MANILA, Philippines — Marikina First District Rep. Marcy Teodoro has filed a bill seeking to establish a Magna Carta for public disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) workers, saying disaster responders deserve stronger legal protection, better compensation, and greater job security amid the country's growing vulnerability to natural hazards.
House Bill 10553 seeks to professionalize the DRRM workforce by institutionalizing standards for recruitment, training, promotion, and continuing professional development while guaranteeing fair compensation, welfare benefits, and security of tenure for qualified personnel.
"Every typhoon, flood, earthquake, fire, and other emergencies remind us that our DRRM workers are among the country's true modern-day heroes. They deserve not only our gratitude but concrete legal protection, decent compensation, career development, and security of tenure," Teodoro said Tuesday.
Among the bill's key provisions are security of tenure, standardized recruitment and career development, hazard, transportation, communication, subsistence, rice subsidy, and longevity allowances, as well as overtime pay, night-shift differential, and compensation for work during rest days and holidays.
The measure also provides health examinations, vaccinations, hospitalization benefits, insurance coverage, leave privileges, personal protective equipment, legal assistance while performing official duties, protection against discrimination and unjust disciplinary actions, and mechanisms for continuing human resource development and congressional oversight.
Teodoro said the proposed Magna Carta recognizes that disaster response extends beyond emergency operations by promoting a highly trained, motivated, and adequately supported workforce capable of strengthening the country's disaster resilience.
"As climate change intensifies disasters, we must likewise strengthen those who protect our communities. A resilient Philippines begins with resilient disaster responders," he said.
The lawmaker added that the proposal complements Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, by strengthening institutional support for DRRM workers and ensuring that those who risk their lives in serving the public receive the protection, recognition, and benefits they deserve.
