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TOGETHER: WE CAN

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

               The world is too big for us to conquer alone. Just as we think that we are so well- equipped and ready to face new experiences, that’s when we will realize how badly we need one another. This especially applies in the role of making a better, harmonious and more humane society.

               In my interview and encounter with Kagawad Michael Orpia from Barangay 470 Zone 46, Sampaloc City, Manila, I have realized how a system could be both knowledgeable and at the same time open for improvements in creating a community everyone desires.

DESCRIBING THE SITUATION

Hazard Identification

               In my interview, the hazards and calamities which the barangay encountered are earthquakes, dengue outbreak, theft, usual global warming effects, hunger and most of the time, floods especially during rainy season and heavy rain pours. Mr. Orpia identified Antonio Street and the UST vicinity as specific places where flooding is really evident. He emphasized how 30 minutes of heavy rain could cause 2- 3 hours of flooding. The barangay officials usually get the information that there will be possible disasters to occur through news reports in television, the online world and specifically, through Facebook announcements.

Vulnerability, Elements and People at Risk Assessment

               If the said hazards and disasters are to happen, the places where they predicts it’s going to have a great impact is at Dapitan Street, Laon- Laan Street when it comes to flooding. This is because these streets are in low archipelago and the drainage system there are not that efficient. This then will also affect the lives of many students and laborers who work in and around the area. Classes will be suspended and going to work area will be very difficult.

Safest and Hazardous Areas      

If a calamity like earthquake will occur, old buildings are most likely to be greatly damaged and other buildings will be put to test. Antonio Street and Alfredo Street are marked as dangerous locations if every earthquakes are to occur because these are very narrow streets and a lot of street wires are hanging all over the place.

               An identified safe place when these hazards and calamities occur is the UST grounds. The barangay kagawad said that UST as the safest place to go to during calamities was informed to them during seminars and workshops. However, despite their willingness to become a better society, factors like countless trash, numerous thieves and soft implementation of the law hinders them from being the best version of themselves.

  Capacity and Disaster Management Assessment

               In order to prepare for the said risks, hazards and calamities the barangay officials are giving enough attention their 24 hour CCTVs. Barangay Tanods are also doing their late night roundings. More so, the barangay have what they call “Auxiliaries.” These are group of volunteered residents from the barangay who serve the people through their tricycles and whatever they earn in that day will be theirs as long as they help in maintaining peace and order in the area. These auxiliaries also clean the  streets every Sunday morning together with the street sweepers.

               The barangay officials are also attending various seminars sponsored by the city mayor that will broaden their knowledge when it comes in responding to these dangers. When asked about the equipment they have to help during the tough times, they said they have the first- aid kits and a boat that could help them to go around the place when the flood is really that high.

 ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY AND ITS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

The issues that Barangay 470 Zone 4 are flooding, climate change, and theft. Flooding is a usual danger especially on low land places. It is very hard to avoid. This could be rooted to ineffective drainage system and the garbage and trash that clog it. This is perhaps happening because not all residents are aware of how to properly segregate their wastes and they do not properly throw them. No matter how willing the officials are to promote a safe place, if the residents are not educated enough to the impact of their trash then it will definitely go to nothing.

The issue on climate change is that a lot of buildings are built and more trees are cut. Manila is an urbanized place and it is not new to us how polluted it has become. The small action of planting trees or plants is a big help in producing a clearer and fresher air in the atmosphere. This can also result in having a better well-being for everyone Lastly, theft. Stealing has been a crime that we are all familiar to. This is most of the time because of corruption. And it is most of the time performed by minors.

For me, one of the most practical and helpful way in order to solve these problems and concerns is through education. Educating the residents on the long term effects of planting trees and caring for the environment is a big step in preserving our resources. This could eventually lead to having a healthier society where children could play outside and inhale fresh air. Having an idea about proper waste management could also result to lessening floods because no waste will proceed to the drainage system.

