niikkyyyy-blog

[niikkyyyy-blog]

Last December 5, 2019, we had an interview with Kagawad Ronaldo Cacanindin at Barangay 469, zone 46, district 4. According to him, the hazards that the community usually encounter are floods and fires, which occurs during rainy and summer season, respectively. Before or during the occurrence of these hazards, the people in the community are informed and/or warned through their televisions, or by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Moreover, it is good that the community practices drills (earthquake, fire, and flood) twice a year; since, it reduces the risks and increases their capacity as a community. Also, the kagawad mentioned that they have complete safety gadgets, such as fire extinguishers, stretchers, two-way radios, helmets, blow horns, CCTV cameras, and first aid kits. The people mostly affected by the calamities are those in their work areas or construction sites, because it is a low-lying area; however, according to the kagawad, the flood subsides immediately in other areas. Furthermore, one of the safest area in the barangay is the University of Santo Tomas, which serves as their evacuation area.

Since work areas are hazardous, it is commendable that they place tarpaulins regarding precautions about site safety. This would be helpful in reducing the number of casualties (Picture 1). Moreover, one of the safest place in the community is UST; thus, it serves as an evacuation area of people in the community. Also, it is watched by security guards (Picture 2). One of the best practices that I have observed during the walk is the trash bin beside the barangay hall, where recycled products or waste are put. This practice does not just promote cleanliness in the community, but it also prevents flooding in the area.

On a positive note, there are no current issues the community is facing right now. I think this is because they train and prepare the people in the community for calamities. As mentioned by the kagawad, if there is flooding or other calamities, the chairman is coordinated so that the people can safely evacuate—this is one of the trainings of the barangay council and tanods: an efficient evacuation. Moreover, since the community has safety gadgets, the people in the community are advised if there are or will be calamities. After the occurrence of such hazards, the DILG and barangay bureau provide families with relief goods. The barangay also practices “gift-giving,” wherein they give kilos of rice and canned goods to the community. These activities and preparations are all spearheaded by the barangay council, tanods, and barangay chairman.

Currently, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Davao del Sur. Four victims were killed, including a six-year-old girl, due to falling debris (Rappler, 2019). This is a very alarming situation, due to the number of casualties, and this should not be ignored. Most of the deaths during calamities are due to poorly-built infrastructures, the lack of preparedness and awareness of people, and the lack of response from authorities and/or medical personnel. The best solution that I can see is to exercise training among the people, for them to know what to do in cases of calamities. First aid should be taught in schools and families as well. Little do we all know that these preparations and trainings could save lives.

During our walk, I got to observe the different practices in the community. It was my first time to do a community walk. I have realized that barangay officials really do some preparations and trainings for the sake of the community. Honestly, before our walk, I underestimated the capabilities and role of barangay officials. Without this activity, I would not be able to see their potential. Also, it is because of them why communities remain safe and guided during calamities. As students, and as a member of a community, I think one of the things I can do is to donate things such as community’s basic needs and first aid kits. I believe these things would be useful during and after calamities; and would increase their capacities. Moreover, I think the best thing to do as a student is to raise awareness in social media platforms. Because, being aware of the precautionary measures, hazards, and DOs and DON’Ts, would most likely decrease the vulnerability of the community. Lastly, being stewards of the environment would be helpful in reducing hazards, since some of the calamities are man-made.

REFERENCES:

Rappler. (2019, December). At least 4 now dead after Davao del Sur earthquake. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/247294-death-toll-davao-del-sur-earthquake-december-16-2019.