The importance of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Flooding brought about by Typhoon Ondoy 2009

A person's safety during calamities is mainly dependent on their community's disaster preparedness. No matter how ready they are for all possible catastrophic scenarios, every bit of preparation can go down the drain if their community cannot respond effectively to such events. 

It is why a community-based disaster risk reduction and management plan (CBDRRMP) is essential. It places the responsibility of being prepared for calamities and other emergencies on the community as a whole, ensuring that organizations, households and individuals can work together in making their community more resilient in the face of disaster.

 

CBDRRMP is important, especially for countries highly vulnerable to disasters, such as the Philippines. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and typhoons respectively. The country ranked 9th in the world in terms of vulnerability to calamities in the 2020 World Risk Index. 

One of the most common events experienced by the Philippines is flooding, which underscores the importance of effective floodwater management. There are many ways that local government units are doing this. Efforts range from structural measures such as sizeable underground drainage systems, floodways, pumping stations, flood warning systems, and urban greening to non-structural measures such as minimizing plastic waste, a primary culprit in urban flooding.

 

With the country situated on five active fault lines, Filipinos must also prepare for earthquakes. It is why many buildings are equipped with earthquake-resistance features. Taking earthquake resilience in the country further are the periodic earthquake drills implemented at the national and organizational levels.

 

These are good examples of effective CBDRR, where both the authorities and the citizens work together to ensure the safety of life and property in their communities.

 

SM City Masinag has a rainwater collection tank that can store 17,681 cubic meters of water.

As a trusted and responsible developer of integrated properties, SM has always been committed to promoting Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in its communities, which is evident in many of its malls that employ infrastructure design centered on disaster resilience. SM allocates 10% of its capital expenditures to incorporate disaster-resilient features, of which installing water management design features is one of them. 

                      

Artist's illustration of SM's rainwater collection facility in 22 SM Malls nationwide.

A few examples of these are SM City Marikina, elevated by several rows of concrete stilts to protect tenants and mall-goers during extreme floods. SM Mall of Asia was built with a storm surge barrier for added protection during storm surges, and several malls employ catchment tanks for recycling rainwater.

Across the country, there are 22 SM Malls that have rainwater collection tanks under the mall. All these malls combined can catch and store 79,880 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

“Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities become resilient to changing weather patterns,” explains Arch. Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering, Design and Development.  “Nationwide, we have 22 malls equipped with rainwater catchment facilities that help rain water management to avoid flash floods for surrounding communities.”

 

SM City Olongapo Central's rainwater collection tank can hold up to 14,580 cubic meters of water.

Supporting these are several initiatives focused capacity-building for its stakeholders. It includes workshops & learning sessions on Disaster Risk Resilience Management and regular participation in the quarterly national simultaneous earthquake drills for its employees, and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for persons with disabilities and the elderly, two of the most vulnerable sectors of society during disasters.

 

Similarly, in line with its multi-stakeholder approach, SM Prime has also continuously built long-term partnerships with organizations that advocate for a disaster-resilient Philippines. It includes collaborations with ARISE-Philippines, the National Resilience Council, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, to name a few.

SM City San Mateo's rainwater collection tank can collect 10,800 cubic meters of potential floodwater.

ABOUT SM PRIME HOLDINGS

 

SM Prime, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience form part of SM Prime's core business strategies. It ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates.

 

For more information on SM Prime Holdings and its other programs towards disaster preparedness, visit their website at www.smprime.com.

The importance of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Flooding brought about by Typhoon Ondoy 2009

A person's safety during calamities is mainly dependent on their community's disaster preparedness. No matter how ready they are for all possible catastrophic scenarios, every bit of preparation can go down the drain if their community cannot respond effectively to such events. 

The importance of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Flooding brought about by Typhoon Ondoy 2009

A person's safety during calamities is mainly dependent on their community's disaster preparedness. No matter how ready they are for all possible catastrophic scenarios, every bit of preparation can go down the drain if their community cannot respond effectively to such events. 

