Our Built Environment

What can you say about the response of the design of the architects?

Their ideas & theories which lead to how they respond on disasters and calamities can only be
describe as exceptional.

Do you agree to this? Why?

Yes, of course. I, believe that we as professionals are deemed necessary to take action during these
times. By cooperating with different professions (that are fit for the task), not only we can manage the
current situation but also creates an elastic development for future proofing.

Give at least 2 significant points were discussed in the presentation? 

First point from Kurakata Shunsuke Sensei that is the relationship of natural & artificial environment.
It is the core idea followed by disaster prevention, and sustainability. With these in mind, the public
planning and current land usage can be altered so that it can have limitless potential.

Kurakata Shunsuke Sensei also stated that while focusing on progress, also take into consideration the
project’s resiliency. Pay attention to the technology used, use more versatile approach such as
technology that can be used even under poor conditions during calamity.

Ar. Kurokawa Sho specified that disaster relief in buildings should show the philosophy of the client
and can be altered to the given condition of the ever changing environment.

Ar. Jose Miranda detailed the application of temporary shelter systems. He put emphasis on the
robustness, affordability, scalability & range of application of the shelter systems. He also stressed that
“Disaster Relief has to be flexible, and should go to the people”.

Engr. Ma Lorena Hernandez discussed about post disaster construction that benefits survivors. Then
conducts activity that gives the locals knowledge in building houses that can withstand disaster while
incorporating responsive design.

Last point is common to all of what they have tackled. The using local materials, and local production,
thus having low production cost and more of a sustainable design.

COVID and Planning: Best Practices on the Ground

1. There were several practices presented by planners from different LGU's. Which among these
practices are similarly implemented in your locality?
When Naga City is put under ECQ it has strictly implemented Border Control, it is the first measure the
city has made. The city also cooperated with its neighboring towns on how the city will execute these
strategies, since almost all neighboring towns are deeply dependent on the city’s economy. Then it
designated the barangays to prioritize Isolation, Contact tracing, Testing, Subsidy & Recovery. With
these method & micromanagement the city’s response to covid-19 has been superb, up to this day it
only record a minority of positive covid-19 patients.

2. Which of the COVID19 response practices of your LGU are effective? Why?

The Border Control & coordination with other LGUs prove to be the greatest action Naga City has done.
Since information is a key to winning this war against covid-19, it is important to share it not only within
Naga City but also those around it. When the public is well informed, panic is avoided, if positive cases
are immediately known then the response will also be immediate. With this approach the LGUs began to
recover & transitioned better to our current “new normal” status.

3. As a researcher, what opportunities does this provide for you in terms of research topics?

The capability of developing a good research topic is not an easy skill. But these webinars have given me
the opportunities to develop my skills. Here three points that I have learned through webinars:

 Topic must be specific and focused enough to be interesting, and sufficient to have an adequate
information.
 One must have in mind what the final output should look like.
 Adhere to the requirements of the instructor about format/ style of the research project.

Most importantly, as we are struggling for survival against Covid-19 some research approach should be
minimal. Gathering data will be limited since face-face procedure is only a last resort, the opportunity
that came knocking with that is the World-Wide-Web. The internet is a powerful tool for a researcher,
and since the pandemic people has chosen this platform for almost all activities. And I am thankful that I
am one of the people who have access to this wonderful system.