Marcos orders creation of disaster response task force

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called for the creation of a disaster response and crisis management task force that will ensure clear command unity in government efforts in addressing challenges brought by natural disasters.

In signing Executive Order No. 24, Marcos pointed out the need to constitute a task force that focuses only on disaster preparedness and response, and with a clear unity of command to lead the government's efforts in confronting the challenges brought by natural disasters, using evidence-driven and science-based approach in crisis management.

The said task force will be composed of the Office of the Executive Secretary, Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Marcos will designate the task force’s chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members, with the member agencies also designating senior officials to act as their representatives to the task force.

According to the EO, the task force’s functions include overseeing and coordinating preparation, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risk management (DRRM) plans and programs on disaster preparedness and response, as well as providing leadership in developing approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation and response.

It is also directed to collaborate with relevant government agencies and local governments, ensure an integrated approach in disaster preparedness and response, and deliver accessible assistance programs to affected communities.

The EO also said the task force would convene the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for the purpose of recommending the declaration of state of calamity or the lifting thereof and approval of disbursements from the NDRRMC fund, in accordance with relevant laws.

GMA News Online already reached the Palace to ask what is the difference of this task force to the NDRRMC but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

The task force will also organize Quick Response Groups which can be deployed during or in anticipation of the imminent impact of a disaster.

Through the whole-of-government approach, Marcos' EO also mandates all government agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations and government financial institutions, as well as state universities and colleges, to provide the necessary support and assistance to the task force. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News