GlobalGiving.org: Philippines Disaster Relief

sendong drr efforts

benigno balgos — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:13:48 GMT

On December 15, 2011, Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). By 10:00 PM, the tropical storm maintained its strength and moved towards the Northeastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas. Consequently, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared a Public Storm Signal No. 2 in Visayas and Mindanao, while Signal No. 1 in several parts of Luzon. According to the Situation Report No. 5 released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) three (3) days after the incident, massive deluge came about in Regions VI, VII, IX, X, XI, and CARAGA. Concurrently, the hardest hit provinces were Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. The initial damaged assessment and report of NDRRMC released on December 18, 2011 revealed that the total number of families affected/internally displaced was 19, 234 or approximately 106,476 individuals. Likewise, there were reported cases of people missing, injured, rescued, and killed. On December 20, 2011, President Benigno S. Aquino III declared a State of National Calamity through Proclamation No. 303. Subsequently, donations from the international community, through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), were accepted. This declaration propelled an overwhelming support, both from the national and international community. Based on the official report from the NDRRMC dated January 4, 2012, the total number of population affected in 260 barangays/30 municipalities/8 cities in 13 provinces reached 114,288 families or 724,729 individuals. Similarly, the number of deaths recorded was 1,275, while 4,658 were badly injured, 98 were missing, and 441 were rescued respectively. Also, the report underscores that majority of those that were killed were women and children who were drowned when the river swelled in Cagayan de Oro. Concurrently, a great number of victims came from the nearby areas such as Iligan City and the rest of the provinces in the South, which includes Zamboanga del Norte and Compostela Valley. Given the magnitude of the disaster, thousands of people flocked into different temporary shelters. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) highlighted in their January 3, 2012 Situation Report that the humanitarian needs and concerns of the evacuees include: (1) more conducive temporary shelters; (2) water, sanitation, and hygiene; (3) food security; (4) logistics; (5) protection, including child protection and gender-based violence; (6) education; (7) health, including reproductive health; and, (8) proper nutrition among others. Propelled by the situation and the Lasallian Guiding Principles (LGP), the De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) met on December 19, 2011 at the La Salle Greenhills to plan the One-La Salle response to the magnitude of the disaster. Each La Salle schools were asked to send representative(s) to the meeting. Ms. Ma Lourdes F. Melegrito, the Director of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) of the De La Salle University - Manila who also sits at the National Coordinator of the Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC), spearheaded the aforementioned meeting. Likewise, the following were present during the meeting: Eden Batad (De La Salle Philippines), Jayjay N. Jacinto (De La Salle Zobel), Melchor A. Oribe (De La Salle Canlubang), Aliver Antiqueno (De La Salle Greenhills), Rio Ramos (De La Salle University Dasmarinas), Isabel Balana (De La Salle University), Joseph Rosal (De La Salle University), Terteen Omana (De La Salle University), Benigno Balgos (De La Salle University), Alex Resurrecion (LSGH Alumni), Violeta Ramirez, and Nolo Rosales (Volunteer). One of the main achievements of the meeting was the release of the Official Letter from DLSP calling for community assistance in mobilizing resources for the relief operation as the country grappled with another devastation brought about by Typhoon Sendong, particularly in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro. In the meeting, it was agreed upon that the assistance would be directed first to the La Salle Academy in Iligian City where many of the teachers, staffs, and students were badly affected. The following day, the One La Salle effort for Oplan Sagip Mindanao was able to send cash donations to respond to the immediate needs of the evacuees. Each La Salle schools called upon their respective constituents to contribute and share whatever they can (relief items, money) to the response. And as a result of the overwhelming response from the community, starting December 20, 2011 up to the present, the Oplan Sagip Mindanao of DLSP was able to send consideration quantity of relief items to the people affected by the disaster. Through the united efforts of the De La Salle Schools, the following had been delivered, particularly in Iligan City, to the victims of Typhoon Sendong: December 20, 2011 (Tuesday) Items Quantity Clothes 62 sacks + 4 boxes Blankets 4 bundles Water 42 boxes Sardines 5 boxes Noodles 13 boxes Biscuits 4 cans Toiletries 1 bag The goods were brought through the Philippine Navy Headquarters along Roxas Boulevard. Meanwhile, the shipment was made possible through the help of the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Army, and Pauline De Lange, a student of DLSU. December 22, 2011 (Thursday) Items Quantity Clothes 133 sacks Bottled Water 71 boxes Food/Clothes c/o DLSU 32 boxes The Goods were brought to Iligan City through the help of Sea Freight c/o Super Ferry and Pauline De Lange. December 23, 2011 via Air 21 (Morning) Items Quantity Used clothes 57 boxes, 174 sacks, 3 boxes Mattresses 5 pieces Blankets 35 big plastic bags Water 39 boxes Noodles 76 boxes Canned Goods 45 boxes Biscuits 21 boxes Rice 14 sacks Blankets 48 bundles All the goods were brought from Manila to La Salle Academy via door-to-door delivery. December 26, 2011 via NN-ATS (Aboitiz) Items Quantity Blankets 42 bundles Rice 14 sacks Assorted Goods 15 boxes Used Clothes 295 sacks Cup Noodles 40 boxes Used Bed Sheets 200 pieces All the goods were brought from Manila to La Salle Academy via door-to-door delivery. December 27, 2011 via Sulpicio Lines Items Quantity Clothes 96 sacks Water 40 boxes, 12 bottles, and 3 packs Noodles 12 boxes Biscuits 4 boxes, 1 pale Blankets/Towels 14 boxes Kitchen utensils 2 boxes Canned goods 5 boxes Through Negros Navigation (San Rafael Cargo Ship) Items Quantity Rice 10 sacks and 1 box Canned goods 18 boxes Water 17 boxes Shoes/bags/hats 5 boxes Blankets 8 boxes Diapers 6 boxes Medicines 1 boxes Utensils 2 boxes Mattress 1 piece Clothes 50 sacks Goods to be delivered on January 6, 2012 Items Quantity Clothes 73 sacks Blankets/towels 3 sacks and 23 boxes Rice 4 sacks Water 62 boxes Canned goods 3 boxes Noodles 19 boxes Medicines 23 boxes Toiletries 17 boxes Biscuits 8 boxes Shoes 10 boxes and 2 sacks Slippers 4 sacks and 1 box Diapers 5 sacks These will be delivered through a one 10-foot container courtesy of Negros Navigation. Likewise, Ms. Rio Ramos from De La Salle Dasmarinas and Ms. Violeta Ramirez of De La Salle Lipa, and Jayjay Jacinto of De La Salle Zobel notified DLSP that they sent donations to the La Salle Academy. Based on the reports of the La Salle Academy Disaster Response Committee, as of January 3, 2012, the relief items sent to Iligian City were able to help 11,266 families in thirty (30) communities. The goods were delivered through the assistance of the Philippine Army truck and private individuals. Likewise, with the support of the Alumni, the school was able to undertaken medical and dental services to the evacuees. Concurrently, relief packs had been given to the family members of De La Salle University staffs (from the Human Resource Development and Management Office, Accounting Office, and Safety and Security Office) who were victims of the typhoon. On January 5, 2012, a meeting at the De La Salle University was held for updates, both at the situation in Iligan and the DLSP relief operations. Among those present in the aforementioned meeting were: Fr. Luke Moortgat, Myra C. Magno, Bong Quiamno Jr., Ron Resurrecion, Dr. Caring Tarroja, Dr. Homer Yabut, Mr. Anton Palo, Dr. Ian Reyes, Mr. Ron Resurrecion, Joey Rosal, Isabel Lanada, and Benigno Balgos. During the meeting, the need to provide psychosocial intervention surfaced. However, in doing so, there is a need to identify specific areas where the psychosocial interventions will be given, so that there won't be duplication of even being undertaken by other organizations. Consequently, an advance party composed of six (6) individuals will be going to Iligan City on January 12, 2012 until January 14, 2012 to undertake the following: (1) Rapid Assessment/Damage, Needs, Capacities Assessment (DNCA); and, (2) Assessment for Psychosocial Intervention. The team is composed of Fr. Luke Moortgat, Myra C. Magno, Bong Quiamno Jr., Mr. Anton Palo, Isabel Lanada, and Benigno Balgos. Likewise, the DLSP will continue to receive donations whether cash or in kind in order to respond the needs of the affected populations as a consequence of Typhoon Sendong.

