Editorial

Higher Level Of Disaster Preparedness Need

by Ernesto T. Solidum

July is declared National Disaster Preparedness Month as per RA 10121 or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. This is the gist of the weekly Kapihan sa Aklan forum discussed recently at NVC Carmen Hotel. The guests are Larence T. Cadunggan, PRC-CDDRR Project Coord, Errol R. Ordines, PRC Europe Aid Proj. Officer, Arcely P. Pelayo, PRC Aklan Chapter Administrator, Clamrence Racquel R. Abada, PRC Chapter Operation Head, Terrence June Toriano, MDRRMG KALIBO and Galo I. Ibardolaza, PDRRMC.

Ms. Abada disclosed that the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to engage its resources on rehabilitation of typhoon Yolanda victims. Now on its 8^th month, a number of international and domestic donors supply missing gap in terms of food, medicine and funds turning peoples’ lives from despair to hope. The worse hit areas like Libacao, Balete, and Madalag are assisted by Spanish Red Cross, Finish Red Cross, Lezo - Air Asia, New Washington-International Red Cross. The model core shelter project is found in New Washington while school buildings in Libacao are rehabilitated, averred Ms. Abada.

“We empower communities in coping with disaster since the extent of damage and response could be area-specific”, said Mr. Ordines. Presently, we are piloting three (3) municipalities, Kalibo, Tangalan, and Malinao covering 15 barangays all financed by the European Union.

On the other hand, an integrated community school-based disaster preparedness is being implemented in Kalibo (Bakhao Norte and Sur, and Mobo) and Numancia (Aliputos, and Joyao-Joyao) reported Mr. Gadunggan. The funding comes from the Finish Red Cross. The planned expansions are Tangalan (Jawili, and Panayakan), and Ibajay (Laguinbanwa, and Aslum). The program includes training of volunteers in disaster preparedness, blood donation, supply of equipments and mitigation projects like mangrove reforestation.

Mr. Toriano cited Kalibo’s model Emergency Alert System (EAS) using coded signs to alert residents of impending disaster like typhoon and floods. Red means all MDRRMC personnel are on standby alert/call. Yellow, personnel inform public on current status of impending disaster; use megaphone on mobile car to address target residents on pick-up places and evacuation center. Green is to go on force evacuation to safety of higher ground.

Mr. Ibardolaza underscored the capacity building of LGU’s in preventing loss of life in any calamity. As Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the 5 percent disaster fund is for training of volunteers and acquisition of vital equipment like flatboats, first aid kit, megaphone, and others.

PRC is traditionally the undisputed leader in dispensing relief and rescue operation until the enactment of RA 10121. Nevertheless, Ms. Pelayo said that PRC is still in the forefront of disaster management especially during the first three (3) days of emergency period namely: giving first aid and food assistance. They have organized themselves into a brigade called “Cross 143” composed pf 43 volunteer members in a community. Trainings are conducted in the barangay on topics like identifying hazard, first aid, disaster action plan and emergency drills.

Dr. Jasper Tallada, Philrice Consultant and Engineer revealed that based on their agrometeorological studies, for the past 3 years typhoon pattern has shifted from Luzon to Mindanao. This means that if the landfall is Northern Mindanao it will skim past Leyte and Samar before traversing Cebu, Negros and Panay Island and unleashing its fury on population centers and highly urbanized areas. Notable ones that pounded Mindanao and the Visayas are Sendong- 2011, Pablo- 2012 and Yolanda- 2013. Sendong and Pablo did not affect Panay, but Frank (2008) and Yolanda devastated Aklan Province in terms of unprecedented losses of life and property.

Despite our preparation against natural calamities everyone must pray that typhoon, flood, earthquake, storm surge and tsunami may not be severe as to blast us to kingdom come. For instance in Kalibo, Mr. Toriano confides that 90 percent of the municipality is flood prone and expose more people to higher risks. The same is true with Numancia who shares full impact of raging Aklan river. Data show that 9 out of 17 towns in Aklan are vulnerable to heavy flooding. A civil defense siren costing P1.5 million will be purchased by LGU Kalibo but has an effective range of only 1.5 kms.

Geohazard map released by Mines and Geosciences Bureau shows earthquake fault line running from the hinterlands of Madalag and Malinao straight up to Poblacion Ibajay. As a proactive stance centuries-old churches in Tangalan and Numancia, Gabaldon/Suner type school buildings of Kalibo and Ibajay must be inspected for structural integrity. The waterworks towers of Kalibo and Makato must also be included since those structures are about 50 years old and disused for a considerable period.

Biblical concept that we are living in these last days is amplified as more natural disasters, diseases, hunger and man-made calamities afflict mankind. Logically we must plan and build disaster resilient homes, buildings and public infrastructure. Inability to meet stringent standards especially the poor must lodge in evacuation centers where food and medical assistance are provided. Indeed a higher level of disaster preparedness and funding must be implemented based on the experience of typhoon Frank and Yolanda.

Hence, the needs for disaster preparedness. /MP