The recent environmental issue of climate change significantly affects humanity and the world. We are all living testimony of how our lives have changed in many ways; we either adapt to it or become victims of circumstances. This is more than just the present situation since we look forward to its massive destruction in the succeeding years and generations.
With the most significant issue of global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live harmoniously with nature? Is the human race losing the battle and on its way to extinction? We may never know, but one thing for sure is that we now live in uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and the consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.
With the most significant issue of global warming leading to climate change, how can we foresee the future ahead of us? How can we ensure that the next generations will live harmoniously with nature? Is the human race losing the battle and on its way to extinction? We may never know, but one thing for sure is that we now live in uncertainty due to the destructive Power of Nature and the consequence of greediness and negligence for personal gains.
The great debate on climate change started several years back. It has become a significant issue confronting several nations, especially the Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia and the world. This small archipelago of brave Filipinos have suffered tremendously at some point in time due to significant natural calamity; typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and storm surge that have killed thousands of Filipinos.
Natural disasters may be inevitable. However, the Resilience of the Filipino Spirit made us more robust, and we became the ultimate survivor. Our survival instinct enables us to better prepare ahead and anticipate more destructive forces beyond our control. We may have a bended knee, but that's only temporary, as we can bounce back to live a fully recovered life.
Philippine Government, NGOs, and even private companies and organizations are doing their mandate in response to their environmental duties and contribution to a more livable community. Media Company, Rappler has been a leader in its humanitarian effort concerning the effect of climate change.
Their AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and Non-Government agencies, calls for an action to raise awareness among every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. We can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrences through social media.
The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable 3-way goal: to "Prepare - Respond - Recover" applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity.
Their AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and Non-Government agencies, calls for an action to raise awareness among every Filipino that we can do something in our very own simple ways. We can be empowered to send and receive reports about calamities and disaster-related occurrences through social media.
The AGOS project introduced a way of making a difference through a practical and achievable 3-way goal: to "Prepare - Respond - Recover" applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity.
The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness on July 14-15 was a remarkable achievement of the Government and Private organizations working together for a common goal to achieve zero casualties in times of natural disaster. Rappler, in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations, was successful in attracting members, followers, and volunteers willing to spend their precious time and devote positive energy to a humanitarian cause.
Present at the event is our Philippine Senator, Richard Gordon, who is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He shared about the power of volunteerism and what they can achieve to alleviate the suffering and restore the dignity of calamity victims. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law she has authored since the early 90s. Her concept of zero waste management, "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle," is her environmental advocacy teaching people to save our environment from further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about their respective offices or agencies' role in minimizing the effect of climate change and our ways of adaptation and survival.
Present at the event is our Philippine Senator, Richard Gordon, who is the Chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross. He shared about the power of volunteerism and what they can achieve to alleviate the suffering and restore the dignity of calamity victims. Senator Loren Legarda also shared about the environmental law she has authored since the early 90s. Her concept of zero waste management, "Reuse - Reduce - Recycle," is her environmental advocacy teaching people to save our environment from further damage or harm. Other invited speakers talked about their respective offices or agencies' role in minimizing the effect of climate change and our ways of adaptation and survival.
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| Together with Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler |
The initiative of Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler, and her whole team is truly commendable as they have proven their leadership in disaster management and advocacy for a more resilient community. Maria's approach to public-private partnership doesn't need a huge budget but to empower Filipino people, especially the younger generations, to become active change agents capable of influencing others to have their commitments to Environmental causes.
The Summit was empowering, inspiring us to have a voice even in digital media. We can actively communicate ideas and solutions that benefit disaster management through social media. The humanitarian drive creates goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people to actively participate in nation-building.
The great thing about being Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital. Its evolution enables humanitarians and advocates to continue living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda, and unfortunate events may hit us no matter what. Still, we're ready to break the barriers for a smooth-sailing journey to recovery.
We join hands together, and our soul-purpose will lead us to uplift the lives of other Filipinos who are lost, misguided, and victims of this sad fate. A resilient spirit will always be unshakable and always create a ripple.
The Summit was empowering, inspiring us to have a voice even in digital media. We can actively communicate ideas and solutions that benefit disaster management through social media. The humanitarian drive creates goodwill among its followers and will further influence young people to actively participate in nation-building.
The great thing about being Filipino is that our 'Bayahihan' culture has become digital. Its evolution enables humanitarians and advocates to continue living with a sense of purpose and direction. We have already proven the Resilience of The Filipino Spirit: A Year After Typhoon Yolanda, and unfortunate events may hit us no matter what. Still, we're ready to break the barriers for a smooth-sailing journey to recovery.
We join hands together, and our soul-purpose will lead us to uplift the lives of other Filipinos who are lost, misguided, and victims of this sad fate. A resilient spirit will always be unshakable and always create a ripple.
© 2017 Del Cusay
