Philippines - Disaster Reduction - 新南向科研合作專網

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: Published: 11 September 2024

country: Philippines
Theme: Environment & Disaster Reduction

Banner: Philippines Disaster Reduction

Summary:
The Philippines, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent natural disasters and is often impacted by typhoons, heavy rains, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The Philippines aims to reduce disaster-related losses by developing disaster response measures which include formulating disaster prevention policies and seeking out international cooperation.

Section:｜Agencies｜Overview｜Policies & Strategies｜Technology｜PH-Taiwan｜International Collaboration｜Table｜

Agencies

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
DOST - Philippines Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)
DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA)
DOST - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI)
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Overview

The Philippines, which is located on the East and Southeast Asia island arcs, consists of the islands of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, and falls within the active region of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its geographical location makes the Philippines highly susceptible to natural disasters. When formulating its National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), the Philippine government classified domestic disasters into three categories: earthquakes and tsunamis, climate-related disasters, and terrorism. Besides terrorism, which is a man-made disaster, the others are natural disasters, which underscores their profound impact on the Philippines.

In terms of natural disasters, floods are perhaps the most troubling for the Philippines. In 2024, Typhoon Gaemi and the annual monsoon season brought heavy rainfall to the country. The former triggered landslides that caused at least 12 deaths while displacing 600,000 people. The latter led to flooding on the island of Mindanao. Additionally, due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is also severely affected by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. In December 2023, Mindanao was heavily damaged by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the country currently has at least 24 active volcanoes. The most recent volcanic activity that garnered attention occurred in June 2024 when a volcano on Mount Kanlaon emitted large amounts of ash. Thus, the Philippine government was highly concerned about the possibility of an eruption, which prompted the close monitoring of Mount Kanlano’s activity. Amid the diverse and significant impacts of these disasters, the Philippines continues to develop policies and engage in international cooperation to improve disaster response and reduce losses. (CNA, 2024) (Earth.org, 2024) (Reuters, 2024)

Policies & Strategies

Philippines Development Plan 2023-2028
Various agencies of the Philippine government organized and formulated the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP 2023-2028), which aims to serve as a national-level development plan for economic and social transformation. This version is a revision and continuation of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (PDP 2017-2022). In the latest edition, the Philippine government emphasized that after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an even greater need to focus on the development of education and infrastructure. Such efforts will allow people easier access to necessary resources. Although climate change and natural disasters were mentioned in the previous version, the latest edition reflects the government’s views that these are still issues of high importance. To tackle natural disasters, the Philippine government aims to spread disaster-related knowledge and prevention measures through collaboration between government and non-government organizations. Furthermore, the government hopes to achieve more effective disaster prevention outcomes by establishing community-based disaster prevention systems. (PHCC, 2023)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030
In 2020, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030 (NDRRMP 2020-2030), which is an updated version of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2011-2028 (NDRRMP 2011-2028). The document highlights the Philippines' focus on climate and disaster risks while incorporating and planning for issues related to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), climate change adaptation (CCA), and personal safety. The Philippine government aims to establish improved disaster and risk management policies and implement them across the country. Thus, the plan includes provisions for the review, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of disaster prevention measures to ensure its effective execution.

Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning Guide
In 2020, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) released the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning Guide, which provides a simplified post-disaster planning and recovery framework for national, regional, and local agencies. It provides a flexible disaster prevention strategy that can be applied to disasters of different types and intensities. The document also emphasizes that in disaster prevention projects, the Philippines should consider disaster risks and management issues that occur within different contexts such as vulnerability, poverty, gender, cross-cultural factors, sustainability, and local governance.

National Disaster Response Plan
The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released the National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), a document that outlines responses to various domestic disasters. The latest 2022 edition primarily addresses response strategies for three types of disasters: earthquakes and tsunamis, climate-related disasters, and terrorism. The plan aims to minimize the national costs of disasters by standardizing disaster management approaches, eliminating discrepancies between local and central government efforts, and enhancing disaster control and response capabilities. In the document, the plan categorizes alert levels into three tiers: white, blue, and red. White represents the lowest while red signifies the highest level of alert. The highest alert calls for nationwide mobilization that requires national and local collaboration to ensure the most effective disaster response.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
In 2010, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (DRRM Act), which established a nationwide framework for disaster risk reduction and management. The act also outlined the purpose of creating the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In addition, the act defined the rules and regulations as well as the respective powers and duties of national, regional, and local disaster risk management councils.

Technology Applications

Weather Monitoring
In July 2024, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) implemented the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program (CEST Program) by deploying Automated Rain Gauges (ARG) and a Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) in Carmona City and two villages in the Calabarzon region. This program aims to improve disaster prevention and risk reduction efforts by enhancing the local government's ability to monitor weather changes and raise disaster awareness among local residents.

