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NDRRMC, LGUs hold nationwide simultaneous quake drill

September 29, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">Loud sirens signaled the start of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at 9 am on Wednesday, September 28, in various parts of the country. This was followed immediately by a series of well-orchestrated disaster response scenes to rival any Hollywood disaster movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the staging area – a vacant subdivision in Biñan, Laguna, some 43 kilometers from Metro Manila – more than 100 people did the duck, cover, and hold technique. Residents from barangay San Francisco evacuated their homes and moved to a nearby open field. Simultaneously, the barangay and local government set up a command post to receive reports and assign responders, who kept arriving on site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From evacuating sick patients to putting out fires, each response team carried out their assignment with utmost seriousness, even if this was only a drill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no time for jokes. When the real quake hits, they say, things will be much worse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The scenario they’re preparing for is a grim one. Based on the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), a 7.2 magnitude quake caused by a movement of the West Valley Fault (WVF) would cause massive damage in Metro Manila and neighboring cities and towns. The study estimates that 35,000 people could die in Metro Manila alone, with hundreds of thousands more injured. In Biñan, where the fault line crosses, some 3,000 people could die. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the villages in Juana Complex of Barangay San Francisco are one the most vulnerable communities in Region 4A (CALABARZON). Residents are aware of what could happen to them should an earthquake strike. They see signs of the fault line in the cracks on the road and on their walls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Samuel Trinidad, 49, has been a resident of Juana Villages since 1994. Over the past two decades, he has seen how the fault line has slowly shifted the earth beneath his home. He points out cracks in the cement where the earth has parted and uneven roads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When residents first moved into the village, they were unaware they lived atop a fault line. Today, they say they are prepared to evacuate, but won't leave their homes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Nakakatakot siyempre. Pero matagal na kami nakatira dito at wala nang malipatan," said Trinidad. (I'm afraid of an earthquake. But we have lived her a long time and have nowhere else to go.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Barangay San Francisco residents have organized themselves and carried out many earthquake drills in the past. The OCD says the residents are excellent examples of how communities at the grass-roots level should prepare for disasters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Dito sa amin, nakagawa na kami ng several earthquake drills. Ako’y natutuwa na 'di naming naasahan na darating sa punto na national level na, oh my God! Level up na," said retired colonel Marciano Espique who is the barangay's disaster coordinator and incident commander.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Our barangay was able to run several earthquake drills. I'm happy because we never expected to reach this point where we are part of a national drill, oh my God! We have leveled up.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the drill, Espique was the first on the scene, mobilizing responders and assessing the damage from field reports.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took residents, disaster responders, and the government more than two weeks of planning and rehearsing for the ceremonial earthquake drill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Top government officials present in Biñan expressed their satisfaction at the execution of the drill and the performances of the responders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“In all the earthquake drills I’ve attended, this ranks in the top 3,” said Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, also a former executive director of the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad vowed to continue the quarterly quake drill, noting that drills will also be conducted in various regions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OCD Region 4A regional director Vicente Tomazar acknowledges there’s always room for more improvement, such as improving communication and coordination among all stakeholders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until the real quake strikes, he adds, all that’s left to do is prepare and hope for the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/147635-binan-pagyanig-quake-drill</span></div>
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NDRRMC, LGUs hold nationwide simultaneous quake drill

Loud sirens signaled the start of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at 9 am on Wednesday, September 28, in various parts of the country. This was followed immediately by a series of well-orchestrated disaster response s…

