EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
Volume 14(1), August 2021

© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA

Exploring Disaster Mitigation and
Preparedness of Rural Communities

ABSTRACT: Over the past few decades, the discussion of disaster mitigation and preparedness
has largely focused on the urban communities, due to the concentration of the general population in
those centers. This presents a gap in our current knowledge base particularly for vulnerable places
with huge rural communities. This study focused on the level of knowledge on disaster mitigation
and preparedness among rural communities in Cadiz City, Philippines. It was conducted to
increase the understanding of DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) done in rural communities and
explore a method to come up with a suitable program that can enhance the awareness of DRR in
Cadiz City. Data were gathered from 198 respondents of the 6 rural communities in Cadiz City
via a researcher-developed questionnaire survey and in-depth face-to-face interviews. The results
show that the general response in terms of the level of disaster mitigation and preparedness
is “in the process”. Most of the respondents have acquired information on general emergency
preparedness with TV reports as the most common source of information and television as the
most effective means of receiving information. In general, the residents in the rural communities
of Cadiz City manifest readiness and interest in their safety from disaster and in reducing their
exposure and vulnerabilities to typhoons, fires, and earthquakes. Based on the results of the
study, the researchers highly recommend the development of a comprehensive and operational
module to guide at-risk rural communities in mitigating and preparing for disasters.
KEY WORDS: Disaster Mitigation; Preparedness; Rural Communities; Natural Hazards.

About the Authors: Marites C. Geronimo, Ph.D. is a Professor VI at the Faculty of Teacher Development PNU (Philippine
Normal University) North Luzon, Alicia, Isabela, Philippines. Meah L. Gonzaga, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor III at the Faculty
of Teacher Development PNU (Philippine Normal University) Visayas, Boy Albert St., Zone 1, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental 6126,
Philippines. Authors corresponding: geronimo.mc@pnu.edu.ph and gonzaga.ml@pnu.edu.ph

Suggested Citation: Geronimo, Marites C. & Meah L. Gonzaga. (2021). “Exploring Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness of Rural
Communities” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies, Volume 14(1), August, pp.1-18. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda
Masagi Suci and ASPENSI with ISSN 1979-7877 (print) and ISSN 2621-587X (online).

Article Timeline: Accepted (June 22, 2021); Revised (July 25, 2021); and Published (August 30, 2021).

INTRODUCTION
Over the past several years, the Philippines has gained momentum in

disaster risk reduction and preparedness. Various stakeholders across many
fields have worked together to initiate programs and legislate policies in

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p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

the effort to amplify the demand for the people to properly prepare before
a disaster strikes and improve the manner by which Filipinos handle the
aftermath of disasters. For example, Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, was enacted in 2010 to
“strengthen the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction and management system by
providing a framework and institutionalizing the national risk reduction and
management plans” (Sudmeier-Rieux et al. eds., 2006; Benson, 2009; and
POG, 2010).

The enactment of Republic Act 10121 has laid the basis for a paradigm
shift from just disaster preparedness and response to disaster risk reduction
and management. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Plan serves as the national guide on how sustainable development can
be achieved through inclusive growth, while building the adaptive
capacities of communities; increasing the resilience of vulnerable sectors;
and optimizing disaster mitigation opportunities with the end in view of
promoting people’s welfare and security towards gender-responsive and
rights-based sustainable development (UNISDR, 2018; Valencia, 2018;
and ADRC, n.y.).1

This kind of inclusive and holistic approach to disaster risk reduction
and management is particularly crucial in the Philippine conditions. The
Philippines was battered by an inexhaustible number of deadly typhoons,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural hazards (Wingard &
Brandlin, 2013; Doroteo, 2015; and Valencia, 2018).

Perhaps the most notable disaster that ever hit the country was the
Category 5 Typhoon Haiyan, which made its devastating landfall in
the central part of the Philippines on November 8, 2013. This typhoon
was record-breaking in its sheer strength as it was touted as the strongest
typhoon to ever make a landfall in history. It also wreaked havoc with
over 6,000 deaths and multi-billion peso worth of destruction in properties
and infrastructure. The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees) Agency reported that 20,000 of the 4.1 million people displaced
by the disaster still live in 56 displacement sites across typhoon-affected
areas a year since the onslaught (Viana, 2014; Cas, 2016; and Jha et al.,
2018).

