THE BARANGAY PAANG BUNDOK: COURSE OF ACTION IN DRRM

26 November, knowing all about the environmental hazards and disasters, visiting in Barangay Paang Bundok. First came up with the knowledgeable person to talk about the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. There were other people too who help me with the interview and they are nice people to have a conservation with.  

Entrance of Barangay Paang Bundok

It was a nice visit because they accept my request to have an interview with them and I was grateful for that matter. The barangay Paang Bundok is located in La Loma Quezon City, Metro Manila which is very near my home. 

At the start of the interview, I question them kindly about hazards identification of what are the disasters that inflict damage to their community and maybe tell a story. In their community, there is only minimal hazardous happening like rain that gets flooded in some of the areas which is still dangerous for the people to walk with. While other areas of Barangay is dealing with a typhoon (Ondoy) and during that time, the Brgy. Paang Bundok went to volunteer to help the citizens in the area for reducing the casualties because in Brgy. St. Peter and Tatalon has high hazardous so that they want to help for the safety of the people. I felt their determination when they said and it's really great that they care about the people.

The only hazardous they have encountered with is the typhoon. It is a tropical storm with winds faster that causes to damage the environment like light materials of their households. But they are really preparing if the BIG ONE might appear someday, It is a hypothetical earthquake of magnitude of 8 or greater that is expected to happen. The sources they relied on is the news report in the TV, like ABS-CBN news that will give them information if any hazardous is appearing someday. 

Though barangay paang bundok has low hazards, they still need to plan their strategies for the worst outcome in case they encountered the big one. like planning the exit route, giving directions, and seminars for the inexperience people so that they will know and well prepared for the scenario. So as long as they are prepared, it's safe to say that they will be okay for my insights of them. 

picture with the barangay officers

When there's a dangerous hazard, light materials are the only things is affected because it has low durability which is true. I think they need to come up with a strategy to reduce the damages on the area. Also the economical is affected because it's important for the people to continue their work in order for them have enough pay to their families.

In case there is an earthquake, the safest place that they can go to is the cemetery near them because it has wide area for the people to fit in and safe from tall buildings. When they answered my question, I felt disturb because they are dead people there but as long as there is a safe place for cover.

I worry for the people in Barangay Santo Domingo because that is where the most dangerous hazards are appearing said from their knowledge. The hazards are the typhoon (Ondoy) and the only thing I can say is they need to build an environment for securing safety of the people and reduce the casualties.

While there was an incident in yolanda that the typhoon destroy their homes and many deaths were reported. The barangay said they contributed for the loss of their house and families from their community. When I heard that, I was amaze because they made an announcement about the incident in yolanda. Many people from their community contributed for the donation. It's nice for them to make charity for them and that's how they handle the Vulnerability, Elements and People at Risk Assessment.

Onto the next interview, is all about the Capacity and Disaster Management Assessment. It was thoughtful for them to cut the trees because there is a possibility it might get affected, causes by the wind or typhoon. It will lead to falling of trees one after another which is at risk for the people if there is a typhoon. The drainage is also hazardous that cause to flood the city and it needs to be clean by the barangay officers. I accept their permission of cutting down the trees as long as they are doing it for a reason, they do it by yearly so I think it's pretty reasonable enough for it. Also they have permit to the government for the safety of citizen. 

They already have a plan for the community that will effectively useful for the barangay. They did intend to have seminars and training for the people after I said my thoughts that they need to have a plan first. The public announcement will be the center of attentiveness that will ensure the awareness of the people.

 I realize that the officers take risks all the time, and they put their lives on the line for the people. I respect their act of determination because it will become a symbolization for them that the officers will always come for their help. 

As a member of the community, I intend to contribute to the people to make things easier for the infrastructure and reduce the disaster risk of the community. The only possible solutions is to keep things orderly and prepare for danger of the community so that they are well ready to save the environment. The best practices they could do is learning the bandage properly, like a person with a broken arm needs to be carefully attach the bandage to the arm.   

And that's the end of my interview with them, it was nice to know about the things I haven't learn it yet. Now that I get to experience their insights, I can influence my friends, family, and the community about the safety of ourselves. I look forward to the next experience I'll get about the community-based planning and practices.