Several low-lying areas in the Philippines require extensive disaster reduction and mitigation plans, since these areas are typically affected by typhoons and flash floods; and Barangay Sta. Ana in the municipality of San Mateo, Rizal is no exception to this. This small community had endured the effects of countless storms that have hit the country, and consequently, its local government unit continually improves its plans to decrease hazards and risks in case a disaster arises.
One of the issues in the barangay during a storm is when some people refuse to evacuate the at-risk areas when asked by the rescue volunteers. This issue is very common in several areas in the country, and it usually arises because people do not want to leave their homes and possessions behind. Capt. Henry C. Cruz shared that when this issue arises, the residents are asked to sign a waiver form which states that they refused the help of the barangay, and they will not be held accountable for any problems that they will have during the typhoon.
Submitted by:
John Onesimus G. Ancheta
C-Nur-6
In an interview with Sta. Ana's barangay captain, Hon. Henry C. Cruz, it was mentioned that all the at-risk areas in the community have been marked in the Vicinity Map which bears the evacuation plan, the areas that are highly prone to flooding, and the households that have PWDs, Senior Citizens, and bedridden people. These areas are closely monitored in the event of a typhoon.
Referring to the image above, the areas marked red are located at the border of the San Mateo River which makes them the most vulnerable areas to flooding in the barangay. Evacuation centers are strategically located near these areas- close enough for accessibility, but far enough from the river so it is not affected by the flood. One of the biggest evacuation areas in the barangay is the San Mateo Elementary School. Moreover, the safest area in the vicinity is the Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu Parish.
Capt. Henry C. Cruz has mentioned that the barangay is prepared for typhoons all year round. Their barangay hall is fully stocked with rescue materials, relief goods, and other materials needed for disaster response. Their action center has a satellite weather monitoring system which helps them determine whether a typhoon is coming. They distribute brochures which contain information about what to do in the event of a storm and flood. Their rescue unit, as well as several volunteers and partner organizations are the first to respond during a typhoon. They assist evacuees, distribute relief goods, give out food, and help out households that have PWDs, senior citizens, and bedridden people.
One of the issues in the barangay during a storm is when some people refuse to evacuate the at-risk areas when asked by the rescue volunteers. This issue is very common in several areas in the country, and it usually arises because people do not want to leave their homes and possessions behind. Capt. Henry C. Cruz shared that when this issue arises, the residents are asked to sign a waiver form which states that they refused the help of the barangay, and they will not be held accountable for any problems that they will have during the typhoon.
Submitted by:
John Onesimus G. Ancheta
C-Nur-6
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