Bridging Divides for Resilient Futures: A Review of National-Local Coordination in Philippine Crisis Management for SDG 11

Abstract

The Philippines is particularly susceptible to a variety of natural hazards due to its geographic location, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and economic damage. In response, the country's crisis management framework, especially the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121), requires a decentralized, multi-sectoral approach to disaster management that emphasizes the roles of local communities. This systematic review synthesizes lessons learned from post-disaster analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms between national and local levels. Utilizing the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework, the study examines existing literature, government reports, and evaluations published between 2007 and 2025. The review reveals that, while the Philippines employs a hybrid "top-down-bottom-up" planning framework and utilizes institutionalized multi-stakeholder coordination bodies, such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), significant gaps remain. Key challenges include a fragmented institutional framework with overlapping roles, political instability, and communication issues such as reliance on fragile mobile networks and the use of technical jargon. During major disasters, government systems can become overwhelmed, leading international agencies to establish parallel coordination mechanisms that weaken official structures. To address these issues and advance Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which aims to make cities and human settlements safe and resilient, the study recommends several improvements. These include strengthening leadership and governance through sustained political commitment, enhancing government capacity to implement programs, and promoting collaboration through a "Whole-of-Government Approach." The review also suggests strengthening the communication infrastructure, developing formal disaster communication plans, and pursuing continuous institutional reforms, such as establishing a dedicated department-level body for disaster risk reduction and management. By highlighting these insights, this review aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to improve multi-level governance and to support a more resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines.