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Last November 30, 2019, I am very delighted to have the chance to interviiew BADAC Desk Officer, Mr. Alfredo Cruz

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Short video clip during “walk in” in our barangay.

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Observations during Walk In:

After having some walk in my barangay in the morning, I have observed that one of the practices of my co citizens is to bring their garbage outside because at 9:00 am, the garbage truck will roam around to get it. This proves how organized our barangay is. Also, I have observed that in schools there are tarpaulins which contains different projects of the municipality here in Mandaluyong which is a nice thing because students and parents can be easily aware of this programs.

Different rules also are posted all around the barangay such as “bawal manigarilyo”, “bawal ang pag-inom sa kalye”, curfew for 18 below, and the “Riding in Tandem City Ordinance”. This is also a nice thing because atleast people will have knowledge on what they need to do and what they should not do.

In terms of safe places, I think that there everywhere in our barangay is safe because people are disciplined enough to follow the rules that our leaders are making.

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Calamities and Hazard:

Natural calamities such as typhoon and earthquakes are some of the calamities that Barangay Barangka Drive have experienced. Gratefully, my barangay didn’t experienced extreme floods during typhoon because most of the places here are elevated. 

When it comes to earthquake, there are no fault lines found in Barangka Drive but since it is somehow near to other places with fault lines, we experienced earthquakes.

The main hazard in my place is fire. I was shocked to know  that in one year, there are 2-3 cases of fire in Barangka Drive. When I asked about its causes, Mr. Alfredo Cruz said that it can be because of electrical reasons or due to the negligence of the people. 

The three hazards and calamities aforementioned are usually unexpected. No one knows when will it happen. The only thing that a barangay can do is to be prepared and alert.

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Preparations:

Based from the aforementioned disaster and hazard, the main preparations that the barangay hall is making are the following:

1. SEMINARS

This is conducted in different schools such as Pedro P. Cruz and Bonifacio Javier School, both located in Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City. Teachers from the said schools provides information about fire and actions to be done in case this happen. 

2. FIRE TRUCKS

There is only one fire truck in the Barangay which can be used in case of fire. It is not enough ofcourse, but the interviewee assured me that in case of that tragic scenarios, fire trucks from other municipalities will be provided. 

3. Countrywide Earthquake Drill

According to the interviewee, there is no specific action or program when it comes to earthquake. They just follow the schedules for the country wide earthquake drill. 

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Reflection:

After the short interview with BADAC Officer, Alfredo Cruz and some walk in my community, these are my observations. Barangay Barangka Drive experienced natural calamities and man-made calamities such as earthquake, typhoon and fire.

One main lesson I have learned from the interview is that Mr. Cruz told me that calamities and hazards are inevitable but as a citizen it is our responsibility to prepare for it. They have certain actions for each catastrophe aforementioned but I think that there should be more specifically when it comes to materials such as fire trucks. Also, they should continue to have seminars that enlighten each citizen and to make them more prepared for tragedies like earthquake and typhoon.

Other problems mentioned in the community that are not disasters, are the following. One, is domestic violence. As a solution for this, the barangay hall is open 24/7 so they can easily and efficiently make a move when there are cases like this. Second problem considered is, diseases like dengue outbreak and viral infections. Last problem considered, is in terms of waste or garbages. As action, the barangay fixed a schedule for the garbage truck rounds in the whole community which is from 9:00-10:00 in the morning.

This activity have helped me to know my community more because honestly, I am not that aware of the different problems my barangay is facing. Given the fact that most of the disasters are unexpected, I think that the greatest action we can make is to have knowledge about it and to actually prepare for it. We should be aware also of the actions or programs our respective barangay is making and participate to it because that is for our own good.