Bill creating Department of Disaster and Emergency Management filed

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The Philippine Star

February 26, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to establish a dedicated Department of Disaster and Emergency Management that will centralize and strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation efforts has been filed in Congress.

1Tahanan party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado has filed House Bill 5764 to improve coordination among national government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to ensure faster, more efficient, and more organized action during times of calamity.

The proposed department will lead the development of comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies, enhance early warning systems, streamline emergency response operations, and oversee long-term rehabilitation and rebuilding programs for affected communities.

“It is time for the Philippines to have a fully dedicated department focused solely on disaster and emergency management. Our people deserve a system that is proactive, coordinated, and consistently prepared — not one that is reactive and fragmented.

Through House Bill 5764, we aim to ensure faster response, stronger preparedness, and better protection for the lives and livelihoods of our fellow Filipinos,” Oducado said.