Municipal-wide disaster orientation

joseph rosal — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:28:35 GMT

isabel lanada providing drr information

The De La Salle University conducted a three day orientation on Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction & Management (CBDRRM) for the three clusters composed of nineteen barangays in the municipality of Lian, Batangas last August 17-19, 2011. The said CBDRRM orientation was conducted as a preparatory disaster measure since the area was identified high risk for tsunamis according to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Office. Majority of the participants were fishers, farmers and local residents.

COSCA has been working with the Lian Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council since November 2010 for its Disaster Risk Reduction Program. While anticipating for the local Executive Councils’ approval of the DRR ordinance, the center together with the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office planned this activity to prepare the residents for the adverse impacts of disasters.

Ms. Valentina delos Reyes, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer and Mr. Alvin Johnson, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer were on hand to extend support to the proceedings. Food and venue for the participants were shouldered by the local government unit.

The first day, held at Barangay Binubusan Chapel and hosted by the Barangay Binubusan Development Office discussed why the Philippines is prone to disasters. By the end of the day, they were able to draft their own DRR plans for recommendation and approval of their respective local government units (LGUs).

The second day orientation seminar was held at the Lian Covered Court discussed practical guidelines to be done in times of disasters. Participants even volunteered to continue the implementation of the clean and green programs/activities all over the municipality as a form of disaster adaptation strategy. They also recommended the continued provision of services for the poor and the marginalized sectors of the municipality. They would also seek the support of Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto, Governor of Batangas for financial assistance for their disaster preparedness programs.

