The Philippines has been listed among the top most disaster-prone countries in the World Risk Index as well as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Several parts of this country have experienced strong earthquakes recently. Typhoons have visited this country this year. Records also show several strong typhoons have hit the Philippines in December.
A strong typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend. Rains in Luzon, including the venues of the 2019 SEA Games, have been reported. This is not fake or paid reporting.
But seriously, have contingency plans for typhoons and God forbid, other types of disasters been prepared by the Philippines SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC)?
We hope so.
However, it is disturbing to learn that PHISGOC executive director Tom Carrasco said “we will make contingency plans just in case the weather gets worse.” Does this statement mean contingency plans for disasters have not been included ahead of this typhoon?
We need to pray even more then, if this is the case. We pray all will be safe and protected now and in the event, God forbid, that a strong typhoon or any other disaster hits this country. Let us pray that effective contingency plans are in place.
The contingency plans should not include only game-related preparations, such as which venue to use and other logistics. The contingency plans should include the more serious preparations necessary for a comprehensive, systematic, well-coordinated disaster management. And as our guests and delegates are from various SEA countries, we certainly hope that the emergency and disaster management contingency plans included coordination with the various SEA counterparts.
Experience has informed us that foreigners are among the most vulnerable during emergencies and disasters because of language and other culture-related issues. We sincerely hope that the Philippine government through PHISGOC has effective contingency plans for our own people as well as for our foreign guests and delegates for the SEA games.
We remain worried, though. What else did the PHISGOC not include in their overall plans and preparations for the SEA Games?
For one, based on recent reports, the committee did not seem to make any advance request to DepED for the suspension of classes in areas affected by the 2019 SEA Games.
Then, there is the traffic management issue. Why are discussions about a special lane committed to the participants of the SEA Games being reported just now? Why could this traffic, as well as transport, management not have been prepared for and settled weeks ahead of the start of the 2019 games?
Of course, we are not expecting 100% perfect preparation and arrangements for the 2019 SEA Games. However, there are standards and requirements to be met, especially where the protection and welfare of all participants are concerned. There are also standards and requirements regarding game-related structures, procedures, venues, and so on.
Mediocrity, incompetence, absence of common sense, delay, among others, have no place and are unacceptable standards for any coordinating committee tasked with such an important regional event as the 2019 SEA games.
Regardless of the budget, excellence, and competence, even just plain common sense, shine through among the tested, among the truly reliable and qualified. The sterling work values of genuine stewards translate into effective plans and implementation through efficient use of time, space, funds, and intellect.
We stand proud of Filipinos who are hardworking, honest, inclusive, transparent, and humble, those who have performed and are performing for the Lord, for our country, and our people to the best of their ability without aiming for fame, glory, wealth, and power.