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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1541 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The world is now experiencing the impact of global warming in various 
ways, not only in the simple increase in air temperature but in changing weather 
patterns and the unexpected deluge is raising global sea levels. The latter 
situation should be a foremost concern for the Philippines because of its 
archipelagic nature. Scientists say rising sea levels could eventually submerge 
island nations, flood cities, and expose millions of coastal residents to destructive 
storm surges. 
In order to cope with the new trend, there is a need to promote a holistic 
approach to disaster reduction. Cooperation among all sectors of the society is 
crucial to promote a holistic approach to disaster reduction, also making early 
warning effective and mitigating disaster risk. 
Hazard mapping could be a component of the approach. A national 
hazard map will be necessary to correctly inform the people of possible disasters 
and their potential damages. In order to obtain the widest reach of information 
and accurate data, there must be consultation with the applicable local 
government units and indigenous groups. Information sources should be diverse, 
with a combination of low-tech and high-tech methods. The hazard map must 
include simple and easy-to-understand information that the community will need. 
The hazard map also must be revised and updated regularly. 
Three Caribbean countries are finalizing hazard maps which will be used 
in future planning as a part of their safe and resilient development thrust. 
Grenada's maps focus on flood, landslide, and coastal erosion. For St Lucia, they 
are on flood, landslide, and wind/wave/storm surge. Belize has focused on 
coastal erosion and wind/wave/storm surge. As in these coastal nations, a 
mapping of the Philippine archipelago is intended to assist the country's disaster 
management agencies in making decisions so as to achieve safe and resilient 
development in the future which in turn will reduce the level of damage from 
hazards 
For the foregoing reasons, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
OY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1541 
) 
) 
) 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
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TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL 
RESOURCES, THROUGH THE NATIONAL MAPPING AND RESOURCE 
INFORMATION AUTHORITY, TOGETHER WITH THE NATIONAL DISASTER 
COORDINATING COUNCIL, TO IDENTIFY LOW-LYING AREAS OF THE 
PHILIPPINE TERRITORY VULNERABLE TO RISING SEA LEVELS AS A 
RESULT OF GLOBAL WARMING, AND AREAS AT HIGH RISK FOR 
NATURAL DISASTERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Hazard 
Mapping Act of 2013". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the 
public health, safety and general welfare. Towards this end, the State shall 
endeavor to formulate an orderly layout of the national land mass with 
identification of low-lying areas vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of global 
warming, and areas at high risk for natural disasters. 
The State shall likewise establish an organized and efficient system of 
evacuation from these areas in the event of imminent danger. 
SEC. 3. National Disaster Map. -Within one (1) year afte~ the effectivity 
of this Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 
through the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), 
together with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). is directed to 
submit a national disaster map of the Philippines, identifying the low-lying areas 
vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of global warming and areas at high risk 
for natural disasters. It shall contain proper identification of lands bordering sea 
levels, exposed to volcanic eruptions and lying on earthquake faults, with the 
criteria for evacuation and illustration of recommended evacuation sites and 
routes 
Information sources for the national disaster map should not be limited to 
scientific instrument-based data, but shall utilize a holistic approach which may 
include indigenous wisdom. 


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SEC. 4. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the implementation 
of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the implementing agencies 
under the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - In the event that any provision of this Act 
is declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other ,provisions shall not be 
affected by such declaration. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly 
SEC. 7. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect 15 days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,