Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) is the Philippine's primary private sector vehicle for disaster management.

 

After the devastation brought about by typhoons Fengshen (2008), Ketsana, and Parma (both 2009), the Office of the President issued Executive Order No. 838 on October 22, 2009, creating the Special National Public Reconstruction Commission to spearhead, implement and adopt urgent and effective measures to bring about the reconstruction of affected areas in the country and to address the needs of the affected population. The Public Commission was mandated to tap the resources of the private sector for the reconstruction efforts to address the continuing emergency brought about by the recent calamities. To work with the Public Commission, the leaders of some of the country’s largest private corporations and leading NGOs organized PDRF.

 

On October 23, 2009, a cooperation agreement was drawn up between the Public Commission and PDRF to tap the resources of the private sector and to enhance and facilitate the cooperation and coordination between the Philippine Government and the private sector in formulating a reconstruction strategy that can be implemented. During its initial years of operation, PDRF principally focused on activities directed towards rehabilitation of disaster-stricken areas. 

 

Scope of Work

Ongoing recovery programs are primarily focused on the hardest-hit areas of the Super Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, and the unrest in Zamboanga. These areas are in Northern Cebu, Northern Negros, Northern Panay, Leyte/Tacloban, Samar, Palawan/Busuanga, Bohol, Zamboanga City. Disaster management activities are centered on preparedness, relief, recovery and reconstruction.

 

Programs

• Help PH - In response to the needs of communities devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) has launched HelpPH (help.ph). Mobile phone users from over 40 countries can now directly donate to HelpPh by sending airtime load to PDRF through BayadLoad, a mobile money service of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for this purpose. Proceeds of the fund-raising activity will go to relief, shelter, continuing education, and livelihood.

 

• Reforestation - First, we intend to support the existing reforestation efforts currently ongoing in the area.  Second, we understand that we need to draw up a comprehensive plan for the watershed, drawing on and integrating existing plans of the DENR and local governments such as Antipolo whose territory includes 60% of the watershed. We are also exploring idea of commercial tree farming to defray the cost of reforestation.

 

• Early Warning - PDRF is planning to sign an MOA with Pagasa to install rain gauges at strategically-located cell sites of mobile phone companies.  The rain gauges will be able to send rainfall data to Pagasa by telemetry. We are also looking into positioning meters along rivers to provide crucial data on floodwater levels.  This will enhance Pagasa’s capability to provide warnings about possible flooding.  PDRF is hoping to coordinate a partnership with the cellular networks of the various local carriers.

 

• Civil Works - PDRF hopes to aid in the repair of damaged schoolhouses in flood-ravaged areas. 

 

• Resettlement - We understand the need to relocate informal settlers along our waterways, particularly along the Pasig river, Manggahan floodway and Napindan channel.  PDRF is exploring a menu of options including for-profit models to build mid-rise housing in the city or dormitory-style housing for breadwinners while families live outside the city. 

 

• Finance - PDRF is meeting with groups like the Bankers Association of the Philippines, government financial institutions and multilateral and bilateral agencies to explore creative ideas for financing low interest and long term loans for small businesses and farmers hurt by the floods.

 

• Solid Waste - PDRF is working with PBSP in clearing Laguna de Bay of water hyacinths that clog the waterway and turning these into fertilizer and ladies bags.  We are also planning to help in the dredging and widening of rivers. PDRF is also talking to key water supply companies to construct adequate sewage facilities and water treatment plants.