RESCUE.COM.PH: Values and Governance

Climate Change and Disaster Resiliency Roadmap Submitted by DENR

July 26, 2018 The Mail Man 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PDE6PP3LCi4R0f8-iBj4iasa0FTtc8Ae8gLIFohfRz2-4Jcl8W8OA3BfCbci1xm8KCZuRx-mbbBdse-BWNnX1nxC4SHo-fecgqJ1exMxsw96RxD3Vmhbo7bv4v6vMfMDxQixvgbA0co/s1600/CCAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PDE6PP3LCi4R0f8-iBj4iasa0FTtc8Ae8gLIFohfRz2-4Jcl8W8OA3BfCbci1xm8KCZuRx-mbbBdse-BWNnX1nxC4SHo-fecgqJ1exMxsw96RxD3Vmhbo7bv4v6vMfMDxQixvgbA0co/s640/CCAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to Climate Change. Even though it contributes minimally in greenhouse gas generation compared to most countries, it is located at the typhoon belt in the Pacific that results in tremendous loss of life, damage to property and economic dislocation.<br />
<br />
That is why a coordinated and comprehensive plan must be developed and crafted and continuously updated in order to address the challenges posed by Climate Change and Natural Disasters.<br />
<br />
A “Roadmap” was submitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to President Rodrigo R. Duterte. This “roadmap” will provide policies, initiatives and will serve as a guide to make the country resilient in the face of the impact of climate change and reduce the risks of natural disasters that strike the country annually.  <br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<br />
The Risk Resiliency Program (RRP) program will provide assistance to the Philippines in order to strengthen the resiliency of natural ecosystems and further enhance the capabilities of communities that are vulnerable to short and long-term risks<br />
<br />
The CCAM-DRR also aims to enable communities to climate and disaster-resilient that not only addresses short-term effects of climate change and natural disasters but also to be able to gain equitable and sustainable development in spite of these risks.<br />
<br />
The four outcome objectives for the roadmap are the following:<br />
<br />
1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Increasing adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities.<br />
2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ensuring an adequate supply of clean air.<br />
3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Increased resilience of critical infrastructure.<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Access to information, and institutional capacities.<br />
<br />
The roadmap which was submitted will be in effect for the next four years.<br />
<div>
<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= 3751891530016680482&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= 3751891530016680482&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>

Climate Change and Disaster Resiliency Roadmap Submitted by DENR

The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to Climate Change. Even though it contributes minimally in greenhouse gas genera...

Disaster Displacement Awareness Spearheaded by the Philippines

March 13, 2018 The Mail Man 0

Disaster Displacement Awareness Spearheaded by the Philippines

Climate Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Natural Disasters Technology Values and Governance Weather 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...

Climate Change, Disasters, Population Worsen Weather Related Diseases in the Philippines

January 28, 2018 The Mail Man 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTl3zuq7YtiqbVOVFz28AWIM1Yfh8EMnRd1_SC92_LR2uJXkCf-qbtwY6eOEUBCt8wCOApTLEsXvnRY8nn3QP3Jj4i_1avtKMlA9wJ_QNf6Plx6QT3CO7SWPBti0d8_U2ps_2pjLUaqE/s1600/Slum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTl3zuq7YtiqbVOVFz28AWIM1Yfh8EMnRd1_SC92_LR2uJXkCf-qbtwY6eOEUBCt8wCOApTLEsXvnRY8nn3QP3Jj4i_1avtKMlA9wJ_QNf6Plx6QT3CO7SWPBti0d8_U2ps_2pjLUaqE/s640/Slum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. By its geography, it is located at the “Typhoon Belt” in the Pacific Ocean thus it gets hit by an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually. These effects are flooding, landslides and affect its economy as well such as agriculture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">It is also along the Pacific Ring of Fire where tectonic and volcanic activity is common. This makes the Philippines vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The Philippine population currently is at 104 million and has one of the highest population growth rates in the world. Poverty is rated at a high of 25% among the poorest of the poor and 35% at poverty level on top of that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Thus, habitations and communities among the poverty-stricken are mostly concentrated on the most vulnerable areas with regards to disasters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Owing to population pressure, the lack of land for habitation and naturally occurring disasters, the primary hazards such as flooding has also exacerbated the health of these communities. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2015, the country is topmost among nations adversely affected by typhoons, floods, and heat waves. Thus, the country is now rated as the No. 1 country most affected by disasters caused by weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">As mentioned above, such communities are more vulnerable to types of diseases born by congested communities, unsanitary conditions and lack of health facilities. These diseases such as water-borne and vector-borne diseases include dengue, chikungunya, and malaria gets worse during the times when a natural disaster strikes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">These cases worsen in combination with close proximity between households, lack of proper toilet facilities and most of all potable, clean water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">There are efforts by the Department of Health (DOH), the local government units (LGUs) and private institutions and NGOs to address the basic lack of WaSH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities. The Manila Water Foundation, Private Health companies, and even Healthcare Providers are cooperating and coordinating with each other to mitigate the effects of Climate Change that brings severe weather conditions which in turn affect these communities. </span><br />
<div>
<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=%20909258581453780649&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=%20909258581453780649&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>

