversight committee, Sunset
B. Office of the Civil Defense (Sections 8, 9) review
C. Regional and local DRRM Organization (Sections 10, 11, (Sections 24, 25, 26, 27)
12) IX .Repealing Clause, Separability Clause, Effectivity
D. Mechanism for Disaster Volunteers (Section 13) Clause (Sections 28, 29,30)

Click to see the whole RA:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2010/05/27/republic-act-no-10121/

BRAIN SHOCK!
- What is the legal basis for the creation of the NDRRMC? Which government agency takes on
the lead role in the operations of the NDRRMC?

THEMATIC AREAS OF NDRRMC

1. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
- Manage by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the main
objective of this area is to assess and address potential impacts potential impacts of a
 disaster by lowering vulnerabilities and exposure and enhancing capacities of the
communities.
2. Disaster Preparedness
- managed by the DILG, the main objectives of this area is to build and strengthen
capacities of the communities to anticipate, handle an record from the negative effect of
emergency occurrences and disasters.
3. Disaster Response
- managed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the main
objectives of this area is to provide all means to preserve life and meet the immediate basic
needs of the victims of disaster or those in distress.
4. Rehabilitation and Recovery
- manage by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the
main objectives of this area is to construct, rehabilitate,restore, and improve facilities,
livelihood and living conditions of the organizational capacities of the affected
communities.
TRAP!

Submit the answer of the following questions that you encounter in the handout! Students who answer the following questions will receive
additional points!