UNICEF Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for Filipino Children

September 28, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The UNICEF is at the forefront with regards to the addressing the vulnerability of Filipino children in times of calamities and disaster. Recognizing that the most vulnerable segments of the Philippine population are the children, UNICEF has programs and projects that directly intervene in the needs of this most vulnerable of sectors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is highly exposed to natural hazards because it lies along the Pacific Typhoon Belt and is within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is compounded by uncontrolled settlement in hazard-prone areas, high poverty rate, failure to implement building codes and construction standards, and degradation of forests and coastal resources, among others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The brunt of these natural hazards is felt by 27.6 million Filipinos who are among the poorest and marginalized. They are often trapped in a seemingly never-ending cycle of disaster, displacement and rebuilding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For a country like the Philippines, a proactive risk management approach is imperative. More than 40 per cent of Filipinos (37 million) are under 18. Children are the most affected in any disaster; by this alone, their participation in DRR is essential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">UNICEF has undertaken a study on children's vulnerabilities to climate change and disaster impacts. It will establish models of child-centered disaster risk management for eventual replication by local government units (LGUs), as a basis for integrating DRR in their local development plans. Aside from bridging the gap between community-based activities and public policy, UNICEF will also facilitate the partnership of non-government organizations with LGUs to adopt child-sensitive and child-centered DRR and climate change adaptation (CCA) plans and programs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be tapped to serve as catalysts, mobilizers and organizers of child-centered DRR in communities and government. They will help build the capacities of local NGOs and partner with LGUs and national agencies to develop child-centered disaster risk management (DRM) programs and integrate them into local development and emergency plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The DRR objective is consistent with the equity focus of UNICEF. Priority will be given to hazard-prone areas, which are also usually the most economically impoverished and deprived. Disasters contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty, preventing children from exercising their rights; and families and communities from realizing their development potential. DRR helps in directing activities where they are needed most. The modelling approach for community-based and child-centered DRR and integration of DRR in LGU development plans will be done in areas that are most exposed to climatological, geological and other hazards.</span></div>
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UNICEF Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for Filipino Children

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management UNICEF Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for Filipino Children

The UNICEF is at the forefront with regards to the addressing the vulnerability of Filipino children in times of calamities and disaster. Recognizing that the most vulnerable segments of the Philippine population are the children, UNICEF has program…

The Legacy of Ondoy

September 27, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">Seven years ago on September 26, 2009, the rains started to fall heavily. What was expected was a tropical storm named Ondoy and Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces were under Storm Warning Signal No. 1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the rains were not only heavy. It was a sustained torrential rain that lasted for 5 hours. For the first time, Ayala Ave., in Makati was submerged. It quickly inundated the areas not typically flooded and with regards to areas that were typically flooded, its rate of water increase was unlike what was experienced before since Typhoon Kading in 1978. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ondoy, then combined with the enhanced southwest monsoon, caused damages to infrastructure and agriculture at a cost of P11 billion ($246 million).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What happened in Ondoy was that the amount of average rainfall for a month fell within a span of 5 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been 7 years since Ondoy hit the country, yet it will always be remembered because of its impact. It is even often compared to other typhoons that have followed, yet most have failed to match Ondoy's record.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are just 5 of the biggest effects of Ondoy to the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy is one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in terms of number of people affected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With combined heavy rains and strong winds, Ondoy affected 993,227 families or 4,901,234 people, making it fourth in the list of worst natural disasters in the Philippines in terms of number of people affected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What made it particularly hard hitting was that Ondoy affected the most populous areas of the Philippines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By mid-morning or around two hours after the non-stop torrential rainfall began, flooding was already being experienced on 85% of the NCR. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the total of affected population, 464 were killed, 529 injured, and 37 were missing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, a total of 15,798 families or 70,124 people took shelter in 244 evacuation centers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Metro Manila and about 30% of all provinces in the Philippines were placed under a state of calamity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In just 6 hours, Ondoy released rainfall equivalent to a month’s volume of rain with a rate of 56.83 mm/hr based on its 24-hour recorded rainfall. Twenty-three provinces and Metro Manila were placed under a state of calamity due to the widespread devastation by Ondoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">President Gloria Arroyo declared a state of calamity (national) since there was another approaching typhoon within 5 days. It was still flooded in 65% of the affected areas at that time (floodings in considerably large areas would last for at least 3 weeks)  </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Metro Manila, the most affected areas in terms of flooding were Pasig City, Quezon City, City of Manila, Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, and Marikina City, with the highest height of flood ranging from knee to neck level, up to roof top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act was created.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The damages brought by both Ondoy and Pepeng led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The Act enhances the disaster preparedness and capabilities of the national government and local government units by providing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Management System Framework, and by institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also, the experiences during Ondoy resulted in the most comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management planning in the entire Philipppine history. Project RESILIENCE was developed and implemented by the Office of Civil Defence in coordination with a large number of Local Government Units, DOST, PAGASA, MMDA and other government and private agencies (both domestic and international)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The creation of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices were established down to the barangay level. This now forms the current infrastructure for DRRM from local to national levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy caused a leptospirosis outbreak that year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In 9 Metro Manila hospitals, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 383 cases of leptospirosis just a few weeks after Ondoy caused flooding in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suprisingly, this figure is already half of the total number of leptospirosis cases reported in 2009.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The DOH even asked help in responding to the leptospirosis outbreak from a team of international experts from Australia, France, the Netherlands and Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ondoy's rainfall remains unmatched by other typhoons that followed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost 5 years after Ondoy, Tropical Storm Mario (international name: Fung-wong) hit almost the same areas affected by Ondoy. Mario hit the country a week before the fifth anniversary of Ondoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many netizens have compared these two tropical storms, but Ondoy dumped a higher volume of rainfall than Mario. Mario has brought high level floods that affected a total of 1,812,257 persons affected in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B V, VII, CAR, and NCR – still less than the total population affected by Ondoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although floodings remain a problem in NCR, the DPWH has launched a flood management plan that covers Metro Manila and surrounding places like Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan and Cavite</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The local DRRMOs and DRRMCs have now been institutionalized and further lessons from Typhoon Yolanda have been incorporated in the Incident Command Systems and Disaster Management Plans of the concerned government agencies and units.</span></div>
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Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Weather The Legacy of Ondoy

