Press Release
June 30, 2010

IMPROVE RESCUE FACILITIES FOR RAINY
SEASON, ANGARA URGES NDCC

With heavy rainfall recently causing floods in Metro Manila, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today called on the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to bolster preparedness in rescue and relief operations.

Ha also encouraged the Filipinos to remain vigilant amid threats of typhoons and called for cooperation with government and private agencies in addressing calamities. "It is not the sole responsibility of the government and private rescue teams to provide operations in affected areas; we as a people also have to act together.

"The NDCC and other similar groups have been aggressive in acquiring rescue facilities for calamities, but the government's preparations will not be fully effective without the cooperation of our citizens," reminded Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

Although careful from eliciting any premature warning and fears, Angara expressed concerns following last week's flooding in Metro Manila brought about by heavy rains. Recalling the continuous rains that resulted in last year's Ondoy, Angara instead called on the Filipinos to "hope for the best, prepare for the worst."

The PAG-ASA has maintained that the rains and recent low-level flooding in Manila are normal for the season but also echoed Angara's calls for preparedness both within the government agencies concerned and the general public.

Earlier Angara had called on the DOST and science and engineering experts in the country to convene and create coping mechanisms at par, if not better than international standards and devise new measures to bolster the country's disaster-preparedness capabilities.

Angara said that calamities impede overall socio-economic development, adding that "building a strong foundation for disaster-preparedness is necessary for the country to sustain its progress by having the necessary and best equipment to pre-empt and address natural disasters."

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