As an archipelago of over 7,641 islands at the junction of several tectonic plate boundaries, the Philip-pines is especially susceptible to natural disasters. It ranked 3rd in the 2018 World Risk Index of most disaster-prone countries, while the World Bank estimates that we lose US$3.5 billion in assets each year due to typhoons and earthquakes. Ominously, the 2019 Global Peace Index ranked the Philippines as having the world’s highest vulnerability to natural hazards brought about by the effects of climate change.
The events of 2020 have put some of those vulnerabilities into sharp relief—with Taal Volcano (Batangas province) violently stirring to activity on 12 January, and the international public health emergency that is COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), which is still unfolding.
Taal’s eruption resulted in days of travel disruptions and the loss of swathes of agricultural crops. It has momentarily dampened livelihoods around Taal Lake that depend on tourism. Overall, however, the effects have not been catastrophic—certainly far less disruptive than Pinatubo’s 1991 eruption.
Coronavirus has proven much more consequential and its demand-side effects on travel and tourism are already being felt. This crisis is certain to get worse before it gets better. It has become increasingly obvious that containment will not succeed, raising a global pandemic. But eventually, this too shall pass. The pathogen’s mortality rate is lower than both SARS and MERS and vaccines are already in the pipeline for human trials.
Taal and COVID-19 both underscore important lessons on preparing for worse events in the future.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SWEET SWISS SOJOURN
There is an undeniable charm that the Alps hold. Even skiing down its slopes has its own adrenalinefuelled appeal. But one can forego the adventure to indulge in what Switzerland has to offer
CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?
Rising costs, low audience turnout and lack of originality are issues affecting Philippine cinema today. We ask director and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes what needs to be done to ensure its survival
NEW NOSTALGIA
Grammy-winning Gen Z singer songwriter Laufey refuses to be put into boxes and talks on the importance of going off the sheet music' in both performance and life
Perfect HARMONY
Over the past 40 years, OPM icons Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano have been captivating audiences with songs about love, life and inspiration. In an interview with Tatler, they shared their journeys and challenges, discussed the current state of the Philippine music industry, and expressed their aspirations for the new generation that is taking OPM to the global stage
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
For our inaugural Entertainment and Culture Issue, we spotlight the world of music by featuring 26 exceptional stars among the best and brightest in the country
Night of Glamour
Solidifying its position in the market, the Belo Medical Group has once again showcased why it is one of the top aesthetic practitioners in the country
From Combat to Health
Colonel Ariel Querubin's dedication to well-being echoes a mission of empowering individuals to live healthy, protected lives
More than Meals
Three inspirational women demonstrate how fresh, exceptional food connects and nourishes us across time through luxury brands Sub-Zero and Wolf
Zig Dulay
From thought-provoking dramas to enchanting fantasies, Zig Dulay is reintroducing the Filipino narrative to the world
My Top Shot
Photographer Filbert Kung shares the inspiration behind his Chronology of a Mind exhibition in Milan