J. Salceda (2013) also noted that according to the Philippine Red Cross,
at least 31,835 Filipinos have reportedly been killed and 94,369,462 have
been affected by natural disasters and calamities in the past 20 years
(Salceda, 2013).

1See also, for example, ““NDRRMP (the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan) in 2011”. Available online at:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/DILG-Resources-2012116-420ac59e31.pdf [accessed in North Luzon, Alicia,
Isabela, Philippines: October 21, 2019].

EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
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p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

The national disaster plan could have contributed somewhat of a
positive impact throughout the years after it was first laid out. But since
then, the Philippines still lags behind in terms of disaster preparedness.
The Philippines consistently placed in the top three or within the highest
risk category among 170+ countries with the most risk of disaster in
consequence of extreme natural events. The WRI (World Risk Index)
is measured based on the country’s exposure or risk and the country’s
man-made attribution including level of preparedness and responsiveness,
adaptation, and susceptibility (Field et al. eds., 2012; WHO, 2015; and
Behlert et al., 2020).

This shows that although efforts have been made, policies put in place,
and implementation ongoing, there clearly exists a gap in understanding
the factors why the Philippines’ disaster framework is not producing good
results. A comprehensive report published by the Philippines’ Commission
on Audit emphasizes the significant gaps in the country’s response and
management system. It underscores gaps in public spending which focused
largely on reactive rather than proactive approach. In addition, the report
also strongly indicates the need for better management of information as
well as in raising significant awareness not only on baseline, real-time data
on the nature, effect and impact of disasters, but also includes financial
information (Beck et al., 2012; CoA, n.y.; and Behlert et al., 2020).

This shows that there is still a lot to improve in understanding the
underlying causes of people’s vulnerability that have yet to be fully
recognized and addressed. It is in this context that the researchers deemed
it vital to assess the level of disaster mitigation and preparedness, in the
event of typhoon, fire, or earthquake, of the residents of rural communities
in Cadiz City.

Cadiz City is a coastal and low-lying community of around 52,447
hectares. Of this, 87% or 45,102.45 hectares are considered rural. Due
to its geography, Cadiz City enjoy the advantage of being the premiere
center of agro-fishery resources in the island. At the same time, it puts the
city at a high risk for typhoons such as Typhoon Haiyan, which heavily
damaged the city. In one small island within its territory, only 10 out of 250
homes were left standing after the onslaught of typhoon Haiyan. Earlier in
2008, Typhoon Fengshen capsized an entire fishing fleet from Cadiz City,
drowning more than a hundred of its crew (NDCC, 2008).2

According to Kapucu et al. (2014), and other scholars, rural communities
have different experiences after a disaster than their urban counterparts.
In particular, physical isolation, limited economic diversity, and higher

2See also, for example, “Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020”. Available online at: https://psa.gov.ph/classification/
psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/06450400000 [accessed in North Luzon, Alicia, Isabela, Philippines: October 19, 2020].

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MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

poverty rates combined with an aging population, increase the vulnerability
of rural communities. Rural communities are highly dependent on natural
resources, which are affected by climate change. Hence, their awareness
and knowledge on disaster mitigation and preparedness is crucial in
determining the success of formulating and implementing a holistic
disaster plan aimed at reducing risks of disasters, particularly in a city
with a relatively large rural expanse (Mathur, 2013; Kapucu et al., 2014;
and NCA, 2014).

Hence, the findings of this study will be significant in establishing
research-based disaster management plan, which can serve as a guide to
recommend policies or local legislative measures in the City of Cadiz,
Negros Occidental, Philippines. Figure 1 shows the research paradigm,
which guided the flow of the study.

In essence, this study sought answers to the following questions: (1)
What is the level of disaster mitigation of the rural communities in Cadiz
City, Philippines?; (2) What is the level of disaster preparedness of the rural
communities in Cadiz City, Philippines?; and (3) What are the challenges
encountered in mitigating and preparing for disasters as perceived by the
respondents?

METHODS
Research Design. This study used descriptive research applying several

methodological approaches (quantitative and qualitative). Specifically, the
research followed concurrent triangulation design, wherein quantitative
and qualitative data cross-validated, confirmed, or corroborated the survey
findings. The survey determined the level of DMP (Disaster Mitigation and

Figure 1:
The Research Paradigm

EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
Volume 14(1), August 2021

© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

Preparedness) of the respondents in the event of an emergency situation.
In-depth interviews highlighted the respondent’s feelings or perceptions
toward DMP (RR, 2009; Creswell & Clark, 2011; and Schoonenboom &
Johnson, 2017).

