Every Active Volunteer Has A Reason

In December 1992, Andrew Levy’s parents were called by the doctors at Strong Memorial Hospital and told he had less than 3 hours to live. It was a 6 hour drive for them to get to Rochester, NY.

After several tests, he was hospitalized as the result of Guillain-Barré (GBS), an illness that impacts the peripheral nervous system. He was paralyzed for several months, confined to a wheelchair. Once he regained control of his muscle and nerve systems, he needed to relearn how to walk.

Today, fully recovered, Mr. Levy continues his commitment to volunteer work in a major way. In addition to his career as a certified senior managing consultant with IBM’s U.S. Federal Office of the CTO, he gives his time to numerous community organizations and through an IBM program called On Demand Community.

He actively volunteers with Engineering Week, Take Your Child To Work Day, Mentoring, MentorNet, Powerup, Earth Day, TryScience, College and Accessibility Ambassador, Online Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Response. He was also a part of IBM’s initial teams selected for the Corporate Service Corps, volunteering this summer in Davao City, Philippines.

When Mr. Levy was diagnosed with GBS, the American Red Cross used plasmapheresis to get him on the path to recovery. As he says, “The Red Cross saved my life”. Since then, he became very active in volunteer work, including emergency response, but surprisingly not with the local Red Cross chapter in Northern Virginia.

But this is really only the beginning of the story. What seems like a few years ago, Mr. Levy was volunteering at an American Red Cross of the National Capital Area Save a Life Event, representing other volunteer community response groups. An executive from the Red Cross came over to the volunteers to thank the volunteers. Then she turned to him with such excitement for the partner agencies for being there and asked, why do you volunteer. He explained the story about GBS and how Red Cross played a major role. The tone of the conversation quickly changed and became very emotional. It turns out that this person’s brother currently had GBS and was challenged to find doctors, support network, information, and just someone to talk to, who has been through it. Giving a new friend a hug goes a long way. Is this a case of being in the right place at the right time? Or just something that is core to all Red Cross volunteers, their values.

American Red Cross Values

• Humanitarianism:
  We exist in order to serve others in need, independently and without discrimination, providing relief for victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
  
• Stewardship:
  We act responsibly, effectively and efficiently with resources entrusted to us, always seeking to improve.
  
• Helping Others:
  We are attentive and responsible to those who we serve, always listening to their needs and looking for ways to serve through existing or new initiatives.
  
• Respect:
  We acknowledge, respect and support the rights and diversity of each person in our organization and in the communities we serve.
  
• Voluntary Spirit:
  We, as a family of donors, volunteers and staff, search for ways to provide hope to those we serve while demonstrating compassion, generosity and appreciation.
  
• Continuous Learning:
  We seek, collectively and individually, to identify, obtain and maintain competencies and the awareness required for exceptional service.
  
• Integrity:
  We act with honesty, demonstrate courage and accountability under pressure and openly share ideas and information with each other.

It was because of her that Mr. Levy became a Red Cross Volunteer. While she says that he made a difference, helping her through this, she has clearly made a difference in his life. As, it is not what you receive, but the value and help you are able to give to others.

With the Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King Day of Community Service in the United States, this marked another major moment in Mr. Levy’s life. During this momentous time in our nation's history, Mr. Levy has reached the President's Call To Service of 4,000 hours, while volunteering this week with the American Red Cross, during MLK Day and Inauguration.

Everybody has a reason why they volunteer. At Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we would like to salute all the American Red Cross volunteers and all volunteers around the world. And give hope to those who are going through some tough times.

Davao City Red Cross Youth Council DOES IT AGAIN!

Davao City - Most Outstanding Chapter Youth Council
by MICHAEL M. ESGUERRA,
Neighbors Helping Neighors International Youth Representative

For the third time, the Chapter Youth Council of the Davao City Chapter has retained the title as it has been chosen by the Red Cross Youth-Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) as the country's Most Outstanding Chapter Youth Council of 2008.

The search was conducted with the objective of providing national recognition among young people who have made a difference in providing service to and advocating for the vulnerable people in the community. The youth council that had made a great impact in the society was given due recognition so that what it had done can be adopted in the national level.

