Tools, platforms and mechanisms to support accountability to disaster-affected populations in the Philippines

Abstract

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013, a number of national and local government tools, platforms and mechanisms were put in place to support the coordination of national government efforts to respond to the disaster. Many of these tools, platforms and mechanisms are web-based and accessible to the public. Some are specific to disaster risk reduction, while others are more general in nature. This research assesses all of these devices in terms of how well they supported, and continue to support, the accountability and transparency of government interventions during disaster responses in the Philippines. It also looks at how these accountability can be further enhanced and replicated both vertically – at all levels of government – and horizontally – with different agencies, sectors and institutions – to help ensure that accountability and transparency are observed principles during all disaster responses. The authors recommend that the Philippines creates an 'accountability during disasters' framework that will allow government and non-government agencies to apply the necessary revisions in current policies that will improve the delivery of their services during and after future disaster events. It is important for the national Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) agencies to involve local government units, community leaders and community-based DRRM organisations in the development of this framework, to ensure that communities’ voices are heard and integrated into this.