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Corruption kills

February 16, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<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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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

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<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 National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

January 29, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The NDRRMC is composed of the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairperson - Secretary of Department of National Defense</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Health</span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Agriculture</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Education</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Energy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Finance</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Justice</span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary of the Department of Tourism</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Executive Secretary;</span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairman, Commission on Higher Education</span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chief, Philippine National Police</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Press Secretary</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Secretary-General of the Philippine Red Cross</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chairman, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council</span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Government Service Insurance System</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Social Security System</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation;</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Four representatives from the Civil Sector Organizations</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One representative from the Private Sector</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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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...

The Perfect Flood: Floods in Cagayan de Oro City January 2017

January 17, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFwlBxvECetVYqAf5XGluCe-fsgxFFH_muWTiM276sH4L5h12eUYQVGRIiwHYGIeGHqH7BltzrAGT7ohtYEgEJwc5twiD3Jn9gBQJVbvf_5Xd-TsfjVx5JVFBXuU3TKVIZhBlrUt5Y1w/s1600/CDO2.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/AVvXsEiiFwlBxvECetVYqAf5XGluCe-fsgxFFH_muWTiM276sH4L5h12eUYQVGRIiwHYGIeGHqH7BltzrAGT7ohtYEgEJwc5twiD3Jn9gBQJVbvf_5Xd-TsfjVx5JVFBXuU3TKVIZhBlrUt5Y1w/s400/CDO2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rains started at around 4:00 pm, January 16, 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City. Days before, PAGASA, the weather forecasting bureau of the country forecasted rains brought about by a low pressure area (LPA) and the tail end of the cold front which was par for the season. The LPA was not common though. As per records of PAGASA, storms do come at this point of the season but rarely in conjunction with the cold front that emanates from the northern climes when it is still winter. This tail end of the cold front usually pushes tropical cyclones southward unlike most tropical cyclones that hit the country that tends to have a trajectory of West-Northwest. Thus, Cagayan de Oro City which is in Northern Mindanao was Ground Zero.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw7eG7ov2XG5V3UGnqj5oG_qbMYBM7fhhmb2chOerDNBCUMRnSCI-5x3fjGUpeNjdqSph6e45lLbkDWFkVxUEuuLzNLUpfli2wvwr8ucnI90BDGvI_EhNiLL_IlWM8tevX1tXGShrEys/s1600/CDO7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw7eG7ov2XG5V3UGnqj5oG_qbMYBM7fhhmb2chOerDNBCUMRnSCI-5x3fjGUpeNjdqSph6e45lLbkDWFkVxUEuuLzNLUpfli2wvwr8ucnI90BDGvI_EhNiLL_IlWM8tevX1tXGShrEys/s400/CDO7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted the unusual rainfall although it was already forecasted. By 6:30 pm, notable flooding has been reported in many main thoroughfares and the city proper itself. The rains still came in torrents but it was not confined to Cagayan de Oro  (CDO) city but the surrounding mountains of Bukidnon. It only took a little more than an hour for the water to come down from the mountains into the natural flood basin that CDO is. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp-vurwVdvTZxY_e-4LManh4ce8sFMTOvftuQ2cc3Cd5FpSFLYTkMTwCVvuQ852v3z5uejzMwOI5BpSYhE1C27luEMVA_4zcXl_7-DTmKqSPVdubj2bpYZSh925CyJvoe0UB1BC3hLr8/s1600/CDO8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp-vurwVdvTZxY_e-4LManh4ce8sFMTOvftuQ2cc3Cd5FpSFLYTkMTwCVvuQ852v3z5uejzMwOI5BpSYhE1C27luEMVA_4zcXl_7-DTmKqSPVdubj2bpYZSh925CyJvoe0UB1BC3hLr8/s400/CDO8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As of 8 pm Monday, 3,865 people had been evacuated, excluding students who were stranded in colleges and universities. 1,341 families are in evacuation centers, according to CDO city social welfare head Teddy Sabuga-a.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rxhESgLafznoaPdy3_qMIz7teWlAxzwRLltRodD1hhfCwHIoazdgZokiqNOlIQ5VhVAJU4LTNEXPN_2FB-sN7ZJwe8oEi_1Il_llDLuDkDvYjZ-xME_BkionXNDWKb45qIwL8nsmKLI/s1600/CDO4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rxhESgLafznoaPdy3_qMIz7teWlAxzwRLltRodD1hhfCwHIoazdgZokiqNOlIQ5VhVAJU4LTNEXPN_2FB-sN7ZJwe8oEi_1Il_llDLuDkDvYjZ-xME_BkionXNDWKb45qIwL8nsmKLI/s400/CDO4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Advisory from Social Media: "By 9:00PM: Portions of Masterson Ave from Koresco area to Xavier Estates are flooded but passable. Rosevale to Taguanao flooded with stones on the road (passable for SUV's, sedans and compact cars pass at your own risk) Pryce plaza area is passable but risky due to landslides (already 3 areas with landslide occupying 1 lane of the road downtown bound) New bridge to rotunda passable with minimal flooding approaching the bridge. Divisoria passable, minimal traffic going to Velez capitol bound. People walking on the streets due to lack of public transpo and traffic at a stand still for hours already. Carmen is a gridlock, street going to Madonna flood is over waist high."