Once Upon A Time in Assumption

MARIA CACAO KNOWS DISASTER RISK REDUCTION(DRR)
(How the legend saved lives in the past)

Before the advent of RA 10121, or Strengthening the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which solidify the capacity of government, both national and LGUs, in preparing for and responding to disasters, the legend of Maria Cacao has already had its place in the history of disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Here's my takes...

Maria Cacao became the indigenous symbol of the culture of disaster (katalagman) preparedness (pagpangandam), mitigation (pagpakunhod sa grabeng epekto) and prevention (paglikay). Summary of our stories:

“Kung moabot na gani ug 2 hangtod 3 ka adlaw ang ulan, mao na ni ang panahon nga moagi si ang MV Maria Cacao” (early warning system).

“Di gyud moadto ug magpaduol sa sapa, labi na ang mga bata ug buntis, kay manguha gyud ug tawo ang sakay sa MV Maria Cacao aron ihalad sa mga engkanto” (preparedness, prevention and non-structural mitigation).

“Kasagaran, moagi gyud ang barko sa bulan sa December ug January” (preparedness through hazard profiling).

“Kasagaran sa makakita naa nagpuyo daplin sa sapa (Agusan, Batutu, Ngan rivers)” (preparedness through vulnerability assessment).

“Nakadungog ug serbato, nakakita ug hayag kayo nga mga suga labi na ug taas na gyud ang tubig” (preparedness, prevention through forced warning).

“Magpuyo na gyud sa balay, di na mogawas aron dili madala ni Maria Cacao” (prevention, preparedness).

“Higtan ug kabli ang mga tulay aron dili maguba kung masagit sa barko” (mitigation).

And many, many, many more stories of experiences that made the legend part of the ways of the lives of the people in our place. Whether or not Maria Cacao was indeed a reality or a complete myth resulting from wild imagining of the olds, it’s a non-issue and irrelevant. What has been clear is the historical and cultural significance of the stories worthy to be learned from and to be told especially to the younger generation.

With the mandate of many laws, updating and upgrading of equipment and technological tools, the advent of internet and accessibility of mass media, disaster risk reduction (DRR) has already been the by-words of those in authority especially before, during and after the onslaught of disaster events. Publicities, selfies, photo ops, pronouncements and other public relation works have been active enough to capture the public eyes. The people are benefiting, in one way or the other, on these acts and deeds.

However, indigenous and local knowledge should not be by-passed and stored eternally in the closets of yesterdays. While the legend of Maria Cacao has popularly been considered a thing of the past, its cultural significance and societal values could forever be endured. Absent PAGASA, PDRRMC, MDRRMC, DRRMC, DSWD, Maria Cacao was there to remind us the importance of the culture of disaster risk reduction (preparedness, prevention, mitigation).

If Maria Cacao had developed in us the DRR culture in the past, then it is not hard and impossible for us to regain back this invaluable culture today, especially with the modern-day tools we have. But we cannot develop culture without optimum people’s participation. If DRR is all about people, then we will bring the DRR culture to where the people are.

Did I say that the only way to develop and advance this culture is Community-Based(Driven) DRR?

Let history be the judge.

AS SWEET AS ITS FRUITS
(Giving back to partners they serve)

Even the simplest gesture of sharing matters when heartily given, Christmas season or not.

Popularly known to be producer of fresh bananas, Sumifru Philippines is also developing its niche in pineapple production, an agri venture, like what the company did in bananas, has augmented labor and land productivity, thereby generating massive employment, greater contribution to LGU revenues, boosters economic activity and growth, among others in places they choose to operate.

Not just communities, Sumifru also shares to other stakeholders. This time to the academe, Assumptions Academy of Compostela.

While doing these, the company made true to its vision, "exciting the world with Sumifru bananas", and its mission stated in a nutshell, "we are one", by giving back to the people and community they serve.

Two thumbs up!

An interesting perspective...Make the most of today!

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