RESCUE.COM.PH: Technology

Disaster Displacement Awareness Spearheaded by the Philippines

March 13, 2018 The Mail Man 0

Disaster Displacement Awareness Spearheaded by the Philippines

Disaster Awareness an Preparedness The Philippines is one disaster-prone countries in the world. Owing to its geographical position, it...

ASEAN LIDAR Training on DRRM

October 25, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The use of LIDAR (Light Imaging, Detection And Ranging) in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is one of the steps in preparing for natural and man-made disasters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">LIDAR training was given to 17 representatives from ASEAN or the Association of South East Asian Nations. The ASEAN nations are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">17 representatives from ASEAN completed the Training on LIDAR Application for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for the ASEAN Region. The training was conducted at the National Engineering Center at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The training was initiated and facilitated by the PHIL-LIDAR Program to increase the capacity of the ASEAN member states in the area of space technology and geoinformatics applications.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Application for LIDAR in DRRM consists of an accurate map of Hazard Areas and creation of the Hazard Maps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The participants were from Cambodia with 5 participants, Laos with 2 participants, 2 from Singapore, 2 from the Philippines and three from Vietnam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The participants were grouped based on the track of the training that they wanted to pursue. PHIL-LIDAR 1 Track focused on the use of LIDAR technology for disaster risk reduction while PHIL-LIDAR 2 Track focused on the use of LIDAR technology for natural resources management.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The participants acquired skills in the use of LIDAR data for disaster planning, community resilience, and flood risk assessment and the use of LIDAR technology for mapping and inventory of natural resources. The participants presented their final map outputs and analysis during the culminating activity.</span><br />
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Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Technology ASEAN LIDAR Training on DRRM

The use of LIDAR (Light Imaging, Detection And Ranging) in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is one of the steps in preparin...

Compact Weather Stations

July 26, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. An average of 20 tropical cyclones affects the country annually. This is why there is RA 10121 that is also known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was borne out of the devastation wreaked by TS Ondoy in 2009. This Act reorganizes the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policies and Procedures of the country when it comes to natural and man-made calamities and disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In line with this policy, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management has been cascaded to the basic level of the Local Government Units (LGUs) that will be the first responders in the event of disasters and calamities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Currently, the LGUs depend on the national government such as agencies like PAGASA in obtaining weather information that will enable them to prepare in the event of weather related emergencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These LGUs can also enhance their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management capacities with new technology that enables them to quickly prepare and respond to the exigencies of the moment. Currently, there are LGUs that have their own compact weather stations and also their own seismographic monitoring stations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the National Science and Technology Week held last July 11 – 15, 2017, an exhibitor presented its own compact weather station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MaxiMet is an advanced compact weather station designed and manufactured by Gill Instruments using proven technology to measure meteorological and environmental parameters to international standards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MaxiMet incorporates all the measurement parameters that meet the requirements of users in demanding applications where cost, quality, and performance are essential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With features such as the wind, precipitation, solar radiation, temperature, humidity, pressure, low power ‘Eco Mode’, GPS, compass and many more, MaxiMet is unique in its ability to provide the widest number of measurements and output protocol options which makes it easy to install, easy to use and with zero maintenance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maximet can also be used for agricultural purposes, events management and even in-house environmental requirements for buildings and complexes.</span></div>
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Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology Weather Compact Weather Stations

The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. An average of 20 tropical cyclones affects the country annu...

PH Red Cross to launch app Soon!

July 12, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The International Federation of the Red Cross has launched a mobile app that will be of great help in addressing natural and man-made disasters in the Philippines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Virtual Volunteer is an app that helps refugees that give access to medical, psychological and legal support of Internally Displace Persons (IDP) and refugees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Against the backdrop of a record 22.5 million refugees and IDPs in the world, Virtual Volunteer can be of great help to these people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, it was already launched during the World Refugee Day. "People moving are often caught in a fog of poor information," said Jagan Chapagain, head of programs and operations at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"They don't always know what services are available to them. This is a tool that will help give them a clearer view so that they can make informed decisions," he said in a statement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using a smartphone with the app, Virtual Volunteer enables users to access a map with information on available shelters, food banks, WASH Facilities, clothes distribution centers, maternal health centers, language schools, free legal assistance, and dentists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It also provides information to refugees and IDPs on how best to protect against human traffickers. Virtual Volunteer also provides information on tracking of the whereabouts of family members displaced by disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The app was developed by the Red Cross and IBM and is already operational in Greece and Sweden and currently has 30,000 users.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Information saves lives. Ensuring that people can access unbiased, factual information has a big impact," Italian Red Cross President Francesco Rocca said in a statement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aside from smartphones, Virtual Volunteer is also accessible via its website that features information in multiple languages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The planned expansion of the app includes the Philippines and Africa.</span></div>
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Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology PH Red Cross to launch app Soon!

