Bataan First District Rep. Tony Roman III has urged Congress to adopt a stronger, climate-smart national disaster resilience plan that goes beyond relief distribution and focuses on long-term protection, preparedness, and infrastructure.

In a privilege speech at the House of Representatives, Roman proposed an agenda that integrates flood control and climate adaptation measures at both local and regional levels. He emphasized the need to empower local government units (LGUs) not just with mandates but with the mental and financial capacity to respond effectively. The plan also calls for streamlined coordination among agencies such as the DPWH, DOST, DENR, NDRRMC, DICT, DILG, and the Office of Civil Defense, along with the use of climate projections and geo-hazard mapping in resource allocation.

Roman said the current approach to disasters remains largely reactive, pointing out that “when the rain falls, it doesn’t fall equally—it falls hardest on the most vulnerable.” He lamented that yearly floods continue while plans remain on paper, drainage systems stay clogged, and forecasts, though improving, do not translate to better preparedness. “Our kababayans deserve more than just food packs,” he said. “They deserve protection, preparedness, and peace of mind.”

He noted that while the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (R.A. 10121) was groundbreaking, it has not kept pace with present challenges. “Fifteen years and hundreds of disasters later, we are no longer in the same world,” Roman said. “Hindi na sapat ang luma, hindi na sapat ang kanya-kanya, hindi na sapat ang huli. We need a new kind of resilience that begins before the storm, not after.”

Since R.A. 10121 was enacted, the Philippines has experienced some of its worst disasters in recent history. These include Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which killed more than 6,300 people and caused over ₱95 billion in damage, and the 2013 Bohol earthquake, which claimed more than 200 lives. Other major events include Typhoon Sendong in 2011, the 2012 Luzon southwest monsoon floods, Typhoon Ompong in 2018, the 2022 Luzon earthquake, and the 2024 Davao de Oro landslide. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that disasters between 2010 and 2019 caused nearly ₱463 billion in damage and claimed over 12,000 lives.

Roman requested that his proposed measure be referred to the House Committees on Disaster Resilience and on Public Works and Highways for immediate consideration. He said the goal is to craft a comprehensive, forward-looking, and fully funded disaster resilience framework that ensures no province, city, municipality, or barangay is left to fend for itself after every typhoon or monsoon.

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