Chapter 1

Introduction

A. Background of the Study

A disaster strikes when it is least expected to happen. Although it may be true that one won't be prepared enough, it is still possible to prepare for whatever comes for the safety of everyone. It is very important that each member of the family understands the emergency plan that each one should do when ever a calamity occurs. (http://www.pep.ph/guide/guide/7095/gma-news-launches-disaster-preparedness-campaign-via-i-m-ready)

The National Geographic Channel , Doomsday Preppers, features how the American families prepares  in anticipation of a doomsday Scenario.  Each has a unique belief on the cause but according to the experts there are 3 possible scenarios that are a big concern of America: (1) Economic Meltdown-According to Wall street experts, including the US comptroller, the United States is, as of today in the trillion dollars in debt. The dollar will, inevitably, collapse if the government doesn’t find a solution for the national debt. Because of an impending and actual economic depression, the preppers, are preparing to survive. (2) Massive Solar Flare Storm (EMP)-Solar flares are a natural occurrence in space. Now, every couple of years, the sun shoots storms of electromagnetic waves toward space. These storms charged with these electromagnetic pulses are capable of disabling everything that is powered by electricity and electronic devices as well. That means that nothing electronic will work. (3) Natural disasters- No one can really say no as to be prepared for a natural disaster. Since hurricane Katrina and the earthquakes near the faults, Americans, have learned that is better to be safe than sorry. (4) Biological Warfare- also known as germ warfare is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war. (http://ananceleste.hubpages.com/hub/Doomsday-Preppers-Should-you-be-concern)

Doomsday is a bad news to many, but nothing is better than being always ready.
This is a battle of survival of your family and community.  Any information that will educate the people is a necessity. Watching Kara David in one of her episodes in Reporter’s Notebook about the fault line being taught in school in America is an eye opener. It will be a big step on making everyone aware on the importance preparedness.

The perception of this document is to educate, get involve and prepare the Filipino people in such calamity.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to address this question:
1. What can the Filipinos do to survive the worst case scenario?

C. Significance of the Study

Youth.  The youth has more number of population that can spread the information to the family and relatives. They can as well form groups to be of help in rescue operations.

Teacher.  Since the teachers are reliable  source of the information.

Business Sector.   Business Sector is the source of what is needed to survive. Without sufficient supplies definitely no one will stay alive.

Future Researchers. This  study will help the future researchers to be more accurate in their research.

D. Scope and Delimitation

This study  will focus on what preparations necessary for tropical country like the Philippines.  The attitude of the people that is  always caught unprepared to  calamities.

Due to time constraints, this study will not be able to tackle all possible doomsday scenario such as religious doomsday interpretation to give respect to their beliefs.
The research will  make  comparison on how the American preppers preparation will be applicable  for Filipinos.


E. Materials & Methods

To give reliable information, this research will employ data from documentaries articles, science research and experts analysis with regards to doomsday scenario and preparations.

ASSIGNMENT FOR 10.10.12

         1.     Narrow down the topic

a.    Doomsday

b.    Possible Causes of Doomsday

c.   Economic Collapse, and Natural Calamities

d.    How do people prepare for worst case scenarios?

e.    How do people from America prepare for worst case scenarios?

         2.    Tentative Outline

I.            Definition and Prophecies of Doomsday

II.          Doomsday Scenarios

A.   Tornado

1.     America's Preparation

2.    How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

B.     Earthquake

1.   America's Preparation

2.   How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

C.    Solar Flares         

     1. America's Preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

D.   Polar Shift

     1. America's Preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

E.    Nuclear Catastrophe

     1. America's preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

 F.    Economic Collapse

     1. America's Preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

 G.    Fuel Shortage

     1. America's Preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

 H.   Tsunami 

     1. America's Preparation

     2.  How will Filipinos surpass this adversity?

III.       Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

     3. Informal to Formal Writing

            Informal:

I just watched an episode about National Geographic Channel’s Doomsday Preppers. Kellene Bishop and her husband Scott Bishop were prepping for a financial collapse in America, which they believe would result to the END OF THE WORLD. This economic crisis is not only happening in America but also to some other richest countries as well. You won’t believe that this couple is actually studying and practicing Tagalog as their means of communication. Believing that comes worst scenario, Kellene &  Scott can still communicate without others knowing what they’re really up to. At night, they would practice clearing their house with firearms not making sound. They are doing this again and again to master every part of the house in preparations at time emergency happen. They use “morse code” to give messages to each other when needed. They believe that when people get starving, they will start getting what you have for them to survive.  

            Formal:

One of the episodes of Doomsday Preppers in National Geographic Channel featured Kellene and Scott Bishop who are preparing for financial collapse in America; professing this would result to End of the World.  The economic crisis seems to be a serious problem not only in America but also in some  other riches countries. Having another language aside from English is important for the couple; to make discreet conversations when needed.  In preparations for possible intruders, one must know how to defend oneself and to secure all the belongings significant in the worst scenario. Believing once a person is starving, stealing is the only option.