In February 2022, the program installed equipment in the Caraga region. However, the accumulation of dirt and debris has already damaged the program’s solar-powered devices. Thus, technicians from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) conducted repairs to ensure that disaster monitoring and communication systems remain operational. (PNA, 2024) (DOST, 2024) (DOST, 2022)

PhilSensors Website for Monitoring Rainfall and Water Levels (Screenshot © DOST-ASTI)

In May 2024, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and an engineering team from Mapúa University deployed the Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydroment Monitoring System (WEHLO) in Bulacan Province. The project was funded by the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). The system's functions include not only weather forecasting but also analyzing the impacts and duration of heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, and hazardous areas. The WEHLO system primarily serves Local Government Units (LGUs) and their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, but can also provide customized weather and disaster-related information to other public agencies and private sector entities. (PNA, 2024)

Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS)
In 2022, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) developed Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software, which can simulate earthquake-related hazards such as ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis. It can also calculate the effects of earthquakes in terms of physical damage, casualties, and economic loss. Although initially developed to assess the impact of earthquakes, the system has since been adapted to include other hydrometeorological hazards that cause landslides and other similar hazards such as floods, storms, and heavy rainfall.

The REDAS system now also includes tools such as the Severe Wind Impact Forecasting Tool (SWIFT), the Flood Loss Assessment Tool (FLOAT), and the Tsunami Simulation and Impact Assessment Module (TsuSIM). Additionally, the system has incorporated the Crop Damage Assessment Tool (CropDAT), which allows for the assessment of agricultural losses caused by disasters. The system also features an Earthquake and Tsunami Alerting Module (ETAM), which provides users with near-real-time earthquake information. As of now, 71 provinces, 21 cities/municipalities, 30 state-funded universities and colleges (SUCs), 67 private companies, 10 non-government organizations, and 5 government agencies across the Philippines have received training on how to use REDAS software. Both the software and the training are provided free of charge, however, those interested need to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with PHIVOLCS to access REDAS software and training.

Collaboration: Taiwan and the Philippines

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
In December 2020, the Ministry of Science and Technology (now the National Science and Technology Council) launched the Taiwan-Philippines Volcano, Ocean, Typhoon, and Earthquake (VOTE) - Meteorology Project. Through the integration of marine and terrestrial data, the program aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the Manila Trench subduction zone. In the future, these research results will be applied to subsequent academic studies and disaster prevention efforts.

In December 2022, the 8th Taiwan-Philippines Vice-Ministerial Science and Technology Conference (The 8th MECO-TECO JSTC MEETING 2022) was held in Manila. During remarks, NSTC Deputy Minister Chen Tzong-chyuan stated that among the ten ASEAN countries, the Philippines is located closest to Taiwan. Thus, the peoples of Taiwan and the Philippines have maintained friendly relations for many years. In particular, regional S&T cooperation has played a crucial role in the development of overall Taiwan-Philippines bilateral relations. In recent years, many countries have faced the impacts of global climate change. Thus, Taiwan has consistently contributed through technology-led humanitarian aid, especially in the area of disaster prevention and response, in which Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy a long-established collaborative foundation.

In remarks, former NSTC Minister Tsung-Tsong Wu stated that Taiwan and the Philippines are located close to each other, share similar climatic conditions, and face common global social challenges. These range from natural disasters caused by climate change to the various social and economic challenges of the post-pandemic era. Former Minister Wu expressed hope that Taiwan-Philippines joint scientific research cooperation could bring greater well-being and problem-solving capacities to the people of Taiwan, the Philippines, and the rest of the world. (NSTC, 2022)

At the conference, Taiwan and the Philippines reviewed the progress of the second phase of the VOTE Meteorological Project. It was determined that bilateral cooperation has enhanced technology systems for forecasting natural disasters while strengthening disaster prevention capabilities and protecting the lives and property of the Filipino people. (NSTC, 2023)

Figure: 8th Taiwan-Philippines Vice-Ministerial Science and Technology Conference being held on Panglao Island, Philippines on October 21, 2023 (NSTC-News)

Figure: 8th Taiwan-Philippines Vice-Ministerial Science and Technology Conference being held on Panglao Island, Philippines, on October 21, 2023 (Credit: © NSTC News)

In 2020, National Central University Department of Earth Sciences Professor Shu-Kun Hsu partnered with the Philippines to launch the VOTE Project: Marine and Onshore Geophysical Investigations of the Manila Subduction Zone. The project lasted from 2020-2023 and aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the Manila Trench Subduction Zone by integrating marine and terrestrial data. In the future, the research results will be applied to subsequent academic studies and disaster prevention efforts.

