BDRRM KWENTUHAN

Address: Brgy. Damayang Lagi, Quezon City

For my DRRM Kwentuhan, I got the chance to interview Ms. Nette Sumalinog, the Barangay Secretary in Barangay Damayang Lagi.

Hazard Identification

The two most prevalent hazards that occur in this specific barangay are the floods and the fires. These hazards put the community at risk because they influence the lifestyle of the people affected by these calamities. These two hazards are the most prevalent because of the geographic location of the community, there are areas and houses situated near the river, in which when the water level rises can cause flooding in those areas, and the houses being close together can be risky especially when there is a fire. Because of the recurrence of these hazards, the community has improved its recovery over the years through fire prevention programs, weekly coastal clean ups for the floods, which has since then lessened the floods in the area to only one or twice a year.

Vulnerability, Elements and People at Risk Assessment

The area most vulnerable to floods are in Area 1 and Calvary Hill since it is situated near the river. The people most vulnerable to these hazards are those who usually reside in the squatter’s area and especially those who live near the river since they are prone to flooding. The effect of these calamities would be that the belongings of those affected may be destroyed, some houses are even carried away by the floods and sicknesses such as leptospirosis can occur. The community overall is a safe place because it is situated on high ground, however, the area going to Araneta is considered one of the most prone to floods. The problems that hinder the development of the community especially when it comes to recovery from calamities can be the lack of employment, since there are families where only one family member works to provide for the rest and so their way of living is not necessarily good which is why they are forced to live in congested areas. In these congested areas many problems can arise such as the recent dengue outbreak where many were affected in this community. When it comes to peace and order, the community is doing well except for those who commit crimes which can be derived from the recent removal of the CCTVs because of the demolishing of the barangay hall which is why they cannot monitor the vicinity much.

Capacity and Disaster Management Assessment

Many different programs and plans are carried out by the barangay depending on the type of calamity that is experienced. When it comes to floods, there is the Early Warning System, there are also many volunteers, workers, and different committees who work together. In the cases of fire, there are fire brigades and fire trucks on standby. Another project being implemented by the barangay regarding this is providing a fire extinguisher for each area as well as a seminar regarding fire prevention. For earthquakes, the community joins in the quarterly earthquake drill in order to spread awareness across the community. With regards to the programs provided by the barangay in the recovery from these calamities, livelihood programs are given by the barangay in times of disasters. There are also help coming from many people such as volunteers and NGOs who provide relief goods, financial assistance, etc. Coming from the name of the barangay itself, Damayang Lagi, the community members helping each other is one of the keys to a faster recovery. This is spearheaded by the DRRM committee of the barangay in coordination with the city, the Social Services Development Department, the barangay council, volunteers, and NGOs.

REFLECTION, SYNTHESIS and ANALYSIS

After the BDRRM kwentuhan, I have realized that everyone has an important role to play in the community even in their own little ways. This is evident especially in Brgy. Damayang Lagi because they aim to help others without question especially in times of disasters and calamities. This community is an example of a good community because they ensure that all issues are given solution and they give importance to the safety and the awareness of the people when it comes to calamities.