Seven years ago on September 26, 2009, the rains started to fall heavily. What was expected was a tropical storm named Ondoy and Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces were under Storm Warning Signal No. 1. But the rains were not only heavy. It was…

DILG releases handbook on resilient infrastructure

September 13, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">Stepping up its efforts in disaster preparedness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has come up with a handbook for designing and building safer public infrastructure and facilities amid the increasing impact of climate change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said the technical handbook, “Designing Resilient Structures: Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation,” introduces risk-based designing to enable the construction and retrofitting of structures that can withstand the adverse impacts of natural disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sueno, also vice-chairperson for disaster preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said that with the challenges and uncertainties posed by climate change, it is important not only to rebuild damaged structures but also to put up sturdier and safer facilities that can withstand the worst disasters and calamities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Through this handbook, we are introducing new approaches in building stronger and more resilient structures with the end in view of protecting our communities against the ill effects of extreme weather disturbances,” Sueno said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the project’s handover ceremony held recently at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City, director Anna Liza Bonagua of the department’s Bureau of Local Government Development said the initiative shall enable the updating of existing laws and guidelines governing the implementation and evaluation of structure projects, especially among local government units (LGUs).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We hope that in the longer term, this project will somehow influence the review of our National Building Code for the improvement of infrastructure not just at the national but at the local level as well,” she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – Australian AID, a partner organization, funded the handbook project together with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We hope that the handbook would be fully utilized by LGUs, help DILG in designing and evaluating local structures, and supplement the Philippines’ national recovery and reconstruction framework,” said Anne Orquiza, portfolio manager for DRR, CCA and Urban Resilience of DFAT – Australian Aid Program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Upholding the Building Back Better principle, the new handbook is set to guide and enhance the capacity of LGUs in planning and managing their built assets toward making communities more disaster resilient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The DILG’s handbook project is a product of collaboration among partner organizations and national government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Project NOAH, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several LGUs were also involved in the various consultations and stages of handbook development, while the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Economic and Development Authority, Climate Change Commission and the Office of Civil Defense provided data and insights.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: <a href="http://www.philstar.com/science-and-environment/2016/09/01/1619096/dilg-releases-handbook-resilient-infrastructure">http://www.philstar.com/science-and-environment/2016/09/01/1619096/dilg-releases-handbook-resilient-infrastructure</a></span></div>
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DILG releases handbook on resilient infrastructure