Since 2016, the NSTC has worked with the Philippines on the VOTE Project: Enhancing Forecasting Capabilities for Severe Weather, Marine Meteorology, and Short-term Climate Conditions. The first phase of the project ran from 2016 to 2020, and the second phase from 2020 to 2023. This collaboration has involved the Taiwanese Central Weather Bureau (now the Central Weather Administration (CWA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In addition, this project incorporated university professors from both countries to bolster the typhoon monitoring and forecasting capabilities of CWA and PAGASA by strengthening the application of observational data, enhancing the development of numerical weather prediction models, and improving the understanding of typhoon movement, structure, and changes in intensity. The project also involved cooperation in areas such as technological computing systems for weather forecasting, adjustments to weather forecasting systems, and the calibration of Taiwan-Philippines weather monitoring and computing systems.

NARLabs - Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI)
In 2021 and 2022, the NSTC VOTE project conducted two Taiwan-Philippines international cooperative expeditions using the R/V Legend of the National Applied Research Laboratories Taiwan Ocean Research Institute. The collected data included marine geophysical data such as long-offset multi-channel seismic reflection data, sparker seismic reflection data, ocean-bottom seismometer data, and bathymetry. The Philippine Fault System, located near the capital Manila, has previously generated large earthquakes with magnitudes above 7.

However, the extension and distribution of the fault beneath the ocean remain unclear. By employing the long-offset multi-channel seismic reflection system developed by TORI, the team investigated the possible submarine fault distribution and marine geological structures of the Philippine Fault System. The goal was to gather sufficient stratigraphic information from the ocean floor. Additionally, a temporary ocean bottom seismometer network was deployed to monitor seismic activity in the region near Luzon from late March 2021 to mid-March 2022. This extended the earthquake monitoring network from land to offshore areas and significantly improved the accuracy of earthquake location data. By integrating seismic data from both land-based and ocean-based stations, the project aimed to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the subsurface structures in the target area. (NSSTC, 2023) (NARLabs, 2023)

Figure: Taiwan-Philippines Research Team on the LGD2302 After Completing a Study of the Offshore Areas West of Luzon, Philippines (NSSTC-Research Highlights)

National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR)
The National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) assists in implementing the NSTC New Southbound Policy Smart Disaster Prevention Project, which aims to export Taiwan's disaster prevention technologies, experience, and management. The project also aims to enhance regional disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation by promoting multifaceted interaction with ASEAN, South Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. In addition, the project also positions Taiwan as a key player in regional disaster prevention and relief while creating future value by showcasing new types of Taiwan's technology-driven humanitarian aid. As such, the Philippines is one of the key targets for the export of disaster prevention technology.

In December 2019, NCDR Director Chen Hong-Yu, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the Philippine National Resilience Council (NRC), and the Manila Observatory (MO) jointly signed a disaster prevention cooperation agreement and officially launched the Iloilo City Disaster Information Network. The four parties agreed to gradually establish a platform for the exchange and sharing of disaster prevention technologies that focus on flood and earthquake monitoring. To date, 25 locations in Iloilo City have been equipped with seismographs and rain gauges. By utilizing real-time cloud monitoring technology, the disaster prevention capabilities of Iloilo City have been significantly enhanced.

After the signing ceremony, Wen-Rui Su from NCDR used the Iloilo City Disaster Information Network to conduct a training session. Su gave step-by-step instructions on how to use the network to assist in decision-making by obtaining real-time disaster prevention information. In addition to real-time rainfall data, the Iloilo City Disaster Information Network currently compiles real-time earthquake data, forecasts of typhoon trajectories, radar echo data, and PM2.5 air pollution data. In the future, the network will continue to assist in supporting disaster reduction planning and response by gradually compiling disaster prevention information. Two school principals inquired in detail about how the system integrates real-time monitoring data, CCTV footage, decision-making processes, and information-sharing mechanisms. After the explanation and hands-on training, participants expressed the clear expectation that they could significantly improve the welfare of the local population thanks to NCDR’s visit and assistance. (MOST, 2019)

A highly successful example of regional disaster prevention cooperation was Taiwan providing disaster monitoring assistance when Typhoon Megi severely impacted the Philippines. This prompted Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to give a presentation at the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction Forum, which was co-hosted with Australia in 2020, on how Taiwan's Integrated Disaster Information Decision System assisted Iloilo City.

