Climate change advocacy reaches to the college students in Panabo City, Davao del Norte

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, Dec 11 (PIA)  A total of 123 freshmen students of the Aces Polytechnic College went through a forum on Climate Change.

Narciso Jadraque, information officer of Panabo City called on the students to listen intently considering the impact of climate change to the country brought about by the series of storms which destroyed several lives and property.

He said the early evacuation conducted by many communities before the typhoon Ruby hit last week only indicated the heightened awareness of the people to be step ahead in saving lives.

“The information we will learn now is very important in saving our environment and eventually, ourselves,” Jadraque said.

Efren Elbanbuena, director of the Philippine Information Agency-Davao Region provided a brief about climate change it causes and impact to the present situation.

He cited the need for understanding on the Republic Act No. 10121 creating the government’s response to disaster risk reduction and management.

Elbanbuena said since climate change is aggravated by anthropogenic activities, it is man himself who can mitigate and eventually adapt with it.

“Let’s prepare for the worse, help the community in mitigating and adapt to the new situation,” he said.

Elbanbuena said that household and communities can start with proper solid waste management by clearing the canals to prevent flooding, and to use energy saving lights like the compact fluorescent lamps.

Engr. Gerry Pedrico, senior meteriologist of Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Davao shared his thoughts on understanding hydro meteorological hazards or natural phenomena and the El Nino/ La Nina Southern Oscillation that impact on lives and property.

He underscored on importance of knowing the cumulus-nimbos cloud that usually causes lightning, thunderstorm, and heavy rains.

Pedrico said that in several occasions, cumulus-nimbos clouds carry with it tornado, water spout when at sea and hail.

He also explained the movements of wind in the country like the northwest (habagat) and northeast monsoon (amihan).

Pedrico urged participants to be wary of the dangers of the inter-tropical convergence zone and tail-end of cold front which usually cause typhoons and heavy rains and consequently flashfloods.

He also shared the information on the frequency of typhoons at 20 storms per year and their corresponding signals whenever they reached the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Melody Jabar, 4^th-year Criminology Student of the Aces Polytechnic College of Panabo City shared that in her own little way, she can help mitigate climate change by proper disposal of solid waste, particularly making sure that the canals are clear from garbage and by planting trees.

She also realized that indeed climate change will continue and residents need to adapt with it. 

Kadelle Pidor, vice president for academic affairs of the Aces Polytechnic College welcomed the conduct

of the Climate Change forum in their school.

She said making the students more aware of the new normal in the weather condition will make them more responsible in passing the knowhow in climate change adaption from their respective families to their respective communities. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)