National Service Training Program

Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)

Assessment 3

1. Give your own observation on the idea that Philippines is a disaster-prone country. Do
you agree with this or not?
The Philippines is recognized as a country prone to disasters due to its
geographic location and climatic conditions. Being situated in the Pacific Ring of
Fire makes it susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. The
archipelagic nature of the country increases its vulnerability to a variety of
natural disasters. Storm surges, floods, and landslides, exacerbated by the
typhoons, result in substantial damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and
communities. Historical incidents of devastating earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions have caused significant loss of life and property. Despite efforts to
improve preparedness, the ongoing challenges stem from the frequent and
intense occurrence of natural disasters.

2. Explain the difference between a hazard and a disaster. Give specific examples.
A hazard is a possible threat or danger, while a disaster is the actual
occurrence of significant harm or damage that happens when a hazard affects a
vulnerable part of the environment or society. Good disaster management
includes identifying and lessening hazards and getting ready for and dealing with
disasters to reduce their impact.

Hazard - is something that could cause harm to people, property, livelihoods, or

the environment.
Examples:
 Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions,
tsunamis.
Technological Hazards: Industrial accidents, chemical spills, nuclear
incidents.
Human-induced Hazards: Deforestation, pollution, climate change
impacts.

Disaster - happens when a hazardous event interacts with a vulnerable

population, causing significant harm, disruption, and damage. It's essentially the
real impact of a hazard.
Examples:
Natural Disasters: An earthquake causing widespread destruction to
buildings.
Technological Disasters: A chemical spill contaminating water sources
and affecting human health.
Human-induced Disasters: The cumulative impact of pollution causing
health crises.

3. What makes a society vulnerable from disasters and hazards?

Societal vulnerability to disasters results from factors like geographic
location, economic status, infrastructure quality, environmental practices,
education levels, social inequality, healthcare accessibility, governance
effectiveness, climate change impacts, and cultural dynamics. Addressing these
aspects is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction. A comprehensive approach,
considering these dimensions of vulnerability, is essential for enhancing
resilience and mitigating the impact of disasters on communities.

4. Among the four priority areas of the DRRM, what should be given the most attention
and why?
 Disaster Prevention and Mitigation should be given the most attention
among the four areas of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)
because prevention and mitigation focus on taking proactive measures to reduce
or eliminate the impact of hazards before disasters occur. It also measures, such
as early warning systems, building codes, and land-use planning, can significantly
reduce casualties and injuries by minimizing exposure to hazards and enhancing
community resilience. Furthermore, prioritizing prevention and mitigation aligns
with the principles of sustainable development. It ensures that communities are
resilient to future hazards, fostering long-term sustainability and reducing the
need for continuous emergency response and recovery efforts.

5. Among all the disasters presented, what do you think is the most difficult to prevents?
Expound on your answer.
The epidemics and pandemics are the most difficult to prevent because they
can spread rapidly on a global scale, making it challenging to control their
transmission. The interconnectedness of today's world facilitates the swift
movement of infectious agents across borders. Moreover, some infectious
diseases can be transmitted by individuals who show no symptoms
(asymptomatic), making it challenging to identify and isolate carriers effectively.
Developing vaccines for new and emerging infectious diseases is a complex and
time-consuming process. Additionally, ensuring widespread distribution and
acceptance of vaccines poses logistical and societal challenges. Many countries,
particularly those with limited resources, may struggle to implement effective
public health measures, conduct widespread testing, and provide healthcare
services during an epidemic or pandemic.