Respondents. The respondents of this study were determined by two-
stage sampling. A margin of 5% is used as error tolerance. Using the
Slovin’s Formula n=N÷(1+Ne2) on 29,715 households in the 12 rural
communities or barangays, the computation yielded 395 households.
Considering difficulty in traveling to or reaching the clusters, convenience,
and the sample size that can be handled, 50% of this size was considered
for the final stage. Hence, using proportional allocation, the sample size
of 198 respondents was distributed among randomly selected six out of
twelve rural communities (Ellen, 2020).3

The final list of respondents was selected randomly and proportionally
from the chosen communities. They were chosen from as diverse
backgrounds as possible including fisher folks, sugarcane plantation
workers, teachers, community health workers, store owners, household
workers, homeowners, local government officials, school personnel,
drivers, carpenters, and the like.

The next table shows the distribution of the sample size among the six
rural communities of Cadiz City. See table 1.

Instruments: Questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of two parts.
Part I gathers information regarding the respondent’s community, type of
house ownership, and length of residence. Part II-A is a four-item scale
designed to determine the level of disaster mitigation of the respondent’s
household and his/her community. Part II-B is also a four-item scale
designed to measure the level of preparedness of the respondents in the
event of an emergency situation. Moreover, this part includes the types

3See also, for example, “Slovin’s Formula: What is it and When do I use it?”. Available online at: https://www.statisticshowto.
com/how-to-use-slovins-formula/ [accessed in North Luzon, Alicia, Isabela, Philippines: March 24, 2020].

Table 1:
Frequency Distribution of the Respondents

Rural Community
Population Size

(No. of Households)
Sample Size

Burgos 924 28

Cadiz Viejo 1,104 33

Caduha-an 1,819 54

Andres Bonifacio 1,080 32

Jerusalem 667 20

Sicaba 1,029 31

Total 6,623 198

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MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

of preparedness and mitigation information the respondent has acquired
or collected, information sources or channels, and manner in which the
respondent would like to receive preparedness and mitigation information
in the future.

Interview Schedule. A set of questions was formulated by the researchers
to gauge the respondent’s feelings or perceptions toward DMP (Disaster
Mitigation and Preparedness).

Data Gathering Procedure. Each respondent was given a questionnaire
and an ample time to answer. In the case of respondents who were not
capable of answering the questionnaire by themselves, the researchers
took time to assist them by translating the items in the language best
understood by them. Most of the questionnaires were personally given
to the respondents who were available, willing to participate, and within
reasonable means of contact. The researchers met most of the respondents
in their homes, some in community halls and health centers, and some
others in schools during their free time.

To broaden understanding of the respondents’ answers to the
questionnaire, individual face-to-face interviews were conducted by the
researchers and the respondents’ answers to the questions were recorded,
and in some instances by assistants who were trained by the researchers.
The questionnaires were fielded during the first to second weeks of June,
2018; while the interviews were conducted in July, 2018.

Data Analysis. Frequency, percent, mean and standard deviation were
used to determine the level of DMP (Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness)
of the respondents.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The level of disaster mitigation of the residents in the rural communities

of Cadiz City was evaluated and computed using mean and standard
deviation. Table 2 presents the responses on disaster mitigation of the
residents of Cadiz City in the rural communities comprising of Burgos,
Cadiz Viejo, Caduha-an, Andres Bonifacio, Jerusalem, and Sicaba. It can
be noted that the general response of the respondents is “In the Process”
(M=2.55 and SD=.500). See table 2.

When the respondents were asked whether their houses are built on a
hazard-prone area, specifically from typhoon, fire or earthquake, they do
not have knowledge what it really means being in a hazard area, because
they are used to living in such conditions that are frequently battered
by typhoons (M=1.83). In addition, an overwhelming portion of the
respondents indicated that they do not have an insurance for their house
(M=1.34). In the discussion of the factors for their having no insurance,

EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
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p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

the respondents pointed out that they do not know about house or property
insurance and if ever they knew about it, paying for it is beyond their
budget. However, they expressed willingness to do so if the government or
other institutions help them finance the costs.