It is why a community-based disaster risk reduction and management plan (CBDRRMP) is essential. It places the responsibility of being prepared for calamities and other emergencies on the community as a whole, ensuring that organizations, households and individuals can work together in making their community more resilient in the face of disaster.

 

CBDRRMP is important, especially for countries highly vulnerable to disasters, such as the Philippines. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and typhoons respectively. The country ranked 9th in the world in terms of vulnerability to calamities in the 2020 World Risk Index. 

One of the most common events experienced by the Philippines is flooding, which underscores the importance of effective floodwater management. There are many ways that local government units are doing this. Efforts range from structural measures such as sizeable underground drainage systems, floodways, pumping stations, flood warning systems, and urban greening to non-structural measures such as minimizing plastic waste, a primary culprit in urban flooding.

 

With the country situated on five active fault lines, Filipinos must also prepare for earthquakes. It is why many buildings are equipped with earthquake-resistance features. Taking earthquake resilience in the country further are the periodic earthquake drills implemented at the national and organizational levels.

 

These are good examples of effective CBDRR, where both the authorities and the citizens work together to ensure the safety of life and property in their communities.

 

SM City Masinag has a rainwater collection tank that can store 17,681 cubic meters of water.

As a trusted and responsible developer of integrated properties, SM has always been committed to promoting Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in its communities, which is evident in many of its malls that employ infrastructure design centered on disaster resilience. SM allocates 10% of its capital expenditures to incorporate disaster-resilient features, of which installing water management design features is one of them. 

                      

Artist's illustration of SM's rainwater collection facility in 22 SM Malls nationwide.

A few examples of these are SM City Marikina, elevated by several rows of concrete stilts to protect tenants and mall-goers during extreme floods. SM Mall of Asia was built with a storm surge barrier for added protection during storm surges, and several malls employ catchment tanks for recycling rainwater.

Across the country, there are 22 SM Malls that have rainwater collection tanks under the mall. All these malls combined can catch and store 79,880 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

“Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities become resilient to changing weather patterns,” explains Arch. Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President of SM Engineering, Design and Development.  “Nationwide, we have 22 malls equipped with rainwater catchment facilities that help rain water management to avoid flash floods for surrounding communities.”

 

SM City Olongapo Central's rainwater collection tank can hold up to 14,580 cubic meters of water.

Supporting these are several initiatives focused capacity-building for its stakeholders. It includes workshops & learning sessions on Disaster Risk Resilience Management and regular participation in the quarterly national simultaneous earthquake drills for its employees, and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum for persons with disabilities and the elderly, two of the most vulnerable sectors of society during disasters.

 

Similarly, in line with its multi-stakeholder approach, SM Prime has also continuously built long-term partnerships with organizations that advocate for a disaster-resilient Philippines. It includes collaborations with ARISE-Philippines, the National Resilience Council, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, to name a few.

SM City San Mateo's rainwater collection tank can collect 10,800 cubic meters of potential floodwater.

ABOUT SM PRIME HOLDINGS

 

SM Prime, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience form part of SM Prime's core business strategies. It ensures that its risk-informed investments catalyze sustainable development and positive change in the communities where it operates.

 

For more information on SM Prime Holdings and its other programs towards disaster preparedness, visit their website at www.smprime.com.

How to Get PSA Birth Certificate Online

We are now starting to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy as we see many restrictions lifted, schedules getting filled and we can now go out again like we used to. 

As we adjust to yet another new “normal”, things are here to remain. 

As a Nanay with three boys including a breastfeeding toddler and no house help, I cannot afford to be out most of the time. This is why I enjoy doing things online with just a few clicks! I discovered a lot of things I can do online during the pandemic and I just love door-to-door services even up to now.

I recently submitted a PSA Birth Certificate online application for my boys' thru PSA Helpline PH and got it within a few days without the need to go out. Isn't that neat?

