Why are we not surprised?

We’ve had low marks before in almost all rankings of human condition and activities.

Name the category, and we have made our mark – make that failing marks – in terms of peace, freedom. justice, human rights, education, and overall quality of life.

Just this week, our top universities sank in global rankings, with emerging educational institutions from neighboring countries overtaking them. 

Thus, it should no longer be a cause for alarm to hear that the country ranked third among 173 countries in terms of vulnerability to disaster risks and natural hazards.

The World Risk Index 2011 of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security noted that the Philippines is “heavily affected by extreme natural events” due to its exposed position in the Pacific Ocean.

“Storms and heavy rains hit degraded ecosystems, destroyed coral reefs and mangrove forests, depleted soils and deforested areas. Thus, there are few natural bulwarks against the threat of disasters. People also feel the effects of climate change,” a major broadsheet quoted the report as saying.

The World Risk Index defined “risk” as the interaction between a natural hazard event and the vulnerability of the exposed element or society.

The country is only lower in rank than Vanuatu, the country with the highest risk, and Tonga, which ranked second.

It is more vulnerable to disasters than its Southeast Asian neighbors Timor Leste (seventh), Cambodia (ninth), Brunei (14th), Indonesia (28th), Vietnam (34th), Myanmar (57th), Thailand (85th), Malaysia (91st), Laos (104th), and Singapore (153rd).

Among the countries that are near the Philippines’ ranking are Solomon Islands (4th), Guatemala (fifth), and Bangladesh (sixth).

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Benito Ramos acknowledged that the country was prone to natural disasters.

Ramos said efforts were being undertaken to mitigate the impact of calamities and to enhance the government’s preparedness.

“We have to adapt to climate change. We are continuously conducting information campaigns and lectures to promote awareness,” he said, adding that state agencies are coordinating with one another to minimize the effects of natural disasters.

“We are more prepared now to cope with natural disasters. We have learned our lessons. Our people are now cooperating with our personnel,” the NDRRMC chief said.

He said their preparedness measures and the participation of various sectors would make up for the lack of equipment.

“Our people should be vigilant and informed,” he said.

As to how really ready the relevant agencies, local government units, and non-government or volunteer organizations actually are, we would know soon enough as we go through the end-stage of the typhoon season.

In fact, another one codenamed Nonoy is about to enter the country’s area of responsibility as of press time.