"The future belongs to people who prepare for it." Our future consists of different scenarios; for some, it's laying on the green grass of Ayala Triangle Gardens; for some, it's going out to shop and eat at Glorietta, and more. The future of every Makatizen differs because all of us lead different lives. However, the small common ground each Makatizen desires is to have a future with the people they love and cherish the most. With the people, they call home. Home is not made of stone or brick. Instead, home is the people who make you feel at home and at peace. Therefore, let us protect our home by being aware, ready, and prepared. Disasters come upon every corner of the world, may it rain or shine. Indeed as Filipinos, we are used to the rainy and hot season, and we hear the weekly upcoming rainy forecast; however, no matter what disaster, a 1-week notice is not enough to be more than prepared (Ferry, 2017). Disasters may or may not be caused inevitably, but the citizens of Makati being prepared to be triumphant against it is already half the challenge accomplished. This website will serve as a guide for all individuals and families to be well-prepared for any upcoming disasters to be encountered. With this in mind, the website aims to showcase the different hazards that may happen in the community, what to do before, during, and after the hazard; and how to be more prepared in times of emergency. 

 

Fortunately, in the Makati area, well-established hazard responses were made and implemented by the city's Disaster Coordinating Council (MCDCC). They are solely focused on disaster reduction and represent the city in creating national and regional policies and strategies. 5% of the city's funds are allocated and intended for its calamity fund, which is the city's management funds for disaster response and recovery. This was made possible because of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160). Nonetheless, with all the previously stated risks, 5% is a meager allotment for disaster response and recovery despite the community's regular hardship.

 

Moreover, the MCDCC, in partnership with the Makati City Local Government Unit (LGU), has accomplished many things to reduce hazards around the area. For example, the city's roads and drainage have been completely improved while other essential facilities such as schools and hospitals are regularly checked for their safety. Similarly, the maintenance of said roads and other major cleaning and fixing of cables and pipes are handled by the area's respective Department of Engineering and Public Works. Consequently, DEPW holds annual assessments of all the facilities in the city, ensuring that they all follow the strictly implemented building code, land use, and zoning regulations. Lastly, young individuals are also informed about these hazards and disasters in school to ensure that they have a high level of awareness and preparedness in the case that these calamities strike. At the same time, information is also being spread through social media, AM/FM radio, and daily television.
 

Furthermore, according to the US National Library of Medicine, the lack of awareness most people in society have about the hazards that surround them and the corresponding disasters and effects that follow are the main cause of injuries, death, and ironically the cause of why these disasters impact the community so strongly. Similarly, with the different levels of awareness and preparedness, our country has, this material will be a learning stop that will hopefully make families in the community, in whatever situation in life, aware and ready to face and recover from disasters. To further elaborate, the Philippines, as we all experience, is constantly hit by typhoons and earthquakes, which result in heavy floods and landslides most of the time. On the other hand, we also experience severe droughts and hot weather, which could also be influenced by the number of volcanic activities around the country. With that, this material will be very significant in reducing the damage these disasters have on homes, supported by Bollettino et al. (2018), that states how despite the intense effort our country has been exerting to better cope with these situations, there are still significant gaps that need to be bridged to increase the level of management the government can provide for families to better cope. Overall, this learning material will inform and make members of the community aware of the different hazards around them and how they can prepare for the looming disaster that may follow. Furthermore, it will equip them with the proper knowledge about what they should do during the disaster and how they can manage its effects, whether physical, financial, or mental; this is why creating this learning material is vital for the community.

 

Safety aligns with preparedness and not luck. If there's something you always have to bear in mind, hazards are unpredictable. It can happen anywhere, so it is imperative to be prepared for anything. Six places are at high risk of being affected by earthquakes from the Valley Fault System. In addition to this, the western portion of the City is composed of former tidal flats where seven (7) barangays are flood-prone which are subject to several hydrometeorological disasters in the past until the present such as Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) in 2006, Typhoon Egay (Sepat) in 2007, Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) and Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) in 2009.

 

With these hazards lurking around in the city, we can prepare ourselves for possible disasters by knowing the risks around your area and planning an evacuation plan, so you know what to do in times of a disaster. Put all necessary materials in a bag or emergency near you, so it is easy to reach when needed. Also, ensure that your equipment is sturdy and in place, so it won't fall on anyone and be a hazard, especially in times of earthquakes. Anticipation is protection for ourselves and our loved ones, so begin preparing now, before it's too late.