   4. Statement of the Problem

How will we, Filipinos, survive in worst case scenarios?

How to become a "PREPPER"?

What do you think…others claim it is near END OF THE WORLD?  Is this for real?  Do you believe it will happen soon?  And if this is really going to happen very soon… Are you ready then?  Will you survive for days? months? or years?  If yes... what do you think you have to do  to survive?  What are you prepping for? A devastating earthquake? A tornado? Tsunami? Nuclear Catastrophe? Hyperinflation?  Total economic collapse? Shortage in supply of crude oil? Solar flares? Solar flares that could mess up our means of communication and other electronic equipment as well.  Do you consider these things? How about a polar shift? Do you think this can happen? What is it in your mindset to believe or not to believe?

I just watched an episode about National Geographic Channel’s Doomsday Preppers. Kellene Bishop and her husband Scott Bishop were prepping for a financial collapse in America, which they believe would result to the END OF THE WORLD. This economic crisis is not only happening in America but also to some other richest countries as well. You won’t believe that this couple is actually studying and practicing Tagalog as their means of communication. Believing that comes worst scenario, Kellene &  Scott can still communicate without others knowing what they’re really up to. At night, they would practice clearing their house with firearms not making sound. They are doing this again and again to master every part of the house in preparations at time emergency happen. They use “morse code” to give messages to each other when needed. They believe that when people get starving, they will start getting what you have for them to survive.  

Well, it’s true… no one can make you safe but yourself only. Let me use  what Armin Shimerman as Quark, the Ferengi bartender in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, from the episode "The Siege of AR-558" (Screenplay Ira Steven Behr and Hans Beimlerby.) said,

"Let me tell you something about humans, nephew. They are a wonderful, friendly people as long as their bellies are full and their holosuites are working. But take away their creature comforts, deprive them of food, sleep, sonic showers, put their lives in jeopardy over an extended period of time, and those same friendly, intelligent, wonderful people will become as nasty and violent as any"

Time and expertise are very important factor of a prepper. Basically a prepper is all about preparedness. When  asked  what would I prepare and bring with me,  FOOD of course. I cannot imagine passing a  single day not eating… 

But according to Kellene Bishop, food is just one factor to address. For her, preparedness is vague and she highly suggested these Ten Principles of Preparedness:

1. Spiritual- This category has everything to do with our belief system.  It’s where we draw on peace even in the midst of chaos.  It’s also where we draw on knowledge and understanding of that which is to come. 
2. Mental -This category has to do with our knowledge level, skills, and mental rehearsals for chaotic scenarios.  This area requires constant nourishment, education, and deliberate thought.  Unless we mentally prepare for a situation including self-defense, or mass chaos, or the fact that all hell can really break loose, then we will be physically and emotionally paralyzed from being a leader and a protector to anyone.  The mental preparation is what prepares us in spite of the crazy looks and comments we get from friends and loved ones. 
3. Physical -.  Physical preparedness has to do with our physical strength and ability to maximize our physical strength, such as the use of wagons or wheel barrels, our ability to protect us and our family, as well as planning for any necessary travel need.
4. Medical- This includes having what we need for first-aid, solutions for our existing medical needs, as well as sanitation.                                                                               
5. Clothing/Shelter- This category is a higher priority than food and water.  I guess, for reasons that they have extremely cold weather.
6. Fuel- Our fuel should be usable on as many tools as possible, and every responsible member of the family should be familiar with its use.  It’s critical that you know how much fuel is needed of the family.  She recommends trying a day or two without electrical lighting and going a whole week without using any electricity to prepare their food— including the refrigerator.
7.  Water - Water is the only thing that will keep our organs functioning properly.  We need one gallon of water, per person, per day.  That’s about 365 gallons a year to survive.
8.  Food- Be familiar with the food that you’ve stored is prepared to cook it without electricity, and be sure that it’s nutritious. 
9.  Financial- Anything more than $500 cash or PHP 1000 on hand is a waste, as a crisis will quickly make money worthless.  If we don’t have what we need, we will NOT be able to buy it amidst a mob of crazy people who are unprepared.
10.  Communication- This is the only area of preparedness that focuses on reaching out to others.  In order to be prepared for communication in an emergency, we should have a very specific plan of communication with our family and friends.  We should have a specific point of gathering agree upon for everyone to meet in the event of a disaster. 

Everybody of course wants to keep alive… but the process and the needs are too complicated and difficult. Life is very hard as it is today. Who can store foods to consume for years? If some cannot even have 3 meals a day.

I don’t know if the US government is aware & really encourages their citizen to become a “prepper”.  Their experts even grade them and give suggestions on how to improve them more. Is there anyone in our government have even thought of this?   This is what bothers me after I read Kellene Bishop’s article. We have millions of oversea workers. If communication and transportation collapse, what would happen to our “Bagong Bayani”?

I look forward that one day I will find articles or filed bills that would address on event like this.