“It is not enough that people are able to rise above the rubble. How can we build back better if we were never in a good situation to begin with? The kind of resiliency we want to see is where people have access to social services and can enjoy their rights.”
Tags: CDRC
How terror law could hamper humanitarian efforts
Human rights lawyer Ephraim Cortez pointed out that the definition of terrorism under Republic Act 11479 is vague and over broad, and could include humanitarian groups which have long been subjected to red-tagging.
First multisectoral confab on disaster risk reduction brings hope of integrated response
“The challenge is how to enhance and harmonize existing knowledge, skills, linkages, resources, strategies and structures.” By ZOFIA LEAL Bulatlat.com NAGA CITY — Members of the business sector, government, media, academe and civil society organizations from the different provinces in Luzon agreed to collaborate in enhancing disaster resilience of communities in the country. Headed by…
The Big One | Disaster-preparedness starts with the people
“Preparedness does not only mean having the equipment, materials, facilities – it pertains to the people.”
The Big One | Prepping the people
“What if the school building is already old, will the drop-cover-hold on still apply?”
The Big One | Having equipment, vehicles helps but not the key
“Where is the role of the people in the picture?”
Philippines tops list of world’s most disaster-hit countries in 2011

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
A total of 431 natural and human-induced disasters were reported in the Philippines in the past year. These killed 1,774 people, and affected more than three million families or 15.3 million people, and caused over P26 billion in economic damages.
Malacañang should stop VAT on toll in wake of Typhoon Pedring
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO Bulatlat.com After typhoon Pedring hit the country hard comes the Aquino government’s imposition of a 12 percent value-added tax on toll fees. The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) is demanding anew that Malacañang drops all its plans to impose the VAT on toll fees, saying that the public is still reeling…
As Disasters Mount, Groups Call on Aquino to Address Urgent Need to Prepare The Country

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
“Both structural and non-structural approaches should be adopted to lessen the impact of disasters. Hazard mapping must also be done for priority areas. In making hazard maps of local scale, it is best that community and scientific data are combined. Results of hazard mapping should be properly disseminated to population at risk.” – CDRC
Prioritize Disaster Preparedness, Aquino Urged

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
When typhoon Basyang hit Metro Manila, the government was unprepared not only because the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) missed the prediction, but because it simply was not ready to respond to any disaster.
Ondoy, Pepeng Underscore Need for ‘Pro-Active’ Disaster Management System

By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
The Citizen’s Disaster Response Center urges the passage of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Bill. But even without this law, trainings in disaster mitigation should be conducted down to the barangay level, it says.