Aquino lauds gov’t improved risk reduction capability

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday lauded the country’s improved disaster risk reduction and management.

“Once, the government, which is supposed to give aid, was the one asking for aid. Today, even when the storm is still brewing, we already know how to craft clear plans to avoid catastrophe,” Aquino said in his third State of the Nation Address at the joint session of both houses of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.

Currently, 86 automated rain gauges and 28 water level monitoring sensors all over the country help prevent disasters like the ones brought by typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Sendong.

By the end of 2013, the government targets to install 600 automated rain gauges and 422 water level sensors.