The third day which was held at the Barangay San Diego Chapel was highlighted by the film, gutom (hunger), which showed the vulnerabilities, the need to be prepared and to act accordingly. Most of the participants were touched by the scenes depicting the impoverished situation the Filipino people are facing giving rise to the adage, “The higher the vulnerabilities, the more disasters will happen”. Their realization is that they need to prepare to avoid and prevent risks and disasters. There is also a need for them to improve their capacities to lower their vulnerabilities.

clean and green as disaster preparedness activity

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT IN BEHALF OF SURVIVORS

isabel lanada — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:37:20 GMT

URGENT APPEAL FOR THE VICTIMS OF TYPHOON FALCON

About 231,542 families were badly affected by typhoon Falcon “international name Meari” or 1,103,428 people in 698 baranggays, of 69 municipalities in four regions, according to the report of National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council or NDRRMC. A significant increase was noted in the affected population most particularly in the provinces of Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, and Bulacan in Region III. However, in totality, a considerable decrease of about 16,064 families / 73,335 persons in 55 evacuation centers.

Most of the evacuees went home when the flood subsided. In NCR, about twenty five (25) evacuation centers are still open serving 762 families / 3,769 persons. In Region III, ninety nine (99) evacuation centers are operational and continuously providing services and shelter to 7,139 families / 34,693 persons while 12,841 family / 62,303 persons who opted to stay outside the evacuation centers are still provided with relief goods. Of the total affected, 7,906 families or 38,485 persons are still housed at 126 evacuation centers. Three people were reported killed, three injured, and 18 others missing. A total of 1,282 houses (120 totally and 1,162 partially) were damaged in Regions III, IV-A, V, VI and NCR caused by flooding and tornado.The government estimated the damage to agriculture and infrastructure in Regions III, IV-A and V at PhP152, 711,284.90.

CALL FOR HELP

Partner organizations, LGU’s and partner communities of Center for Social Concerns and Action (COSCA) of De La Salle University is asking your support after their homes were flooded or washed away by the floods. The Local Government Units in Lian, Batangas and Bagac, Bataan are asking for support as their constituents were victims of typhoon Falcon. In Barangay Pag-asa, Bagac, Bataan, COSCA’s one of the pilot baranggays for the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program (CBDRRMP) a total of 890 families were affected by floodings. Victims of totally damaged houses are now staying in Bagac, Central Elementary School. Some were recorded staying in their relatives. However, Barangay San Diego, Lian Batangas Baranggay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC)recorded ten (10) houses partially damaged and an estimated 702 individuals affected or 140 families.

COSCA’s CWTS-NSTP Program documented reports from its Partner Organizations in NCR, as they solicited the support of COSCA with the particular situation at present: PPC: In Parola, Tondo: 30 Families affected, 10 houses totally damaged, 3 children were rescued in Pasig River (the children survived). CML Tatalon: Total families affected: 700 families (water level reached the 2nd floors of urban poor houses) KSBB: One chapter of KSBB in Bagumbong, Northville, Caloocan are still flooded, some residents transferred/evacuated to nearby schools. Food for the Hungry: San Roque badly affected. 41 families evacuated in Wawa Elementary School, FH Families 8 houses partially damaged, 3 totally destroyed. UM: Flooded areas Kaingin Bukid, Masambong River and River Side, Mapulang Lupa. MDRRMC’s and BDRRMC’s conducted Damage Needs Capacities Assessments or DNCA last June 26 and according to the reports, typhoon victims are in need of food and non-food items.

Each family is in need of the following:

FOOD ITEMS: • 10 kilos of rice • 6 canned goods • Dried fish • Mung beans • 1 kilo sugar • Cooking or vegetable Oil • Coffee • Milk • Bottled water • Noodles

NON-FOOD ITEMS • Old and new clothes (pants, t-shirts, shorts, underwear) • Plastic sheets • Sleeping mats • Blankets • Kitchen utensils • Medicines • Water containers • Laundry soaps • Sanitary napkins (for women/ladies) • Tissue • Construction materials for housing repairs • Fishing nets (for fisher folks) • Seeds (for farmers)

Donations may be sent through CENTER FOR SOCIAL CONCERN AND ACTION (COSCA) of DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY. You may call telephone number 523-41-43 look for Miss Lilia Barrona or Miss Jennifer Santos. You may also visit our office at COSCA Office, 4th floor, SPS Building, De La Salle University, Manila. Sources: http://www.ndcc.gov.ph

Various reports from Local partner NGO’s Field reports Damage Needs Capacities Assessments (DNCA) from Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Bagac, Bataan Reports from Baranggay Pag-Asa Baranggay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC) Reports from Baranggay San Diego, BDRRMC Photos from Bagac, Bataan MDRRMC

DLSU conducts DRR orientation

joseph rosal — Thu, 19 May 2011 08:30:32 GMT

The Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) of De La Salle University (DLSU) conducted a Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CBDRRM) Training in Brgys Bungahan and San Diego, both located within the Municipality of Lian Batangas. These sessions were in coordination with Lian Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and their respective Sangguniang Barangays.