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology DILG releases handbook on resilient infrastructure

Stepping up its efforts in disaster preparedness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has come up with a handbook for designing and building safer public infrastructure and facilities amid the increasing impact of climate chan…

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Co-Hosts ASEAN Disaster Management Professionals Graduation

September 08, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ace Programme is a 6-month training course which aims to provide on-the-job training for disaster management professionals from national disaster management agencies (NDMOs) of ASEAN member-states. Included in the comprehensive courses of the program are special activities that facilitate the building of technical knowledge, master of procedures for coordinated and timely response and the planning and management of logistics for emergency response.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The successful completion of the third batch of the ACE Programme is realized due to the joint and collaborative efforts of our partners and stakeholders,” said AHA Centre Executive Director Faisal. “We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and its Preparedness and Response Working Group, the Government of Japan, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Dialogue Partners as well as other partners that have supported the ACE Programme".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Following the footsteps of the graduates, we hope that the sixteen officers of the third batch will also make good use of the knowledge and experiences acquired through the programme to play a leading role in their own NDMOs and to act as a foundation for building a regional network for disaster management", said Amb. Kazuo Sunaga, Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN after congratulating this year’s graduates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Usec. Ricardo Jalad said that “it is our privilege to be part of this very significant activity of the AHA Centre: The ACE Programme Graduation.” He encouraged the ACE programme graduates to “let your ACE training be the element that will toughen your resolve to not only become excellent disaster management professionals but become more compassionate brethren to the nations who may have fallen into difficult times brought about by hazards and disasters.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This project is supported by the Governments of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, The United States of America and various United Nations and international humanitarian agencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">ACE Programme Batch 2016 is composed of 16 disaster management professionals, with two (2) hailing from each of the eight (8) ASEAN member-states namely: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.</span></div>
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Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Co-Hosts ASEAN Disaster Management Professionals Graduation

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Co-Hosts ASEAN Disaster Management Professionals Graduation

The Ace Programme is a 6-month training course which aims to provide on-the-job training for disaster management professionals from national disaster management agencies (NDMOs) of ASEAN member-states. Included in the comprehensive courses of the pr…

