The Philippines officially launched this week its National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) to address the growing threats of climate-related disasters, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) announced on Thursday.
The plan was unveiled at the OCD on Wednesday, April 2, just days after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand. The NDRP underscored the urgency of enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
According to the OCD, the plan was formulated and approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in 2024. It was developed in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The NDRP provides a strategic framework to enhance disaster management operations. It aims to preserve lives, deliver timely aid, and minimize damage through coordinated efforts among government agencies, civil society, and private sector partners.
The plan takes a multi-hazard approach, addressing a range of threats including hydro-meteorological disasters, earthquakes, tsunamis, and terrorism-related incidents. It leverages data-driven decision-making and advanced technology to improve disaster response coordination and efficiency.
“Since its inception in 2014, the NDRP has guided our multi-hazard response and early recovery efforts. This updated framework sets the direction for our concerted disaster management efforts, enabling us to remain resilient amid the challenges posed by climate change,” said DSWD Undersecretary Diana Cajipe.
World Bank Country Director Zafer Mustafaoglu outlined three key pillars of the NDRP during its launch. These include:
- Accurate and real-time data- to enhance preparedness and response.
- Integration of advanced technology- to improve coordination.
- Anticipatory action- through enhanced communication and collaboration.
The World Bank is supporting these initiatives through projects such as PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild, which includes real-time monitoring of disaster impacts.
Additionally, the development of PlanSmart applications in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will improve pre-disaster risk assessments and strengthen recovery efforts in critical sectors such as education and housing.