The Manila Bulletin reports that authors of the Disaster Risk Reduction measure in the House of Representatives have urged President Arroyo to sign the bill into law in order to fully prepare the country for natural hazard related events such as the El Niño weather phenomenon.
"The bill will mandate the government to assess its capabilities to lead and implement disaster relief campaigns. The country is naturally disaster-prone, but preparedness should be a top priority for the government" said Satur Ocampo one of authors.