Cebu's Disaster Preparedness is A Good Thing!


I was reading the papers realizing that Cebu is getting ready just in case Typhoon Ruby hits.  One of the reasons why Cebu has become progressive is because of disaster awareness.  It made me think of the following details that makes Cebu indeed a progressive part of the Philippines:

  • Billboard owners have begun to take down their ads to prevent disasters.  Typhoons and billboards make a bad mix.
  • CCDRRMC teams started to check evacuation sites making sure they have electricity and water supply.
  • Policemen were requested not to make a leave this week to make sure that there will be enough manpower to assist in evacuation.
  • They have also learned their lesson from the Typhoon Yolanda incident.
  • No facility along the shoreline will be used as an evacuation center.
  • Warning is also given not to give fake messages to avoid the "Chona Mae Incident".
  • Immediate evacuation was done as a precaution.
  • An open eye for the weather is being kept just in case.

So how can disaster preparedness help Cebu island progress?  Here's what can be learned and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand these:

1.) Being disaster prepared means minimizing losses

In an economy like the Philippines, one must realize that minimizing losses is a key to improving one's businesses.  We will all suffer losses but minimizing them can be done.  When there is disaster control, one can expect better results.  Having had a drill on how to deal with stuff like earthquakes and typhoons can help.  Like for example, during the earthquake incident, some places fell and having the news immediately out, warned people where not to go because of the risk of falling debris. 

2.) It makes evacuation procedures more efficient

Evacuation procedures are not an easy task.  They can be very riotous.  Although I have not experienced it but looking at it, man it looks difficult.  One of the biggest problems in other areas of the Philippines is how often more than not, the evacuation centers aren't ready, lack of manpower, lack of order and so on makes evacuation a hassle.  Bad evacuation is NOT more fun in the Philippines.  Proper evacuation will make it fun in the Philippines.

3.) It also means one can at least estimate the budget for repair after the disaster

It's very important to have a forecast budget.  It may never be that accurate but it's always better to have extra money ready.  In life, you can never say you'll never make bad decisions.  I have experienced being conned myself.  It wasn't pleasant but thanks to my thrifty habits, I still have money to survive.  Anticipating a storm will help one get ready the budget and plans for repairs should they ever occur.  Even if you can't be super accurate but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead.  In the long run, it can also help save a lot of money.

4.) It also means that investors and tourists will see a high sense of responsibility this increasing both tourism and investment

You cannot always have fun in the Philippines can you?  Responsible tourism also involves disaster preparedness.  For example, it's best to warn tourists of any possible incoming storm.  It will give them the impression that the city is not just tourism for tourism's sake but it cares about people in general.  Being disaster prepared will also encourage investors because everywhere there is a risk.  If investors see that they can get help when they need it, the more they would want to invest in that place.  A high rate of accountability increases both tourism and investment.

Comments

  1. Meanwhile in Imperial Manila, I won't be surprised if the number of casualties will be high, not only because of unpreparedness, but also because of, prior to that, improper clean-up procedures (or not cleaning up at all)......

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