The C-B DRRM training in Brgy Bungahan was spearheaded by Ms. Isabel Lanada, DRR Project Technical Facilitator. It was held last 9 April 2011 at the Bungahan Elementary School and participated in by fifty six leaders and members of the BDRRMC led by Mr. Antonio Lainez Jr., their Brgy Captain. The session focused on DRR module one which discussed among others the basic concepts in Disaster Management such as Vulnerabilities, Hazards and Capacities. Highlight of the activity is the drafting of their own community map with the corresponding Risks as well as Vulnerabilities. By the end of the one day training, most participants suggested to have the project continue DRRM capacity building activities in the community such as drills, trainings, information gathering and dissemination campaigns.

The second CBDRRM session was held last April 11 and 12, 2011 at Brgy San Diego. The participants led by Mr. Jose Cabadin, San Diego Brgy Captain, listened intently to the modules provided by Ms. Lanada and were even able to articulate their suggestions to the DRR process for their brgy. These include the issuance of the necessary Brgy Ordinance establishing the BDRRMC, the holding of a community based disaster management planning, the conduct of a Brgy wide DRR information dissemination campaign, and allocation of five percent of the Internal Revenue Allocation of the Brgy for disaster management activities.

One notable suggestion made by the participants of the DRR session in Brgy San Diego was the need to have several DRR documents translated from English to popular Pilipino for easier comprehension by the readers. These articles include: the Hyogo Framework for Action and the Republic Act 10121 (DRRM Law of 2010).

A municipal wide planning and budgeting process

joseph rosal — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:35:18 GMT

Honorable Osita Vergara, Local Chief Executive of Lian, Batangas and concurrent Chairperson of its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) led a meeting last 14 April 2011 to discuss the DRR budgetary process and other concerns for the municipality. More specifically, the local disaster council talked about allocating five percent budget from the Municipal Internal Revenue Allocation to finance its Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management commitment. Concrete gains are the allocation of P 1,156,248.78 (30% of the 5% from IRA) for Emergency Response activities and P 2,697,913.82 (70% of the 5% from IRA) for Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Rehabilitation initiatives. The said session was facilitated by Ms. Maria Isabel B. Lanada, Project Technical Facilitator of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), the social development unit of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila. Representatives from the following offices also attended the mentioned activity: Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Rural Health Unit (RHU), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Lian DRR Office, local Department of Education (DepEd) office, Municipal Social Welfare Office (MSWDO) and the local Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office. Other highlights include the following: a). the status of the institutionalization and mainstreaming of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Law currently being undertaken by the Sangguniang Bayan; b). the planned DRR Orientation for the Association of the Barangay Captains on May 21-23, 2011 in Palawan; c). plans for April 22, 2011 Earth Day Celebration, where the municipality will turn off their lights for one hour from 5:00am to 6:00am as part of their solidarity and cooperation with groups advocating for climate change adaptation. The council likewise, conceptualized a municipal level disaster drill and a series of disaster campaign activities from May to July 2011. This will also serve as the culminating activity for the celebration of disaster month in July. As part of the continuing DRR capacity building for the MDRRMC of Lian, the project will also undertake a site visit of the MDRRMC operations in the province of Albay this May 25-27, 2011. The objectives of the site visit are as follows: a). to understand and comprehend in practical terms DRR preparatory activities; and b). to gain knowledge and skills in DRR systems and mechanisms by the province of Albay. The MDRRMC of Lian has in fact allotted funds for this. The council was also able to plan the set of parallel activities to be conducted by the DRR Project Technical Facilitator and the different offices in Lian. These include the following: a). an orientation on climate change (July 1, 2011) for PTA Officers; b). structural evaluation of infrastructures such as bridges, ports and buildings within Lian by DPWH; c). DRR preparations and food security by MAO to include seed banking and nursery of hardwood and fruit trees, and mangrove conservation; and d). propagation of disaster resilient crops and a training on Organic Farming and Diversified Integrated Farming Systems will be launched, also in partnership with the MAO. Also in the pipeline is the formulation and implementation of a system on emergency response. Activities related to this are the following: a). Disaster Needs Capacities Assessment (DNCA); b). Relief Delivery Operations (RDO); and c). Evacuation Management. As part of the DRR education and information campaign, the MDRRMC is planning to hold a motorcade within Lian. This is to provide DRR related information to the residents as well as to impart the culture of safety among the community members. Flyers, brochures and posters will be distributed to all barangays of the municipality. These mentioned plans including the necessary budget will be submitted by the MDRRMC to the Sangguning Bayan for review and approval. A copy will then be furnished to the local Commission on Audit (COA).