The residents were also not quite sure in having their house “bought-
out”, elevated, or relocated (M=2.07) to a safer place because it would
entail high costs, adjustment issues, inconvenience, and difficulty in
accessing basic utilities such as water and electricity if they ever had to
transfer to relocation sites. But if given the opportunity to transfer, the
respondents would consider the occurrence of a hazard in planning and
building their next house (M=3.37). The respondents also emphasized

Table 2:
Disaster Mitigation of Residents of Rural Communities of Cadiz City

Items M SD Interpretation
1. Is your house located in a hazard area? 1.83 1.297 I don’t know

2. Do you have insurance for your house in case of typhoon,
fire or earthquake? If none, what are the factors that
contribute to your having no insurance?

1.34 .876 No

3. Have you considered elevating, relocating, or buy-out of
your house?

2.07 1.405 I don’t know

4. When you buy property, will you consider the occurrence of
a natural hazard?

3.37 1.164 Yes

5. Would you be willing to spend more to make your property
more disaster-ready or disaster-resistant? If you, how much
would you be willing to spend? Give an estimate.

3.29 1.194 Yes

6. Has your government raised flood-prone highways or
roadways?

2.03 1.378 I don’t know

7. Does your community carry out periodic clearing of canals,
esteros, ditches and waterways?

2.74 1.247 In the process

8. Does your city perform city-wide tree pruning program? 3.01 1.327 In the process

9. Does the city have a Geographic Information System (GIS)? 2.89 1.277 In the process

10. Does your City Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Council conduct public awareness and education programs
about disaster preparedness?

2.48 1.143 I don’t know

11. To your knowledge, does PNU Visayas offer programs to
help the community in its hazard mitigation? If so, please
provide details.

3.33 1.137 Yes

12. Does the city maintain potable water well fields, treatment
plants and/or distribution center?

2.42 1.161 I don’t know

13. Does the city have portable or fixed generation able to
sustain critical facilities for >72 hours?

2.93 1.227 In the process

14. Have you made an inventory of facility, appliances,
machines, or fixtures in your home/determined the actual
cash value of every item in the house?

2.19 1.215 I don’t know

15. Does your city adopt building codes, zoning or land use
controls? If so, please provide details.

2.35 1.156 I don’t know

As a whole 2.55 .500 In the process

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MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

that if only they had enough financial resources, they are willing to spend
anywhere from PhP (Philippines Pesso) 50,000 to PhP 200,000, or 1,100
to 4,400 USD (Dollar United States of America), to make their house
disaster-ready (M=3.29).

When asked whether they have knowledge or have participated in the
citywide programs of Cadiz on raising flood-prone highways or streets
(M=2.03), periodic clearing of waterways (M=2.74), and tree-pruning
(M=3.01), they said that to their knowledge, these are ongoing programs
but some streets are yet to be worked on and clearing operations are not
conducted regularly. In rural communities, tree pruning is conducted on
a per request basis. However, the residents are observed to take it upon
themselves to remove hazardous things like big branches of trees and
hanging parts of their house before a typhoon hits.

In terms of GIS (Geographic Information Systems), the residents have
an initial background of what it is and how it works and indicated that to
their knowledge, the city is in the process of creating a digital hazard map
of Cadiz City (M=2.89). On the item if the CDRRMC (City Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council) is conducting public awareness and
education programs about hazard mitigation, they knew that the agency is
doing some programs but are not carried out regularly (M=2.48).

This is corroborated by the information given by the aforementioned
office which maintains that it trains CHW (Community Health Workers),
council members and peacekeepers as first responders in the event of
disasters in far-flung communities once a year only. Although some
residents take part in the training, they are not prioritized for such kind
of training. They know that PNU (Philippine Normal University) Visayas
has programs that helps Cadiz City in being disaster-ready (M=3.33). On
item 12, the respondents do not know if the city is working on potable
water fields and treatment plants, but have still not utilized them (M=2.42).

The CDRRMC acknowledged that the implementation of this project
would be in 2016 as the program has already been allocated. The residents
said the city government is “in the process” of putting up portable power
generation (M=2.93). On item 14, the respondents suggested they cannot
be certain as to the cash value of facilities, appliances, machines, or
fixtures in their home so they do not know if their list is a real inventory
(M=2.19). As stated by the CDRRMC, stand-by generators are assigned at
the emergency clinics and city hall only. On item 15, the respondents were
not aware if the city adopts building codes, zoning, or land use controls
(M=2.35). In general, the rural dwellers are “in the process” of doing
disaster mitigation on a regular basis (M=2.55).

