The Philippines is a disaster-prone country due to its geographic location along the boundaries of major tectonic plates and at the center of the typhoon belt that is regularly impacted by floods, typhoons and landslides. According to the World Bank Group, the country’s population growth, migration, unplanned urbanization, change in land-use pattern, environmental degradation and global climate change are the contributors to the social and economic cost of natural disasters. Likewise, according to the World Risk Index, over 100 million are subject to being a victim of these disasters and the country ranked ten (10) as a natural disaster-prone country in the world. Scary, isn’t it?

The main concern of many Filipinos is how good can our government be in terms of managing natural disasters and/ or calamities? Are there well-established procedures to follow in times of disaster? How about the budget allocation of the government in times of disaster? The government is doing its best to sustain the country’s basic necessities when hit with disasters such as shelter, food, toiletries and clothing. Very simple to note but very hard to achieve as the national budget reaching the micro-individual level is almost impossible. The government should strictly monitor the national fund released for the affected families and make sure it reaches the hands of the victims of natural calamities. With this and with devolution, the national government and the local government units need to work hand in hand in addressing the posing and actual problems and in mitigating the impact of disasters even before it happens. Likewise, the National Nutrition Council is coordinating with all LGUs to organize their respective Local Nutrition Clusters which will be immediately activated in times of disasters and emergencies to ensure that nutritional wellbeing of their constituents are safeguarded.

Many of us are truly worried about the risk of our loved ones in times of disaster and questioning the government’s capacity in handling situations like this. But have we also questioned ourselves if we are ready for calamities and disasters? And how prepared are we to face these? We should also be responsible in our household and not depend solely on what the government can do for us. Disasters and emergencies are inevitable. Thus, as early as now we have to secure the safety of our household and need to have an evacuation plan with the rest of the family members. Having enough food packs in case of an emergency must also be secured with dry folded clothing good enough for 3-5 days sustenance. All documents and cash cards should also be kept in one place so if an emergency arises it is easy for us to just grab or take hold of our important documents and cash on the go.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar

References:

1. Natural Disaster Risk Management in the Philippines: Reducing Vulnerability

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/8754?locale-attribute=en

2. Philippines looks to improve disaster preparedness with geospatial tech

https://news.mongabay.com/2021/03/philippines-looks-to-improve-disaster-preparedness-with-geospatial-tech/