Press Release
July 31, 2007

ESCUDERO BATS FOR RAISED BUDGET FOR PAGASA AND PHIVOLCS

With the imminent disaster Mt. Bulusan's unrest is posing among residents of Sorsogon, Senator Chiz Escudero today reiterates his pitch for a continuous budget increase for Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Escudero said he will once again pursue at the Senate as he did at the Lower House to continue to raise the budget of the said agencies to enable them to arm themselves with the latest technology to capably discharge their duties.

"Our people at Phivolcs and Pagasa are making do with the limited equipment they have right now. If we can boost their budgets to avail of the latest equipment, we could avert greater danger to people and properties."

Escudero said latest technologies would allow Bicolanos and Filipinos in general to be advised and alerted ahead of imminent disaster. "A notice a few days ahead would go a long way for people to prepare and get themselves ready against the threats of a looming disaster."

As this developed, Escudero said he is constantly coordinating with people from the National and Provincial Disaster Coordinating Councils and DSWD, as well as the local government officials to closely monitor the situation. Escudero was Sorsogon's 1 st District representative for three terms before he went to the Upper House.

Escudero had already sent relief goods for families who will be affected by the mobilization activities in the area. He had also pledged additional support to local officials in the event of a major mobilization to remove residents out of harm's way.

"Relevant national and local government agencies have proved to have done good job in the past. But I continue to call on responsible agencies and its officials to solidly rally behind and consolidate efforts and resources to address the situation and avoid risking lives and properties."

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