The International Federation of the Red Cross has launched a mobile app that will be of great help in addressing natural and man-made...

Diwata – 1 to Monitor Extreme Weather

June 28, 2017 The Mail Man 0

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology Weather Diwata – 1 to Monitor Extreme Weather

Diwata - 1 Microsattelite Diwata – 1, the first Filipino micro-satellite will be tasked to gather and monitor information about extre...

Resilience Institute launched in UP

June 27, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UP RI  Launch Keynote Speaker Se. Loren Legarda</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Climate Change is a reality and the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries with regards to natural disasters that has even gone worse because of climate change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The country needs to address the causes of climate change but also must prepare and create more disaster resilient structures and  communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Acknowledging that disaster and climate change resilience does not only involve science and technology with regards to mitigation, an institute that will incorporate all factors was launched at the University of the Philippines (UP).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“The institute will be an inclusive multi-disciplinary approach by the university system to produce effective and efficient capacity building programs which are essential in forming sustainable development plans that will benefit all Filipinos, especially the poor and other marginalized sectors,” stated RI Executive Director Mahar Lagmay             </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“The UP RI believes that the long-term solution to our country’s disaster problems will be best achieved through the collaborative competent contributions of not only science and technology, but arts and humanities as well,” Lagmay further added.              </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The multidisciplinary approach will involve anthropologists, psychologists, sociologists and information officers that will bring these together with science and technology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The RI’s role will be to develop blueprints for local government units (LGUs) since these are on the frontlines not only in disaster response but also risk reduction and management. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">RI will coordinate with the now UP based National Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center.   </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">NOAH Center will then continue its role to disseminate comprehensible reports with regards to community resilience and preparations to the 144 cities and 1,490 municipalities that comprise the LGUs in the country. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This will build their capacity to further improve the contingency plans for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in their own localities.</span></div>
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Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Technology Values and Governance Weather Resilience Institute launched in UP

UP RI Launch Keynote Speaker Se. Loren Legarda Climate Change is a reality and the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable count...

Pasig City CDRRMO: Alert and Ready

May 11, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">The Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and management Office (PCDRRMO) has recently operationalized its Unmanned Firefighting Vehicle (UFM). This is but only 1 of the efforts being undertaken by the city government of Pasig.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City is part of the catch basin between the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Manila. Together with Cainta, Pateros, Taguig and Marikina, Pasig city is prone to flooding annually because of water cascading down from the mountains of Montalban.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the floods caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy, Pasig City was greatly affected and thousands of its residents had to evacuate. This brought home hard lessons learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through the impetus of Mayor Robert Eusebio, Pasig City built up the capacity of its PCDRRM by training its personnel, clearing up waterways and drainages, investing in equipment and infrastructure. This was implemented by PCDRRMO Head Ritchi C. Angeles</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those of note are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A City Command Center (C3) that serves as an operations center that monitors disasters, emergencies and even crime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Training of personnel in Incidence Command System (ICS) and rescue operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pumping Stations. During Ondoy in 2009, Pasig City had only 2 pumping stations. Now it has 23.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Communications. Pasig City has an emergency communication system that will function even when all telcos are down due to disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Equipment acquired include aerial ladder, communications van, amphibious vehicle with jetski, a fireboat, 40 footer mobile kitchen, firetruck with hydraulic platform, mobile command post, mobile shower trailer and other equipment needed for rescue and relief operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig is also vulnerable to earthquakes since the West valley fault traverses the city. The objective of the city and its PDRRMO is to be the best prepared city in the country when it comes to disasters and emergencies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has been awarded by the Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as Best Government Emergency Response Managers in 2012, and Best City Disaster Council in 2013 – 2016.</span></div>
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Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Technology Values and Governance Pasig City CDRRMO: Alert and Ready

The Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and management Office (PCDRRMO) has recently operationalized its Unmanned Firefighting Vehicle...

