NDRRMC: We're prepared for typhoon

'Halong'
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 08/02/2014 2:53 PM | Updated as of 08/02/2014 2:53 PM
MANILA - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is ready for the entry of a new
tropical cyclone.
State weather bureau PAGASA said typhoon "Halong" is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR)
on Sunday night or Monday morning.
Halong, which will be locally named "Jose," is expected to bring rains as it enhances the southwest monsoon
(habagat).
NDRRMC executive director Alexander Pama said disaster agencies are not letting their guard down.
Speaking to ANC's "Dateline Philippines" on Saturday, Pama said they are stepping up the information dissemination
campaign, improving disaster protocols, and conducting forensics to trace gaps in disaster preparedness.
Together with telecommunications companies, Pama said the NDRRMC is also drafting the implementing rules and
regulations for Republic Act 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act.
Under the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, telecommunications companies are required to help disseminate disaster
information via SMS for free.
Pama said the Batingaw App, an app for disaster information, is also in place.
Efforts are also underway to implement a public warning broadcast system, he added. --Report from ANC