Climate Change, Disasters, Population Worsen Weather Related Diseases in the Philippines

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Values and Governance Weather Climate Change, Disasters, Population Worsen Weather Related Diseases in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. By its geography, it is located at the “Typhoon Belt” in th...

DSWD Gears Up for More Extensive Climate Change Preparedness

January 11, 2018 The Mail Man 0

DSWD Gears Up for More Extensive Climate Change Preparedness

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Values and Governance Weather DSWD Gears Up for More Extensive Climate Change Preparedness

Bridge in Biliran destroyed by TS Urduja With the recent devastations caused by Tropical Storms Urduja, Vinta, and Agaton, Disaster Ri...

Resilience Institute launched in UP

June 27, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBY_sFMIz3IIaRWTYzxjMsssfnW7SUNBVpa3TsvsBPog33QfZfUfDANYKSdt8Dhi2o_C5kS-7iOqtOy75CYmxabomLTOd4MzSLeA5heaaSk0AhyphenhyphenS1sySH5L7cPmLfCqc0EqMNMiVYY3o/s1600/C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBY_sFMIz3IIaRWTYzxjMsssfnW7SUNBVpa3TsvsBPog33QfZfUfDANYKSdt8Dhi2o_C5kS-7iOqtOy75CYmxabomLTOd4MzSLeA5heaaSk0AhyphenhyphenS1sySH5L7cPmLfCqc0EqMNMiVYY3o/s400/C3.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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those of note are:</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>A City Command Center (C3) that serves as an operations center that monitors disasters, emergencies and even crime.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<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= 994900250466240329&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= 994900250466240329&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 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...

Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the disasters

April 20, 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/AVvXsEhN2MeS1VJOjv6Sg2suVdOu2K8s6LnfebsYy8Nd50dPuEQQFiwTD9uQqjGHmp0u9jg5udUSGTwCnyOtOVrcdENjfE8JERfejmVBFdtvaPZu-KjraMoBIplKdIBtAP2IvinP56xBCBhsYkk/s1600/QuakeMetro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2MeS1VJOjv6Sg2suVdOu2K8s6LnfebsYy8Nd50dPuEQQFiwTD9uQqjGHmp0u9jg5udUSGTwCnyOtOVrcdENjfE8JERfejmVBFdtvaPZu-KjraMoBIplKdIBtAP2IvinP56xBCBhsYkk/s400/QuakeMetro.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metro Manila: Bracing for The Big One</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Earthquake preparedness: Addressing hazards before the 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;">BY ARCHITECT FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR.</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 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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Urban planning, architecture and engineering</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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Learning from MMEIRS study</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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<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=%204503120448036877456&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=%204503120448036877456&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 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...

