NSTP Fieldwork Reflection

On August 31, 2014, we had our fieldwork in Nueva Ecija. We were tasked to teach the kids the four Filipino Values, it sounded easy at first but we have never been so wrong. We thought that this would be a simple job. I honestly had a hard time dealing with the little boys than the girls, they were always moving and playing. Catching their attentions was the hardest, getting them to behave came next.
 The group decided to split the discussion and use a star system to keep the kids focused. If the kid answers a question correctly, he/she gets a star. Because of the star system, they listened to the discussion and participated in the activity. We assigned ourselves to different kids, in order to monitor their work during activity time. I was in a pinch since I was the only girl in the group and the girls wanted me to look after them. A few really got clingy, but I didn't mind. It was actually quite fun.

While on the bus on the way home, I realized why the kids were behaving like that. I was a kid once and I gave everyone a really bad migraine whenever I start trolling them. But the thing different with these children compared to the children here in the city, they weren't too dependent on technology being the source of fun. I saw them enjoying each other's company, playing by the field and swimming beside the school. The smiles painted on their faces were priceless.

I realized that I was luckier than them. They are facing poverty and their parents are doing whatever they can to give them what they deserve. But sadly, these are only borderline good enough compared to what we have in the city. Poverty hinders these people to achieve what they should have. Upon seeing their classrooms, clothes and area (not that I am judging but I think I am), they are optimizing with what little they have yet sometimes it is never enough. Good thing the NSTP program is there to help the people in far and rural places. I think that the help they get from the students and the awareness of the students with matters like this can change their situation one day. For now, the government should do immediate action for the people who live far away from the city. From what I've noticed, the people living in the provinces are least prioritized by the government. It shouldn't be like that.

The fieldwork served as an eye opener for me. I am luckier than those kids and as much as possible, I would like to share what I have with them. I am grateful towards my parents for giving me more than enough and I hope one day these kids will have more resources and help. I thank NSTP for giving me the opportunity to experience and enjoy this experience. We're really looking forward to the next fieldwork! :)

DRRM Reflection NSTP

Danger and risk do not exempt anyone. Everyone is bound to experience this at one point, regardless of their status, gender, beliefs and etc. The DRRM seminar has taught me some of the technical terms which deemed to be useful not only during the activities but also in real life as well. The following terms are:

• Disaster is a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that may cause severe damage or worse, death. 
• Hazard is a situation that poses a threat to life, property, livelihood, and environment. 
• Capacity is the combined strength of the community to withstand any disaster.
• Vulnerability is defined as the community's weak points, making it more prone to danger. 
• The Philippine's location is in the tropics and is naturally vulnerable to environmental disaster.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. 
• Bibingka approach is an approach created by the Philippine government whenever there is a disaster, there would be an immediate action of help before and after the disaster happens.
• Disaster resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, organizations and states to adapt to and recover from hazards, shocks or stresses without compromising long-term prospects for development. 
• Bamboo was chosen as the symbol of disaster resilience is because of its ability to stand despite the disasters heading its way.
• First aid is the assistance given to a person who is injured in order to ease the pain and reduce the damage done to the person.
• Basic life support (BLS) is the level of medical care which is used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care at a hospital.

---

A country's hope is in its citizens. Disasters are the bane of every person, it comes without warning and leaves damage which affects the state of living of the citizens. We must always be prepared and well versed with what we should do when disasters strike, so that there would be less damage and expense within the country.

We asked each member to list down the capacities, vulnerabilities, hazards and actions that must be done in their community. The results has shown that no place is exempted in experiencing disasters. Everyone must be aware of the problems inside their community in order for them to know which action is most suitable for their respective problems. It is a matter of self-assessment and resolve if we are willing to help making a change in our community.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit our barangay hall here in Pembo but I have collected data available from Makati Portal's website. The barangay plans to renovate evacuation centers, to buy rescue operation equipment, and to implement flood and erosion control projects. For Disaster Risk Mitigation, Community base mapping was done to identify the demography and geography. Conducting earthquake and landslide search and rescue operation course on the barangay’s different stakeholders and strengthening the barangay Red Cross 143 as First Respondent to augment Rescue manpower and knowledge on disaster Risk Reduction/Mitigation. 


Despite having vulnerabilities, the citizens can overpower this through coming up with solutions which optimizes the capabilities of a certain area. As a Filipino, I should be aware of my environment and surroundings. I should not keep myself ignorant of what's happening around me. I should gain knowledge on how to deal with things whenever something unexpected comes up.Especially in our area in Makati, where waste segregation is not practiced and garbage pollutes the streets and roads,I should set an example on what are the right things to do. Also, sharing my knowledge with others help the community, this small act may entice the citizens to do what is good for the community.

There should be a leader in addressing issues when it comes to the public safety especially during times of disaster. Issues of Disaster Risk and Reduction Management should always be thought of in order to help the citizens prepare for the worse. As the saying goes, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Which is why we must always be aware and alert because if disasters catch us off guard then the risks will be against us.