Moreover, educating as in sending children to school must always be a concern. Imagine having youth who knows what to do and contributing to the future and betterment of the world. With education, no one will have to risk his or her life in order to steal money. No one will have to beg along the streets. How I wish everyone can have an access to education. Education must not be a privilege. It must be for all.

 RELATE TO THE DISASTER SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY

We all know that Philippines is a country accustomed to experiencing several calamities and disaster situations countless times a year. We have thunderstorms, typhoons, earthquake, arson, landslides heck we do even experience tsunamis. In fact, according to U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, our country is one of the places that is vulnerable in experiencing natural disasters. Filipinos have a wide experience when it comes to these kind of calamities. However, are we really that prepared?

As stated in an article released by Rappler, based on a study conducted by Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, only 36% of Filipinos are ready for calamities and disasters. And being poor and having insufficient money is one of the reasons why Filipinos believe that they are not ready for such  ruthless events.

Barangay 470 is just a small part of the big country, Philippines. This barangay has its own fair share of shortcomings too and when we try to look at the bigger picture, we will see that there are more places that deserve attention. Due to poverty, not everyone is educated and informed of what to do when such disasters happen. Not everyone is aware of where to go, what to bring, who to call and all. It is a hard pill to swallow but our country needs to improve more on raising awareness. After all, it is our lives that we are talking about here.

 INSIGHTS AND REALIZATIONS

In the short span of time of having kwentuhan with Kagawad Micahel, I have realized that there are still a lot of processes our barangay, our place, our country need to go through. There will never be a perfect government or a perfect leader. We cannot instantly achieve a utopian society in a speed of light. It would always demand the cooperation of its constituents. As citizens, we must not just  let the leaders decide for us. There is a reason why we are called as a democratic country. We must use our voice to stand up for our family, country and for ourselves.

Also, I have learned that all governing bodies must be open for change and criticisms. The people are those who experience the struggles and the inconveniences so they must be heard. Doing this could lead to a community that is loved and respected by many. But it is not easy to love a place if it is damaged and wrecked.

In my community walk, I realized that we must do our part in changing the world one step at a time. Let us educate ourselves and be part of the change we wanted to see. By being a student who is taking NSTP, I knew that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and make an initiative. I am given the opportunity to encourage everyone and to share my knowledge about risk reduction and management. I must now waste this chance to save lives.

 WHY DO WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES OF OUR COUNTRY

Definitely we need to address these issues because one wrong move can take away a life. Remember that prevention is better than cure and that also applies in calamities. If we will be able to prepare from great wreckage and disaster, more lives will be spared. More unborn children will be able to see the beauty of the world. More children will be able to see trees and flowers. More succeeding generation will be able appreciate God’s masterpiece. Let us not be selfish and share the beauty of the world to those that will be coming after us.

Let us address these issues thru reaching out  to the local government units and officials. Make our presence be heard. One practical way is through the use of social media since almost everyone has an access to it. We, the youth, are said to have potentials. May we use these potentials in making this world a better place to live in. Remember that small things matter. Let us start the movement within ourselves.

 CONCRETE SOLUTION

Just like what I have been trying to say in the previous paragraphs, let’s begin with ourselves. It not just the responsibility of the government to make a space that will cater all of our needs. We are all called for actions. No matter what our age, gender, race, tradition, state or status we are in, we must all do our part.

The concrete solution that I see to help in addressing these issues is through sharing of ideas and educating others. It may be so common to hear the word “educate” but it is very powerful tool. It can make a person move and make a change. Education is power. If we will educate one another we will be able to hear the opinions, feelings and complains of others. In this way, it will become an avenue for us to exchange the best ways possible to solve community and nationwide problems.

 SUBMITTED BY: MENDOZA, MARISTELA C-AB-4 (MODULE 4) 

REFERENCES:

https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/disaster-preparedness/

https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/223162-despite-experience-typhoons-most-filipinos-unprepared-disasters

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Get out there and find it. Do whatever it takes for your heart to be at peace.

