Once again, the Philippines finds itself reeling from the devastation of not just one, but two successive super typhoons. Homes have been flattened, crops destroyed, and countless lives disrupted. While the outpouring of aid and bayanihan spirit is still there, it is time for the Filipino people to confront the painful truth that we cannot continue to rely on resilience alone.
We have to be more prepared as individuals, communities, and as a nation.
Every year, we face the same tragic cycle: warnings issued, inconsistent evacuations, and then relief operations that stretch communities and the country thin. Despite decades of experience with extreme weather, we still struggle with the basics – disaster planning, early warning dissemination, and sustainable rebuilding.
Climate change has permanently altered our weather patterns. We should know by now that super typhoons are no longer rare events, they are part of the new norm. That means our state of preparedness must also adjust accordingly.
Local governments must invest in more resilient infrastructure and enforce strict zoning laws to prevent communities from settling in danger zones. Schools and public buildings that are often used as evacuation centers should by now be better equipped, instead of being the improvised shelters that they are transformed into every time a calamity strikes. Equally important, the national government must ensure that disaster funds are used transparently and swiftly, not lost to red tape or corruption.
Citizens, too, have a role. Preparedness begins at home, starting with securing important documents, storing emergency supplies, and staying informed. Each family should have a plan, because in the first crucial hours of a disaster, survival often depends on readiness, and rescue should be a last resort.
Critical utility providers, such as electricity, water, and internet, also have to improve their disaster preparedness protocols, to minimize disruptions and ensure quicker recovery. Proactive measures such as clearing trees near power lines, providing emergency power, and preparing additional repair crews will go a long way in helping calamity hit communities to recover as quickly as possible.
We have been witness to how resilience without preparation has not been enough. We must transform our culture of reaction into a culture of anticipation. The storms will keep coming; that much we cannot change. What we can change is how ready we are to face those challenges, and how quickly we can recover.*