Follow the below steps for your PSA Birth Certificate online application. These are very straightforward.

You may request online for a PSA:

1. Birth Certificate

2. Marriage Certificate

3. Death Certificate, or 

4. CENOMAR

Here's how: 

1. Go to https://psahelpline.ph/ and click Order Now:

2. Choose the Certificate Type, I chose Birth. Accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and hit Continue.

3. You need to select if you are requesting your own Certificate of Live Birth or for someone else. I clicked on For Someone else.

4. Then select whose Birth Certificate you are requesting. In my case, I chose My Son and Continue.

5. You will be asked for personal information so make sure you have it ready.

6. Just go ahead and complete all the details.

7. Lastly, confirm your delivery address and contact information. If everything looks good, you may Continue.

You will be routed to the payment page and you can see a lot of options to choose from. 1 copy of the Birt Certificate costs Php 365.

That's it! Once you settle the payment, all you need to do is sit back, relax and wait for the certificate. 

ETA is 3 to 4 Working days within Metro Manila and 3 to 8 Working days outside Metro Manila.

PSAHelpline.ph is authorized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to handle online requests and nationwide delivery of PSA certificates. 

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for allowing me to experience this hassle-free online service.

How to Get PSA Birth Certificate Online

We are now starting to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy as we see many restrictions lifted, schedules getting filled and we can now go out again like we used to. 

As we adjust to yet another new “normal”, things are here to remain. 

How to Get PSA Birth Certificate Online

We are now starting to go back to pre-pandemic normalcy as we see many restrictions lifted, schedules getting filled and we can now go out again like we used to. 

As we adjust to yet another new “normal”, things are here to remain. 

As a Nanay with three boys including a breastfeeding toddler and no house help, I cannot afford to be out most of the time. This is why I enjoy doing things online with just a few clicks! I discovered a lot of things I can do online during the pandemic and I just love door-to-door services even up to now.

I recently submitted a PSA Birth Certificate online application for my boys' thru PSA Helpline PH and got it within a few days without the need to go out. Isn't that neat?

Follow the below steps for your PSA Birth Certificate online application. These are very straightforward.

You may request online for a PSA:

1. Birth Certificate

2. Marriage Certificate

3. Death Certificate, or 

4. CENOMAR

Here's how: 

1. Go to https://psahelpline.ph/ and click Order Now:

2. Choose the Certificate Type, I chose Birth. Accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and hit Continue.

3. You need to select if you are requesting your own Certificate of Live Birth or for someone else. I clicked on For Someone else.

4. Then select whose Birth Certificate you are requesting. In my case, I chose My Son and Continue.

5. You will be asked for personal information so make sure you have it ready.

6. Just go ahead and complete all the details.

7. Lastly, confirm your delivery address and contact information. If everything looks good, you may Continue.

You will be routed to the payment page and you can see a lot of options to choose from. 1 copy of the Birt Certificate costs Php 365.

That's it! Once you settle the payment, all you need to do is sit back, relax and wait for the certificate. 

ETA is 3 to 4 Working days within Metro Manila and 3 to 8 Working days outside Metro Manila.

PSAHelpline.ph is authorized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to handle online requests and nationwide delivery of PSA certificates. 

Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for allowing me to experience this hassle-free online service.

SMDC: Building Places Filipinos Can Call Home

A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic on home ownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact towards one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up and coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development. 

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately, and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents. 

Across the available properties, prospect homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones and standby generator set ensures continuous function and prime livability. 

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a greater quality of life, but to also have its communities take an integral role in their commitment towards sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

SMDC: Building Places Filipinos Can Call Home

A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic on home ownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact towards one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up and coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development. 

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately, and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents. 

Across the available properties, prospect homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones and standby generator set ensures continuous function and prime livability. 

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a greater quality of life, but to also have its communities take an integral role in their commitment towards sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

SMDC: Building Places Filipinos Can Call Home

A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

A Special Mother's Day Celebration: Block Screening and Fundraising Event by Mommy Bloggers PH

Mother's Day Celebration made extra special as we jumped into the multiverse and be with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on the big screen!