Mr. Paul Gwyn Pagaran, Director of the Administrative Office of the PNRC, head the judges, which was also composed of Ms. Catherine Martin, Manager of the Disaster Management Services; Ms. Zenaida Bentejan, Manager of Social Services; Ms. Audrey Zubiri, wife of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri; and Ms. Maan, Operations Manager of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The judges evaluated the six finalists. Among the general criteria were impact of the different projects to the community, participation of the youth, innovativeness and technology used, promotion of the Red Cross principles and services and promotion of the Red Cross Youth objectives.

Among the finalists, Davao City Youth Council emerged as the winner. Other finalists were from Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Manila, Rizal, and Isabela.

The Red Cross Youth Council in Davao City sent its three significant activities that made an impact in the community. The first one was the Pledge 25 College and University Blood Collecting Units which aimed to institutionalize the Pledge 25 Project in Davao City's tertiary educational institution. Its vision was to maintain sufficient blood supply in the city.

Pledge 25 is a young blood donor group of the Red Cross Youth that aims to encourage young people to regularly donate their blood starting the age 18 until they reach the age 25.

Another one was Project One for Tree ng RCY, an established partnership with People Collaborating for Environmental Economic Management in Davao (PCEEM Davao) Foundation Inc. and NCCC Cares Foundation Inc. They project adopted 20 hectares of land in Upper Tamayong, Marilog District, which is part of the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed, a highly threatened watershed in the city.

Its aim was to extend the tree planting activities of the Red Cross Youth in the barangay level and to establish preventive/mitigating measures against future severe flooding at the low lying and and landslide/soil erosion-prone areas in the hinterlands through tree planting. Aside from tree plants, the barangay community was also educated on the importance of trees and reforestation by the participating RCYs.

The third one was the technical team that composed of four independent units equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills on technical service promotions and output delivery. The four groups were divided into the Editorial Board (VITAL LINK) – official publication/newsletter, Fund Generation and Promotions which was the creation of various income generating projects, Production Unit – produce Audio-Visual Presentations and MIS which the systematic databank of RCY members.

Red Cross Youth is the youth program of the Philippine National Red Cross. Its mission is to educate children and youth in the spirit of Red Cross and provide opportunities for directing and harnessing their energy and idealism into worthwhile activities within the framework of the organization. Objectives of the RCY were Advocacy and Inculcation of Moral Values and character Building, Protection of Life and Promotion of Community Health, Service and Solidarity National / International Friendship, Understanding and Education for Peace and Dissemination of Red Cross Principles and International Humanitarian Law.

For two consecutive years – 2006 and 2007 – the Davao City bagged the coveted title making them now part in the Hall of Fame awardees on outstanding youth mobilization. ###

Preparing For The Worst Case Scenario - Island Garden City of Samal - Deep Water Search and Rescue Exercise

"The City Disaster and Coordinating Council (CDCC) of the Island Garden City of Samal staged Water Search and Rescue Drills last July 29, as a culminating activity in the observance of the National Disaster Preparedness Month.

The scenario -- Reacting to a report from barangay captain Rey A. Villaabrille of Catagman about a capsized rubber boat with about 10 passengers, Incident Commander Rene E. Ambrona immediately alerted members of the IGaCOS City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) and called for a briefing to assess the incident and dispatch the group to the site for water search and rescue (WASAR) operations. As per report, the boat capsized within the vicinity of the municipal waters of barangays Catagman, Peñaplata, and San Jose at around 10 AM that day." (Source: samalcity.gov.ph)

Andrew Levy from the Corporate Service Corps and Neighbors Helping Neighbors was on hand to evaluate the exercise.

The complete article with details about the exercise can be found at: http://samalcity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=338&Itemid=124

The following is video taking during the event.

This time it was only a drill.

For additional information, please email neighborshelpingneighbors@live.com.

Explosion in Downtown Davao Makes International News

The following took place in downtown Davao City, Philippines.

Representatives from the Corporate Service Corps were on-hand to evaluate this event.

This is only a drill.