Thanks to support from the Ministry of Science and Technology (now the NSTC) and APEC Secretariat funding, NCDR could perform disaster mitigation and community transformation in a flood-prone impoverished community in Iloilo City, Philippines. NCDR assisted in constructing field drainage, providing high-quality seeds, and introducing farming techniques. This helped local residents turn the area into a popular photo spot by growing sunflowers that were as large as a person's face. In addition, local disaster-prone and vulnerable residents were able to grow vegetables that provided opportunities for self-reliance and more diverse nutrition. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which reduced many local job opportunities, the farming skills that residents had learned helped them meet their basic food needs. This project, in which NCDR stayed in close contact with the local city government, was a prime example of cross-sector collaboration between public and private entities. (NSSTC, 2022)

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
In May 2024, the Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (ARDSWC) and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) signed the 2024 Taiwan-Philippines Landslide and Debris Flow Disaster Research Cooperation MOU. The scope of cooperation includes soil and water conservation techniques, geological disaster research, climate change impact assessment and adaptation strategies, and the application of advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence in disaster management. Both agencies will strengthen Taiwan-Philippines research and cooperation in landslide and debris flow disaster management by holding joint discussions, workshops, and training programs.

The signing ceremony was completed with the participation and support of multiple agencies, including the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). (ARDSWC, 2024) (ARDSWC, 2024) (CNA, 2024)

International Collaboration

Australia
The Australian government has numerous cooperation and aid programs with the Philippines in disaster management. For example, Australia provides financial assistance for disaster recovery and response to the Philippines. In 2006, Australia increased its support by 32 million Philippine pesos to assist the Philippines in disaster risk reduction efforts. Geoscience Australia partnered with the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (now the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to work on projects related to natural disaster risk assessments, the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), and mapping and assessments of high-risk disaster areas (Ready Project). (Philippines Embassy The Philippines, 2009)

In 2019, Australia further strengthened its disaster cooperation with the Philippines. Starting in 2019, Australia invested a total of AUD$9 million over three years in Philippine disaster-related infrastructure. Of this, AUD$6.5 million was allocated for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to establish a more accurate risk profile for Metro Manila by simulating the impacts of disasters in terms of casualties, damage to homes and critical infrastructure, and crop losses. Another AUD$2.5 million was allocated for collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist NDRRMC in using available data to create disaster and vulnerability maps for Metro Manila within 12 months. (Philippines Embassy The Philippines, 2019)

In 2021, after Super Typhoon Rai ravaged the Philippines, the Australian government provided US$ 5 million to international organizations within the country (such as the United Nations and the Red Cross) and various Australian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in the Philippines to support disaster reconstruction and humanitarian relief efforts. (Foreign Minister Australia, 2021)

In 2023, over 160 representatives from 12 provinces and regions across the Philippines gathered for the inaugural Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) stakeholders forum. Hosted by the Australian government, the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the theme of the forum was “Local Resilience in Action: Forging Alliances, Empowering Communities”. As such, the forum emphasized the need for unity, collaboration, and community empowerment in addressing challenging issues such as climate change. The SHIELD program is an initiative of the Australian government and represents a multi-year partnership. It leverages climate and disaster data to inform risk analysis projects, facilitates resource allocation and disaster-resilience actions at the local level, and advocates for more responsive disaster-resilience policies at both the national and local levels. The program aims to protect lives and jobs while mitigating the impact on communities by strengthening the national capacity to forecast, plan, respond, and recover from the adverse effects of disasters and climate change. (UNDP, 2023)

Philippines' Policy on Disaster Reduction

Agency	Policy, Strategy, Project & Initiative
Philippine Competition Commission (PhCC)	Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)	National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030 National Disaster Response Plan
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)	Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning Guide
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)	Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) DOST - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA)	CEST Program Automated Rain Gauges (ARG) Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) PhilSensor
DOST - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Mapúa University	Localized Weather, Environment, and Hydroment Monitoring System (WEHLO)
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) DOST - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Central Weather Administration (CWA) NARLabs - Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) Department of Earth Sciences, National Central University	Taiwan-Philippines Volcano, Ocean, Typhoon, and Earthquake (VOTE) - Meteorology Project VOTE Project: Marine and Onshore Geophysical Investigations of the Manila Subduction Zone VOTE Project: Enhancing Forecasting Capabilities for Severe Weather, Marine Meteorology, and Short-term Climate Conditions
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Agriculture of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (ARDSWC) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) DOST - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)	2024 Taiwan-Philippines Landslide and Debris Flow Disaster Research Cooperation MOU
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Australian Government United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)	SHIELD Programme
Geoscience Australia Australian Agency For International Development (AusAID) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) / (NDCC)* DOST - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)	Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) Hazards Mapping and Assessment for Effective Community-based Disaster Risk Management (READY Project)