Who would have thought that after two years of being inside our homes because of the pandemic, we will have the courage to go out and see our friends with our loved ones face to face, to mingle and watch a movie together?

Seeing movies in theaters is one of the many things we all miss doing because of the pandemic.

So, for this year’s Mother’s Day, Mommy Bloggers Philippines chose to celebrate this milestone of having the freedom (at least within the boundaries of the safety protocols) to see each other and watch a family movie with our kids. 

Last May 7, 2022, at Cinema 1 Vertis North Ayala Malls 12PM, we had the opportunity to see one another with our kids and family members and watch Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie.  It turned out that it was the perfect movie to watch with the plot of the movie focused on one of the main character’s quest to be with her children (Wanda/Scarlet Witch) by means of using her evil superpowers and traveling to a different universe. This quest entailed battles between forces of good and evil and eventually, the mother’s love prevailed. 

This is my first face-to-face blogger event since the pandemic and it's so so good to see co-mommy bloggers again in person! 

Present in the block screening event were cosplayers Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch and they hosted the trivia question segment wherein prizes were given to lucky attendees who were able to answer quickly.

My eldest son who loves Marvel Movies was able to answer a trivia question and he got goodies from one of the sponsors.

Special thanks to all the sponsors of this event as it made the event a great success with all the moms bringing home these gifts, with the good memories of being friends and families, ready for the next day’s Mother’s Day celebration.

Sponsors:

• PSAHelpline offers Online And Nationwide Delivery of PSA certificates
  
  
  

• Galinco: Chips Delight / Smileys / Sarap Pinoy / Egg Bites

• Philusa Corporation: Cleene/ Rhea Generics / Baby Flo / MentoPas / Apollo Skincare

• Kids Stuff by LifeOil, Food Supplement Malunggay Concentrate in Mango Flavor 

• KleenSafe offers a wide range of cleaning, hygiene, and sanitation products

• Qeeps Food Storage Bags

• Endless Beauty by HBS

For the Raffle Prizes:

• Tictac 

• Orange and Peach products for breastfeeding and child-rearing moms

• Bloomglow PH

Proceeds of the event will be donated to GMA Kapuso Foundation for Typhoon Agaton victims.

Present at the event were the following mommy blogger members of Mommy Bloggers Philippines

• Lanie Lluch of TweenselMom and Mommy Bloggers Philippines
• Bedalyn Aguas of MamiBedai
• Mary Rose Castillo of MerryMommyMay
• Jennelyn Ersando of MommyKulasa
• Dianne Salonga of CurlyDianne
• Berlin Domingo of MomiBerlin
• Erica Redrico of EricaRedrico.com
• Shalene Rivera of PurplePieces
• Jinkee Umali of LiveLifeFullest
• Gail Bufi of Momof4SC
• Evelyn Marfa of NanayMoments
• Sharon Joyce Valdez of AllAroundPinayMama
• Daryll Villena of Deiville.com
• Rayrose Camille Samson of ItsRayrose
• Angelyn Demo of MommysMagLife
• Sarah Estebar of MommySeyrahCady
• Margaux hemady of WanderWomom
• Nessly Hamoy of Tribobot.com
• Tina Quines of Mrs.Cloverleaf
• Janice Lim of MommyPlannerista
• Meg Mortega of NocturnalMomTalks
• Jessica Tinio of NanayJecka
• Dane Relente of MisisNiAndres

Mommy Bloggers Philippines was established in December 2013. This group was created to gather mothers who blog all over the Philippines but is also open to Filipino bloggers from the rest of the world. 

As of 2022, there are already 600+ members within the community. Most of these members, though belonging to different blogger categories, are active in blogging and social media. This makes Mommy Bloggers Philippines one of the most active blogging communities in the country and I am so blessed to be part of this.