FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
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 
windlwavelstorm surge. Belize has focused on coastal erosion and windlwavelstorm 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. 
/ 
Senator 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Richard J, Gordon 
AN ACT 
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 
RISING SEA LEVELS AS A RESULT OF GLOBAL WARMING, AND AREAS 
AT HIGH RISK FOR NATURAL DISASTERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
IDENTIFY LOW-LYING AREAS OF THE PHILIPPINE TERRITORY VULNERABLE TO 
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."Nationa/ Hazard Mapping Act 
of 2008. 
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 after 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 warning 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 


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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. 
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, 
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