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BDRRM KWENTUHAN: BRGY 471

Preparedness is the only way we can combat disaster“ -John Quinlan

Let’s assess…

1. Hazard Identification

In Metro Manila, there are a lot of places that are very prone to flood, the barangay is one of those areas. Everybody already knows that in Sampaloc, particularly in Espana, flooding is very usual. That’s why even with just prolonged rains, authorities are to suspend classes due to the possible flooding. Floods, whether high or low, create huge damage to properties and endangers the health of those who are exposed. It also hassles the people, especially those who are drivers and commuters. Another hazard that was identified was fire. Fire is also very prominent in the barangay. Lastly, typhoons and earthquakes were the natural hazards that were identified.

2. Vulnerability, Elements, and People at Risk Assessment

Vulnerabilities and risk include poverty, construction of building, lack of information and awareness and improper waste management. Poverty is a huge constraint in resisting hazards, as well as coping with disaster. In the barangay, there are a lot of people who belong in the marginalized sector. Many of them don’t even have a permanent home. And for some, they only live in squatter areas where their houses were poorly built in a small congested area. You can also see the construction of buildings, roads, etc everywhere. These ongoing constructions, as well as poorly constructed buildings, are some of the risks that were identified that would cause great harm if not handled properly. Lack of information and awareness is also identified as a vulnerability because if people are not informed about the emergency plans, they won’t know what to do if a disaster happens and hence, their lives could be more at risk. Concerning the very frequent flood that occurs in the Barangay, the climate is not the only reason why this happens. Improper waste management that leads to clogging of the drainage system is also an attribute to this phenomenon.

3. Capacity and Disaster Management Assessment

The Barangay has a risk reduction management plan wherein they have allotted funds for different hazards present in the community and also proposed activities to lessen vulnerabilities. Disaster situations that were addressed are super typhoon, floods, fire and Earthquake and the evacuation centers for these disasters were Barangay Hall and RAHA Fire Volunteer Station. They also had an inventory of available equipment that can be used during disasters such as fire extinguishers, first aid kit, BP apparatus, etc. They also have an early warning system equipment such as megaphones and two-way radios. Included also in the plan are the weekly clean-up drives and the de-clogging of drainage system. Together with the disaster risk management plan, they also have a procurement plan wherein 70% for the calamity funds and 30% for the quick response fund. Under the 30% of funds are for the need of the victims during and after the calamity, these are relief goods such as rice and canned goods.

In the barangay’s disaster preparedness information, they have identified the location of high risk-areas for different disasters. They also had assigned evacuation centers, transportation and communication means, and equipment. Special task forces were also distributed among the Barangay Councilor as the action officers and the Barangay Chairman as the over-all chairman. The Special Task Force includes warning system service, rescue and evacuation service, disaster relief and supply service and such.

4. Practices and Lifestyle of the Community

The Barangay participates in nationwide and regional earthquake drills which happen quarterly. These drills aim to train the Barangay and to test the different elements of the response plan for evaluation and revision. In their report, barangay officials first announced the upcoming earthquake drill and how the drill will be conducted. They also instructed people about the alarm system so that people will be familiar with the sound and they could respond to it. After that, a roll call will be done to determine who are present and who are not. After which, everyone will be assessed for injuries or need of medical assistance. In the drill proper of “alarm phase,” people were informed about the drill advisory by public announcement, cellphone emergency alert sent by MMDA and barangay public address system. In the “response phase,” people performed duck, cover and hold. And lastly, in the “evacuation phase,” the people evacuated their respective places after the second set of ringing (which signifies that the earthquake has stopped). People then evacuate by pre-determined safe routes and stayed away from buildings, walls and other things that could pose harm. People then assembled in an open area (UST field ground) and were grouped for Roll Call. After the roll call, an evaluation is done by the institution.  These are the components of the Barangay’s earthquake drill which, as said earlier, are conducted quarterly.

Let’s look closer into it…

Anthropogenic factors of flood, improper waste management, and all the other issues that the community is facing are all under poverty. As mentioned above, many of the population of the barangay belongs in the marginalized sector. And we cannot deny that poverty is a huge vulnerability in a community because people don’t have the money to buy facilities and equipment that are less hazardous. Some of them don’t even have a safe place to stay, they don’t have a proper place to perform their basic lifestyle. And so, when disaster comes, they don’t have a safe place to stay and their lives are at greater risk. Another reason also is the discipline of the people. As I have seen in a report, only a few people are participating in the drill. This is one of the problems I have seen in the community, the people are not participative in the drills of the barangay. In one of the copies of their attendance, only 12 people were there. This makes me think that the quarterly earthquake drills that are conducted will only be of little help if only a few people are participating. And if you’ll think of it, one must really know the drills because you will never know what could happen and it can save your life. And then if something bad happens, the people would blame all to the government for the numerous casualties. Well, it doesn’t work like that, the government and the people should work together to reduce risks and casualties. However, you cannot expect everyone to be disciplined, unless you, yourself has discipline.

Then, what now?

If you want something to change, make the first step. It means change will always start within you. If you want to see other people be discipline, you first have to be disciplined. You need to be the model of those people around you.

But, why?

Because we were given the dominion to rule and control these things, we must be stewards to it. God gave each of us the power to control and have dominion to all other creatures, and that comes with the responsibility of taking care of it as well. We don’t own anything, and hence, we must properly manage everything, which includes the small trash people throw along the roads. As they say, “great power comes with great responsibility.”

So, what could I do?

As a member of the community and this nation, we can do something to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks and increase the capacity of the community. One way is to participate. Participate in the projects of the barangay because it will be for our own good. Let us not add ourselves to the possible casualties in a disaster. Participate in clean-up drives and also in training for first aid like basic life support. Another thing that can be done is to identify vulnerabilities in your place and inform the person-in-charge of the possible risk that it could create. In that way, solutions for vulnerabilities are being taken into action.

Documentations

References:

NSTP- Module 4

The Varsitarian (for the photo of UST)

Brgy. 471 documents