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.

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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.