Reflection, Synthesis and Analysis
In my interview with the barangay officials, I gained a wider understanding of the processes of disaster risk management within our community. Floods and firework or firecracker explosions are the most prominent ones. The barangay acts upon the disasters concerning flooding as they can be predicted and thus, preparations can be made before the typhoon hits. However, firework explosions are usually unforeseen because they tend to happen without any signs either due to defective products or owner neglect. The Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy was also unexpected and was therefore unprepared for. Low-lying areas are being given the elevation treatment at the cost of roadworks that tend to cause traffic.
The issues of the community can range from bad lifestyles such as throwing trash anywhere to having areas so low that they flood so easily. The low-lying areas are now being given a solution but trash-throwing is still pretty much rampant in the area as there is no implementation of a strict “no littering” policy. The barangay needs to implement said policy to reduce the effects of throwing trash everywhere. A recycling project can also be promoted to raise awareness for the plastic problem in our world.
Our country’s disasters can be compared to my barangay’s discussion. The country also provides solutions like evacuation centers, feeding programs, and free housing whenever disasters arrive, such as Typhoon Yolanda. External help such as foreign countries coming to help can be compared to other barangays helping fellow barangays in times of need.
Walking around the community made me realize that our barangay is actually passionate about serving; it can be seen in the fact that they provide immediate solutions to disasters as well as training to the max. We are also really unlucky to have been built in a low-lying area but as I mentioned before, the barangay is providing long-term solutions.
Addressing issues in the country because one needs to be aware of the problems facing the country before one can assess the possible solutions to do so. We can address it by simply raising awareness to government officials and also the public as they have as much as the right to know about issues as the government.
In addressing the vulnerabilities of the community and the nation, I will start by raising awareness and then coming up with a plan followed by implementing it. For example, I want to raise awareness to officials and my neighbors that improper disposal of trash can lead to flooding. They agree and I come up with a plan to make the officials implement a stricter “no littering” policy. If the policy becomes implemented, then I have done my part and I will look at other issues in the community that needs to be addressed. To increase the capacity of the community, I want to empower them by showing someone as young as me can do lots of things in helping the community.