Responding to Emergencies in the Philippines

Riding along for actual Central 911 calls in Davao City.



RESPONDING TO ACTUAL EMERGENCIES.

Reach Out Mission - "To serve humanity, is to give time, treasure and talent"

Reach out mission
By MICHAEL M. ESGUERRA

"To serve humanity, is to give time, treasure and talent"

Around 20 people joined the reached out mission to give school supplies and conduct earthquake drill in Kiman-aw Primary School and Silapawan Primary School at Silapawan, Paquibato District, Davao City.

The 20 people were volunteers from the two organizations, the Philippine National Red Cross- Davao City Chapter and NCCC cares, a foundation of the New Center Commercial Center. Both organizations were headed by the Engr. Edwin Patalagsa, Chapter Service Representative of Disaster Management Service of PNRC-Davao City.

It took three hours and crossing ten rivers just to arrive in the place. Angel May Cabaylo, Red Cross youth volunteer said, "I was so afraid since the road was so stiff." It was even more fearful since the truck wasn’t able to move forward while crossing the 9th river. The volunteers were stranded for almost two hours and through their "bayanihan spirit" of the volunteers and help of some residents the problem was finally solve.

The group arrived at lunchtime; the volunteers were group into two since we will be visiting two schools. I was with the team of Kiman-aw where school children were excited to see the group since they have been waiting for four hours. They welcome the team by singing their native song to their visitors. To some volunteers the experience was priceless.

Ms. Cabaylo added "I would never exchange the happiness I saw where the kids jumping for joy and saw their happy faces while receiving their new bags and notebooks".

The school has a total of 75 pupils ranging from Grade I to IV levels. Most of them were from Ata-Manobo tribe. The teachers were Mr. Mario C. Fernandez and his co-teacher Mrs. Arlene H. Abapo. They were diligent and patience even as it means going away from their homes and families. They deserve to be called us heroes, said one of the pupils.

Although it was plan that there will be an earthquake drill. It was cancelled the reason: it was raining.

International Youth Representative Selected for Youth Exchange

RP-KOREA YOUTH EXCHANGE
Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, 2008
South Korea

The (Philippine) National Youth Commission will be sending ten (10) youth delegates to South Korea for an RP-Korea Youth Exchange on Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, 2008.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors youth representative, Michael Esguerra, has been selected as a delegate.

"The National Youth Commission wishes to inform you that you have been chosen as one of the official delegates of the country to the RP-Korea Youth Exchange Program to be held on October 28 to November 5, 2008 in South Korea."

If you can provide any expense assistance to Michael, please contact him at juno62089@yahoo.com

Update on C-130 Military Aircraft

This summer, Neighbors Helping Neighbors featured some of the emergency and disaster response programs we worked with in Davao City in the Mindanao region of the Philippines.

The front page of the Sun Star newspaper provides an update on the C-130 crash that we have been featuring the response activities on this website.

International Youth Leader joins Neighbors Helping Neighbors Leadership Team

As many Neighbors Helping Neighbors readers know, we are a strong supporter of including youth in our programs.

As part of National Preparedness Month 2008, we are pleased to add Michael Esguerra as a member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors Leadership Team. Michael will be sharing best practices from our next generation of leaders, serving as an International Youth Representative.

While visiting the Philippines, we had the opportunity to work with Michael through the Philippines National Red Cross, University of Mindanao, and the Kadayawan festival.

The following is an article that appeared in Sunstar newspaper.

PORTRAIT OF A YOUTH AS A LEADER
By Henrylito D. Tacio

IF you're a student and Michael M. Esguerra doesn't ring a bell to you, then you are not doing your homework lately. This 18-year-old Dabawenyo is the country's vice president of the Red Cross -National Youth Council.

During the national congress held in San Fernando, La Union last year (which he attended as one of the eight delegates from Davao City), Mike – as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues – was chosen as the second most important position during a contested election.

"I did not expect to be the vice president," he says. "It was really hard to get a national position because there were three of us from Mindanao who were vying: one from General Santos, another from Cotabato and myself from Davao."