sharing drr to the municipal council of lian

joseph rosal — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:11:41 GMT

The Center for Social Concern and Action of the De La Salle University Manila, conducted an orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) last 28 March 2011 to the Municipal Council of Lian, Batangas. Discussion focused on Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law of 2010. The participants were given a clearer understanding of the newly-approved legal instrument. COSCA also emphasized the urgent need to draft and implement a Municipal Ordinance to allocate a portion of their municipal budget for use in disaster preparedness activities. In principle, the municipal officials have agreed that 5% of the Internal Revenue Allocation be used for disaster management activities such as preparation, emergency response and others. Most of the Sangguniang Bayan members were also made aware of the consequences of disasters and thus stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and management. Add to this is the possible effects of a tidal wave or tsunami hitting the coastal barangays of the said municipality since a study commissioned by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region IV-A has placed Lian on the list of areas with high risk. The SB members have also discussed and agreed to implement a plan for the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC). Upon approval of the necessary budget, funds will be utilized for Disaster Risk Reduction activities. In the meantime, the SB is set to draft a municipal ordinance providing for funds as prescribed by the national law. Municipal Councilor Exequiel L. Bonuan requested the assistance of Ms. Isabel Lanada, COSCA DRR Project Technical Facilitator in drafting said legal instrument. Ms. Lanada, also stressed that the DRR project in Lian, Batangas is a partnership between DLSU and the local government unit thus, placed importance on resource counterpart of each. The following also actively participated during the session: Carlito C. Caisip, Erwin M. Austria, Mr. Florencio M. Masipag, and Roland H. Magyaya (Municipal Councilors), Jesper B. Austria (Sangguniang Kabataan President), Teodoro D. Palahang (Association of Barangay Captain President), and SB Presiding Officer and Vice Mayor Benito Magbago.

Disaster Risk Reduction Project Consultation

joseph rosal — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:29:58 GMT

Disaster Risk Reduction Project Consultation with the local officials of Lian, Batangas (March 21, 2011)

Another courtesy call, this time with the municipality of Lian, Batangas was conducted by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) of the De La Salle University last 21 March 2011. Headed by Ms. Maria Isabel B. Lanada Project Technical Facilitator, the team met with the barangay officials from the said municipality and provided them with a brief orientation on the concept of DRR. Residents from the barangays of San Diego and Bungahan were also on hand and expressed their willingness to support and cooperate for the project.

Essentially, the barangay council and the project team have agreed to systematically implement the planned activities under the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) project. They would be focusing on disaster planning and management and the allocation of a percentage of their local disaster risk reduction management fund to finance disaster preparedness activities.

DRR trainings for the mentioned barangays were immediately scheduled following the said orientation.

Courtesy Call to the Local Government Unit

joseph rosal — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:02:03 GMT

Courtesy Call to the Local Government Unit of the Municipality of Bagac, Bataa

The project team from the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) held a courtesy call to selected officials of the Municipality of Bagac, Bataan last December 13, 2010. The two-fold objectives of the visit are the following: 1). to reiterate the commitment of the center to provide capacity building on Disaster Risk Reduction to its partner communities as stipulated during two post-Ondoy workshops held at DLSU in 2009 and 2). to initially ascertain the commitment of both parties to undertake this joint initiative.

De La Salle University Manila (DLSU) has long been a partner of the mentioned LGU in specific developmental initiatives in the municipality since 2008. COSCA in partnership with the Jaime Hilario Integrated School (JHIS) has been instrumental in the formation of the Sitio Looc Municipal Fishers Association (SLMFA), a local people’s organization based in the coastal community along Looc Bay. This Lasallian partnership project has also managed to construct 30 housing units for approximately 30 fisher-families relocated from the disaster prone foreshore to a relatively safe area within the school compound.

The project team led by Ms. Isabel Lanada, Project Technical Facilitator and Mr. Rolando Palma, Project Community Organizer met with Mr. Rommel Vasquez Del Rosario, Local Chief Executive of Bagac, Bataan and Mr. Guillermo Mendoza Jr his Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Bayan (local legislative council). The meeting focused on the localization of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Act of 2010, a comprehensive piece of legislation mandating disaster preparedness for communities. Their discussion centered on the law specifically on the role of the local government units in partnership with private sectors to restructure existing local disaster mechanisms to fit the requirements of the new law and to assure disaster resiliency of the communities.

The team was also fortunate to have met Ms. Eugenia Galvez, the Municipal Administrator who expressed openness of her office to participate in the said initiative and their willingness to integrate DRR concerns within the Municipal Development Plan for 2011. It can be said that the highlight of the visit is the commitment of the LGU to allocate five percent of their Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) for DRR activities and the passage of a new municipal ordinance on Disaster Management to conform with the existing national legal framework,

preliminary meeting with disaster officers-nov2010

isabel lanada — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:19:24 GMT

November 30, 2010

ACTIVITY REPORT

Lian MDRRMC Brainstorming/planning for the year 2011

ATTENDANCE:

Raymunda P. Banaag (MHO)
Deonito A. Jonson (MAO)
Norman E. Mendoza (Office of the Mayor)
Anselmo R. Astilla (MFARMC)
Ariel b. Casihan (PO)
Rey Pomarca (COSCA-DLSU)
Alvin M. Jonson (MENRO)
Valentina E. De Los Reyes ( MSDWDO)
Maria Isabel Lanada (COSCA-DLSU)
James Concio (PO)
Ramil De La Cruz

Objectives of the brainstorming, meeting, planning re: Lian MDRRMC Program for the year 2011:

To be able to gather initial know how of MDCC on Disaster Management.
To come up initial MDRRMC plan for the year 2011.
To identify gaps in Disaster Management and formulate resolutions/recommendations.
Review and make recommendations to MDCC old structure.