(via heavyemptyheart)

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- Rupi Kaur 🍃

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PINKY

Ang gulo. Nakakabaliw. Nakakainis. Nakakaselos.Nakakaiyak. Ang sakit.  I’m full of thoughts at the moment. Full of you. You who came into my life unexpectedly. You who saved me from despair. You who made me confident. You who made me happy. You who fixed me, but is now slowly breaking me. You who is my best friend.

First of all, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being there when I was at my worst. You were one of the few persons who dwelt with me when I was at my lowest. You surely know how to comfort a friend. Yes, we are friends. Some even think that we are best friends. Probably yes, probably no. Depende sa mood natin. Naaalala ko pa nung una kitang maka-group sa room, sobrang awkward kasi hindi talaga tayo close nun. Feeling ko nun magiging mahirap para sakin na i-approach ka, pero I was wrong. Nagchat ka pa sakin noon, you called me “Presi” while requesting na baguhin yung seat plan because I placed you beside your crush. I insisted. Pero ikaw na mismo nakipagpalit nun sa iba nating kaklase. Akala ko yun na yung huling chat mo sakin but then again, I was wrong. Ako na yung china- chat mo kapag may gusto kang iclarify about anything. Malamang? Class president ako eh, diba? Pero hindi ko alam ang nangyari kasi naging habit na natin ang maging chatmates nung mga panahon na ‘yon. To make the long story short, we became good friends. Ang galing. Before, never talaga kitang binigyan ng pansin pero ngayon halos buong atensyon ko nasayo na. 

So ayun nga, dahil sa ating closeness we shared stories to each other and isa na dun ay yung pag- amin mo sakin na crush mo... yung kaklase natin. I didn’t mind that time. Okay lang, kebs, keri, ganon. Kasi wala lang naman sakin ‘yon noon. Pero we became super close na bessy. Dumating na sa point na every other day sabay na tayo tuwing dismissal, hanggang sa napapadalas na ‘yun, hanggang sa everyday magkasama na tayo. Hinihintay mo ako kahit cleaner ako that day or kahit ang dami kong dapat ipasa at asikasuhin. You always waited for me. Sobrang natuwa naman ako kasi I have someone like you. Kung alam mo lang kung gaano mo ako napapasaya at kung gaano ka kahalaga sakin. Habang tumatagal, mas lumalalim yung closeness natin. Na- aattach na ata ako sayo? Hindi ko alam kung crush na ba kita o ano? Ang labo. Pero isa lang ang malinaw sakin, ayokong magkafeelings sayo. AYOKO. A- YO- KO. Our friendship matters to me more. Mas pipiliin kong maging sandalan mo.Mas pipiliin kong maging takbuhan mo. Mas pipiliin kong maging kaibigan mo.

Sunod naman, gusto kong mag- sorry sayo. Sorry kasi ang unfair ko sayo. I’m so sorry kasi I don’t think I could be the friend that you need anymore. I’m sorry, sana alam mong sinusubukan ko. Pinipilit ko. I’m sorry kasi hindi ko makontrol. Dumating na kasi sa punto ng buhay ko na sinanay mo ako. Sinanay mo ako sa mga bagay na hindi ko naman dapat maramdaman. Sinanay mo ako na lagi kang andyan. Sinanay mo ako sa presensya mo. Sinanay mo ako na andito ka lang palagi. Sana hindi mo na lang ginawa. Sana hindi na lang ako nasanay. 

There are a lot of unsaid thoughts in my mind and a lot of unexpressed feelings in my heart. And I guess, I will just be keeping it within me forever. There will be no regrets. Kahit ang sakit na, titiisin ko. Kahit ang hirap gagawin ko. Kahit masaktan ako, tatanggapin ko. Sana alam mong andito lang ako palagi, kahit madalas ginagawa mo na akong option, kahit hindi mo napapansin na puro na lang siya ang bukang bibig mo, kahit hindi na ako yung lagi mong kausap, kahit siya na yung kasama mo pumuntang chapel, kahit siya na yung kasama mo tuwing uwian, hindi kita iiwan. I want to keep you as my friend. FOREVER.