It can be deduced from these results that there are a lot of challenges

EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
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p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

encountered by the respondents in their efforts of reducing their risks and
vulnerabilities to disasters. In particular, seven out of fifteen items (47%) in
disaster mitigation had the respondents answer “I don’t know” including
their knowledge if their house is a hazard area. The ISDR (International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction) of the United Nations identified that:

[…] populations are often concentrated on natural flood plains or along known earthquake fault lines,
or in cities and settlements where houses and infrastructures are not safely built and where land use is
poorly planned, leading to disastrous effects in the event of an earthquake, even a slight one. What is not
generally realized is that many disasters could have been greatly mitigated with adequate forethought and
preparation and that the cost of this mitigation would have been small compared to the cost of relief and
recovery efforts (UNISDR, n.y.).

On house insurance item, overwhelming percentage of the respondents
did not have any and owed it partly to not knowing about insurance. This
is all particularly important since:

[…] the UN/ISDR emphasizes risk awareness and assessment; knowledge development; public
commitment and institutional frameworks; and early warning systems including forecasting,
dissemination of warnings, preparedness measures and reaction capacities as important strategy for
disaster reduction (UNISDR, n.y.).

The role of educational institutions cannot be understated in disaster
risk reduction. The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization), in 2014, identified two certain ways of helping
vulnerable populations to cope with risk, raising public awareness and
improving education about natural disasters. The United Nations also:

[…] recommends that governments must integrate disaster risk reduction into their laws, programs and
plans, and ensures the participation of local communities in planning. Integrated risk reduction strategies
and mitigation measures must be developed and strengthened planning, prevention, preparedness,
awareness raising, education and emergency services for relief and recovery (UNESCO, 2014).

Educational institutions, like the PNU (Philippine Normal University)
Visayas, are significant partners to government in reducing disaster risks
in communities. Table 3 presents the responses on disaster preparedness
of the residents in the rural communities of Cadiz City.

When asked if they have prepared a disaster supply kit with emergency
supplies like food, water, and medicines in their home, respondents are
“in the process” of doing it (M=3.05). They indicated “in the process”
when asked whether they have prepared and discussed family emergency
plan such as how they would communicate or establish a meeting place if
separated (M=2.91). The respondents do not know if they have practiced
or drilled on what to do during an emergency (M=2.44). On the question

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MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

whether they have volunteered to prepare or respond to a major emergency,
respondents do not know if some of the meetings and orientations in
their community centers are part of these emergency response trainings
(M=2.35).

However, they would consider attending meetings dealing with
emergencies even if these are not conducted regularly (M=2.90). The
respondents are not sure whether they have taken special training (first aid,
CPR, CERT, etc) for the past three years because they were only given the
very basic training and may not be significant (M=2.05). Interestingly, on
the item if they have followed emergency information and alert systems,
the respondents said yes (M=3.28). They have already informed and
instructed family members on how to turn off utilities (M=3.64) and have
kept family records and documents safe (M=3.84). Lastly, the respondents
are sure that they have obtained and collected information about DMP
(M=3.43). Overall, the respondents are “in the process” of fully preparing
themselves to be disaster-ready at all times (M=2.99).

Table 4 reveals the frequency of the responses of the respondents
regarding the type of information on DMP (Disaster Mitigation and
Preparedness) they have acquired or collected in the past 3 years. It can
be taken from the results that general emergency preparedness is the most
frequent information gained by the respondents (61%). Information on

Table 3:
Disaster Preparedness of the Residents of Rural Communities of Cadiz City

Items M SD Interpretation
1. Made sure you had a disaster supply kit with emergency

supplies like food, water, and medicines in your home.
3.05 1.352 In the process

2. Prepared and discussed family emergency plan such as
how you would communicate or established a meeting
place if separated, emergency out of town contact, a
place where you would live during that time you needed
to leave your house.

2.91 1.377 In the process

3. Practiced or drilled of what to do in an emergency at
home.

2.44 1.465 I don’t know

4. Volunteered to prepare or respond to a major emergency. 2.35 1.441 I don’t know

5. Attended meetings dealing with emergencies. 2.90 1.420 In the process

6. Have taken special training (First Aid, CPR, CERT, etc)
for the past three years.

2.05 1.413 I don’t know

7. Followed emergency information and alert systems. 3.28 1.215 Yes

8. Informed/instructed family members on how to turn off
utilities.

3.64 .945 Yes

9. Kept my family records and other important documents
safe.

3.84 .662 Yes

10. Collected preparedness and mitigation information. 3.43 1.152 Yes

As a whole 2.99 .745 In the process

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organizing equipment and supplies is the second most frequent information
gained (56%). Thirty-three per cent (33%) of the rural dwellers gained
information on making disaster plans while thirty-four percent (34%) have
acquired trainings on emergency response. See table 4.

