Last May, I was given a chance to join a trip to Bicol Region to take a look at the different practices that they have for Disaster Risk and Reduction Management.The region is known for (aside from the mouth-watering Bicol Express and Pili nuts and housing the famous- for its perfect cone-although not anymore, Mayon Volcano)  its good practices in involving the whole community in DRRM planning addressing individual and community safety including their livelihood and post-disaster adjustments.

During our visit, we were able to look at several practices which I deem as something which could be and should be practiced by other provinces as well.

1) They provide means for the laymen to learn more about and prepare for disasters

Remember our art projects back in grade school where the teacher asks us to make cute little dioramas of our dream place? Well, Bicol region have their own, not-so-grade-school, version of that. They have their own 3D Maps (Diorama like maps) which provides different kinds of information like location of houses (including the type of house), establishments, evacuation centers, rivers, etc., observed flooding, areas susceptible to landslides, roads, and even a scale for the elevation of the area (certainly way way better than our art projects). Not only is this easy to use and understand but is also very accessible to people (according to some officials, mountaineers even visit the map to see the route which they would be taking).

2) They have a highly commendable means for communication (and, no it is unlike those paper cups tied together)

In Labo, Camarines Norte they have their very own radio station which airs daily to inform people not only of weather updates but also of other vital information happening in their area. It is operated by people from their DRRM office and under the supervision of their officials.

On the other hand, the DRRM office of Mercedes, Camarines Norte also has their own way of warning people, considering that the primary means of livelihood in the area is fishing, they have installed led signs in the fishing docks and several speakers to show weather updates.

3) They have different kinds of disaster maps ready for viewing

Most of the DRRM offices we've visited showed us different kinds of maps focused on their areas.Entering a whole new world of coloring books and connect the dots, They used simple legends for the people to be able to easily understand the information conveyed in each which includes a variety of maps showing flood and earthquake hazards, lahar affected areas, and areas at risk in an event of a volcanic eruption.

4) They train people, especially the youth

The Sanayang Pangkaligtasan in Camarines Norte is the first of its kind in the Philippines, providing training for the youth and other interested groups of people. Training includes first aid, rescue, and individual preparedness. Their facilities are much like our dream playgrounds, with different obstacle courses and its proximity to a mini-zoo (not really relevant, but hey!).

5) They take care of their livelihood

Ever heard of fishes being evacuated? In Mercedes, Camarines Norte they have a place especially dedicated for fishes and crops which makes up people's livelihood. They also offer training for the people in order for them to know what to do with their products in case of calamity.

These as well as the broad knowledge of their DRRM officials with regards to disasters per se and the needs of the people, makes it easier for the region to function and plan concerning disasters; and while these does not guarantee that people would be safe, it sure is a good step geared towards community preparedness.

Disclaimer: Claims about these practices being commendable are all made in my own opinion and does not represent views from any higher governing body