During the election, the body has to select first area coordinators before they are nominated for a national position in the youth council. "It's like in the Congress," Mike explains. "We have to run first as representatives of our districts. Once elected, he can now join the House of Congress, were the house speaker and other positions will be elected among members."

Mike won as coordinator of Area 9, which is composed of 10 city chapters in Mindanao. "First I was shocked when I emerged the winner," he admits. "It was like I was riding a roller coaster. I couldn't explain my feeling at that time." (His term will end by 2009.)

Just like the character Peter Parker of Spiderman distinction, with great power comes responsibility. And Mike is very aware of that. "I know I will have a lot of sacrifices to do because I am no longer an ordinary youth volunteer. I am leader and I have a great responsibility with my fellow youths."

As vice president, he has the responsibility to coordinate all chapter youth councils under his jurisdiction, mostly in Mindanao. "We have done many things already like intensifying all of the Red Cross Youth programs. I am also the chairman of the HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse Prevention Education program and we have conducted symposia and seminars on these youth problems. We are also involved in several projects like recruiting young blood donors. Last October, we were awarded as one of the ten most outstanding Red Cross youth councils in the Philippines."

Another responsibility as vice president: He has to attend national meetings of the council. Only 18, Mike has the pleasure of going to other parts of the country. He considers Subic (in Zambales) and Baguio as the most memorable places he has visited. "Subic was really beautiful. The place was also peaceful and the people were well-disciplined. In Baguio, foods were affordable and you can buy well-made handicrafts."

He also could not forget the Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna. "I felt I was a kid all over again," he says. "It was a super fun experience."

In all his travels, though, he is very proud to be someone from Davao. "I don't only bring the name of Davao but also the voice of our youths here," he says. "I want them to know that even if we are from the southern part of the country, we have lots of potentials here."

Being a youth leader, Mike urges: "I think today's youths should be more creative and get involved in what is happening to our country. They have to make wise decisions and be pro-active because they are the people that will shape this country in the future."

How he was involved as a youth volunteer in Red Cross was an interesting story. "I am now in my fifth year serving this organization," he says. "I started when I was in high-school but I never thought of becoming a member of the Red Cross. However, I didn't want to join the Citizen Army Training and there was no other option but to sign up with the Red Cross. I was elected as public relation officer when I was in my second year until I graduated from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High-School in Matina."

When Mike entered college at the University of Mindanao, a former president of the Davao City chapter of Red Cross Youth asked him if he wanted to serve the UM-council. "I was elected as the president of the UM council when I was in second year college," he says. And it was this time that "I realized and was inspired to serve this great organization for my fellow youths. I am aware that I have lots of shortcomings as a leader but the good thing is we are helping others and we have inspired other youths to help. Achievements like that are priceless."

As if those activities with the Red Cross are not enough, Mike is also the president of the Young Marketers Society of UM's Business Administration department. Although he is still a third (year) student and only 18 years old, he was elected as the leader of the society. "I always believe that age doesn't matter," he says. "I think being young is an advantage, since we are more dynamic, more active, and more creative and we know the taste of other people, especially the youths."

The (YMS or my group ) society has done several programs and projects for its members. "We conducted various seminars to equip our knowledge in marketing," he says. Early this year, the society held the "Marketing Week 2008"— with the theme "4P's –Passion, Patience, Perseverance, and Progression" – at the UM Quadrangle Area, Bolton Street, Davao City. "The event was totally engaging and a fruitful experience for all of us."

Mike is also the auditor of the Davao City Junior Marketing Association and chairman of the ways and mean committee of the working youth center program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Although he is still a student, he is also working as field reporter and news writer of DXUM's 'Radio Ukay' program. In fact, he is a member of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas until 2010. He also writes for a local daily.

Mike is the eldest of three children of Daniel and Annabelle Esguerra. Although he was born in Bacoor, Cavite, he grew up in Davao where his parents are now engaged in a small business retailing aquarium fishes.

His final words on today's youth: "I think those young people are the most vulnerable. They are vulnerable to several temptations. They are also influenced by other bad elements of our society."

Michael can be reached at juno62089@yahoo.com

Voluntourism - Today's Youth Making a Difference

Earlier, we shared an article about Disaster Tourism. Why not take a different look at Tourism and Volunteers?

