World Vision PH Beefs Up Disaster Preparedness Amid Rainy Season

Manila, Philippines, July 06, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Humanitarian organization World Vision continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness measures as the rainy season sets in. On May 24, state weather bureau PAGASA declared the end of the dry season based on its current weather projection. Data from the weather bureau further showed the southwest monsoon (Habagat) nearing the West Philippine Sea which is expected to bring more rains in the coming days.

Prepositioning relief items, partnerships

World Vision has prepositioned life-saving essentials for 4,000 families through its disaster preparedness project.

"Currently, we have 4,000 non-food items, kitchen and hygiene kits; 2,000 tarps, ropes and other relief supplies in our warehouses in Luzon and Visayas," says Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director, Bebeth Tiu. "These items will be used in our initial response if needed." In 2015, the project has enabled relevant and timely intervention during the Typhoon Lando and Nona emergency responses serving more than 20,000 people.

Recognizing logistics problems at the onset of an emergency response, World Vision is also forging partnership with service providers to ensure smooth and efficient relief efforts. The organization is also an active member of Communities of Practice (CoP )in Community Engagement and Emergency Response and Preparedness (ERPWG) working group to ensure coordination with UNOCHA and other humanitarian NGOs during disasters.

Strengthening advocacy-based interventions

Aside from prepositioning relief items, the organization is also a strong advocate of disaster preparedness in schools and communities across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. In 2015, 36 barangays and 52 schools have drafted their child-focused DRRM plans through the Child-Focused Disaster Risk Reduction (CFDRR) approach.

"Through this initiative, our local government officials have been more conscious in involving us, children, in our community's DRRM. We contributed in doing our barangay's hazard maps and so in time of disasters, we know what to do and how to help," says 14-year old Kaye who is now active in advocating preparedness to her fellow students.

World Vision has also been part of the technical working group that worked on the development of the LahatHanda manual, an Inclusive Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (ICBDRRM) training manual that supplements the CBDRRM Basic Instructor’s Guide (BIG) Manual of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council-Office of Civil Defense (NDRRMC-OCD). The material emphasizes the inclusion and promotion of the rights and capacities of children, youth, older people and persons with disabilities.

To promote sustainability of such interventions, World Vision continues to work with different stakeholders in reviewing and advocating for the improvement of the country's disaster risk reduction law. On May 18, President Aquino signed the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, a law that gives more focus on the protection of children vulnerable to and affected by disasters.

"We rejoice along with other advocates who actively campaigned for this law following Typhoon Yolanda in 2013," shared Kathrine Yee, World Vision advocacy manager.

The Philippines is frequented by an average of 20 typhoons every year. In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan), the strongest typhoon to make landfall hit the Philippines, affecting more than 14.1 million people across 44 provinces. As the wet season begins, PAGASA forecasts 7 to 17 tropical cyclones to hit the country from May to October 2016.

"We are reminding the public to be prepared this rainy season. Work on your family preparedness plan, secure your emergency kits, know your community warning systems and listen to weather updates. Preparedness is still everyone's responsibility," reminds Kristin Roxas, Disaster Risk Reduction Manager.