BALER, Aurora, Philippines – Senator Edgardo J. Angara is pushing for a holistic and science-based approach to disaster management as he underscored the importance of crafting a comprehensive, information-driven plan which the Philippines should implement to deal with natural disasters brought about by climate change.

“The recent devastation in Northern Mindanao should only underline the necessity of such a project,” he said.

He stressed developing a high overall level of preparedness against disaster requires the cooperation of all government agencies. Partnerships with local governments must be developed, and training and planning for emergency response provided.

“Preventing threats to the well-being of the public is a continuing challenge. As a nation, we need to be ready to respond immediately and swiftly if and when our people's lives are in danger,” said Angara.

The lawmaker from this province, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, cited a recent report from PAGASA entitled “Climate Change in the Philippines” showing projections for 2020 and 2050 with dry seasons getting drier and wet seasons getting wetter.

“Our researchers illustrated that our weather will only become more extreme in the coming years, affecting so many aspects of our lives—like how we conduct our agriculture, or where we should build our homes,” said Angara, who is also Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

He noted that around P60 million has been allotted in the 2012 budget for the creation of an innovation cluster comprised of representatives from government, academe and industry that will conduct research and development related to Disaster Science and Management.