Lessons from Ondoy

In the aftermath of tropical storm Ondoy, any fault finding or finger pointing, at the moment, would be an exercise in futility. Such would constitute, literally and figuratively, water under the bridge. Instead, we should focus on preparing with a “lessons learned” list so that we, as a country, are able to better deal with such a situation when (not if) it happens again. Let me provide my four centavos on such list:

1. Device a new system to assess weather disturbances — Our Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) should device a new system that would more accurately assess the strength of a weather disturbance. How can a mere tropical storm (as opposed to a typhoon) wreak so much damage? The problem with the current system of assessing weather disturbances thru storm signals is that it focuses too much on wind strength rather than the amount of rain expected to be generated. And yet, the latter seems to be the more pressing problem for the country. (Although super typhoon Pepeng which hits land today may make me eat my words.)

2. Purchase modern equipment — Given the need for a new system and the fact that we are at the center of the typhoon belt, PAGASA needs to acquire state of the art satellite equipment and ensure that its personnel know how to operate them. It has been pushing for the acquisition of the Doppler radar system which would enable it to predict the volume of rainfall. But I understand that the purchase has been delayed by the usual bureaucratic delay and “sticky fingers” who wish to take a piece of the action.

Aside from technological challenges and staffing issues, PAGASA has limited capabilities to issue on-time and accurate weather forecasts. I remember tuning in to a 3 p.m. weather forecast last Saturday where the PAGASA forecaster was providing the location of the storm “as of 10 a.m.” If the agency will be true to its name (i.e., hope), it needs to do better than that. 

3. Acquire right equipment — The component units of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, should also acquire the right equipment. Rescue and relief efforts were hampered because the government agencies concerned were not equipped to properly deal with the situation. I would have thought that motorized rubber boats, amphibious trucks and night search equipment would have been an integral part of the inventory. More than sophisticated military hardware, we need basic search and rescue paraphernalia.

4. Obtain disaster training — Let’s be real our country does not currently have the resources and the skills to cope with major disasters. Hence, any Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) should contain a section on disaster assistance. Since the Senate is calling for a review of the VFA with the United States, it should make sure that it provides not only for assistance during calamities but also training for our AFP personnel on disaster management. More than protecting the country from external aggressors, the country needs greater protection from force majeure and fortuitous events.

5. Think Environment — The rains were God-sent but the floods were mainly man-made. Yes, an exorbitant amount of rain fell that Saturday but it stayed on the ground because trees were cut aimlessly, trash has been thrown mindlessly and informal structures consented to endlessly. Without a doubt, our thinning forest cover, clogged drainages and illegal settlers exacerbated the situation. So this should serve as a wake up call to each one of us to think long term and take care of the environment. In this regard, we should also keep in mind the old adage: “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”

6. Review changing landscape — It is still unclear what the impact was of the decision of NAPOCOR to release water from the La Mesa, Ipo and Angat dams or the choice of MMDA to open the Napindan floodgates. What is clear though is such decisions should be communicated in a timely manner to afford the people to be affected an opportunity to evacuate. In this regard, our authorities should not only review the system of decision making and notification but also the changing landscape and topography brought about by migration and environmental degradation.

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The silver living amidst the doom and the gloom is of course the heroic acts of those who risked life and limb to save others like soldier Venancio Ancheta who rescued 20 residents of Famy, Laguna before being swept away by strong currents or 18-year-old Muelmar Magallanes who saved 30 people in Quezon City and, while rescuing another individual, was hit by a tree. Add to this the countless others who have opened their homes to strangers or donated their time, treasure and talent in aid of the distressed. Truly, the spontaneous outpouring of volunteerism has been phenomenal and inspirational. This week’s four centavos go to all of them.

One such group is the Angel Brigade Center which set up shop at the former showroom of the Shang Grand Tower (in front of Pacific Plaza Towers) in Fort Bonifacio. Led by St. Michael the Archangel parish priest, Fr. Arnold Eramiz, the center started operations last September 29 which also happened to be the feast day of St. Michael. Since its inception four days ago, the center has produced 15,000 bags for direct distribution to victims in Marikina, Cainta, Malabon and municipalities in Rizal and Bulacan.

What is unique about this center is that you see parents and children, Filipino and international students, friends and strangers working hand in hand to achieve the apolitical objective of helping out a faceless neighbor in need. For information about the center’s activities, you may call 8827174, 8970383 or 0917-8970383.

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“If the wind will not serve,

take to the oars.” — Latin Proverb

E-mail: [email protected]