UAP San Juan Mandaluyong Chapter Attended the District A5 Balangkasan

In light of the first anniversary of the Ondoy tragedy and to help residents of disaster-prone areas like Marikina, Pasig, and Rizal, the UAP Regional District A-5 decided to host this very first Balangkasan. Themed “Disaster Preparedness of District A-5: How Prepared Are We?,” District A-5 has nine local chapters, which cover five areas: the cities of Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, and the province of Rizal. Three of these areas are prone to disasters, specifically, flooding (Marikina, Pasig, and Rizal) and earthquakes (Marikina). The District has invited several Resource Persons from different professions and government agencies. Arch. Palafox presented the situation of Metro Manila during the Ondoy tragedy, the denudenation of the riverbanks, small spillways and other situation that affected the subsiding of the flood. Before he ended his talk, he presented possible solutions that may help in the future calamities like Ondoy. Arch. Mina presented the experience of her family during the Ondoy flooding and she gave possible steps to be taken by each individual during disaster. Vice Mayor Cadiz presented the experience of Marikina City and the projects that are being taken now of his city to mitigate this kind of disaster again in the future. Engr. Landoy presented rubberized bearing foundation for earthquake proofed buildings. Capt. Mirambil presented rescue procedures during disasters and the modernization steps being taken up by the government.

Awarding of Plaques of Appreciation to the Panel of Discussants (L-R): Architects Jesus Aguinaldo, Richard Pamplena, Mila Martinez, Ronnel Tan, Malou Fernandez and District Director Felicisimo Tejuco Jr.; Philvocs Director Hon. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., phd.; Marikina Vice Mayor Hon. Fabian I. Cadiz, MD; Past Chancellor Arch. Ma. Elena C. Cayanan, fuap; Arch. Cerisse Anne A. Mina; Engr. Julius Landoy; Capt. Dante J. Mirambil and Architects Eric Ventilacion, Edison Ching Padilla, Rey Mendoza, Jr. and Edgardo Mallari.