The data in table 5 show that among the most common sources of
information on DMP (Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness) of the
respondents are friends and relatives (70%), TV anchors (69%), and radio
hosts (67%).

It can be gleaned from table 6 that approximately seven out of ten
respondents chose television (71%) as the most common mode of receiving
information on DMP (Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness). The

Table 4:
Type of Information on Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness Collected or Acquired

in the Past Three (3) Years

Types of Information Frequency Percentage

General emergency preparedness. 120 61%

Organizing equipment and supplies/Formulating a disaster kit. 111 56%

Making disaster plans. 65 33%

Emergency response trainings. 68 34%

Structural and non-structural mitigation. 38 19%

Disaster insurance. 32 16%

Emergency information concerning seniors. 54 27%

Emergency information concerning pets. 31 16%

Emergency information concerning those with special needs. 56 28%

Emergency for business/organizations. 30 15%

Table 5:
Information Channels or Sources on Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness

Information Channels or Sources Frequency Percentage
Radio hosts/reporters. 133 67%

TV anchors/reporters. 136 69%

Schools. 128 65%

Friends/relatives. 138 70%

PAGASA. 103 52%

Local Emergency Management Unit. 72 36%

Mayor’s Office of Emergency Services. 75 38%

Volunteers. 71 36%

Cadiz City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. 80 40%

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). 59 30%

Internet. 69 35%

Religious Organizations. 68 34%

Civic Organizations. 51 26%

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MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

other most frequent responses are radio (67%) and meetings/symposia/
briefings/orientations (62%). See table 6.

During the interviews, the participants agreed that preparing for an
incoming disaster will help lessen the impact even though their coastal
location naturally exposes them to typhoons, storm surges, high tides,
and even tsunamis. They shared that they are concerned about the safety
of their families and community. They stressed that to be effectively
prepared, there must be correct information conveyed to them, i.e. when
and where typhoons are exactly going to hit, how strong they will be, etc.
Television and radio are the two most frequent and common sources of
announcement of the participants about incoming typhoons. Typhoon
Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, which hit the country in November
2013 and brought record high deaths and destruction is considered as the
most destructive natural disaster that struck the participants.4

When asked what their preparations are before a typhoon, they relayed
that they store an emergency supply bag loaded with food such as rice,
noodles, and canned goods and other emergency devices such as flashlight,
match, and/or lighter. When further probed if these supply bags always
come in handy and ready-to-use, the participants emphasized that only
when there are official announcements of incoming disasters do they put
these together. Otherwise, they do not prepare an emergency supply kit in
advance and regularly. They also added that the local government provides
relief goods but after a few weeks unlike non-government organizations
which usually come to their aid right away.5

4See, for example, Interview with Respondent A, one of the fisher folks, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018; Interview
with Respondent B, one of the sugarcane plantation workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent C, one of the teachers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018.

5See also, for example, Interview with Respondent D, one of the community health workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th
July 2018; Interview with Respondent E, one of the store owners, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent F, one of the household workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018.

Table 6:
Manner of Receiving Information on Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness in the Future

Mode or Manner of Receiving Information Frequency Percentage
Fact sheet/brochure. 72 36%

Meetings/symposia/briefings/orientations. 122 62%

Radio. 133 67%

Television. 140 71%

Newspaper 79 40%

Internet (website/email, etc.). 75 38%

Social media. 92 46%

Outdoor advertisements (posters, billboards, fliers). 78 39%

Others (please specify). 11 5%

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The participants also informed the researchers that families along
coastal areas, including some of them, are given tags to occupy permanent
houses provided by the National Housing Authority. When asked if they
are willing to be relocated in order to be safer from storm surges, the
participants were less enthusiastic. They said that the resettlement sites,
although are “nice houses”, are located far from their source of livelihood.6

Sand bags are piled along the breakwater as a barrier for high tides and
storm surges. The practice of bayanihan is evident through collective efforts
in putting up sand bags and in contributing financial assistance when their
members become victims of calamities. When typhoon is approaching,
the fishermen hide their pump boats at the mouths of the river where their
devices are safely covered by trees. As regards the building of dikes to
replace sand bags, there is already an ocular inspection conducted by the
government for this specific project.7

