RESCUE. COM. PH Year Ender: 2016. The Flowering of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ver71NiPGP3CXxx2RnbtS3NcLFONZ9hadzeuhoJu5pp1wqi_BRmgcZ75TTmhemLkoFZTApJwArOOwhT_tE6NaVpZnTkNNw082A3FQ-56Iyd981Zqwk4n_Jaj-cs2PCeN8LTxwFsanRg/s1600/drrmgf.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ver71NiPGP3CXxx2RnbtS3NcLFONZ9hadzeuhoJu5pp1wqi_BRmgcZ75TTmhemLkoFZTApJwArOOwhT_tE6NaVpZnTkNNw082A3FQ-56Iyd981Zqwk4n_Jaj-cs2PCeN8LTxwFsanRg/s400/drrmgf.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The history of Philippine disasters and calamities dates all the way back 1610 with the records to be found in the Manila Observatory. There can be found narratives of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods and other natural disasters. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Inspite of such existing records, Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) policies continued to lag behind what was basically necessary and failed to adapt to the dynamics of global climate change. Prior to Yolanda, there was Yoling in 1971 and before Ondoy there was the 40 days of continuous rains in 1970.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Television footage of the 1970 flood in Central Luzon showed a helicopter with the First Lady Imelda Marcos aboard throwing plastic bags of bread on the citizens stranded on the roofs of their houses and other buildings. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For decades, scenes of evacuees inside schools and covered basketball courts were the only known response to disaster after disaster. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rescue operations were haphazard at best wherein the only organized attempts were made by members of the AFP. Another TV news footage showed then Pampanga Governor Lito Lapid asking that a rope be tied around his waist while attempting to traverse a raging flood of lahar to reach a stranded family in the middle of the river.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Cities and municipalities depended on political leaders to lead rescue operations and relief campaigns with unequal resources and spotty reporting of casualties and damages. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippine DRRM system was a picture of organized chaos and the same can be expected annually since the thought was that since it was natural disasters then none can be done about it. And yet, annually, the death toll and economic losses continued to mount.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Although there was the National Disaster Coordinating Council established several decades later, its orientation was always based on reaction after a disaster. Mostly, it consisted of sending relief goods for a limited period of time.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There was no preparation, risk reduction, rehabilitation and management.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">After TS Ondoy in September 2009, the RA 10120 was enacted. It aimed to give comprehensive policies with regards to DRRM but most importantly, it went down to the barangay level. Taking into account the 2004 Asian Tsunami experience and Ondoy’s lessons, RA 10121 attempted to be as comprehensive as it can be. Of course, organizing on paper is very different from organizing on the ground. It took years for RA 10121 to gain its roots by numerous seminars, trainings, equipment acquisitions an drills.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It was put to a test in 2013 during Yolanda. It failed. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">What was evident was that the information dissemination was not cascaded down to the grassroots level where it was sorely needed. DRRM is a shared responsibility by government, private and the communities. They are all stakeholders with regards to DRRM.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The lesson was painful and more efforts were made to rectify the errors and shortcomings.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In 2016, it was the year of El Nino. Erratic weather was expected. Planning continued and preparations were made way before the rainy season. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2 strong typhoons were experienced one after the other. Karen and Lawin were strong typhoons almost equivalent to Yolanda. The difference was that the lessons were learned and adjustments were made. Pre-emptive evacuation and the cooperation of the citizenry made the casualty count much lower than what was experienced before.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Finally, we have learned.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">RESCUE.COM.PH conveys it best wishes to all this coming 2017!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%208967255653365924640&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID=%208967255653365924640&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Emergency Rescue Training Values and Governance RESCUE. COM. PH Year Ender: 2016. The Flowering of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

The history of Philippine disasters and calamities dates all the way back 1610 with the records to be found in the Manila Observatory. ...

