Press Release
October 7, 2009

VILLAR PROPOSES BIGGER BUDGET FOR DISASTER AGENCIES

While most of Luzon is still coping with the two recent disasters, typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng", Nacionalista Party President Senator Manuel Villar Jr. proposes that the concerned government departments should be equipped with better and more efficient instruments that would further improve weather forecasting as well as earthquake predictions.

Villar mentions that, "The Philippines should have the best weather forecast and earthquake prediction operations, since the country is a common pit stop for natural disasters. All measures of protection and forewarning from these natural calamities are most needed."

The Philippines is frequently subjected to various types of hazards and disasters, and has been observed to be increasing throughout the years. Its geographical location and physical environment make it vulnerable to natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, floods, drought, extreme rainfall, earthquake and others.

"These natural disasters often cannot be prevented, but the effects it brings about can certainly be alleviated by thorough understanding and assessment of these hazards and its threat," said Villar.

"PAG-ASA is the forefront in monitoring, forecasting, and warning the Filipino nation of natural hazards; they should be given the necessary funds since they require advanced, high-tech instruments and devices to be able to effectively do their job," he added.

Villar also mentioned that the country should be prepared not only for typhoons and floods, but also earthquakes. The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the past, like the massive 1990 earthquake that killed 1,700, and is susceptible to another one at any given time. He said, "Even if the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) has disaster management and earthquake impact reduction plans, it is never enough to be extra prepared for the worst. Additional funds should also be allocated to this department to enhance earthquake predictions."

"We have already gone through one of the worst disasters in Philippine history, and it is just appropriate for us to learn from our mistakes; it was a wakeup call for everyone to be constantly prepared and aware of such natural hazards," mentioned Villar.

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