Flow of discussion:

Opening Prayer, expectation check and introduction of participants
Opening Remarks/message from Mr. Alvin Jonson and Ms. Suzett Vergara re: MDRRMC brainstorming context. (Miss Vergara not present/attended Liga ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan election)
Presentation of current MDCC structure and proposed roles and responsibilities of each committee (c/o Mr. Alvin Jonson)
Input: RA 10121 “An act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System providing for the NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes” also known as “THE PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2010” PDRRM Act of 2010 (c/o Isabel Lanada)
Presentation and review of current MDCC plan (c/o Alvin Jonson)
Review and drafting of MDRMMC structure, roles and responsibilities, and plans (c/o Isabel Lanada)
Plenary: Presentation of collated MDRMMC plans and roles and responsibilities of committees (for review and critique)
Feed backing/assessment

Introduction and rapport building was facilitated by the DRR technical facilitator. (Please see above names of attendees).

EXPECTATIONS:

To formulate/develop plans and programs how to counter the adverse impact of disasters (“ makabuo ng mga hakbang upang makaiwas sa anumang sakuna at matinding tama nito”).
To learn methods and strategies in handling/confronting the impacts of disaster and how to manage in times of disaster or emergency situation (“ matuto sa mga strategy sa pagharap sa disaster pag dumating na lalo na pag emergency”)
Attend trainings and workshops (“makilahok sa mga pagsasanay”)
Learn how to manage our oceans and seas for environmental preservations and conservations.
Talk about how to help our fellow countrymen and talk about how to manage and help victims of disaster (“pag-usapan paano ang wastong pagtulong at pagbabantay sa panahon ng kalamidad, pag-usapan paano makatulong sa mga nasalanta”)

QUESTIONS/RESOLUTIONS RE: RA 10121

Urgency to lobby the formulation and approval of municipal ordinance re: DRR.
Invite representative from the OCD to discuss details of the RA 10121 specifically the mandatory concerns in the installation of MDRRMO and financial management.
Draft initial municipal ordinance and easily recommend to the SB for their review and approval.
Convene MDCC/MDRRMC in January to discuss and review the structure and come up resolutions and plans of actions.
Responsibilities and organizational concerns: 1 municipality affected, in-charge will be the MDRRMC and not the PDRRMC or RDRRMC. Two or more will be for the RDMMC or PDRRMC.
1 baranggay affected, in-charge will be the BDRRMC, two or more Baranggays affected; in-charge will be the MDRRMC.
The need to clarify the 5% (30% for disaster response, 70% will be allotted to mitigation, disaster preparedness and mitigation) and therefore there is a need to discuss the details/plans and for approval of SB.
MENRO/MDCC chairwoman received memorandum from the local COA re” calamity fund which is stated as National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund or NDRRM Fund”. For review and study of MENRO and MDCC/MDRRMC.

Notes:

IEC activities in Lian are in preparation for July 2011 in celebration/commemoration of National Disaster Month all over the country. It was also advised to conduct municipal wide forum in preparation of National Disaster Month major program (launching campaign).
Recommend faculties/students to conduct thesis/research re: impacts of Absolute factory/refinery factory (alcohol) in Baranggay Malaruhatan and Bagong Pook to come up second opinion/studies.

disaster risk reduction project

joseph rosal — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:25:36 GMT

The Disaster Risk Reduction project for the communities of Lian, Batangas and Bagac, Bataan is now on full swing. The project has recently hired a Project Technical Facilitator who will be in-charge of project implementation within the mentioned sites. Essentially, the project aims to conduct the following components: undertake a participatory action research for DRR; institutionalization of DRR within the local government units; and capacity building on DRR for partner sites. Participatory research for DRR entails the conduct of the following activities: profiling of the community where the intervention is to take place; conduct of studies on hazards and other sources of vulnerabilities; and inventory of previous or existing disaster related projects and legal instruments. Institutionalization of DRR within the LGU entails the following: formation of both a municipal wide DRR structure as well as several barangay based DRR groups; conduct of a local based DRR action planning session; and more importantly, the passage of a municipal ordinance establishing the DRR mechanism for the partner sites. Capacity building on DRR for community partners entail the conduct of the following: drafting and finalization of 6 DRR training modules; creation of a pool of DRR trainers from the LGU; conduct of the actual training using the finalized DRR modules; and a cross-visit to a DRR managed community in San Mateo, Rizal or Albay province in Bicol. Essence of the entire DRR intervention is building the capacity of the local government units to prepare and appropriately respond to disaster episodes. Thus focus is given to the 6 DRR modules. DRR module 1 is on the salient features of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010; DRR module 2 is on the basic concepts of disaster; DRR module 3 is on scope, phase and activities in disaster management; DRR module 4 is on skills in disaster management; DRR module 5 is on community disaster drill; and lastly DRR module 6 is on search, rescue and recovery management. The DRR intervention will run initially for 1 year.