NCR Vulnerability on the Big One: MMEIRS Study Part 2

April 09, 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/AVvXsEhLU38LkAsVq8QY0E8MM0odwKe6ZomOeHraSIxRVLDEPDeEunV2OyxJnsQlpeTBOVM-uLqGZNP8M0qyv6od__Ryy-1hUfgrGUByH7E8yYowqKRCTybxkQd2isLs0218qr5Yegu_omflkH4/s1600/Ruby+Tower.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/AVvXsEhLU38LkAsVq8QY0E8MM0odwKe6ZomOeHraSIxRVLDEPDeEunV2OyxJnsQlpeTBOVM-uLqGZNP8M0qyv6od__Ryy-1hUfgrGUByH7E8yYowqKRCTybxkQd2isLs0218qr5Yegu_omflkH4/s400/Ruby+Tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby Tower collapse. Manila earthquake 1968</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The recent earthquakes with epicenters in Batangas province has brought to the fore the vulnerability of the National Capital Region (NCR) to the expected movement of the West and East Valley Fault Systems that will result in catastrophic events that traverses a large portion of the region.</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 West Valley Fault has been noted to move every 100 years. Its last recorded movement was in 1884 according to the Manila Observatory that has been cataloguing such events. That means the movement of the West Valley Fault has been overdue. Although there is no monitoring system in the world that can accurately predict such events, historical geological models are the closest references available.</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 the Metro manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) that was undertaken in 2004 and funded by the Japan International Coordinating Agency (JICA). Earlier in this series, the MMEIRS Study focused on the likely scenarios that will occur. The MMEIRS Study continues to be updated according to factors that are the result of further studies and observation by the concerned agencies.</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;">Model 8 of the MMEIRS Study stated that 170,000 residential houses will collapse, 340,000 residential houses will be partly damaged, 34,000 persons will die, 114,000 persons will be injured. Fire will breakout and burn approximately 1,710 hectares and totally 18,000 additional persons will be killed by this secondary disaster. Moreover, infrastructures and lifelines will also be heavily damaged.</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;">Based on the damage analysis results, urban vulnerability of Metropolitan Manila was analyzed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Regional vulnerability characteristics against earthquake are as follows:</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;">Type of Vulnerability:</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>Flammability and Evacuation Difficulty</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;">Areas affected:</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) Navotas Bay Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2) Manila North Port Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3) South Eastern Manila City Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4) Central Manila Bay Area</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>Building Collapse and Evacuation Difficulty</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) North Eastern Quezon City Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2) Western Marikina City Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3) Eastern Pasig City Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4) Muntinlupa Laguna de Bae Area</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5) Mandaluyong Makati City Border</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Area</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>Flammability</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Valenzuela-Kalookan South-Quezon west intersection</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;">IV.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Evacuation Difficulty</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>Metropolitan Manila Fringes - Northern Fringe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- Taguig Fringe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- Las Pinas Fringe</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;">This is to emphasize that there are more factors to consider during the first hours of the Big One. LDRRMOs are aware of such factors and LGU contingency plans are continuously being updated so as so address the concerns.</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;">(To be continued)</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= 178114168485905694&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= 178114168485905694&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>

NCR Vulnerability on the Big One: MMEIRS Study Part 2

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Values and Governance NCR Vulnerability on the Big One: MMEIRS Study Part 2

Ruby Tower collapse. Manila earthquake 1968 The recent earthquakes with epicenters in Batangas province has brought to the fore the v...

