Barba, Alanah Rose C.

Reflection January 23, 2020

1. How did the talk on DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) change your perspective

regarding the importance of being prepared for any disaster that may happen in

our country?

The talk on Disaster Risk Reduction really affirms the saying that, “If you fail to

plan, you plan to fail.” These disasters are fortuitous events that are beyond human

control. Even if that is the case, we are tasked with the responsibility of preparation to

minimize the amount of damages that these events may bring. Through preparation, we

are able to increase our collective capacity to minimize the risk that we put ourselves and

fellowmen in. If we are equipped right at the very stage of preparation, we are able to

decrease the level of vulnerability that we are subjected to. Being prepared can reduce

one’s fear, anxiety and losses. Preparation does not only entail the gathering of tools, but

also knowledge to better know the steps to take when dealing with disasters.

2. As Lasallians, what are the things that you can do to make your family and

community more prepared for disasters?

I believe in the power of knowledge. We cannot prepare for what we do not

know. To make my family and community prepared for disasters, I would propose

disaster readiness seminars and campaigns for the community. Information would be

able to educate the people on what to do and would ultimately reduce the possibility of

panic during the actual event. It would also be great if we are able to provide them

guidelines on the basic provisions that they have to prepare for. It is also our
 responsibility as Lasallians to tap our community leaders to secure areas that are prone

to calamities to better accommodate citizens in case these disasters hit. For example,

landslide prone areas in the community should have warning signs, to inform and equip

people and lead them away from harm.

3. If you are given the authority to decide on how to spend limited resources for

disasters, which part of the disaster management cycle would you spend the budget?

Justify.

If given the authority, I would most certainly invest the budget in the Prevention

and Mitigation stage. It is better to prevent future threat or minimize its unavoidable

damaging effects, altogether. This phase includes the honing of public policies and

plans to prevent the effect on people, property and infrastructure. It instills the same

principle of “Prevention is better than cure”. Investing in this phase of the disaster

management cycle could increase the probability of not putting lives and resources at

risk. This phase, for me, currently lacks the attention of our government because we

usually only concern ourselves when problems arrive, and not prepare for

contingencies. Investing in this phase would not absolutely assure that no disaster would

happen, but it is the greatest form of protection that we could offer the people of our

community. It is better to invest for the future of all, than respond only when losses

have already been incurred. It gives all lives a chance to be safe, rather than only

protecting those from the aftermath.