OECD cites PH’s strong disaster framework yet weak execution, ‘uneven’ readiness

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a paper on Nov. 10, indicating the Philippines’ “uneven” implementation of disaster risk and reduction despite the “strong” framework, following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

“The case of the Philippines shows that a well-designed early warning system requires not only appropriate technical sophistication, but also robust legal and regulatory frameworks, finance, multi-stakeholder co-operation, and community engagement,” the OECD wrote in its recent development policy paper. 

As the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recorded 206 deaths and 158 injuries from the two typhoons that hit most areas of the country, the paper highlighted gaps and challenges in strategizing and responding to disasters.

Entitled “Disaster early warning systems and private sector participation in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Focus on the Philippines,” the paper outlined the country’s state of warning systems, telecommunication dissemination, and disaster risk reduction framework.

“Only 65% of LGUs have DRRM plans aligned with updated risk assessments. Many LGUs still operate within reactive and response-focused paradigms, often diverting the LDRRMF towards post-disaster recovery rather than anticipatory investments in preparedness or early warning capabilities,” the OECD stated.

The paper emphasized the country’s framework under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, and RA 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act of 2014.

“These laws collectively establish a framework that is both legally robust and institutionally comprehensive, embedding disaster preparedness into national and local governance structures,” the OECD said. 

It also mentioned the scale-up of the investment in the real-time disaster early-warning systems and digital infrastructure from the private sector, signifying their involvement to strengthen coordination with the public when disasters disrupt.

Despite the strong framework, OECD pointed out several bottlenecks such as disrupted telecommunications during disasters, fragmented data platforms across agencies, and uneven ca[acityes of local governments.

“However, siloed information systems and lack of interoperability often hinder real-time coordination,” the report stated. 

Such telecommunication disruption, and data and platform fragmentation from multiple agencies, include the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for weather, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) for volcanology and related matters, and the Office of Civil Defense. 

Moreover, it warned that disaster response capabilities remain limited in remote and disadvantaged areas. 

“While technical compliance with RA 10639 is high, with over 95 million users receiving alerts in 2022, the effectiveness of these alerts is uneven due to weak last-mile integration, poor signal coverage in remote areas, and insufficient synchronisation with local disaster protocols,” the OECD reported. 

The analysis, according to the OECD, serves as the guide for the ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, to adopt practices and potentials improving the capabilities in disaster risk and reduction. 

RA 10121 provides disaster management with funding to the local offices and private sectors, while RA 10639 allows access and use of technology in public warning among agencies, respectively.