Unmanned Firefighting Machine

May 11, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoma7CGYoVqliEHqyGY6TjBC2_zRclzJCEU9MNo-DAIZqKR2bYHERbK1CA9v-gYCjLBfzzLsFBItX2kJMUkJ25KlGDDhwO8BwBQoML5UmwtEXd6d10UMRqVrODbohIYqv7nW9dwpzEc1k/s1600/Water+Robot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoma7CGYoVqliEHqyGY6TjBC2_zRclzJCEU9MNo-DAIZqKR2bYHERbK1CA9v-gYCjLBfzzLsFBItX2kJMUkJ25KlGDDhwO8BwBQoML5UmwtEXd6d10UMRqVrODbohIYqv7nW9dwpzEc1k/s400/Water+Robot+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The UFM being demonstrated in front of Pasig City hall</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has the distinction of acquiring and operating the first Unmanned Firefighting Machine (UFM) in the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UFM was officially operationalized last April 24, 2017 by no less than Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio. The Php19.0 million UFM was acquired by the city to boost its capability in firefighting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UFM is suited for dealing with industrial, factory, warehouse and building fires. It is also able to penetrate residential areas where the passages are too narrow for conventional fire engines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This will address the gap in the capabilities in managing ad fighting fires in Pasig City and also of other Local Government Units that need such assistance. Firefighters are also subject to extremes of temperature when fighting large and enclosed fires. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UFM is a tracked machine that can be remotely piloted to enter the sites of fires in confined areas. It has a capacity of pumping 2,500 liters of water a minute. It is connected to a tanker truck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UFM can also blow air so as to clear smoke and other toxic fumes to enable firefighters and rescuers to enter confined buildings and structures during operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Tamang-tama na merong unmanned vehicle katulad ng ganito para kahit papaano sa mga maliliit na eskinita, madali namin maipapasok, maisusupo ang sunog,” Mayor Eusebio stated. (It’s the right time for us to have an unmanned vehicle like this so that it’s easy to enter narrow streets and quench fires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PCDRRMO) Chief Ritchie Van Angeles, this will allow firefighters and rescuers to operate in an environment where the danger to them is minimized if not thoroughly mitigated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Isang malaking bagay kung may ganitong equipment para rin makatulong ng mas mabilis, at tas ligtas din sa firefighter habang nagpi-penetrate sa mga sunog,” PCDRRMO Chief Angeles said. (It’s a big thing if you have this kind of equipment to help in a faster and safer way for the firefighter when penetrating through fires.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UFM was acquired last October 2016 from German company LUF. The first operation the UFM was deplayed was during the fire in Trinoma Mall last March 14, 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is part of Pasig City’s capacity building programs in line with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).</span></div>
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Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology Unmanned Firefighting Machine

The UFM being demonstrated in front of Pasig City hall Pasig City has the distinction of acquiring and operating the first Unmanned...

Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the disasters

April 20, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metro Manila: Bracing for The Big One</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the disasters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BY ARCHITECT FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE Philippines is an earthquake-prone country, with trenches on both its eastern and western portions (except the island of Palawan), as well as active fault lines throughout Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. In this regard, it is best to be aware of our situation and take the necessary steps to be properly equipped. I believe that addressing hazards is 90 percent cheaper than rebuilding from disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last 29 March, 2017, I had the opportunity to speak to students in Metro Manila on earthquake preparedness together with Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. It was also a good opportunity to learn from him and bust some earthquake myths. For example, it is more ideal to get out of the building after an earthquake than go up the rooftop. This is not just because a damaged building could collapse, but also to ensure safety from one of the consequences of an earthquake, which is fire. He also emphasized that there is no such thing as an earthquake-proof structure, only earthquake-resistant ones. This means that a building’s structural integrity should remain to be unimpaired after an earthquake, even if superficial cracks may appear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Urban planning, architecture and engineering</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adding to the important points of Undersecretary Solidum, there are also urban planning, architecture, and engineering interventions that may be applied towards earthquake preparedness. In terms of urban planning, I highly recommend the development of urban growth centers outside of Metro Manila, as well as relocate government centers and embassies outside of it. This could effectively decongest the megalopolis and ensure that the economy will not be as gravely affected should a disaster hit Metro Manila. Currently about 37 percent of the national economy is contributed by Metro Manila.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As country leader and fellow of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), I was invited to Mumbaito learn and brainstorm on the Indian government’s plan to remake part of the city which is vulnerable to disasters. One of the recommendations is to demolish around 32,000 buildings which were found to be old and prone to hazards already. I believe that conducting a structural audit of all buildings in our cities would be a good first step towards getting ready before hazards become actual disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Undersecretary Solidum also said that although Palawan is safe from the shaking during an earthquake, it is not completely invulnerable to tsunami. In the planning of San Vicente in Palawan, Palafox Associates recommended to have a setback of 50 meters from the shoreline and to build habitable spaces above five meters, as precaution against tsunami or storm surges. In addition, Undersecretary Solidum also explained that the development of tall buildings along the coast of Manila Bay could be beneficial because they create a roughness along the coastline that can break up tsunami waves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another important component for planning our cities to be prepared for disasters is to create enough open space for evacuation. The international standard suggests that there should be at least one square meter of open space per person for evacuation. Unfortunately, open spaces in our cities are gradually being developed for profit. An ideal evacuation area should have emergency clinics, water stations, food stations, shelters, telecommunication and command centers, fire trucks, police, ambulance, helipad, and places for worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Learning from MMEIRS study</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study, around 170,000 residential houses will be heavily damaged or collapsed (13 percent of total buildings), 340,000 will be moderately damaged (26 percent of total buildings) and 10,000 alongside of Manila Bay will be affected by liquefaction in the first hour of impact by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. It also stated that only 2 percent of high-rise buildings (30-60 stories) will be severely damaged. This is because there are many studies and professionals involved in the planning, design, and construction of tall buildings, compared to low and mid-rise structures. For example, the first five towers in Rockwell Center, Makati underwent performance-based standards borrowed from California, Japan and Chile. These buildings are also 30 meters apart, although our building code allows a distance of one meter between buildings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In working with the Tzu Chi Foundation to help survivors of natural disasters, Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture Group are able to plan and design schools and a hospital that could withstand an intensity 10 earthquake. Most recently, in Nepal after the earthquake, Master Cheng Yen instructed us to design the structures to last 1,000 years. That is equivalent to 40 generations of users. Some people are already skeptical when I talk about a 100-year vision, which involves only four generations. I believe it can be done if there is structural audit conducted every 75 years and electrical audit every 25 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While a strong political will and visionary leadership can help enforce good planning and design, each citizen’s awareness and preparedness is also necessary to ensure fewer casualties from disasters. Equip yourselves with timely information and participate in emergency training or drills. As an extra preparation, like in our offices at Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture, all of our employees are equipped with emergency kits that have a whistle, flashlight, bottle of water, compass, first aid kit, and multi-function portable tools. But at the end of the day, these are things that we hope will not be necessary because preparation goes beyond first-aid reactionary measures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: <a href="http://www.manilatimes.net/earthquake-preparedness-addressing-hazards-disasters/323076/">http://www.manilatimes.net/earthquake-preparedness-addressing-hazards-disasters/323076/</a></span></div>
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Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Technology Values and Governance Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the disasters