Michael Esguerra, located in the Philippines, previously submitted a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Red Cross Youth article. He is also a student, volunteer, and leader.

In the spirit of volun-Tourism
By MICHAEL M. ESGUERRA

The recent Kadayawan sa Dabaw was indeed successful. As usual, many tourists flocked to the city to witness the annual event. Each of these tourists – and even those from Davao themselves – have their own needs as they visited the city. This was the reason why another highlight of the recent festival launched a new kind of volunteerism that gave assistance to visitors.

For the very first time, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) and the City Government forged together to come up with an assistance counter that gave "avenue to young people to voluntarily render their time in the spirit of volunteerism."

Called the Kadayawan Tourist Assistance Counter (KTAC), it is the city's answer to the needs of tourists – both local and international – especially during the celebration of Kadayawan.

Mikee Aportadera, KTAC coordinator, said the team of volunteers addressed the immediate needs and requirements of tourists in the city. He added that volunteers were taken from the various tourism and hospitality management major students in Davao City.

According to CTOO, over 40 young volunteers passed the interview from different schools who qualified to give assistance to people who need help during the celebration. The volunteers were chosen based on their knowledge about the city and the Kadayawan Festival.

The CTOO wanted volunteers who were young and energetic who will not only assist the visitors but promote the city as well. The agency also believes that this group of volunteers plays a vital role in the festival as they would not only market the city but likewise as fast counter assistance on the queries of the tourists whether about the events or places to visit while in the city.

The volunteers were given the chance to interact with tourists and experience in assisting them.

KTAC volunteers were assigned to various establishments such in malls, hotels, Davao City International Airport, and Davao City Overland Transport Terminal. The tourist assistants also helped the festival's main activities especially in areas where tourists were expected to flock.

The CTOO said this type of volunteerism will not be only use during the Kadayawan but also on other activities of the city.

At the end of the day, volunteers feels great satisfaction even they were not expecting any remuneration but the experience is priceless. In deed, this young people have the spirits of VolunTourism.

Regional Disaster Coodinating Council Takes Lead In Rescue Efforts - Mindanao Times

In the past few weeks, Col. Verner Monsanto was featured in this blog for his efforts leading Central 911 and the Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council. According to front page reports from multiple newspapers, Col. Verner Monsanto took the lead in response and recovery efforts for the recent military plane incident.

One of the stories can be found at: http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=21488

Who would have ever thought that so soon after all the Incident Command System (ICS) training and exercises that so many of the different organizations we worked with would need to come together.

"If I look back at all the time I spent with you, your people, and the many organizations you touch, I would have never thought that so many of them would come together so soon to respond to such an incident. We can look back at all the people who have seen the video "Who's In Charge" and they all know with you as the Incident Commander, the people of Davao and Samal should be proud of the leadership, professional responders, volunteers, and many prepared disaster response organizations."

In Shock That They Would Need To Use ICS, At Least So Soon

As readers of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors blog know, we spent the majority of the summer working with emergency response personnel in Davao City, Philippines.

Less than one week after returning home, a major incident occurred in the region, which impacted the majority of the organizations we worked with.

The complete article, including quotes from some of the people and organizations we trained, can be found at:

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2008/08/27/c.130.plane.debris.body.parts.found.html

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

Flash Back - In Pictures!

Thank You For Making A Difference

Prior to returning to the United States, we had the opportunity to receive several Certificates of Recognition. But also present certificates to the several hundreds of people we trained.



But the real recognition was knowing that our time here will have an impact on the other side of the world, in a developing region, with people who are truly amazing.



Pictured above with Mario Verner Monsanto Executive Officer of the Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council (DCDCC) and Central 911. Receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Col. Monsanto and Rodrigo Duterte, City Mayor and Chairman of the DCDCC.


Picture above at the University of Mindanao, with representatives from the Council of Deans for IT Education and Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators Foundation.

Thank you again for all the gifts and also the official uniforms provided by Central 911, Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council, and official Office of Civil Defense/National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) hat.