Essence of disaster preparedness

Joseph Rosal — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:19:17 GMT

consultation meeting with DRRM practitioners

Essence of disaster preparedness and risk management

The Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and its internal and external partners have recently sat down to discuss future disaster response actions. During the 22 June 2010 meeting, representatives from the center, selected faculty members from the university, disaster management practitioners from the Center for Disaster Preparedness and Management (CDP) and Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC) and the founder of Buklod Tao, a peoples’ organization established in San Mateo, Rizal got together to plan out disaster management activities for external partners. To aid the group, the following inputs were provided during the session: presentation of the Lasalyano Kaakibat tuwing Sakuna (LAKAS): the DLSU disaster response mechanism; presentation of the results of two post-Ondoy consultation-workshops held last year; and highlights of the new law mandating disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines.

The major output of the session was the formulation of the DLSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Action Framework, incorporating the concepts of DRRM and academe-local government unit-NGO partnership. The framework stressed collaborative efforts among the major stakeholders in disaster risk reduction as well as placing emphasis on the community based approach. This framework will also serve to guide the university and its major partners in providing disaster related support to external communities as well as the basis for capacity building for both the university and the partner sites.

The center will pilot the said DRRM initiative in two pre-selected communities of Lian, Batangas and Bagac, Bataan, were community organizing efforts are currently being undertaken.

All of these initiatives will run parallel to the existing university commitment to build gabion boxes along the Nangka River in San Mateo, Rizal in an effort to strengthen the riverbanks against erosion and the fine-tuning of the Disaster Response Mechanism of DLSU.

Attachments:

dlsu drrm action framework 2010 (PPT)

forum on philippine disaster risk and reduction

joseph rosal — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:19:23 GMT

scenes from an evac center during typhoon ondoy

With the impending approval of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the De La Salle University Manila through the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) in partnership with internal and external stakeholders in disaster work will hold a third session to conceptualize and initially draft the university’s DRR plans for external partners for school year 2010 to 2011. This is the 3rd of the series of disaster related forums started last 2009 immediately preceding the typhoon Ondoy incident. The first two workshops highlighted the lack of disaster preparations in local communities as well as limited response and rehabilitation activities provided by service institutions.

This third workshop is crucial not only due to the soon to be passed DRR framework to be adopted by the country but moreso on the factoring in of the Climate Change Adaptation strategies as a major consideration in DRR planning. This forum tentatively scheduled for 22 June 2010 is to be attended in by the following COSCA partners in disaster preparedness work: a representative from the Behavioral Science Department of DLSU; representatives from Citizen Disaster Response Network; and selected representatives from the local communities.

Expected to be discussed during the forum are the following: conceptualization of an academic based CCA-DRR framework; course content for a CCA-DRR planning process for 2 pilot sites in Bagac, Bataan and Lian, Batangas; and the conduct of vulnerability studies for the mentioned pilot sites focusing on the identification of potential hazards. Ultimately, the goal of the entire exercise is the provision of relevant packages of services to the pilot sites to ensure the communities’ resiliency during disaster episodes and the replication of these initiatives to other COSCA partner sites.

Parallel to this activity is the continued procurement and storing of necessary relief items as part of the immediate response mechanism of COSCA and the on-going construction of gabion boxes in San Mateo, Rizal. This is a structural enhancement system to ensure stability of the riverbanks during floodings and other extreme conditions.

Meeting with De La Salle University and Buklod Tao

Bill Brower — Sun, 02 May 2010 08:33:55 GMT

Bill Brower is a Field Program Officer with GlobalGiving who is visiting our partners’ projects throughout South and Southeast Asia. On March 5th he met with Joseph Rosal of the De la Salle University Center for Social Concern and Action and Noli Abinales of their implementing partner, Buklod Tao, in the COSCA office in Manila. His “Postcard” from the visit:

COSCA has already reported on their initial response to last year’s Typhoon Ondoy; in speaking with them and seeing pictures, it does appear that money from GlobalGiving’s generous donors was able to help many people in the chaotic days and weeks following the storm with emergency supplies and medical teams. There is still some money left and I was happy to hear that it will be going to disaster risk reduction—replicating in other communities the success Buklod Tao has had in San Mateo. Too often disaster response is limited to what can be done ex post facto, missing the most effective way to save lives: being prepared before the worst hits.

Noli Abinales and others started Buklod Tao in 1997 as a community-based disaster management team. They trained rescue teams, fabricated rescue boats and developed an early warning system. Since then there have been no casualties in their community, unlike in neighboring communities. Their primary initiative these days is “on-site relocation”—building higher, safer homes in the communities where vulnerable families live. They have also been putting up embankment walls, some with the help of DLSU students, to help prevent flooding. I’m happy that GlobalGiving money will allow COSCA and Buklod Tao to expand these life-saving initiatives to other communities, long after much of the world’s attention has moved on to Haiti, Chile, China…

Links:

Watch Joseph (COSCA) & Noli (Buklod Tao) describe their efforts

sagip metro: ondoy

reden recio — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:34:46 GMT

The harsh aftermath of typhoon Ondoy continues to challenge the country’s disaster management response. Ondoy brought so much rain inundating some areas in the Metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces (Rizal, Laguna & Bulacan). The disaster also surprised other places experiencing flood for the first time. It also made other places inaccessible because of the high water level.