GooZam: Android App for Emergencies and Disasters

September 06, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster hit countries in the world owing to its geographical location. It is visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year and that is why it is prone to floods, landslides, storm surges and other weather related calamities and disasters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines was hit by the strongest typhoon on record, “Haiyan” or locally known as Yolanda which resulted in thousands of deaths, billions in US Dollars worth of damages to infrastructure and agriculture and has left millions homeless. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition, the Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire where volcanic and seismic activities are the norm rather than the exception. Being earthquake prone, this country has the natural hazards of landslides, soil liquefaction and tsunamis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices have been set up all over the countries local government units as part of RA 10210. But each LGU has to formulate its own DRRM Manual specifically designed for local conditions. Part of these are protocols governing response in times of disasters and emergencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A new development as per experiences in LGU DRRM is response to local emergencies that mainly covers health and peace and order. The response time is critical for such emergencies and communications is critical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It would be logical that such communications be simple and widely deliverable to most members of the community and the stakeholders. The prevailing widespread use of smartphones and utilitarian apps will then come into play in filling the gaps in conventional communications.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The GooZam App</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•Each year, 170,000 Filipinos die from cardiovascular diseases, up from 85,000 more than 20 years ago, according to a 2009 study by the Department of Health. That’s a mortality rate way more than those caused by typhoons that hit the country every year. Yet, like a thief in the night, cardiovascular disease quietly sneaks into our homes and hospital beds, snuffing the life out of 19 Filipinos each hour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are the deaths that do not make headlines, but diseases of the heart and the vascular system have remained the top two causes of death in the country since 1993. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/178609/cardiovascular-disease-is-still-the-countrys-top-killer#ixzz4BEe5NIaP. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Accessed June 11, 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• According to the latest WHO data published in May 2014 Road Traffic Accidents Deaths in Philippines reached 9,758 or 1.87% of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate is 11.56 per 100,000 of population ranks Philippines #123 in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/philippines-road-traffic-accidents. Access June 11, 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• For many Americans, the ability to call 911 is the primary reason they own a cell phone. Layton, Julia. “How 9-1-1 Works.” How Stuff Works. 2014. Accessed: June 11, 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• Over 240 million calls are made to 911 in the U.S. each year. https://www.nena.org/?page=911Statistics </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• Over 70% of 911 calls in the United States are placed from wireless phones, and the rate is increasing. https://www.nena.org/?page=911Statistics </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">• An emergency is a life-threatening situation, where every second counts, such as a heart attack, uncontrolled asthma attack, childbirth in progress, any event involving large amounts of blood, uncontrolled fire, a life-threatening event, such as a knife fight, an armed robbery in progress, or a serious car accident (not a fender bender).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) report 15%–20% of incoming 911 calls are non-emergencies. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/911-wireless-services </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GooZam sees a need and solution </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GooZam believes that many of the deaths or severe impairments caused by life-threatening events, can still be mitigated and that survivability could be that extra few minutes of CPR until the ambulance or emergency transport arrives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In today’s age where everything is uberized, on demand and based on nearest location GooZam has envisioned a solution that pretty much determines whether you make it or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the GooZam Organization, the maker of the GooZam App, the potential distressed person’s best scenario for rescue is through a multi-channel and redundant App that can rapidly hail skilled onsite rescue in tandem of making that conventional 911 call. While 911 or like services are making their way, a Physician, Nurse, or off-duty EMT or firefighter might reach you for intervention. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The GooZam Organization envisions that developing Good Samaritans through the GooZam philosophy of GeoVolunteering and CPR/First-Aid training in tandem of equipping them with the GooZam App, with the cloud based system infrastructure, is an ideal solution for emergent situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">GeoVolunteering </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The coined term “GeoVolunteer” is the life of the app. The term Geo refers to geographical location. This means that the nearest volunteer to the distressed can respond at the soonest time possible; minutes before any of the proper authorities arrive. In any emergency situation each second between the arrival of the police or an ambulance can be the definition of whether a victim survives or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">GooZam’s solution is built on providing the app and an on-premise GooZam GeoVolunteer to increase a person’s optimal survival scenario. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Challenge Ahead In today’s scenario of a globalized setting, massive migrations, Earthquakes, Tsunami, Calamities, Storms, Floods, and Terrorism in diverse places, in addition to a country’s local needs, applying centralized robust first response has greatly and overwhelmingly risen beyond today’s conventional capacity. The GooZam Organization sees this challenge and revolves around the concept attempting to rapidly scale the GooZam GeoVolunteering philosophy and method. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About the app and functionality </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pressing any of the six distress buttons does 6 actions, simultaneously; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Dials, auto-activates speakers for hands-free emergencies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. SMS Emergency Contacts with the distressed locations, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Hails a GeoVolunteer within proximity, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Shoots an email to the insurance carrier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Using data, updates an emergency management web portal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. If enabled posts the configured emergency message onto your Facebook Timeline and sends it to your chosen emergency Messenger contacts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In pre-GooZam App days, if a (Distressed) person had an emergent situation, he or she was limited to conventional calls or SMS or mobile apps that are not multi-channel messaging capable for redundancy and geo-context optimized to get help. We (The Goozam Organization) provide a solution for any distressed person to dial central 911 or like services, SMS those on their Emergency Contact list, and send notification to different registered volunteers/agencies for emergency rescue during a distressed circumstance through the single push of a button. The app has a server component that allows utility for first response and volunteer organizations to manage their service activities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goozam provides an intellectual messaging and geo-context logistical solution in a mobile application (In Android for now) that interacts with the GooZam server. A user must register on the app to facilitate use of its functionalities. After successfully registering, through a single push of a button, the app will make a call to 911 or to any configured emergency number, SMS to those on their “Emergency Contacts”, send notification to registered volunteers, and initiate dialogue with the support services. Most settings are configurable by accessing the app menu.     </span></div>
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GooZam: Android App for Emergencies and Disasters

Accidents Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Technology GooZam: Android App for Emergencies and Disasters

The Philippines is one of the most disaster hit countries in the world owing to its geographical location. It is visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year and that is why it is prone to floods, landslides, storm surges and other weather related ca…

What to do when caught in a terrorist bombing.