I know that you are very happy with her right now. Ang tagal mo na tong hinintay. Sobra. I was there as you journeyed up to this moment and I can’t help it but to smile in tears. You deserve this, I know. You deserve all the happiness and love in the world because you are so good. Tandaan mo na ano man ang mangayri, I’lll always be here for you-- as your friend. Pinky? Pinky! 

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BATCOM

Hi! I can still remember the moment I first saw you. Nothing was special, actually. No fairy tale feeling. No magic. Nothing. You were one of the new faces I saw in school. You were one of the persons I thought wouldn’t matter but, here I am, thinking of you. Thinking of the what ifs and maybes. Thinking of the possibilities and regretting the chances I didn’t take.

First of all, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for liking you. I know that you were at times annoyed at me. I’m sorry for invading your privacy, your life. I’m sorry for being the cause of all the mocks you get. I’m sorry for being unfair to you. I’m sorry for thinking that we could be something. I’m sorry for acting like you owe me something. I’m sorry for being pathetic. I’m sorry for being weak. I’m sorry for showing you my flaws, when in fact you’re one of the persons I shouldn’t have shown it. I’m sorry because you made me happy. 

I couldn’t find the right words. Why is it so hard for me to tell something about you? I thought I knew a lot from you but I was wrong ever since. I thought I have entered your soul but I wasn’t even merely near your skin. Everything is still fresh to me. I can still recall the feeling of having the first conversation with you. And will you allow me to blame that conversation as the beginning of everything? As cliché as it may look like but, yes, we started knowing each other through direct messages. You were the first one to say hi and I was the first one to get distracted. I was shocked but I wasn’t shy. So that’s it, you asked, I replied, then we laughed. Our conversation lasted but not so long. We soon bid good bye to each other. 

From then on, everything became different. It became the rising action of our untold story. Naalala mo pa ba? Naaalala mo pa ba yung mga gabing nagpupuyat tayo? Naaalala mo pa ba yung Pasko, Bagong Taon at iba pang masasayang araw na magkausap tayo? Kasi ako, lahat yun tanda ko pa. Kung tatanungin siguro ako kung anong naging usapan natin noon ay baka masagot ko lahat may kasama pang mga punctuation marks. During the nights and mornings we shared talking to each other, I see to it that I always learn from you and vise versa. We were both growing. I knew, somehow, that we were enjoying each other’s company. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali, may naramdaman akong kakaiba sa ating dalawa. Sana totoo, sana nga hindi ako nagkakamali. Ito na ba ulit ‘yon? Ikaw na ba ulit ‘yon? BUT I WAS WRONG. IT WAS NOT THAT. YOU WERE NOT THAT. 

Siguro nga totoo talaga na kung hindi para sa’yo ay wag pilitin. It was my fault for believing that we could be something. It was my fault for investing too much feelings on you. It was my fault for letting you occupy so much space in my mind. It was my fault for thinking that you were knocking at the door of my heart. I was full of hope and you were just full of sympathy. 

Sa simula pa lang, wala na akong karapatan na isulat to kasi, sino ba naman ako diba? Ano bang pakialam mo sakin? Wala diba. So yun nga, dahil wala ka namang pakialam kaya sinulat ko na lang din. I hope you are happy with her. I hope she realizes that you are more than just a unique human being. You are one of the people I know who have the bravest and most honest heart. You are one of the people who contributed to my growth as a warrior. You showed me a glimpse of the world. You opened my eyes to the reality. And for that, I’m forever grateful. You were the risk I was willing to take and the best mistake I was willing to make. But I was never your choice because I was never part of your options. You will always be my God’s Gift. Thank you for everything, BATCOM! 

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