Legazpi City:Residents of Barangay Mabinit in Albay have long faced the challenges posed by natural disasters such as typhoons, lahar flows, and threats from Mayon Volcano. These experiences have profoundly impacted families, shaping their strategies for future calamities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the residents' preparation efforts extend beyond gathering clothes and food. Memories of roofs torn off by fierce winds, the anxiety of family members near an erupting volcano, and the distress of evacuating without assurance of return have instilled a deep-seated need for readiness. The community has learned to heed warnings, prepare essential supplies in advance, and prioritize safety, even at the cost of leaving behind their livelihoods temporarily.
Jerry Azores, head of the Barangay Mabinit disaster risk reduction and management committee, actively warns residents and checks flood-control channels before calamities strike. His commitment stems from personal experiences, including Typhoon Reming, which destroyed his home. He urges residents to follow evacuation instructions promptly and extends efforts to manage volcanic hazards by distributing face masks and reminding people to avoid danger zones during ashfall.
Residents like Leonida Ampuan and Teresita Sealna have also learned from past disasters. Ampuan's experiences with Typhoon Milenyo and Reming emphasized the importance of early preparation, prompting her to secure her home and assemble supplies ahead of storms. Sealna's encounter with the 1993 Mayon Volcano eruption taught her to respond swiftly to warnings by preparing essentials for a quick evacuation.
For Hermelina Perez, the 1993 eruption brought personal loss, influencing her thorough preparations for potential emergencies. She ensures her family is ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, aligning her efforts with lessons learned from the past.
The importance of preparedness is echoed by Bernardo Fortez Jr., Director of the Office of Civil Defense - Bicol. He emphasizes the region's vulnerability to calamities and the critical role of disaster awareness activities in fostering community readiness. Fortez highlights efforts to disseminate disaster information across various sectors and the enhancement of early warning systems.
These collective efforts underscore the community's resilience and commitment to safety, demonstrating that preparedness is a shared responsibility supported by individual experiences and community coordination.