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Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32p3OOK3LCDm-JUtUBdYKT_YWWWVnaJxI5Hb7NbcyKWpPA4zEyyUKfFs_7D9_C-b8-2Xapaop4dK74xJbRopUpP-BiRPHDFASNwsTCLl03oprTKFFztMM64BwYSJq9RCrw5Ci5waaL9k/s1600/dickens-christmas-walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32p3OOK3LCDm-JUtUBdYKT_YWWWVnaJxI5Hb7NbcyKWpPA4zEyyUKfFs_7D9_C-b8-2Xapaop4dK74xJbRopUpP-BiRPHDFASNwsTCLl03oprTKFFztMM64BwYSJq9RCrw5Ci5waaL9k/s400/dickens-christmas-walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is during this time of the year that we all get to take a break. We tend to relax more and enjoy the conviviality with fellow workers, community members, our church congregation, friends and most of all our families.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is only natural that we are busy in a different way  and we let our hair down and also our guard down. But this is the season to enjoy and go back to the message of hope given by Christmas and look forward to a New Year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amidst these celebrations, let us still be reminded of our safety and those of others. Here is RESCUE.COM.PH’s Christmas and New Year Safety Tips.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas Decorations and Christmas Lights</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Christmas will not be complete with decorations and lights. It is part of tradition and gives a joyful atmosphere at home and in places of work. Just remember these safety reminders.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always buy Christmas Lights from reputable stores and shops. Make sure that these lights have the ICC Stamp on their boxes and containers. Check out the wires, if these are too thin, then these are substandard. Do not buy them. They are a fire hazard.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy Christmas decorations that do not shatter when dropped. These pose a hazard to all including pets.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christmas decorations must be chosen not to contain lead in their paint or its composition. Lead can lead to poisoning when touched, and/or ingested by children and pets.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure that the connections for the Christmas Lights have their own independent outlets or sockets. Do not use “Octopus” connections when powering your Christmas lights. These are fire hazards.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Before installing the lights, plug them in and observe for any warping, unnecessary heat, smell or smoke. If any of these are observed, then dispose of the lights. Test each set of lights that will be installed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never leave Christmas Lights on overnight. These might be subject to overheating and is a fire hazard.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never let children and pets have access to the lights.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">II.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cooking </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Christmas is associated with a family feast and dishes that will be given to the guests that arrive. A lot of preparation is needed aside from the actual cooking. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy only from reputable stores and make sure that all ingredients are fresh when bought fom the wet market.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Make sure that all cooking utensils (knives, spatulas, cutting board, etc.) are clean. Always clean them before and after cooking preparations.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For those who use LPG stoves, make sure that the LPG tank has no leaks. These can be verified by putting soapy water on the joints or nozzles that cannot to the tank. If there are bubbles, turn off the valve and acquire a new one. Also check the gas hoses leading to the stove.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure that children and pets are kept away from open flame at all times when cooking.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In cases of cooking oil flaming, always keep a wet rag beside the cooking area to put out the flames. Do not use water since it will only spread the flame.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Turn off the main valve of the LPG tank after each cooking.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep sharp utensils away from pets and children.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make sure food containers and trays have been washed prior to putting cooked food.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Food that have not been consumed and are still in plates must be discarded.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Refrigerate immediately all food in cooking containers when not consumed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In case of food poisoning or any symptoms (vomiting, loose bowel movement) immediately bring to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">III.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fire Crackers</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Filipino culture always has been identified with using firecrackers during New Year celebrations. RESCUE.COM.PH strongly discourages the use of firecrackers even by adults. The risks are simply too high. But here are safety reminders for those who wish to celebrate using firecrackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy firecrackers only from shops and stores that have certificates of compliance from authorities.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Do not buy fire crackers that have strong exploding actions (Bawang, Super Lolo, Pla pla, Goodbye Bakla, Goodbye Philippines, etc.). These are illegal and are considered explosive devices.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never allow children to use fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use hand directly when lighting up a fire cracker fuse. Use a stick to light up all fuses.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Unexploded fire crackers should immediately be doused with water.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Point rockets upward when using them.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers when under the influence of alcohol.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Always have water available in dousing fire crackers that have gone awry.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Have the contact numbers of the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection handy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">11.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In cases of fire cracker burns, douse with cold water and then go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">12.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not eat food after handling fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">13.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do not use fire crackers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">RESCUE.COM.PH sends its warmest greetings and wishes everybody a Safe Merry Christmas and a Safe Happy New Year!</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7582676702023348972&target=facebook" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9D-FSm0nKiyuTlyRpu0R4Zhxr1_BNi6bSUbUybb1vB5hfZLL7U3n3zXPJ6gzMa_TRViO3Csb0a_R4lJD_vsp_1LOH4DTT3_NXIvhBfa8Tw5cHwXr3dbq4jXcjU8rdft9EG_HuDNgBK8/s1600/sharefb185.png" /></a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/share-post.g?blogID=7740731512343197842&postID= 7582676702023348972&target=twitter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgRh49Ak1XO90FTppe5zEebPxluKZmn2rMqXCtALYGHEhX3Zu3CXOnMOSKGQxC7lj65fNzRY533oW_XkqWcZDZ29C6byBHUoD5ydkuypDYgADfakKZ-_I3cmZa5MtMWhF0SCIJ8B406Q/s1600/sharetw185.png" /></a></div>

Accidents Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

It is during this time of the year that we all get to take a break. We tend to relax more and enjoy the conviviality with fellow work...

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