Stronger By Heart And Soul

Towards A More Resilient Philippines: Stronger By Heart and Soul

    Philippines, the country that is home of the most jaw dropping sceneries, structures, and well-preserved culture. A country that is both stunning, from its physical view and to its heart, which is the Filipino citizens. Growing up surrounded by hardworking and inspiring pure Filipino-blooded adults, I've witnessed how amazing it is to call myself a Filipino, not just by blood, but by heart. Behind all these bright narrations about the Philippines, the country hides a dark and destructive reality. The country and its people experiences deadly natural disasters, such as volcanic activities, earthquakes, and typhoons. The people of the country also experience an unsatisfying service from the government. These challenges have taken a toll on both human lives and economy. It's surprising that even though Filipinos experience these disasters multiple times, we are standing still and growing stronger as time passes by. It is because of the resiliency that every Filipino have in their hearts. 

  

 Being resilient equates to being prepared at all times. Philippines will become a better country if officials will focus on investing in infrastructures that are designed to withstand natural disasters. Reconstructing existing buildings can also make a significant impact. One of my observations is that most of the buildings that were invested by the government officials, lack funds. So, if these said funds would be spent wisely, then the country will become a better home for its people.

   

Furthermore, having awareness or being educated plays a role in having a resilient country. Individuals should be informed about the risks that they might face. They should also be educated about the ways on how to respond immediately when a disaster strikes. In a country that's facing challenges, it is important for its people to have a culture of being knowledgeable about ways to respond to challenges. 

 

The environment plays a significant role in the resilience of any nation. The Philippines is home to stunning natural landscapes and an array of biodiversity. To become more resilient, the country should focus on preserving its ecosystems. Healthy mangroves, forests, and coral reefs act as natural buffers against storm surges and provide livelihoods for many Filipinos.

  Also, pollution reduction and the promotion of sustainable practices can aid in mitigating climate change and reducing the intensity and frequency of natural catastrophes. Natural resource conservation policies and incentives can help to ensure long-term resilience.

 

 Economic resilience is also important. To lessen the risk to natural calamities, the Philippines should diversify its economy. When typhoons or volcanic eruptions occur, overreliance on a particular industry, such as agriculture, can be disastrous. Other sectors, such as technology, manufacturing, and services, can be encouraged to flourish, resulting in an economy with greater strength.

   

Lastly, resilience requires inclusivity and equity. Vulnerable populations, such as the poor, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, must have access to resources and assistance during and after catastrophes. Everyone should participate in catastrophe preparation and recovery activities.

  To sum up, building a more resilient Philippines requires planning, environmental conservation, economic diversification, and social solidarity. While the obstacles are serious, the potential for resilience is enormous. The Philippines can pave the road toward a safer, more secure future by taking coordinated efforts at the national, community, and individual levels, where the terrible impact of natural catastrophes is reduced and the Filipino people's determination comes through in the face of adversity.

References:

Co, R. (2023) Today's State of Philippine Independence

  https://asiasociety.org/philippines/todays-state-philippine-independence

Deposit Photos (n. d.) Build Stock Photos 

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Kajiji, M. (2022) Why Accessibility And Inclusivity In Customer Experiences Matter

   https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/why-accessibility-and-inclusivity-in-customer-experiences/436760 

Mason, M. (n. d.) Conservation 

 https://www.lasy.gov.pl/en/our-work/nature-conservation

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (2022) Economic Resilience 

 https://www.meda.org/news/blog/economic-resilience-more-than-the-economy/

Shein, E. (2020) How to build a resilient IT culture

   https://www.cio.com/article/193950/how-to-build-a-resilient-it-culture.html

Thomas, L. (2023) Can reducing air pollution prevent multimorbidity?

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