Metro Manila: Bracing for The Big One Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the disasters BY ARCHITECT FELINO A. PAL...

UP takes over Project NOAH

April 08, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the anchors of the country’s disaster risk reduction and management (drrmo) is Project NOAH. Learning the lessons brought about by Storm Ondoy in 2009, there was a need for a more accurate forecast of the weather. It was no longer enough to be able to measure the strength of the wind as before. It became imperative that a better and more accurate method of not only gauging the winds but also for predicting the amount of rain that will occur within a specific time period and the exact place where the rain is expected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) was a project composed of 20 disaster science research and development projects, and maps and forecasts floods, storm surges, landslides, and other natural hazards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was launched in 2012 and was immediately used by local drrms in their disaster preparations and readiness. In fact, Project NOAH became the basis for mobilization of responders and those involved in rescue, recovery and rehabilitation operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Project NOAH was supposed to last from 2012 to 2015 only but was extended up to February 2017. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) discontinued it citing it was only a “Project”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sectors in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management community decried the discontinuation of the project and cited the lives Project NOAH has saved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Weather Bureau PAGASA was supposed to continue  the project but instead decided to pass it on to the University of the Philippines (UP).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Just like our previous blog site, our goal is to provide our end-users with the news, announcements, and latest developments of NOAH,” project personnel said on the NOAH Facebook page. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UP NOAH Center will continue to provide information, reports, models and applications that have been found useful in DRRM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The new UP NOAH Center page have a mobile-adaptive interface that will enable viewers to utilize NOAH in smart phones, tablets and laptops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">UP NOAH Center will continue to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Office of Civil Defence and the Climate Change Commission. </span></div>
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Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Technology Weather UP takes over Project NOAH

One of the anchors of the country’s disaster risk reduction and management (drrmo) is Project NOAH. Learning the lessons brought about ...

