A LAWMAKER is pushing for the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers, which seeks to improve the working conditions and grant additional benefits to government personnel who risk their lives to save others during calamities.
Parañaque City Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said his proposed House Bill 5239 aims to recognize the heroism of DRRM workers who dedicate their lives to protect communities and help disaster victims recover.
‘DRRM workers, while exposing themselves to significant risks, including physical danger, psychological stress, and occupational health gaps, especially during disaster response operations, face the challenge of insufficient benefits. Our proposed measure seeks to address these inadequacies by institutionalizing measures that will promote their welfare,’ Yamsuan said.
He emphasized that DRRM personnel serve as the country’s frontline defenders against disasters and deserve both recognition and protection.
‘DRRM workers have a very important job as disaster response and risk reduction frontliners, which is why we should also give importance to, and safeguard, their welfare. Providing them the benefits that they should be entitled to will serve as incentive and inspiration for them to continue with their profession as protectors of our communities from calamities,’ he added.
Among the benefits proposed under HB 5239 are hazard allowances, access to protective equipment, free vaccinations, prophylactic medicines, and compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses.
A key provision of the bill is the creation of a Public DRRM Workers’ Education Trust Fund, which will provide educational assistance to the children and dependents of DRRM workers who die in the line of duty. The scholarship covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education for up to four years of undergraduate studies in accredited institutions.
The bill also grants DRRM workers continuing training and scholarships, mandatory insurance coverage, medical and psychosocial support, and retirement benefits.
It defines a public DRRM worker as a government employee engaged in any of the four thematic areas of disaster management-prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.
For those with permanent appointments, HB 5239 provides security of tenure, ensuring that they cannot be dismissed from service except for cause and after due process.
Other entitlements include overtime pay, night-shift differential, leave benefits, transportation, communication, and subsistence allowances, laundry allowance, and legal assistance related to official duties.
Public DRRM workers who render at least five years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious service will also receive monthly longevity pay equivalent to 5% of their basic salary.
Additionally, those deployed far from home will be entitled to free living quarters or housing allowance, and will be protected from discrimination and unjust workplace transfers. The measure likewise upholds their right to self-organization and mandates the creation of a Code of Conduct for Public DRRM Workers.
Violations of the Magna Carta’s provisions may be penalized with fines of up to P10,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Government officials found liable will face disqualification from public service as an additional penalty.