Little help from little hands
STRONG winds of t yphoons frequently enter the Philippines. The typhoons left thousands of people homeless. The damage was aggravated by the heavy rains they brought along causing wide spread flooding. From the combined effects of lashing winds, flood and landslides, billions of properties were damaged and many lives were lost.
The typhoons are occurring one after the other in a very short span of time and should be taken as a warning by Filipinos.
Knowing Filipinos, however, i f nothing happens again in the next few months, these incidents will obviously relegated to oblivion. If ever they will be remembered, the recollection focus more on the social aspect of these events, specifically the positive values of the Filipinos such as resilience,
and heroism. However, there are more important things that should be remembered. It includes long range implications of these incidents. Let us remind ourselves of the following questions.
Is there a possibility that this phenomenon of typhoon flooding will become a normal part of our lives? Will it get more serious in terms of intensity? What can we do to minimize the extent of flooding?
Indeed, there is a great possibility that typhoon and flooding will just be an ordinary scenario in every part of the country. The considerable increase in the volume of rainfall flooding has been attributed to climate change. Scientists explain it as a result of the destruction of the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer allows more ultra-violet and the infrared radiation has melted the glaciers. This process increases the volume of marine water being evaporated and consequently enhances its evaporation. This, in turn, results in the increase of the water vapor to rise and form clouds, thereby increasing the intensity and frequency of rainfall.
How can schools then contribute in minimizing the intensity and frequency of flooding? In our small and effective way, school administrators can adopt simple strategies that can minimize the frequency and intensity of flooding.
First, is by constructing or providing the school rainwater harvesters. Although, it is true that these cost a l ot but asking assistance from stakeholders will surely help i n attaining this goal. Secondly, they can adopt strategies that i nvolve methods. These methods i nclude massive information campaign and the utilization of strong work force from students like engaging them in tree planting activities.
Drainage systems should also be maintained regularly. They must also observe the 4R’s ( Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair) in order to lessen the garbage in the surroundings. Proper waste segregation must also be practiced. By providing trash bins intended for biodegradable, non- biodegradable and recyclable materials, positive results will be surely achieved.
Section 48, Republic Act No. 9003 or The Solid Waste Management Act, the act prohibiting the burning of garbage is also one of the most important thing to be included in the school’s advocacy to minimize typhoon flooding. (