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My BDRRM Kwentuhan and Community Walk

               Geographically, Philippines is said to be one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is where active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes happen. Out of 146 cities in the Philippines, Manila with its huge population, too many infrastructures, high buildings, I believe it is one of the most prone cities to disasters. And my community is in Manila, specifically Brgy. 397 zone 41. And to further know more about the disasters, hazards and preparation, I conducted a BDRRM Kwentuhan with a barangay official, Kagawad Mary Lou last December 11, 2019.

               According to her, typhoons are what affect the community most. Specifically, when Ondoy typhoon hits the Philippines. During that time, our area was not yet cemented, causing it to flood easily in this low area. With our vulnerability, we couldn’t cope up with that typhoon. We didn’t expect it will hit that hard. Many business and homes were flooded along with the typhoon. Due to that experience our barangay learned and made sure to be prepared always.  They also worry when earthquake hits our area. We have a lot of buildings, which is truly a worrisome. It was also said that they least experience is fire in the community. However, during my community walk I saw a lot of hazards that may cause fire, like tangled electricity wires, houses are also near each other, which can cause a domino effect when fire occurs.

              Currently, their making actions and preparations for “The Big One.” They already conducted an earthquake drill for the whole community. They even announce warnings ahead of time when there are possible disasters. If there comes a time there’s a need to evacuate, there’s a court nearby where they can stay. They see España as an option too, which they consider as a safer place. They also stocked up on some goods just in case. I think they are already undergoing necessary actions for hazards and risks.

              For the local government, I think they lack on system-wide analysis of road conditions. They don’t prioritize streets that need to be fixed. Instead they break and rebuild roads that doesn’t need to be fixed. There are areas full of deteriorated road surfaces. These are often hazarding in an urban place. The government should address more on prevention and the impact of disaster and climate change at various levels. Efforts in increasing awareness on disaster risk reduction in the Philippines can be seen. However, proper integration with climate change adaptation and sustainable development policies can still be improved.

              I have realized that Disaster Management is very important. Through this we can save a lot of people. It helps the community based on disaster preparedness, which asses us to reduce our vulnerability to disasters and strengthen our capacities to resist them. As a Filipino citizen, I should raise even more on awareness on disaster management and preparedness. And, by helping those who are in needs because of disasters. Proper education regarding this matter and what to do in case of emergency, is also a must for me to do, because I believe in the saying “ There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.”

Reference:

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/8754 

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ring-fire/

https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/patsurikuko.wordpress.com/2016/07/23/espana-manila/amp/

https://www.pinterest.ph/delcoema/emergency-preparedness-slogans/

#disaster risk reduction #drrm