As of October 8, 2009, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has pegged the total damage caused by Ondoy to have reached PhP 9.7 billion. Lives were also lost. According to NDCC, a total of 298 people were killed, 5 injured and 39 missing. The NDCC also claimed that about 829,498 families or 4 million people have been affected by the disaster. Of this, more than 100,000 families are still requesting for assistance.

On September 28, two days after the devastating typhoon wrought havoc to the lives of many Filipinos, the De La Salle University Manila (DLSU-M) started its relief operation for the victims of Ondoy. Dubbed as SAGIP METRO: DLSU-Manila’s Relief Drive, it primarily aims to collect and distribute relief goods to communities that were hardly-hit by the calamity. The project was spearheaded by the university’s Center for Social Concern & Action (COSCA), the Student Council (SC) and the Office of the President/Chancellor.

The project is not only an effort to assist the victims of Ondoy, it has also been an opportunity for Lasallians to rekindle the spirit of damayan in time of disaster. Students, faculty members, staff, parents, alumni have shown their support for the relief drive by serving as volunteers, donating goods and money, offering vehicles for the relief distribution, asking network and partner organizations for donations and reporting situations of other Lasallians who need special assistance/intervention.

First Phase Operation

During the first day of the relief drive, more than 400 volunteers showed up and assisted in soliciting donations, packing and distributing goods to identified communities. Some students and faculty volunteers even went to malls near the university to solicit goods for the relief operation. In the succeeding days of the operation, the project team had to organize at least two shifts to accommodate the increasing number of volunteers. Donations also poured in as other members of the academic community helped in disseminating the information about the university-led relief drive.

By the end of the first wave of relief operation, 11,616 bags of food, toiletries, clothing, water, and medicine were given away to 29 communities across 14 cities and provinces. The distribution of relief goods was in coordination with 22 partner community-based organizations, church institutions, local government units, civil society formations and other organized groups.

Project Structure & Committees

To make the relief drive organized and systematic, the project team put up a structure and mechanisms for operation. Sagip Metro has assigned an over-all coordinator to harmonize the activities of the identified committees. The five major committees include: a) Donations; b) Deployment & Distribution; c) Mobilization of Volunteers; d) Documentation, and e) Dissemination of Information.

The Donations Committee receives the donations (both in kind and in cash), makes the necessary inventory of the received donations and donors, sorts out and packs the received items for distribution.

The second committee, Deployment & Distribution, identifies and prioritizes the target beneficiaries and facilitates the deployment and actual distribution of the relief goods. This committee also makes sure that there is at least one organized group in the identified communities. The organization should have a system of distributing the donated items.

As the name already implies, the third committee deals with concerns related to effective and efficient way of mobilizing volunteers. It assigns volunteers to a particular task. The committee also gives pre and post-activity orientation/de-briefing for volunteers (e.g. deployment, packing etc.). Meanwhile, the Dissemination of Information Committee is responsible for sending out official announcement and correspondence to DLSU institutional partners and to the public in general.

Lastly, the Documentation Committee is in-charge of consolidating all the reports of other committees (e.g. list of members of DLSU community - students, faculty, staff etc. - and partner communities that have been badly hit by Ondoy). It is also tasked to organize the information on the situation of the affected Lasallians and partner communities as well as their immediate needs. It gives update to the Information Dissemination committee so the latter can come up with regular announcements/updates.

Aside from the structure and ad hoc committees, the team also came up with a set of criteria for selecting and prioritizing target beneficiaries of the relief goods. The criteria are as follows: a) partner communities/members of DLSU community as priorities; b) urgency of needed intervention; c) extent of damage to community; d) extent of assistance needed; e) extent of assistance already received (from NGOs, GOs, Church groups etc.); f) existence of organized & credible group to lead identification & distribution (based on information from coordination efforts, news etc.).

Second Phase of Relief Drive & Future Plans

After four days of relief operation (September 28 to October 01), the project team decided to temporarily cease relief goods packing and deployment activities due to impending danger posed by tropical storm Pepeng. The second phase of relief project resumed last October 05 (Monday) and will end on Saturday (October 10). Acceptance of in kind donations is until October 09 only. However, cash donation will continue since the money can be used for the next level of institutional intervention – rehabilitation of affected communities.

Rehabilitation intervention includes physical assistance (house build, environmental clean up, putting up/installation of water and lighting systems, solid waste management etc.), psychological & post-disaster trauma counselling, community re-building & development (livelihood, disaster prevention etc.) interventions. Plans for reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected families are already being discussed with partner communities. The university will also conduct series of workshops on disaster preparedness and management as part of the long-term institutional intervention on disaster.