Lists of Evacuation Centers In Case of 7.2 Magnitude Manila Earthquake

April 06, 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/AVvXsEj_l_PxR9rZx3eLba1vGKV4hbbEp02Yw2mixo2OPq_Boz4nX36qolglvSWCuvIuoIXtjplJScSFdOJVu7JQuMso4b9btG6s2NVjPBrabkzrM88JYKvXc0FQJDV9Wt-i5MC-k32zrDglYXI/s1600/Ruby+Tower.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/AVvXsEj_l_PxR9rZx3eLba1vGKV4hbbEp02Yw2mixo2OPq_Boz4nX36qolglvSWCuvIuoIXtjplJScSFdOJVu7JQuMso4b9btG6s2NVjPBrabkzrM88JYKvXc0FQJDV9Wt-i5MC-k32zrDglYXI/s400/Ruby+Tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manila Earthquake 1968. Collapsed Ruby Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last April 4, 2017 at 8:58 PM, a temblor rocked Southern Luzon. It was a 5.4 Magnitude earthquake with its epicenter at Tingloy, Batangas. It was felt all the way to Metro Manila where it registered at Magnitude 4. The bell at the Tingloy church fell from the tower and the basilica at the town of Taal suffered damages to its façade. Cracks were even noted at the Batangas Provincial Building and as of the next day, more than 500 aftershocks were registered by the instruments of PHIVOLCS.</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 effect of the quake had repercussions in the National Capital Region. The NCR is traversed by the 100 kilometer long West Valley Fault and has been discovered that its movements that occur every 100 years has been long overdue.</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;">Because of this, the MMEIRS Study that sought to identify the effects of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on the metropolis was commissioned and funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It then formed the formulation of scenarios, plans, trainings and information dissemination in case of such an event.</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 scenarios generated forecasted that 37,000 deaths would be the result of such a quake and a high percentage of buildings and structures would be destroyed or heavily damaged. More than 500 fires will occur when that time comes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Together with contingency planning and efforts to organize each local government unit down to the barangay level, evacuation sites have been identified and assigned. </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;">To be better organized in the response phase, Metro Manila has been divided into four quadrants for decentralized administrative control. These are:</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;">North</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Caloocan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Valenzuela</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Quezon City</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– San Juan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Mandaluyong</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;">East </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Pasig</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Marikina</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;">West</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Manila</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Malabon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Navotas</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;">South</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Las Piñas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Makati</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Muntinlupa</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Parañaque</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Pateros</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Taguig</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Pasay</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;">Aside from the four quadrants mentioned above, the Metro Manila Development Authority  (MMDA) also designated operation centers and staging areas which will also serve as evacuation camps for affected residents:</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;">North</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Veterans Memorial Golf Course</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman</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;">East</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– LRT-2 Santolan Depot</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Marikina Boys Town</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Red Cross Marikina</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Ultra Pasig</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;">West </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Intramuros Golf Course</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;">South</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">– Villamor Air Base Golf Course</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;">Open spaces such as athletic fields, sports arenas that are undamaged and even cemeteries and memorial [parks will be utilized as evacuation centers.</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 projected that power, water and communications facilities will be heavily damaged together with roads and bridges. Contingency plans have already been drawn up by each LGU for fast response.</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 also projected that only 40% of the trained first responders will be available in the first critical hours and alternate communication facilities are already being established.</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 rivers and waterways of Metro Manila such as the Pasig River and Marikina River will also be used as alternative routes for rescue and relief operations. </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 residents of the metropolis must have their own emergency supplies to last them for five days which is the earliest outside relief efforts can reach them.</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= 311170068968609594&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= 311170068968609594&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>

Lists of Evacuation Centers In Case of 7.2 Magnitude Manila Earthquake

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Emergency Rescue Training Values and Governance Lists of Evacuation Centers In Case of 7.2 Magnitude Manila Earthquake

Manila Earthquake 1968. Collapsed Ruby Tower Last April 4, 2017 at 8:58 PM, a temblor rocked Southern Luzon. It was a 5.4 Magnitude e...

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>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Corruption kills</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;">By: Architect Felino A. Palafox</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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first 72 hours</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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Immediate action and long-term preparedness</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;">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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></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= 1062968892895462719&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= 1062968892895462719&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>

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

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 National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

January 29, 2017 The Mail Man 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2VIOjKl5vV75m0ePeuxwHS2xMrLszCdlKrKfw9WNcE8C-wb27B0GjyXd86Bon7pZCG-sGfGld27fIiYd0CUg6SVs6raNUBloh3UuVqV5GiUWVoXP_Y8h4gcrbXWcyL7XtvZOGWL11kM/s1600/Ondoy-deluge-660x356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2VIOjKl5vV75m0ePeuxwHS2xMrLszCdlKrKfw9WNcE8C-wb27B0GjyXd86Bon7pZCG-sGfGld27fIiYd0CUg6SVs6raNUBloh3UuVqV5GiUWVoXP_Y8h4gcrbXWcyL7XtvZOGWL11kM/s400/Ondoy-deluge-660x356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Lying along the Typhoon Belt, the country is visited by an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually. That is why the Philippines is prone to floods and landslides. </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 another aspect, the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. An area that is active seismically and volcanically so that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes create such devastations more frequently than any other areas in the world. The relatively recent 1990 earthquake and the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption can attest to the devastation inflicted on the country.</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 the aftermath of the massive flooding caused by TS Ondoy in 2009 wherein the average rainfall for 1 month during the height of the wet season fell in a span of 5 hours jolted Philippine authorities to be not only ready to respond but to prepare ad also have contingency plans for recovery and rehabilitation of devastated areas and most of all the hazard areas. </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;">Republic Act 10121 of 2010 created the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The NDRRMC is composed of government, non-government, civil sector and private sector agencies and organizations.</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;">This is patterned after the UN Cluster approach in disaster management. In the case of the NDRRMC, the administering agency is the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) under the Department of National Defense (DND).</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 NDRRMC is composed of the following:</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;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson - Secretary of Department of National Defense</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness - Secretary of Interior and Local Government</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vice Chairperson for Disaster Response - Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation - Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery - Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Members:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Health</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Agriculture</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Education</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Energy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Finance</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Justice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Tourism</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Executive Secretary;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairman, Commission on Higher Education</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chief, Philippine National Police</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Press Secretary</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary-General of the Philippine Red Cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissioner of the National Anti-Poverty Commission - Victims of Disasters and Calamities Sector</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairman, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Executive-Director of the Climate Change Office of the Climate Change Commission</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Government Service Insurance System</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Social Security System</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the League of Cities in the Philippines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Four representatives from the Civil Sector Organizations</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One representative from the Private Sector</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense</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;">But this organization will have its own counterpart down to the local government level. This means that each local government unit shall also establish its own local DRRM Offices (LDRRMOCs/Os at the regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels. </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;">Each level must develop its own Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan that will address 4 aspects in DRRM that includes preparation, response, prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation and recovery.</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;">LDRRMOs shall have an Executive DRRM Officer with administrative, research and planning and warning officers. These are in turn charged with crafting their contingency plans, training, preparation, equipment acquisition command and control communications and monitoring systems and rescue and response personnel.</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;">These will be replicated down to the barangay level under the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees.</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= 9125396801425855306&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= 9125396801425855306&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>

