PNoy allocates P1B to nationwide 3D flood map

The Philippines will soon be able to have a comprehensive three-dimensional map of the whole country which, it is hoped, will help save lives during floods and other natural disasters. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Friday said that some P1 billion will be released for the mapping project, which will allow the government to have a more detailed look at every region and the various parts of the country. “Isa pa po sa mga ipinapanukala natin ngayon ay ang paggawa natin ng isang comprehensive 3-D mapping ng buong Pilipinas. Maglalabas po tayo ng mahigit sa isang bilyong piso para dito," he said. Aquino made the announcement as he led the inauguration of the improved Agno River flood forecasting and warning system and the new Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in Rosales, Pangasinan. Detailed understanding to help save lives “Sa mapping na ito, mas lalawak ang pagtanaw natin sa bawat sulok ng bansa, na magpapalakas sa kakayahan nating malaman ang mga lugar na maaaring datnan ng baha. Malaking tulong din ito upang mabigyan tayo ng karagdagang oras para matulungan ang ating mga kababayang babahain," he said. (This mapping project will enrich our understanding of every corner of the country, which will strengthen our ability to identify places that may be hit by floods. It will also help facilitate our rescue efforts in these areas.) He said that some people may question the amount allocated for the project but he insisted that it will allow the government to save lives and properties of many Filipinos. “Baka sabihin nila, bakit ang laki naman ng ilalabas na pondo? Gusto ko lang pong igiit: buhay ang maisasalba natin dito. Isama pa natin ang mga bahay, ari-arian at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipinong ating matutulungan," he said. (Some may ask, why are we allocating such a huge sum to this project? In response, allow me to stress this point: it will save lives. Add to this the many houses, belongings, and livelihoods of our countrymen.) He reminded the audience that the Philippines is a geological hazard area with 66 provinces in imminent danger. “Tama lang naman po siguro kung paglaanan natin ng kaukulang pondo ang pangangalaga sa mga ito, hindi po ba?" Aquino said. (It's only right that we allocate an appropriate ammount to care for these areas, don't you think?) A comprehensive and accurate map In a separate interview, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said that a comprehensive 3D map would be like a Google map but more accurate. “200 millimeters sa elevation sa bahay, 3D, eight inches. Makikita mo all over the Philippines mas malinaw pwedeng umikot," he said. (You can see all over the Philippines more clearly, and from different angles.) He estimated that the mapping project would cost more than P1 billion because of the features that will be put to it. “Lahat ng bayan, lahat ng cities gagamitin ito. Halimbawa nakita mo Agno River malalaman dun kung gaano kalakas ang ulan at ano ang babaha at malalaman san pwedeng lumipat. Pag sinama natin forecast ng rain, malalaman natin gaano kataas ang baha," he said. (All municipalities and cities will use this. For example, you'll be able to see how much rainfall there is in the Agno River, and what areas may be flooded and where to go for safety. When you factor in rain forecasts, you'll be able to tell how high the floods might get.) He further said that the map would also contain the total number and length of roads. “(Makikita rin) mga sirang kalye, mga eskwelahan kung naguho ba o hindi mag-inventory tayo ng asset, lahat ng irrigation canal, san ba pwede maglagay ng dam. Isang tingin lang alam na natin gaano karami pwede maimpound sa dam," he said. (You'll also be able to see impassable roads, the state of schools and other assets, irrigation canals, the optimal places for dams. At a glance you'll be able to tell how much the dam can hold.) He pointed out that, at present, a survey on those features alone would already cost millions of pesos. He said the mapping project would start this year and is expected to be finished in two years. — TJD, GMA News