According to ASEAN Safe Schools Initiative (2015), the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act was passed, and DepEd created the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) as the focal point in planning, implementing, coordinating and monitoring activities related to disaster risk reduction, education in emergencies and climate change adaptation in 2010. Living in this country, Philippines, we most certainly know that we are in a place that is prone to disasters/hazards specifically typhoons and equipping ourselves with awareness, knowledge, and sharpness before, during and after disasters is a prerequisite knowledge and skill that is needed to be emphasized regardless of age. In my visit in our barangay, Barangay Mauway, which is also a disaster-prone location here in Mandaluyong because of the creek foundation and a handful of bizarre-structured houses, I will try to uncover truths and possible solutions for the salvation of our barangay. But first things first, where is Baranagay Mauway?

Where is Barangay Mauway?

Barangay Mauway is located in Nueve De Febrero Street that is handled by Barangay Captain Bernardo M. Evangelista. It has a land area of 19.35 has. and a population of roughly 16,000 people as of 2019.

Our barangay was just a walking distance from our house so it was not hard to access. On Friday, 13th of December, I finally gathered up the courage to conduct a kwentuhan in our barangay. Unfortunately, Ms. Remedios Tata, the one in charge for DRMM concerns, went to an ocular activity so I didn’t have the chance to interview her. My christmas luck still let out a spark so luckily, her assistant, Mr. Luisito Cruz, assistant of Ms. Tata, was available for interview/kwentuhan and was kind enough to accommodate me. I then proceeded to ask questions regarding their DRMM plans, programs, and assessments.

Interview/Kwentuhan Session

Hazard Identification
Vulnerability, Elements, and People at Risk Management
Capacity and Disaster Risk Management Assessment

Diving deep with regards on the number of issues and problems that the barangay faces, as stated by Mr. Luisito Cruz, the barangay’s most common hazards would be fire and flood. Barangay Mauway truthfully speaking, has a lot of informal settlers residing here that’s why fire-related hazards was always a hot (no pun intended) topic and issue (especially every Christmas season) here in our barangay. Some issues were drug-users and robbing incidents that is also addressed by conducting meetings, campaigns, associations and oculars from time to time for the peace and order of the barangay. Cooperation is also a problem since some residents won’t leave their houses unless it is really needed and the risk/chance of losing lives are high because of this.

In addition, they rely mostly on the news for updates in calamities and threats and don’t trust social networking sites that much because of the rampant spread of fake news. They stay updated through watching news, radio stations, and government officials like police, tanod, etc. to make sure if the dangers are really legitimate or not. They also claim they are quick in responding to reports thanks to the available resources like vehicles (tricycles, ambulance, bikes, cars) that are specially made and purchased for helping and first aid kits that can ease the injuries for a bit. They also conduct morning and night patrols everyday for the safety and security of the barangay.

BEST PRACTICES

A little later after our chikahan/kwentuhan, Mr. Luisito Cruz accompanied me around in our barangay to show me some of our best practices. Some of it were the street sweepers roaming around the barangay to clean unnecessary junk, signage like ‘Bawal pumarada’ to prevent traffic in the road and also for the safety of the residents, compiling trash from houses using the BME Bike that is used by the garbage men to collect trash and lastly, barangay vehicles that are always ready in case of emergencies.

Additionally, they also conduct programs that is intended for specific issues like ‘Badak’, it is an association that is made to fight and conduct intensive drug program/war for drug-users and pushers. There is also a Bantay Bayan program where different authorities reside in a specific location to guard people in different places and they are also the ones responsible for peace and order of the barangay. (Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of their posters, they didn’t allow me because Ms. Tata wasn’t available in that time).

Community Walk

Hazardous Places
Safe Places
Reflection

Hazardous Places

Electrical Wires; entangled and near houses

This is one of the major causes of fire here in Barangay Mauway, the position of electrical wires. This can be extremely dangerous especially when there are typhoons, this can destroy the houses and kill people easily because aside from the fact that the houses are too close with each other, electrocution can be considered as an obstacle as well.

Broken Sidewalks/Roads

This can be a serious problem if not addressed and acted upon immediately. It can trip people that can lead to sprains and worse, permanent leg injuries. The vehicles are at risk because of this as well, it will be harder for them to cross places and might result to broken tires. The residents sometimes do something like re-doing the cement to prevent further accidents.

Tight Spaces/’Eskinitas’

This is quite a common problem in informal housings. Eskinitas are mostly inaccessible because of its complexity and limited space so, if there are incidents, it will be harder for the authorities to pass through and can be the cause of delay from helping. Sometimes, if there is no other way, the authorities don’t have a choice but to destroy some walls just to pass through easily.

Safe Places

This is just one of the safe places Barangay Mauway has, the Barangay Mauway Executive Sports Complex located just beside National Center for Mental Health and you can see the barangay just behind the complex. This gym/complex can be used as an evacuation center according to Mr. Luisito Cruz, and available for basically everyone in Mauway. It is also surrounded by responding agencies so it is really safe and secure for everyone when there is a calamity/disaster that is happening.

REFLECTION

This adventure has been a fun and informative experience for me. I got to know a lot of facts in my barangay that I didn’t know before despite living here for 18 years. It allowed me to appreciate more my barangay and what is has to offer and it made me love it more. It made me realize that small things can still bring a big deifference like for example, throwing trash in proper trash bins, patching a wood for some broken cements for people to properly walk on, helping street sweepers in their jobs. The difference is subtle but if we all work together, we can produce an amazing and disaster-free community.

Furthermore, the most crucial thing that learned and kept in my heart from walking around our barangay is the fact that accidents and bad situations can be prevented and handled if you are knowledgeable of what you should do if something happens. Being prepared at all times can bring a lot of impact and being responsible doesn’t start with my neighbor, my parents or my local barangay, it always starts with me, a local resident. You can’t and don’t deserve to expect change when you can’t even change yourself. It’s starts within ourselves. It is always emphasized that safety and security is everyone’s responsibility. I remember one quote that Stan Lee has said which is, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” And I’d like to think the other way around; With great responsibility, comes great power. Being a responsible citizen is a power that others can have, look up and can even save lives. Always remember that if you want change, take a look in the mirror.