Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Metro Manila and Luzon, Philippines: Strengthening Resilience Through the Magna Carta for DRRM Workers — An Evidence-Based Enhancement to the Legislative Proposal

Abstract

The Philippines continues to experience increasing climate-related hazards that require stronger disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) mechanisms. While national frameworks such as Republic Act No. 10121 and Republic Act No. 9729 provide the foundation for disaster governance and climate resilience, their effectiveness largely depends on the capacity, welfare, and protection of the frontline DRRM workforce. This study examines the need to strengthen the proposed Magna Carta for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers by presenting evidence on workforce conditions, including employment security, compensation, occupational safety, insurance protection, and professional development. Using a mixed-methods approach involving policy review, workforce assessment, document analysis, and legislative gap evaluation, the study identifies institutional challenges affecting DRRM–CCA implementation. Findings reveal that workforce instability, insufficient benefits, limited career pathways, and inadequate professionalization weaken institutional capacity and long-term resilience planning. The study concludes that the Magna Carta for DRRM Workers should not only be viewed as a labor protection measure but also as a strategic disaster resilience reform that strengthens the implementation of national DRRM and climate adaptation policies.