According to my good friend Merriam Webster (digital edition), a “luddite” is a person opposed to new technology. Whether we like it or not, in this high-tech world we currently live in, one who knows nothing or is against using technology is going to be left behind by those who are tech-savvy or who we now call as digital natives. It is incumbent then for tech “dinosaurs” like this near-sighted Ibaloy writer to better learn the ins and outs of using tech gadgets and temper our biases, if there are any, against technology.
Today, not only are most individuals getting into technology to better their lives but even entire cities and countries are embracing the advantages of using technology to solve problems and better serve their citizens.
It is with this in mind that our beloved city of Baguio is marching on to achieve full Smart City status to, as stated earlier, help solve problems like traffic and waste management, and provide more efficient service to the public.
Part of this move is the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund online workshop conducted recently as part of existing work to design and implement the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) project of the Asian Development Bank in the Summer Capital to make it gender-focused.
Spearheaded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by Antonette Anaban, the workshop was participated in by concerned city officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and representatives from several civil society organizations.
The workshop introduced the gender transformative approach to the FEWS project, presented findings from an earlier conducted “Mixed Methods Gender and Inclusion Study” in the city, discussed initial recommendations and guidance for FEWS design and dissemination, and highlighted the project’s next steps. It also sought validation and feedback and identified how to collaborate with participants on upcoming tasks and outputs.
The project will assist the city government with both the planning for flood mitigation and delivery of services of flood early warning and responses, using smart technologies with outcome as improved FEWS, responses and mitigation measures of the city. Cheers!
FYI: Why are there people still dying even if they are fully vaccinated?
According to the World Health Organization-Philippines, all vaccines help us to have active immunity against Covid-19 that lowers the chances of getting hit and if we get sick, we can avoid severe symptoms and even death.
But some people don’t get enough immunity due to risk factors such as age and co-morbidity or previously severe illness and sometimes lead to death despite vaccine. According to the data, only a small percentage of the incidence of death in vaccinated people.
Here’s “Risk” by Anais Nin: “And then the day came,/ when the risk/ to remain tight/ in a bud/
was more painful/ than the risk/ it took/ to blossom.”
Let’s end with a prayer: “Help me not to fear the future but to boldly trust that you are in control when my emotions plunge me down, and when I am in despair. And times when I can’t talk and don’t know what to say, help me to ‘Be still, and know that you are God’. Be my comforter, my healer and bring me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (from the internet)
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
