Mykell Joshua M.

Macaballug [Module 1-Task

7]

More Than Climate Change: The Bigger Battle We Face

The fight against climate change and global warming is a big battle for us

Filipinos. Along with these difficulties, we also face the government's incapability to

constantly prepare for and respond to disasters. Over a thousand typhoons to be

followed by their destructive aftermath have passed, and the government hasn’t learned

its lesson in its response to natural disasters, leaving citizens devastated during these

times. The image tells a story that we heard for decades. The Philippines' fight against

natural disasters is made even tougher due to delayed action and a lack of

responsibility by the government.

First, it is evident in the image how the people are suffering from the

government's inadequate response and lack of responsibility. For example, the image

depicts the hard realities that the Filipino people must face. When we see rescuers

using rubber boats to navigate flooded streets, we realize how the victims of the

typhoon are left to deal with extremely harsh conditions. This reveals how ineffectively

the government protects its citizens against disasters and their preparations for them.

Second, the picture could also show what happens if the government fails to

respond to disasters. Through the image, we could see how the Filipino people were left

devastated and at the same time desperate to save their lives and belongings. The

picture could also show how inefficient our government is in disaster preparedness
through the lack of rescue equipment, lack of disaster personnel, and clogged streets.

These scenes of people struggling after the disaster could show the gaps in government

preparation and how citizens end up suffering due to poor planning.

Lastly, disasters aren’t my main point. Instead, we should focus on the lack of

accountability in the government. Natural disasters are not uncommon in the

Philippines, thus the government should act to safeguard its citizens. However, the

picture shows the truth, which is that many struggling citizens don't receive assistance,

especially when they most need it. For example, during calamities, the government

might issue recommendations urging its citizens to evacuate. But oftentimes,

evacuation centers are too small and lack fundamental necessities.

In conclusion, the picture depicts a story of suffering caused by the lack of action

and accountability by our own government. The scenes of a country devastated by

natural disasters show us that poor governance has a direct impact on its people. For

me, this should be an eye-opener to the government that they should prioritize disaster

preparedness by creating a better and more effective response plan. Another key is for

them to take responsibility for their actions, and to end the never-ending cycle of

blaming the different branches of government. Furthermore, good governance

especially in times of crisis is essential for the Philippines to progress to a better future.