WHEREAS, Section 2(q) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121, otherwise known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010," mandates the State to provide maximum care, assistance and services to individuals and families affected by disaster, implement emergency rehabilitation projects to lessen the impact of disaster, and facilitate resumption of normal social and economic activities;

WHEREAS, RA No. 10121 created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), composed of thirty-eight (38) member-agencies, as the highest body on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), with policy-making, coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation functions on the four (4) thematic areas of the DRRM System, particularly (i) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, (ii) Disaster Preparedness, (iii) Disaster Response, and (iv) Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery;

WHEREAS, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippines is located along the typhoon belt in the Pacific, which is hit by an average of twenty (20) tropical cyclones per year, with some of the strongest recorded to make landfall, and on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions;

WHEREAS, there is a 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 effort in confronting the challenges brought about by natural disasters, using evidence-driven and science-based approach in crisis management;

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws; and

WHEREAS, Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 or the "Administrative Code of 1987" provides that the President, in order to achieve simplicity, economy and efficiency, shall have the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President, and for the purpose, undertakes the transfer of functions to the Office of the President from other departments or agencies;

NOW, THEREFOR, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:

Section 1. Disaster Response and Crisis Management Task Force. The Disaster Response and Crisis Management Task Force ("Task Force") is hereby created, and shall be composed of members from the following agencies:

The President shall designate the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Task Force. The above members may designate a senior official within their respective agencies as their permanent representatives to the Task Force, who are fully authorized to decide for and on behalf of the department or agency, and to fully perform the functions as hereinafter provided.

There shall be a Secretariat to be composed of existing personnel of the office or agency to be designated as Chairperson, which shall provide the necessary administrative and technical support to the Task Force.

Section 2. Functions. The Task Force shall perform the following functions:

a. Oversee and coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of DRRM plans, programs, projects and activities on disaster preparedness and response;

b. Provide leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation preparedness and response;

c. In collaboration with relevant government agencies and local governments, ensure an integrated approach in disaster preparedness and response, and deliver easily accessible and coordinated assistance programs to affected communities;

d. Establish a calibrated and graduated national disaster mobilization system, including a pre-disaster risk assessment as a decision making tool, in coordination with relevant agencies;

e. Exercise oversight powers over government agencies with relevant mandates on disaster preparedness and response;

f. Engage the assistance of consultants, experts, and professional advisors whenever necessary, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations;

g. Manage and oversee the implementation of national, local, and community-based disaster resilience programs in collaboration with relevant national government agencies and other stakeholders;

h. Immediately convene the members of the NDRRMC for the purpose of recommending the declaration of a state of calamity or the lifting thereof and approval of disbursements from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, in accordance with relevant laws, rules and regulations; and

i. Perform other functions as may be directed by the President. 

Section 3. Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Task Force shall perform the following functions:

a. Act as the overall manager and lead coordinator on disaster preparedness and response efforts of national government agencies and instrumentalities, especially in the affected areas;

b. In coordination with relevant agencies and instrumentalities, ensure the implementation of Presidential orders and directives relating to DRRM;

c. Advise the President on DRRM policies and regulations, and submit recommendations thereon;

d. Propose funding support for the implementation of the plans and programs on disaster response and crisis management; and

e. Call upon any government agency or instrumentality for support and assistance in the performance of his/her functions under this Order.

Section 4. Quick Response Groups. In support of regional and local disaster risk reduction and management councils, the Task Force shall organize Quick Response Groups which can be deployed during, or in advance or anticipation of the imminent impact of a disaster. The members of the Task Force shall designate their respective representatives to the Quick Response Group who may directed by the Chairperson for immediate deployment.

Section 5. Operational Mechanism. The Task Force shall directly report to the President, and shall be convened upon order of the President or the Chairperson of the Task Force. The Task Force shall be the lead implementing agency for disaster preparedness and disaster response.

Section 6. Whole-of-Government Approach. All govenrment agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and govenrment financial institutions, as well as state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and local government units are hereby enjoined, to provide the necessary support and assistance to the Task Force in the implementation of this Order.

Section 7. Funding. The funding necessary for the implementation of this Order shall be sourced from existing appropriations of the member-agencies of the Task Force, and/or. as may be applicable, the Contingent Fund, and such other funding sources that the Department of Budget and Management may identify, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations. The funding for succeeding years shall be incorporated in the respective appropriations of concerned agencies.

Section 8. Separability. If any part or provisions of this Order shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repeal. Executive Order No. 120 (s. 2020) is hereby repealed. All other issuances, orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 30^th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty Three.