Corruption kills

February 16, 2017 The Mail Man 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu3Ov4m1mDeBEUasI4uPjnRFybI2MFKDSXDSwmYiWEXsLrP4PzaGdwyEGCJS4A-xcxO2z0fQrE2puemoPJ75sJFaNnSqJYYx3-PoC34qdCt1F6_ocFgwtQ6wLgf3yp9SzDMYfyTGFoX4/s1600/West+Valley+Fault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu3Ov4m1mDeBEUasI4uPjnRFybI2MFKDSXDSwmYiWEXsLrP4PzaGdwyEGCJS4A-xcxO2z0fQrE2puemoPJ75sJFaNnSqJYYx3-PoC34qdCt1F6_ocFgwtQ6wLgf3yp9SzDMYfyTGFoX4/s400/West+Valley+Fault.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Valley Fault</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Corruption kills</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By: Architect Felino A. Palafox</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preparing for earthquakes should go beyond first aid preparation. Most of the time schools, companies and government offices equip employees, workers, and students the basic knowledge of stop, drop, cover, hold, and then evacuate to open spaces, as protocols in the event of an earthquake. As an extra preparation, like in our offices at Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture, all of our employees are equipped with emergency kits that have a whistle, flashlight, bottle of water, compass, first aid kit, and multi-function portable tools. Identified members of the company are trained to do first aid, rappelling, and coordination for emergencies. But at the end of the day, these are things that we hope will not be necessary because preparation goes beyond first-aid reactionary measures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the Building Code and in the Structural Code (written in the 1970s), the liability of an architect and an engineer is only 25 years, and buildings are required to withstand at least an intensity 7 to 8 earthquake. In essence, the building code suggests that the life span and accountability of the building and other structures are only 25 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But a question hangs over our heads: after 25 years who will be made accountable if proven that the design and the materials used for the structure was sub-standard? Even if it is in the interest of a client to reduce costs, are developers, contractors, and designers allowed to lower down specifications? The local government is mandated, through the city engineering office, to check and audit structures if certain areas are fit for occupancy; so, in the event of a building collapse, what is the accountability of government officials who signed the occupancy permits?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The earthquake in Surigao is an unfortunate one, but nature should not be used as an excuse for complacency. For the past hundred years, earthquakes have always been a consistent event. There are even departments created to study fault lines to aid zoning and development in certain areas. For the Philippines, as well as Japan and other countries that are in the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes have been part of history. But if we look at Japan, casualty and collapse during earthquakes of high intensities yield relatively low casualties.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, Anna Coren of CNN interviewed me on the possible impact of an earthquake with a similar magnitude should it happen in Metro Manila. I cited a study done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2004 on “Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction,” also known as the MMEIRS study. It assessed and somehow quantified the impact and damage the earthquake will cause. With the West Valley fault ripe for movement, as the PHIVOLCS says, it will be important to look back to the MMEIRS report for guidance. It should also be updated using today’s data to see the extent of the possible consequences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first 72 hours</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to the MMEIRS study, around 170,000 residential houses will be heavily damaged or collapsed (13 percent of total buildings), 340,000 will be moderately damaged (26 percent of total buildings) and 10,000 alongside the Manila Bay will be affected by liquefaction in the first hour of impact by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eleven percent of mid-rise buildings (10 to 30 stories) and 2 percent of high-rise buildings (30 to 60 stories) will be severely damaged or collapsed. Twenty-seven percent of mid-rise and 12 percent of high-rise buildings will be moderately damaged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eight to 10 percent of hospitals, schools, fire stations, police stations and government offices will be heavily damaged or collapsed. Twenty to 25 percent will be moderately damaged. Death tolls in the first hour could reach around 34,000 people and another 20,000 could become casualties in the succeeding hours because of widespread fires and successive tremors that will occur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the event of a “Big One,” rescue activities will be limited. As it is, it takes two hours to travel five kilometers on an average day in Metro Manila but with buildings and electrical posts toppled down, thousands of homes on fire, no water supply and debris, among others, it would take longer for rescuers to reach devastated areas. This is also assuming that our government forces and volunteers are safe and pieces of equipment are intact and operational. According to international assessment, help will come after 72 hours but because of Metro Manila’s urban sprawl and poor urban design, I think we can expect that it will take more time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Immediate action and long-term preparedness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture Group have sent 145 recommendations on disaster preparedness to the Office of the President—from Presidents Arroyo, Aquino, and Duterte. We recommended that we should immediately implement a strict structural audit of buildings that are earthquake- and fire-hazard. Structures weaken over time because of numerous vibrations caused by smaller intensity movements. Houses and buildings that are old as well as houses and buildings that have sub-standard designs should also be checked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The government should most especially retrofit and repair our major bridges, government buildings, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. They also need to dedicate more open spaces for evacuation sites and these sites should have a quick response team that can set up a clinic, clean water station, food quarters, place of worship and mobile communication, among others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are about 44 signatories for government permits before a developer can build. This could be an obstacle course for corruption. Bureaucracy and red tape in securing building permits do not only pain the developer but are also hazardous to the end-users. Quality is sacrificed to offset the cost paid for corruption. Ultimately, corruption kills. It will take visionary leadership and a strong political will from the government to ensure public safety through good planning, good design, and good governance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Source: <a href="http://www.manilatimes.net/corruption-kills/312504/">http://www.manilatimes.net/corruption-kills/312504/</a></span></div>
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Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology Values and Governance Corruption kills

West Valley Fault Corruption kills By: Architect Felino A. Palafox Preparing for earthquakes should go beyond first aid prepa...