Reality - Like No TV You Have Ever Watched

Prior to our visit in Mindanao, we heard the travel warnings and were assured it was not in the areas we were visiting. That being said, it was not uncommon to go through a security checkpoint or see anti-terrorism vehicles.


We even met with the mayor who ensured our safety.



There were several incidents outside the city, during our visit, including a bus that was bombed about 15 kilometers away.


Several of the Philippine National Red Cross volunteers who we worked with and were previously featured on this blog, aided the victims. There is a complete article about the response to the Bus Bombing in Digos, Davao del Sur.


What amazed several of us the most, is that the city is very safe, but there really is a war outside of the city, a conflict that most of the world does not know about.

As we prepare to leave the area, we wish the people all the best and thank them for everything during our volunteer efforts. Stay Safe! And please keep in touch.

From time to time, we plan to feature articles on this blog from the region, highlighting some true heroes in the world.

Festival VIP Treatment and Protection

The Kadayawan Festival was made even more special with all the VIP treatment we received. Thank you to all of the people we have met during the time we spent in the region.

It was great for groups of people to come up to us, while doing their role at the festival and thanking us for the training, knowledge, and friendship we provided.

But was even better was to know that in the event of a major emergency or disaster that many of the people that were there protecting us, are all well trained in the Incident Command System (ICS) and can all answer the question "Who's In Charge".

From the volunteers, to the response teams, to the NGOs, to the University students, to the government folks. It was great to see everyone come together for such a great celebration. You are a team! And a role model for others around the world.

The following is a list of SOME of the many organizations we worked with.

• Central 911
• Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council
• Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council
• Office of Civil Defense
• Philippine Army
• Philippine National Police
• Task Force Davao
• Philippines Coast Guard
• Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
• Barangay Fire and Rescue
• Department of Health
• Filipino Chinese Firefighters Foundation
• Davao Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Barangay Captains
• Silver Needles
• Davao City Police
• Davao City Traffic Division
• Davao City Jail
• Davao City Bomb Squad
• Davao City Special Anti-Terrorism Unit
• United Nations
• Panabo City
• Island Garden City of Samal
• Tribal Community
• Davao City Government
• Davao Light and Power Company
• Davao City Water District
• Office of the President, Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Davao City Council, City Administrator, and Legislators
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry
• Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Davao Tourism
• DabaweGNU
• Davao International Airport
• Port of Davao
• Toril International Fish Port
• Davao Doctors Hospital
• Davao Medical Center Hospital
• Philippines National Red Cross
• University of Mindanao
• Ateneo de Davao University
• University of the Immaculate Conception
• University of Southeastern Philippines
• Holly Cross University
• Council of Deans for IT Education
• Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators Foundation
• Davao Technopreneurship
  
  and last but not least, all the VOLUNTEERS and all the people of the region.

I Went To The Hospital In An Ambulance

Earlier in the week was the opportunity to ride along with the Central 911 folks. We waited for a few hours, as I presented new technologies to the IT staff, and then the calls started coming in.

Two of the calls, this gave the opportunity to see how some of the locals live and their limited resources. That was highlighted by arrival at the state run hospital, which really does not compare to those we are use to in the states.

The last call was a motorcycle accident during rush hour. We will spare all the details. Since there was a lot of blood, for this call, I decided to ride in the front, instead of in the back with the patient.

Everyone will be okay. And for me, it was another eye opening experience.

Did you know that July is National Disaster Consciousness Month...

in the Philippines?


The Neighbors Helping Neighbors blog welcomes readers from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

National Disaster Consciousness Month recently kicked off in Davao City.

http://ndcc.gov.ph/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=1

This year's theme is "Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro".

As part of the Corporate Service Corps, I will be in the Philippines, working with the Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council (DCDCC) and Central 911, including National Disaster Consciousness Month activities.

So far away, yet so similar?

The "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" blog welcomes readers from the Philippines.

Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council (DCDCC) and Central 911.

As you can see from the following website,
http://www.usvirtualconsulatedavao.org.ph/features/features01.html
there are other parts of the world that have emergency response systems similar to the United States and Canada.

In the next few weeks, this blog will share best practices and lessons learned from this region.