A senator renewed the call for the creation of a National Resiliency and Disaster Management Authority (NRDMA), citing delays in disaster response and lessons from recent calamities, including the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.
The solon made the appeal after visiting affected communities in General Santos City on June 25, where she met residents impacted by the quake and assessed damage on the ground.
She reiterated her long-standing proposal to replace the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) with a centralized disaster agency, saying the current system remains too slow in responding to emergencies.
“Masyadong mabagal ang disaster response natin kaya noon ko pa isinusulong na gawing NRDMA ang NDRRMC para may sentralisadong awtoridad na laban sa sakuna,” Senator Imee Marcos said.
The senator has filed several versions of the measure over the years, including Senate Bill No. 186 in 2022, Senate Bill No. 1125 in 2019, and Senate Bill No. 746 in 2025.
Beyond institutional reform, the lawmaker also pushed for the modernization of disaster assessment tools, including the use of LiDAR drones for precision mapping, structural “concrete scanning” technologies, and satellite-based monitoring systems for faster response and damage evaluation.
She also urged a review of the country’s Building Code, arguing that current design thresholds may no longer reflect the intensity of modern disasters. She cited stronger seismic and typhoon events in recent years as justification for updated engineering standards and stricter coastal construction rules.
The lawmaker further proposed the designation of resiliency officers in local government units to improve preparedness and coordination at the community level.
Authorities earlier reported that the Mindanao earthquake caused an estimated P2.3 billion in infrastructure damage, left 56 people dead, and injured more than 1,200 individuals across affected areas.
The senator said reforms should be pursued urgently rather than in response to the next disaster.
“Huwag na nating antayin ang susunod na kalamidad. Kumilos na tayo,” she said.