Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Yamsuan is pushing House Bill 4035, or the “National Multi-Hazard Mapping Act”, in Congress to boost the country’s disaster preparedness.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, Yamsuan explained that the bill aims to provide local government units (LGUs) with comprehensive data to prepare for and mitigate natural hazards such as landslides, flooding, and earthquakes.
The lawmaker stressed that when LGUs plan their annual investment programs, it is crucial to identify priority areas and focus projects where they will benefit the most.
“Kailangan yung mga proyektong gagawin ay angkop talaga, at iiwas doon sa mga areas na talagang hindi naman dapat paglagyan. At yung mga dapat pagtuunan ng pansin na mga proyekto ay magko-complement doon sa national government program, nang sa ganoon hindi nasasayang yung mga proyekto,” said Yamsuan.
He added that multi-hazard maps would equip Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) councils with effective tools to implement the Declaration of Imminent Disaster Law. Besides guiding land use planning, these maps can help councils identify the most vulnerable areas where urgent preventive measures should be carried out to save lives and reduce losses before calamities strike.
If enacted, HB No. 4035 would assign the following agencies to conduct hazard mapping for each locality:
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
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National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
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Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
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Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)
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Climate Change Commission (CCC)
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National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
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Local government units (LGUs)
“Kung titingnan natin yung mga sakuna na nangyari, ilang bilyon ang nawawala sa ating mga lugar regarding doon sa mga damage sa properties nung mga nangyari.”
“Basically, ang kailangan nating tingnan ay yung investment natin in the future sa ating mga kababayan. Kumbaga, sa maliit na cost, magkakaroon tayo ng mas malawak na pag-unawa sa lugar na dapat bigyang pansin,” Yamsuan added.
