University of the Philippines National Climate Resilience Institute Act

Sritaic Difce of the Secretare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 25 SEP -9 P2:07 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1357 Introduced by Senator Bam Aquino AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE INSTITUTE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines is among the most hazard-prone countries in the world, with around twenty tropical cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility each year. In 2023, the World Risk Index ranked the country as the most at-risk globally, reflecting its high exposure to natural hazards, vulnerability, and limited adaptive capacity. Republic Act No. 10121, enacted in 2010, created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to strengthen disaster governance. While this was a significant step forward, persistent challenges remain, including fragmented mandates, weak coordination between national and local governments, and limited use of scientific research in policymaking. The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UP RI) was established to provide evidence-based strategies for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. However, as a unit under the UP System, it lacks direct national funding and institutionalized staffing support. This bill seeks to transform UP RI into the University of the Philippines National Climate Resilience Institute. As a National Institute, it will have direct appropriations under the General Appropriations Act, permanent research positions, and a strengthened mandate to support national and local risk governance. With this measure, the country will have a permanent scientific hub focused on disaster risk management and long-term climate adaptation. Establishing this institute will ensure stronger coordination, better integration of science into policy, and more sustainable support for resilience-building across all levels of government. Given the increasing risks brought about by climate change and natural hazards, the transformation of UP RI into the UP National Climate Resilience Institute is a timely and necessary step.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Barm Aquino

Schate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP -9 P2:07 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1357 S. No. - Introduced by Senator Bam Aquino AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE INSTITUTE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "University of the Philippines

2 National Climate Resilience Institute Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:

(a) Uphold the right of all persons to life, safety and human dignity by ensuring the protection of lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and ecosystems before, during, and after disasters; (b) Recognize climate resilience as an integral component of national development, environmental sustainability, and human security, and mainstream it into all levels of governance and sectors of society; (c) Promote a proactive, anticipatory, and risk-informed approach to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), grounded in evidence, multi-hazard assessments, and inclusive stakeholder engagement; (d) Ensure the establishment of a strong institutional foundation through the creation of a permanent national institute with the requisite authority, capacity, and mandate to oversee, and coordinate resilience programs and policies;

(e) Institutionalize integrated national and local systems for early warning, emergency operations, recovery planning, data management, and public communication, including the use of digital governance, predictive analytics, and innovative technologies; (f) Facilitate sustained investment in resilience-building measures, including but not limited to public budgeting, private sector participation, risk financing instruments, and climate-related investment mechanisms; (g) Encourage innovation, localization, and community empowerment through research and development, participatory governance, and indigenous and local knowledge systems; and (h) Monitor and evaluate disaster risk governance outcomes through evidence- based performance metrics, transparency mechanisms, and a robust system of policy feedback, public accountability, and continuous improvement.

Sec. 3. Establishment of the University of the Philippines National Climate

Resilience Institute. - The University of the Philippines Research Institute (UP RI) is 17 hereby converted into a national institute to be known as the UP National Climate 18 Resilience Institute (UP NCRI).

Sec. 4. Mandate of UP NCRI. - The UP NCRI shall continue the mandate of the

UP RI as a proactive hub of benchmark innovative information vital to the nation's efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It shall empower local communities through multidisciplinary actions toward resilience. Among others, it shall: a) Undertake policy research, action research, and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research or creative work; b) Disseminate research findings, creative works, and innovations; c) Establish non-degree educational programs and support degree programs;

d) Establish and institutionalize a national system for resilience-oriented research, foresight, and knowledge integration to advance science-based, anticipatory, and adaptive resilience governance; e) Facilitate collaborative projects with universities, local government units (LGUS), scientific institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, and support the translation of research into actionable policies and local solutions; f) Development and maintain a centralized and interoperable Resilience Knowledge Platform to serve as a public repository of resilience data, research findings, learning modules, analytical tools, and best practices; g) Ensure that resilience-related research outputs, innovations, and knowledge products are converted into practical guidance materials, toolkits, planning aids, and operational templates for use by LGUs, local communities, and institutions; and h) Improve the capability of relevant national agencies and offices as an agent of change for climate resilience in the Philippines and the Pacific Rim region.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current year's available appropriations of UP 19 RI whose functions are herein absorbed, transferred, or realigned to the UP NCRI. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the University of the Philippines, in coordination with the 24 Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other relevant agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of 26 this Act.

The implementing rules and regulations shall be developed through a 2 consultative process involving local government units, civil society organizations, the 3 private sector, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, as may be applicable.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act, or any part thereof,

5 is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or

parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,