Davao del Norte creates lifeboats out of garbage

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – In an effort to promote disaster preparedness and waste management in its communities, Davao del Norte’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) held a friendly competition in August 2015 introducing lifeboats made out of recyclable materials created by local disaster councils of the province’s cities and municipalities.

 “The goal of the event is to encourage communities – especially those areas most likely to be hit by flash floods – to convert recyclable materials and assemble their own version of lifeboats for their residents,” Romulo Tagalo, head of the PDRRMC, said. 

According to Tagalo, residents from different barangays, especially those that are low-lying, frequently request for rubber boats. The government, however, cannot provide such needs given their small budget. This is why the PDRRMC advises local officials to make their own lifeboats so that they won’t have to wait for 3-4 hours for rescue to come in times of disasters.

“Using recyclable materials will also help the solid waste management of communities, keeping them safe from diseases. It is a good alternative for expensive rubber boats,”  Tagalo added.

Residents of Davao del Norte learned a harsh lesson when Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) hit the province in December 2012. The typhoon is considered as the strongest that hit the province. During the typhoon, some communities had to wait 2 to 3 days before rescue and relief supplies reached them.

Tagalo added that these kinds of calamities are unavoidable due to climate change. The damages, however, can be reduced if communities are prepared.

“It would also help if every individuals has the basic knowledge concerning (disasters), such as doing first aid, finding sources of light, food, shelter, and knowing who to contact or where to go during unforeseen natural disasters,” Tagalo said.

Aside from creating lifeboats out of garbage, Davao del Norte’s PDRRMC also encourages communities to do tree planting activities to reduce the risk of landslides. – Rappler.com

Jasmine Chloe Cabrera, a student of Tagum National High School, is a Rappler Mover from Davao del Norte.