Natural calamities in the Philippines surged 50% last year, making our country the world's most disaster-hit country in 2011.
According to the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), at least 15.3 million people were displaced, causing agriculture and infrastructure damages that cost 26 billion pesos after the onslaught of typhoons Sendong and Pedring.
To address the problem, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) launched "Red Cross 143"– a proactive measure engaging 44 volunteers: one leader and 43 members in every community.
The volunteers receive training to reduce disaster risk by responding effectively such crisis situations.