The Urgent Need for Infrastructure Audit

February 13, 2017 The Mail Man 0

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqynnyPTqDdNCCZLkZV5MubOHMKs5UxZ7yA8rviqrHTDchaJC7VZ9mn13-Nr3DNB81i6VRPritKAVumycXulHwBhdYTYx9LIOsyKc6Dr1nmNVuiOEyIzFPiq_oCrs4BcmhnqWoVBjMyl0/s1600/Surigao+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqynnyPTqDdNCCZLkZV5MubOHMKs5UxZ7yA8rviqrHTDchaJC7VZ9mn13-Nr3DNB81i6VRPritKAVumycXulHwBhdYTYx9LIOsyKc6Dr1nmNVuiOEyIzFPiq_oCrs4BcmhnqWoVBjMyl0/s400/Surigao+Airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runway of Surigao Airport</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 has brought out the need for Infrastructure Audit of structures all over the country. The earthquake occurred on February 10, 2017 at 10:03 PM. PST. It had a maximum intensity of 7.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The devastation caused by the earthquake resulted in 6 deaths and 120 injured. It destroyed 300 houses and caused 7 bridges to collapse. It affected 11 towns in the province and the airport in Surigao City had to be ordered closed since its runway was damaged by the quake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Footages shown on TV news depicted widespread structural damage not only in public buildings but also privately owned structures such as malls and commercial buildings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It also resulted in widespread power outages and disruption of water supply to the affected Local Government Units.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To be taken of note are the collapsed 7 bridges that isolated several localities. This prevented the rapid response on relief for the affected areas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZY5q2PTfCI7vzo3279bY4eTcXtxnVr3rEHwsJYg_cu2DBzgVPVyPUXQJaZplaZCiVGEYfycFfLUJLkIs8iDVbIn03WqHzHqxdbgKlZtdffkeukzB7tlaxA55CUs9o4aesCwTVhUZnXU/s1600/Surigao+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZY5q2PTfCI7vzo3279bY4eTcXtxnVr3rEHwsJYg_cu2DBzgVPVyPUXQJaZplaZCiVGEYfycFfLUJLkIs8iDVbIn03WqHzHqxdbgKlZtdffkeukzB7tlaxA55CUs9o4aesCwTVhUZnXU/s400/Surigao+Bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Potable water is also one of the most needed by the survivors of the earthquake. Desperate appeals for water was the first to be received both local and national authorities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Government building also sustained damage. The Provincial Government building had to be evacuated and the immediate convening of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had to be undertaken outdoors since the structural integrity of the building had to be ascertained in the event of further aftershocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These effects were already foreseen since 2011 when the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered a nationwide infrastructure audit beginning with government structures. These were then cascaded down all the way to the local level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Results of the infrastructure audit would enable the creation of the Disaster Contingency Plan of every LGU. Also, these would be the basis for needed reinforcing of existing structures identified to be  vulnerable to such earthquake magnitude.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 was preceded by a 6.1 magnitude this year. Also, 7.2 magnitude earthquakes already happened in Surigao in 1879 and 1893.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world since it lies along the typhoon belt of the Pacific and also located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area that is volcanically and seismically active in the world.   </span></div>
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The Urgent Need for Infrastructure Audit

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology Values and Governance The Urgent Need for Infrastructure Audit

Runway of Surigao Airport The Surigao Earthquake of 2017 has brought out the need for Infrastructure Audit of structures all over t...

The Difference during disasters: The Go Bag

October 24, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ8clLudJT0oExpEl2u0_ABimIJBEv-svQWgxSyL6bxQRAhX4aWZlV_gKLpPoKnM3OPCE-btKJmj6sBS9YaJ5x3ftXCR3gYG2ug1yiDgUMt8CuV3DE6_N0HaWWhR0pZ4a_iUuwLhLOII/s1600/Emergency+Go+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ8clLudJT0oExpEl2u0_ABimIJBEv-svQWgxSyL6bxQRAhX4aWZlV_gKLpPoKnM3OPCE-btKJmj6sBS9YaJ5x3ftXCR3gYG2ug1yiDgUMt8CuV3DE6_N0HaWWhR0pZ4a_iUuwLhLOII/s640/Emergency+Go+Bags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Being at the Typhoon Belt it averages 20 storms and typhoons annually. Thus, floods and landslides are to be expected because of its geography and the populations are classically located along the coastlines, waterways, valleys and near mountainous areas. It is not because the people just wanted to live there, it is because their livelihood is dependent on such areas. The country is an archipelago which makes it vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis. The Philippines is also located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically and volcanically active part of the world.  </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As such, multiple hazards resulting from natural and man-made disasters are commonplace in the country. Disaster mitigation and response used to be the only things that can be done. But owing to an increasing population, these disasters  have been multiplied in effect and destructiveness. A new shift to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) have now been implemented and includes a new approach that includes risk reduction and preparedness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the drives in this new approach is that information is cascaded down to the communities and grassroots. In the family setting, each member is told what to do in case of disasters and emergencies. During preparedness and information drives, each community and family are given doables in their preparedness. These are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparing a Go Bag</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Identifying hazard areas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Identifying safe areas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Family rally points</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Community rally points</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Basic Life Support</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scenarios are presented and one of the most important is that during a calamituous event, outside help must not be expected for 5 – 7 days. These information and trainings will enable the population to maintain a minimum level of community and civilization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For each family, a Go Bag is a necessity. The contents of the Go Bag are the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First Aid Kit. These must include fever, diarrhea, disinfectants, bandages, cotton etc. (Family members with maintenance medicine requirements must also be factored in)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, lighters and a whistle for each member of the family</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Radio and batteries</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cellphones and power banks</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drinking water enough for 5 – 7 days (each member must be assigned a different load)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Biscuits enough for 5 – 7 days (This is for the extreme scenario that no available water for cooking rice, noodles etc. This is also for the scenario that no cooking appliances and utensils will be available.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3 clean blankets, clothes, pants, jackets, underwear and female sanitary supplies. (Blankets can be used as makeshift tents)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Necessities for infants, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ropes, old newspapers (keep them dry wrapped tightly in plastic), also, waterproof containers for documents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Extra cash, self defense weapons</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11. Toiletries, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">12. Cutting tools, knives, can opener</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These will enable each family to bring enough supplies and join up with other members of the community to create a viable evacuation camp until help arrives.    </span></div>
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The Difference during disasters: The Go Bag

