Philippine Anticipatory Action Law draws interest from ASEAN neighbors

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines’ newly enacted law on anticipatory action is drawing interest from ASEAN Member States as the region works to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience, Undersecretary Harold N. Cabreros said Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing of the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) in Manila, Cabreros said the Philippines is sharing its experience with Republic Act No. 12287, or the Declaration of the State of Imminent Disaster Act, which enables local governments to act ahead of a disaster rather than wait for its impacts.

“One of the things we share is our newly enacted law on anticipatory action. We are sharing this law, and I think other member states will be looking at it and studying it to consider for their own framework of disaster resilience,” said Cabreros, who serves as Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense and Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Cabreros described the law as part of a broader evolution in disaster management, from a reactive approach toward more proactive and predictive action.

The Philippines’ experience is particularly relevant to regional disaster resilience, given the country’s exposure to multiple and recurring hazards.

“Our country is still the number one in World Risk Index,” Cabreros said.

At the same time, Cabreros emphasized that disaster resilience in ASEAN is built through shared experience and cooperation. He noted that the Philippines has also benefited from training and support from fellow Member States, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The exchange of policies, expertise and practical experience reflects ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening resilience collectively, with Member States learning from one another as they develop approaches suited to their own national contexts.

The AMCDR will conclude on September 16 with the adoption of the Manila Declaration, which will help accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme.