DRRM Reflection

DRRM Reflection 
by: Pagulayan, Marvincent

During the DRRM seminar, I was excited on the activities and lessons made by our instructor. He discussed the different DRRM concepts which are the disaster, hazards, risk, risk reduction etc. He also made games like “bahay-tao-bagyo” which we really enjoyed. With this kind of activities students like us will definitely learn how important DRRM is. Disasters in my own understanding, is a natural event which becomes a natural disaster if it affects or aggravates the lives of the people. Hazards are threats that make the people avoid it. Risks are dangers which we might go into if we are not oriented about the DRRM. We can reduce those risks by having knowledge about disasters or any other happenings that may affect our safety. Vulnerability is our weaknesses during disasters; we must be prepared to lessen this vulnerability. The bibingka approach is a way of participating in making plans on how to prevent disasters. Disaster resilience is one of our good traits as a Filipino. We always bounce back in our downfalls no matter how difficult it was.  During the PCVA, I was the one who drew and mapped the vulnerabilities, hazards, and safe places in our different areas.  After the PCVA workshop, I realized that preparedness is the best way to prevent such unfortunate events.

The Barangay Hall that I visited is located at Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City. I had a chance to talk to one of the desk officer named Lorena Brizuela. She informed me about the several Sitios in the Barangay that were flooded during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy. Because of such incident, the office of the Barangay enhanced their existing DRRM plan. They acquired portable boats and ropes for rescuing stranded victims. The Barangay provided emergency kits containing flashlights, whistle and first aid supplies for the community.             They prepared evacuation plans for the Sitios which will be most affected of. The Barangay has program for children particularly the boys every summer, which they call “OPLAN Binata” or “OPLAN Tule”.

 As a Filipino and a student, I will help my community in reducing the vulnerabilities and increasing the capacities by proposing PCVA and DRRM seminars to our community head so that our community will be prepared and will have sufficient knowledge if they will encounter such disasters. The best date to address Disaster Risk Reduction Management is as early as possible because we will never know when will disasters like “The Big One” will struck our country. Everyone should be involved in addressing Disaster Risk Reduction Management, because it is not just us who are going to be troubled if disasters happen, but also you.