September 05, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixdNzAuyDkr89a7d3Ls9YBtO5eIslyJ2GAG3RePtsgqm8Q0ukCSzqfjja_yf0q6yjHZigJzd9vQ7UNZsiCxyGJ3PpWgQhLHjv25YVC9nyx1xLzH-L02kqfejf7_HcwVcUMCRSfsY7qwY/s1600/Davao+Night+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixdNzAuyDkr89a7d3Ls9YBtO5eIslyJ2GAG3RePtsgqm8Q0ukCSzqfjja_yf0q6yjHZigJzd9vQ7UNZsiCxyGJ3PpWgQhLHjv25YVC9nyx1xLzH-L02kqfejf7_HcwVcUMCRSfsY7qwY/s400/Davao+Night+Market.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has been the story of recent times. Terrorist acts such as shootings and bombings. Although such has been the norm since 1948 in Israel during the King David Hotel car-bombing perpetrated by the jewish terrorist groups like the Irgun and its more radical version, the Stern Gang, terrorist shootings and bombings have continued and evolved in method and manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the 1970s, hijackings by the Al Fatah group for an independent Palestine reaching its summit during the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre of Israeli athletes. Other cases of terrorism has been happening since those times. The Twin Towers attack was one of the worst terrorist acts in history and the massacres ranging from Russia to Bali, Indonesia is building to a deafening crescendo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The September 2, 2016 bombing at the Davao City Night Market brings these issues closer to home. Although the Philippines is no stranger to terror acts, it is prudent that Filipinos be informed on what to do in cases of such acts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What to do in case of a bombing event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Leave the area immediately</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid crowds. Large crowds can be the target of a secondary attack</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid unattended cars and trucks. These vehicles may contain explosives</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stay away from damaged buildings. Debris may fall from such structures. Keep a distance of at least 500 meters away from ground zero of a terrorist strike</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow instructions from police, military, EMS, fire services and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management personnel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Report any incident by calling 9-1-1 from a safe area when police and other essential services have not yet arrived on the scene. Specify exact location and manner of emergency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assist those who are casualties of the act if training has been undertaken on Basic Life Support. If not trained, then leave the area immediately. Do not try to manage the situation alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Share this information to help spread awareness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never forget to pray</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Given the exigencies of our times, it is better to be prepared for any eventuality.</span></div>
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What to do when caught in a terrorist bombing.

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training What to do when caught in a terrorist bombing.

It has been the story of recent times. Terrorist acts such as shootings and bombings. Although such has been the norm since 1948 in Israel during the King David Hotel car-bombing perpetrated by the jewish terrorist groups like the Irgun and its more…

Pasig City Conducts Crash Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Training

September 03, 2016 Tech Reporter 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City recently conducted a successful CVERT ( Crash Vehicle 
Extrication and Rescue Training ) at its Rescue Emergency Disaster Training Center.  With the growing number of vehicles in Metro Manila, accidents are also on the rise not due to the volume of cars but because of the volume of careless drivers.  This effort by Pasig City should be emulated by other Metro Manila cities.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
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Pasig City Conducts Crash Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Training

Accidents Civilian Crisis Management Motor Vehicle Rescue Rescue Training Values and Governance Pasig City Conducts Crash Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Training

Pasig City recently conducted a successful CVERT ( Crash Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Training ) at its Rescue Emergency Disaster Training Center. With the growing number of vehicles in Metro Manila, accidents are also on the rise not due to the…