The Philippines is one of the most natural hazard-prone countries in the world since it is located in the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire which is likely to experience frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Recently, an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck 159 km from Davao City Metropolitan Area. Also, Taal Volcano was placed under Alert Level 2. As such, the Rotaract Club of Alabang Daang-Hari organized a volcanic activity awareness webinar that aims to inform the general populace on what they should KNOW and what they should DO in the event that these devastating calamities would occur.
VolcaKNOW: A Volcanic Activity Awareness Webinar was conducted virtually last August 7, 2021. Almost 90 participants from different organizations and sectors attended the webinar including students, professionals and volunteers. The webinar tackled three topics namely, “Understanding Geologic Hazards: Volcanoes and Earthquakes”, “Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness: BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER earthquake and volcanic eruption” and “Importance of Volunteerism during Calamities.”
Understanding Geologic Hazards: Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness
Jeffrey Perez is a Science Research Specialist/ Geologist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs. He briefly discussed the science of earthquakes and volcanoes. Also, he talked about how earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur and the different hazards that may result when these disasters occur. He also emphasized the following steps on how to be prepared in case that these earthquakes and volcanic eruptions would occur.
Importance of Volunteerism During Calamities
Past District Rotaract Representative of Rotary International District 3830 Ahl Rowlan Legaspi discussed how volunteerism is vital and relevant nowadays. He also emphasized the qualities of being a great volunteer and how being a leader is relevant in taking actions on all the issues that the world is currently facing, may it be responding to disaster, poverty, education and health issues.
VolcaKNOW: A Volcanic Activity Awareness Webinar would not have been a successful and fulfilling event if not for the help and support from partner clubs in District 3830.
Truly that it will always be the nature of Filipino people to show compassion, empathy and love to the community. Although we Filipinos have been resilient in facing these tremendous challenges, disasters, and calamities in our lives, it is not enough. It is just as important that we must be informed, equipped, and prepared for whatever situations may arise in the event that these calamities occur. That is why, it has been the virtue of the Rotaract Club of Alabang Daang-Hari to serve as the beacon of information for providing knowledge and learning-filled webinars to the general populace.
One of the participants left a message to the team “I really enjoyed it a lot. It’s very interesting and relevant as we are facing a lot of unexpected problems, we are still able to get through this by means of unity, knowledge, sharing awareness, and volunteerism.”
Be informed, and Be Prepared Rotaractors!
