Transport, info tech departments now part of NDRRMC

July 13, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order on Wednesday making the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as part of the  National Disaster Risk and Management Council . The Executive Order No. 32 said "the DOTr is responsible for the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient and dependable transportation systems during rescue and relief operations". It says that "the DICT is responsible for the planning, development and promotion of the country's information and communications agenda in support of national development, and is indespensible in cascading timely, accurate and reliable information in times of emergency and disaster". The funding requirements of the implementation of the Order shall be included in the budget of the two departments, it said. The orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the Execuive Order will be "repealed, amended or modified". "If any section or part of this order is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect", it said. The Executive Order will be effective immediately, it said. (Alanna Ambi/DMS)