Captain Rajiv B. Capatoy PAF has held the DRRR training.

He is a Registered Electrical Engineer, Civil

Service Professional, and a TESDA NC-II Holder. His unit is 900th Air Force Weather Group and his
designation is Assistant Director for Operations, Weather Pilot, and Team Leader Disaster Response Unit

DRRR stands for Disaster Readiness Risk Reduction. In this DRR training, there were 4 steps that has
been discussed. These steps include: Basic Concept of Disaster, Concept of Disaster Readiness and Risk
Reduction, Community Based Early Warning Systems, and Community and Family Preparedness.

1. Basic Concept of Disaster

- In this lesson, we learn the basic terms of what disasters are, basic vocabularies, what causes
them, and how it affects life.
- Disaster is a sudden, calamitous occurrence that causes great harm, injury, and destruction to
life and property. Natural events such as storms, wildfires, and droughts are considered
disasters when they interact with human populations. They become disasters when they cause
harm to people and communities. Therefore, whether a natural event is considered a disaster
depends on its impact on human communities and their vulnerability.
- Disaster may affect life physically and emotionally.
2. Disaster readiness and risk reduction
- In this lesson, we learn how to prepare and mitigate the harm for the upcoming disasters, how
to respond during the disaster, and rehabilitate after the disaster. Some examples of disasters
that were mentioned was typhoon, thunderstorm, flood, and storm surge.
- We also learn the current crucial issue of the earth which is Climate Change. It includes the
definitions, causes, and effects of climate change. According to this lesson, the causes to
climate change is the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming. It explains that we, humans, are
the cause and therefore, it is our responsibility to solve this. A suggested solution that was
mentioned was to lessen the Greenhouse Effect, since it is one of the main causes that leads to
Global Warming and Global Warming leads to Climate Change.
- To explain briefly about the relationship of Global Warming to Climate Change, when there is
enhanced Greenhouse Effect (heats from sun being trapped near the earth’s surface that
causes natural warming of earth), the climate of earth will become warm gradually and cause
Climate Change.
3. Community-Based Early Warning Systems (EWS)
- In this lesson, we are introduced to the indigenous instruments, local systems (such as alert
codes and flag system), signals (such as weathers and climates), source of information (such as
phones, radios, and news), and devices (bell, whistle, or fire alarms) for early warnings of the
disasters.
- It reminds us that EWS will only be effective if there is a credibility of news caster, an enough
lead time for preparation, an accessible evacuation centers, and a route to evacuation sites.
4. Community and Family Preparedness
- In this lesson, we are given tips and ways for family preparedness in all types of hazards (such
as tsunamis or earthquakes).
- Some of the basic things to know is to have a grab-and-go-bag ready, which includes all the
necessities needed, preparing an evacuation plan, and knowing the locations of fire
extinguishers, alarms, and first aid kits.