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Rescue Training Values and Governance The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Lying along the Typhoon Belt, the country is visited by an av...

New Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

January 16, 2017 The Mail Man 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxFQ2Zb2_vfGNOWU2e54NGa9krE9VzxkgzwxhUh2hwlB7oCyLgHJYC-rvK7Dx5bfjGj5FM0rdmR4856g2DpvFVQkjIisB_SvQEFnjdpzISfpUE0wMoVDWoCxDFa8xCR_2ygkI2JF4wV8/s1600/Haiyan+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxFQ2Zb2_vfGNOWU2e54NGa9krE9VzxkgzwxhUh2hwlB7oCyLgHJYC-rvK7Dx5bfjGj5FM0rdmR4856g2DpvFVQkjIisB_SvQEFnjdpzISfpUE0wMoVDWoCxDFa8xCR_2ygkI2JF4wV8/s400/Haiyan+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) of the Philippine government has achieved a lot since the enactment of RA10121 in 2010. </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;">Learning from the lessons of TS Ondoy with its massive floodings in 2009, the DRRM of the country has managed to re-organize and re-orient itself towards more that relief and response phases. Now, it has put a premium not only in relief and response but also to preparation and a large part into recovery and rehabilitation.</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;">With training emphasized together with broad information dissemination, DRRM today has already established a corps of trainors and responders together with protocols and contingencies for different disaster scenarios. It was said the Philippine DRRM was ready. Yolanda in 2013 proved them wrong.</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 acknowledged that relief, rescue and response would be severely degraded with such magnitude of disaster. What cannot be explained is the slow pace of recovery and rehabilitation of the Yolanda survivors.</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;">This will try to bring the scope of DRRM with regards to recovery and rehabilitation. It should be noted that there are steps initially and then done even at the same 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;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Budget. DRRM must have a budget to work with. Yolanda was so massive in scope that budgeted reaction funds were depleted. It was vital that budgeting be adjusted for the rehabilitation not only of infrastructure but also of agricultural lands and commercial properties and livelihood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Infrastructure. This entails the DPWH to prioritize the repair and rehabilitation of airports, seaports, roads, power, water and communication lines. Together with repair of government buildings and schools. This proved to be more expensive than thought at first but these were done relatively fast. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Social Relief. It must be noted that food and water are basic necessities but there must be a return to normal life as soon as possible. The livelihood of people must be restored or new livelihood activities must be established. Aside from material benefits, this will give the survivors a modicum of dignity since they will be self reliant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Livelihood. The government and its agencies must be able to provide an ecology with regards to economic and financial rehabilitation of the survivors. Farms must be cleared and replanted. Store must be replenished and a means of financing must be given to the survivors. It is akin to a survival financing program.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Housing. This is one of the most difficult since land in safe areas must be procured by the government. Roads, power and water must also be part of the development together with proximate livelihood for the relocates. This is what takes time in Recovery and rehabilitation.</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 Keyword is Building Safer and Better  </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= 3791220187845227940&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= 3791220187845227940&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>

New Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Civilian Crisis Management Climate Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Values and Governance New Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) of the Philippine government has achieved a lot since the enactment of RA10121 in 201...

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

December 27, 2016 The Mail Man 0

<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>

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

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. ...

RESCUE.COM.PH