Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Powers and Functions of the OCD. - The OCD shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Advise the National Council on matters relating to disaster risk reduction and management consistent with the policies and scope as defined in this Act;

(b) Formulate and implement the NDRRMP and ensure that the physical framework, social, economic and environmental plans of communities, cities, municipalities and provinces are consistent with such plan. The National Council shall approve the NDRRMP;

(c) Identify, assess and prioritize hazards and risks in consultation with key stakeholders;

(d) Develop and ensure the implementation of national standards in carrying out disaster risk reduction programs including preparedness, mitigation, prevention, response and rehabilitation works, from data collection and analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;

(e) Review and evaluate the Local Disaster risk Reduction and Management Plans (LDRRMPs) to facilitate the integration of disaster risk reduction measures into the local Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Comprehensive Land-Use Plan (CL UP);

(f) Ensure that the LG U s, through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) are properly informed and adhere to the national standards and programs;

(g) Formulate standard operating procedures for the deployment of rapid assessment teams, information sharing among different government agencies, and coordination before and after disasters at all levels;

(h) Establish standard operating procedures on the communication system among provincial, city, municipal, and barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils, for purposes of warning and alerting them and for gathering information on disaster areas before, during and after disasters;

(i) Establish Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Training Institutes in such suitable location as may be deemed appropriate to train public and private individuals, both local and national, in such subject as disaster risk reduction and management among others. The Institute shall consolidate and prepare training materials and publications of disaster risk reduction and management books and manuals to assist disaster risk reduction and management workers in the planning and implementation of this program and projects. The Institute shall conduct research programs to upgrade know ledge and skills and document best practices on disaster risk reduction and management. The Institute is also mandated to conduct periodic awareness and education programs to accommodate new elective officials and members of the LDRRMCs;

(j) Ensure that all disaster risk reduction programs, projects and activities requiring regional and international support shall be in accordance with duly established national policies and aligned with international agreements;

(k) Ensure that government agencies and LGUs give toppriority and take adequate and appropriate measures in disaster risk reduction and management;

(l) Create an enabling environment for substantial and sustainable participation of CSOs, private groups, volunteers and communities, and recognize their contributions in the government's disaster risk reduction efforts;

(m) Conduct early recovery and post-disaster needs assessment institutionalizing gender analysis as part of it;

(n) Establish an operating facility to be known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) that shall be operated and staffed on a twenty-four (24) hour basis;

(o) Prepare the criteria and procedure for the enlistment of accredited community disaster volunteers (ACDVs). It shall include a manual of operations for the volunteers which shall be developed by the OCD in consultation with various stakeholders;

(p) Provide advice and technical assistance and assist in mobilizing necessary resources to increase the overall capacity of LGUs, specifically the low income and in high-risk areas;

(q) Create the necessary offices to perform its mandate as provided under this Act; and

(r) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for effective operations and implementation of this Act.