The urgent and pressing environmental issue of climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality that significantly impacts humanity and the world. We are all witnesses to the profound changes in our lives, and we must either adapt or risk becoming victims of circumstances. The looming threat of massive destruction in the coming years and generations is a stark reminder of the urgent need for immediate action.
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 ago. 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 has suffered tremendously at some point due to significant natural calamities, including typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, and storm surges that have killed thousands of Filipinos.
While natural disasters may be inevitable, the resilience of the Filipino spirit has proven to be a powerful force. Our ability to bounce back from adversity, to prepare, and to anticipate more destructive forces is a testament to our strength. We may bend, but we do not break. This resilience is a source of pride and determination for us, showing that we can and will recover, living fully once more.
The Philippine Government, NGOs, and even private companies and organizations are fulfilling their mandates in response to their environmental duties and contributing to a more livable community. For instance, the government has implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions, NGOs have conducted tree-planting activities, and private companies have invested in sustainable technologies. Media Company Rappler has been a leader in its humanitarian effort concerning the effects of climate change.
The AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and Non-Government agencies, is a call to action. It aims 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 three-way goal: 'Prepare—Respond—Recover.' This approach is applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity. 'Prepare' involves creating disaster preparedness plans and conducting drills, 'Respond' focuses on immediate actions during a disaster, and 'Recover' is about rebuilding and restoring normalcy after the disaster.
The AGOS project, in partnership and coordination with several Government and Non-Government agencies, is a call to action. It aims 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 three-way goal: 'Prepare—Respond—Recover.' This approach is applicable before, during, and after a disaster or calamity. 'Prepare' involves creating disaster preparedness plans and conducting drills, 'Respond' focuses on immediate actions during a disaster, and 'Recover' is about rebuilding and restoring normalcy after the disaster.
The 2-day AGOS Disaster Preparedness event on July 14-15 was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of government and private organizations working together for zero casualties in times of natural disaster. The event featured workshops on disaster preparedness, demonstrations of emergency response techniques, and discussions on the role of different sectors in disaster management. Rappler, in partnership with Humanitarian Organizations, successfully rallied members, followers, and volunteers to devote their time and 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 ecological 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