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted the social media updates and messages such as : Dear Parents/Guardians Please be informed that all SHS students stranded here in XU main campus have been given dinner. For those who can not be fetch tonight, rooms 305 and 306 STC Bldg are prepared for them where they can sleep. For updates please check the SHS CSG facebook account.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaKyaxEnfgQ1iQjzVq5dH3nAe670WZN4F__vB1sXMi6KVvXln0fCUjuKzLTMdncOzctGNdSAJyhGELNfQUhGod19h7pQulCwJ3KIEwnX6BYTKBL203Ap2-L_vzQsHyq9SnMSjKpNtUU/s1600/CDO5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBaKyaxEnfgQ1iQjzVq5dH3nAe670WZN4F__vB1sXMi6KVvXln0fCUjuKzLTMdncOzctGNdSAJyhGELNfQUhGod19h7pQulCwJ3KIEwnX6BYTKBL203Ap2-L_vzQsHyq9SnMSjKpNtUU/s400/CDO5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jay personally took his pick-up truck and braved the deepening waters towards the place of employment of his daughter. Along the way, he also picked up stranded people and conveyed them safely to non-hazard areas. By this time, electric power has also been cut so as to prevent any cases of electrocutions from already flooded communities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flood levels were reported to have reached up to 6 feet in the Limketkai Mall area. Other commercial establishments were also by the inundated. Malls offered sanctuary to those stranded wherein they were given spaces and free food so as to await for the floodwaters to subside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jay noted that soldiers and policemen were already into rescue operations and have been immersed in the cold water for more than 4 hours. Seeing this, Jay along with members of his civic organization supplemented the overwhelmed first responders of the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forced evacuation has been implemented in certain areas of the city. This owing to the institutional memory of the devastation caused by Typhoon Sendong half a decade ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The torrential rains continued until 1:00 am January 17, 2017. In its aftermath, Jay had to wade through knee-deep mud to reach those who still needed rescue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This serves as another object lesson when it comes to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) at the local level. The new paradigm for DRRM is composed of :</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early Warning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Preparation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Training</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Early identification of Hazard Areas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-emptive evacuation</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-positioning of personnel and equipment</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ready Response</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Marshalling of responders and scheduling of reponders</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pre-positioned relief goods</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And immediate clearing of infrastructures for relief and rehabilitation efforts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The current experience of CDO city revealed several deficiencies in what has been protocol for almost half a decade notwithstanding the lessons of Haiyan/Yolanda. The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Thus, DRRM at the local level is of primary importance in policies, implementation and funding.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJyEemUE37LU2YGGRS1GyKKUNqDNkM2_tWGrdaL1ND6eyKJAyNGULoAcTi6mC85iAcxPEmsnw6zSRKJ5iZpLOnOeNZ-hFttn6p-Z8gXcTGtceUirJRDh55Hw-PixtuPTQimEERcOHPY/s1600/CDO9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsJyEemUE37LU2YGGRS1GyKKUNqDNkM2_tWGrdaL1ND6eyKJAyNGULoAcTi6mC85iAcxPEmsnw6zSRKJ5iZpLOnOeNZ-hFttn6p-Z8gXcTGtceUirJRDh55Hw-PixtuPTQimEERcOHPY/s400/CDO9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continue to learn. The positive effect is that there were government and civic organizations, and people who took risks for their fellowmen. People like Jay.</span></div>
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The Perfect Flood: Floods in Cagayan de Oro City January 2017

Civilian Crisis Management Disaster Response Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Rescue Training Weather The Perfect Flood: Floods in Cagayan de Oro City January 2017

The rains started at around 4:00 pm, January 16, 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City. Days before, PAGASA, the weather forecasting bureau of th...

New Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

January 16, 2017 The Mail Man 0

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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Keyword is Building Safer and Better  </span></div>
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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

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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The lesson was painful and more efforts were made to rectify the errors and shortcomings.</span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, we have learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">RESCUE.COM.PH conveys it best wishes to all this coming 2017!</span></div>
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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. ...

Safety Tips for the Christmas Season

December 13, 2016 The Mail Man 0

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

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