Barangay Management Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology The Difference during disasters: The Go Bag

The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Being at the Typhoon Belt it averages 20 storms and typhoons ...

Typhoon Karen: The New Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

October 17, 2016 The Mail Man 0

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhef7hPPX4qC0DJmBHjuAgEu27Sy-_Kh1i_4wQ2MIi1WsfjHbFUBq81OcDCdhd4KQtfHaON9J2wOScBkkNnLyVGIOuN1YbiVkrhtfMNk98vIDSuPriZL_4uAx08Zo1H8xKdiTSORvJ6Bu4/s1600/Command2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhef7hPPX4qC0DJmBHjuAgEu27Sy-_Kh1i_4wQ2MIi1WsfjHbFUBq81OcDCdhd4KQtfHaON9J2wOScBkkNnLyVGIOuN1YbiVkrhtfMNk98vIDSuPriZL_4uAx08Zo1H8xKdiTSORvJ6Bu4/s640/Command2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Ritchie Van Cuaderno Angeles of Pasig C3</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took TS Ondoy to shake things up with regards to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) from the national level down to the local government level. It became the impetus of RA 10121, the creation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). It replaced the National Disaster Coordinating Council which was headed by the Secretary of National Defense. TS Ondoy became what was called, The Perfect Flood. It inundated 85% of the NCR, large portions of Rizal, Bulacan and Laguna provinces. It’s sudden occurrence was unprecedented. A month’s average rainfall occurred in a matter of five hours. Rescue and recovery operations proved inadequate and the number of deaths was historically high for even flood prone areas that experience perennial flooding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This spurred the establishment of not only the NDRRMC but also a more wholistic approach. That many government agencies also joined the table in the council. Now, it is the president who is head of the council. There is the Department of National Defense (DND), The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), The Department of Health (DOH), The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),The Department of Agriculture (DA) and even Housing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are then replicated all the way down in the Local Government Units (LGUs) and even to the barangay level. Each LGU created their own Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMOs) and Offices (LDRRMOs). This way, an LGU can be the first responders in times of disasters. Also, RA10121 mandates that every LGU have 5% of its budget be committed to their DRRMOs. Trainings, seminars and technology was developed and implemented down the line. Foreign assistance were received and also formed part of early warning systems and communications systems. Everything seemed to be progressing and protocols were formulated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But like in warfare, the battleplans crafted were designed for use in fighting the last war. Typhoon Yolanda buried those protocols upon contact. Yolanda was different from Ondoy. The catastrophic effects were not in the protocols developed and implemented. The destruction was on a scale not played out in the scenarios by the Technical Working Groups and most of all, the local chief executives never really took the seminars seriously so that information was not cascaded down to the community level. The people who managed the local level were victims themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moving Forward</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The experience in Yolanda prompted a hardening of logistics and communications lines in times of disasters. LGUs invested not only in equipment and infrastructures but also more intensive trainings and information dissemination activities down to the local level. The DA in coordination with the DOST came up with typhoon resilient rice varieties. Early Warning Systems were more distributed and contingency plans were updated and revised.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Typhoon Karen was approaching, LDRRMOs were already making preparations. Monitoring systems and communications systems were crackling even as there were still no winds and rains. LDRRMO’s mobilized their personnel and round the clock manning of monitoring and warning systems were manned.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEouSmT-cmJi1Q7pS4x4vZ7aqGb0aWfVTGbjAQHTAm2hswklZs6Jgp2oC5knhha7uVQEvkpcx84USefpMqu0g4GY3CexEsNDe_vAXv8yl2t3S4bZ29fjDfqUT7Qh9fuQ0xnEtxxNhYSpw/s1600/Command2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEouSmT-cmJi1Q7pS4x4vZ7aqGb0aWfVTGbjAQHTAm2hswklZs6Jgp2oC5knhha7uVQEvkpcx84USefpMqu0g4GY3CexEsNDe_vAXv8yl2t3S4bZ29fjDfqUT7Qh9fuQ0xnEtxxNhYSpw/s640/Command2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Ritchi Van Cuaderno Angeles of Pasig C3</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Typhoon Karen made landfall, all emergency crews of LGUs, utility companies and private institutions were prepared. Pre-emptive evacuations were conducted and even the DPWH and BAPOCOR monitored the water levels at dams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the New Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Painful lessons learned from Ondoy and Yolanda were learned, evaluated and analyzed so that the the battle will be fought for the current war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As of this writing, a more powerful typhoon named Haiman ia approaching. Batten down the hatches and Stout Hearts!  </span></div>
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Typhoon Karen: The New Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Technology Weather Typhoon Karen: The New Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Photo courtesy of Ritchie Van Cuaderno Angeles of Pasig C3 It took TS Ondoy to shake things up with regards to Disaster Risk Reductio...

