Philippines: Brain, talent and skill for disaster risk reduction
By Jonathan Nudalo & Monica P. Tan
San Francisco, Cebu, Philippines - In observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month 2012, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of the Municipality of San Francisco, Cebu headed by the MDRRM Officer, Mrs. Rosalinda C. Serion in coordination with the District Supervisor Mrs. Loreta C. Gonzales and Central School Principal Edwina Campomayor successfully conducted the DRR District level Brain, Talent & Skill Contest last Thursday July 26, 2012 at San Francisco Central SPED Center School.
The contestants accompanied by their respective teacher coaches and school principals coming from the 19 Elementary Schools of entire District of San Francisco vie for the three (3) DRR related contest namely; Quiz Bee, Slogan and Poster Making. The activity was formally started with the National Anthem and inspirational messages by the District Supervisor and municipal mayor Aly Aranas Arquillano. MDRRMO Serion stated the purpose of the said activity as part of the Knowledge Management Program of San Francisco Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Five Years Plan. This is also to encourage young individuals to contribute their ideas on how the impact of disaster is being minimized and always be prepared in the different emergency situation. Children must be taught properly because they are considered as the vulnerable group during disaster and it is important as young as they are they know already what to do when hazards strikes, she said.
Introduction of the Board of Judges and reading of the Mechanics for Judging done by the three respective Principals assigned in respective contest category. Principals Joseph Nudalo for Poster Making Contest, Rina Almacin for DRR Quiz Bee and Raquel Acebedo for Slogan Making Contest. DRR Quiz Bee had 10 easy questions at one point each, five questions for the average at two points each and three difficult questions at 3 points each. The highest possible score is 29 points. Slogan Making Contest were given two hours to finish their works and be judge according to relevance to the theme 25 percent, balance and symmetry (25%) ,visual 25 percent and another 25% for composition .
DRR Poster Making is another two hours contest and contestants were judge to relevance for the theme ,40 percent, Visual Impact 40 % and 20% for artistry. This year’s theme: “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan” (Safe City, Prosperous Community) is being given emphasis by Hon Aaron Ken Capao , Camotes Islands Emergency Response Team (CiERT) Adviser during the proclamation of winners right after the two hours contest. He was urging the teachers, students and local government staff to take part of this big challenge of the town to become more safety from all forms of hazards.
DRR Battle for the Brain, Talent and Skills winners are the following : Quiz Bee, First-Jane A. Arbol of Unidos Elementary School (25 points); Second-Kathleen Kaye A. Espina-Santiago Elementary School (23 points) and Third-Jessa D. Plenos-Consuelo Elementary School (22 Points). Slogan Making contest result got the first place-Erika T. Salcedo-Esperanza Elementary School, Second- Helen F. Canubas of Campo Elementary and 3rd was Janelle C. Diocampo of Himensulan Elementary School.
Mark Adrian Tarubal of San Isidro Elementary School got the first place for the Poster Making Contest. Hannah Abegail R. Badillo of Central Elementary School and Emmanuel Canubas of Campo Elementary School got tied at second place while Jubert John Badayos of Consuelo Elementary School came in third. Prizes sponsored by LDRRMO for all first placers for different contests received P750.00 and medal, second , P500 .00 with medal and third- P350.00 with medal. Consolation prizes are kits of educational supplies are also given to non-winning student.
This DRR Talents and Skills contest is one of the series activity line-up during this DRR Consciousness month on which Vice Mayor Alfredo Aranas Arquillano, Jr is encouraging other municipalities through his speeches and presentation to create a local solution and action for this DRR Consciousness month where the Philippines had numerous report of flashfloods and many classes were suspended due to floods. This is the best time to act and prepare because we are on perilous time and our environment are in danger.
Next week as the continuation of the said celebration, all secondary schools conduct a role play and Emergency Drill Contest. (photo is courtesy of Erving Desquitado )