More than Mitigation but Resilience: The Pasig City CDRRMO

October 13, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwFpTn6QpsOvYhQGM3FZNs_RjDpFVGqyu21oSFipRzDxJQPDr4Rmf51oFA8udZjkarwzGL9TRIYqPlzrqCuRLS8LLFj2z3WirkH2V-yc_skjlQwEE_dpbkITKBpthiNTUVOxMahEGTz8/s1600/Pasig+C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwFpTn6QpsOvYhQGM3FZNs_RjDpFVGqyu21oSFipRzDxJQPDr4Rmf51oFA8udZjkarwzGL9TRIYqPlzrqCuRLS8LLFj2z3WirkH2V-yc_skjlQwEE_dpbkITKBpthiNTUVOxMahEGTz8/s640/Pasig+C3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City lies between the Marikina River and the Pasig River. Together with Marikina and Cainta, Pasig City is a catch basin for the rains that fall on the Sierra Madre mountain range that borders Bulacan, Rizal and Quezon. Even by historical accounts, Pasig has had annual floods when the Marikina River that flows into the Pasig River swells from the rains from the so called mountain range.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The early inhabitants of Pasig had three industries. They are dependent on natural irrigation from the annual floods for their ricefields, the riverbanks where the majority of the early settlement converged were for duck raising and boat building since before, there was no South Superhighway or SLEX that connected Manila to Laguna. There was only the Pasig River to serve as the transportation artery towards Laguna de Bae and then access to Morong and Laguna Province.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City is no stranger to floods. But since population has increased many fold, the natural waterways have been constricted or worse, have been taken over by settlements. The natural basin for rainwater such as the ricefields have been converted into settlements and subdivisions. Thus, flooding has worsened and have become longer in duration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The people of Pasig City have managed to adjust with the annual floods but population pressure has exacerbated the problems related to flooding and with this the citizens of Pasig created informal organizations. In the past, the barangay chairman or even before that the Capitan del Barrio would make the rounds of the community when a storm was expected to arrive. The Barrio Captainn would see to it that roofs were secure and tied down and he would distribute rice to members of the community. Floods would occur and people did not evacuate  but stayed in their houses and on their roofs and wait for the flood to abate. Then reconstruction would occur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These organizations were first based on volunteer radio-communications groups and communities. But a more formal and structured  was needed. The time for just waiting out the floods is no longer feasible due to the higher flood level and the longer duration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wake up call came when Tropical Storm Ketsana or Ondoy hit Pasig City in 2009 when thousands of homes were submerged. It affected the greater portion of the population of Pasig City and its duration was unprecedented in recent history.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because of this, Pasig City built its Command Center in 2010. Together with RA 10121, Pasig City established it City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Office., It has installed an initial 220 CCTV cameras and Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS). All  of which are integrated into a computerized system that has analytics and capabilities in forecasting potential floods based on collected data from various sources and systems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has only 2 pumping stations during Ondoy in 2009. Today, it has 23 pumping stations. Pasig City has trucks and boats that can be used during floods and other disasters. The city can now respond to calls for help within minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City has a backup communication system that can be utilized even if all cellsites of the telecommunications companies have been rendered inoperable such as what happened during Ondoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what sets Pasig City apart is its investment in the “soft” infrastructure for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). This is the trainings component. This is where the real the real investment in DRRM is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig allots some 5% of its annual budget to reducing the risk and mitigating the impact of disasters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City spent Php244 million for disaster preparedness and mitigation. What matters is not just a big budget but a wholistic approach in DRRM as Pasig DRRM Chief Ritchie Van Angeles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City CDRRMO is a Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame awardee, 2012 Best GEMS and 2015 Best City DRRMO.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pasig City not only tries to mitigate the disaster but also included sound planning and training. Pasig City has also conducted structural audits of all public buildings, roads and bridges so as to ensure that the city will be resilient to disasters notwithstanding its being a home to two rivers.</span></div>
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More than Mitigation but Resilience: The Pasig City CDRRMO

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Technology More than Mitigation but Resilience: The Pasig City CDRRMO

Pasig City lies between the Marikina River and the Pasig River. Together with Marikina and Cainta, Pasig City is a catch basin for the ...

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