Although the barangay conducts practice drills for typhoons,
earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires, these do not reach the smaller zones
called puroks. On one hand, the participants recommended the creation
of Bantay-Dagat (volunteers) to monitor the seas in their puroks and cities
and to drive away fishermen from other cities and municipalities illegally
encroaching their territories.8

The PKASFA (Purok Kakahuyan Small Fishermen Association), a local
people’s organization composed of 37 fisherman-members, took it upon
themselves to reforest their stretch of coast with mangrove trees. As of
January 2018, the group was able to plant 84,000 mangrove trees with the
help of a civil society group. They also inform others to stop cutting down
young and mature mangrove trees and use the old/felled ones instead.
In addition, two members of the PECASPAA were sent to a two-day
seminar-workshop to learn about basic search and rescue operations and
first-aid treatment by the City Rescue Bureau.9

Fish pens in the contributory rivers clog waterways but some participants
contradicted this because the structures already existed even before there
was flooding in their area. Traditional knowledge including the movement
of the northwest wind (locally termed kanaway) is used by fisher folk as
an early warning sign of an incoming typhoon and how strong or weak

6See also, for example, Interview with Respondent G, one of the homeowners, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018;
Interview with Respondent H, one of the local government officials, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent I, one of the school personnel, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018.

7See also, for example, Interview with Respondent J, one of the drivers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 25th July 2018; and
Interview with Respondent K, one of the carpenters, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 25th July 2018.

8See also, for example, Interview with Respondent A, one of the fisher folks, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018;
Interview with Respondent D, one of the community health workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018; and Interview
with Respondent G, one of the homeowners, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018.

9See also, for example, Interview with Respondent B, one of the sugarcane plantation workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th
July 2018; Interview with Respondent E, one of the store owners, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent J, one of the drivers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 25th July 2018.

© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

it will be. The participants also highlighted that self-discipline is needed.
Whatever trash is thrown into the sea returns to cause humans damage.10

Along this line, they inform and reprimand others about throwing
trash into the seas. Possibly because of their exposure to environmental
education conducted by PNU (Philippine Normal University) Visayas
in the past years and TV news reports, the participants recognize that
dumping thrash to the sea is disastrous as these will come back and
obstruct narrow waterways leading to seas and choke up marine plants
and animals especially those that take shelter in mangrove forests. They
share information to other families in their neighborhood.11

Lastly, it can be interpreted from the feelings and views of the rural
population of Cadiz City that they place importance upon disaster
preparedness and management. The residents expressed strong concern
about the effects of the hazards of typhoon, earthquake, or fire to
their family and community. They also agreed that being prepared for
emergencies can keep their family and properties safe. The residents also
believed that community preparedness can make a difference in the ability
of emergency officials to respond after a disaster.12

CONCLUSION
Cadiz City is geographically exposed to threats posed by natural

hazards such as typhoons, flood events, etc. As revealed in this study, the
residents of the city in general exhibit readiness and interest in equipping
themselves to be prepared for disaster and more importantly to reduce their
exposure and vulnerabilities to various kinds of hazards most particularly
to typhoons, fire, and earthquakes.

Further, the findings reveal that the residents are “in the process” both of
mitigating and preparing for disasters. They are carrying out steps to prepare
themselves and to reduce their risks and vulnerabilities from disasters.
However, their efforts are without challenges. In general, it seems that the
respondents’ lack of knowledge and awareness in terms of disaster risk
management render them unable to equip themselves properly in reducing
their risks and vulnerabilities. The residents’ reasons for their houses not
being insured and for their apprehension in relocating to safer communities
include absence of knowledge, costs and government’s lack of support.

10See also, for example, Interview with Respondent C, one of the teachers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018;
Interview with Respondent H, one of the local government officials, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018; and Interview
with Respondent K, one of the carpenters, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 25th July 2018.

11See also, for example, Interview with Respondent E, one of the store owners, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018;
Interview with Respondent I, one of the school personnel, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent J, one of the drivers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 25th July 2018.

12See also, for example, Interview with Respondent C, one of the teachers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 5th July 2018;
Interview with Respondent F, one of the household workers, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 10th July 2018; and Interview with
Respondent I, one of the school personnel, in Cadiz City, the Philippines, on 17th July 2018.

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© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

In addition, the city government performs some measures towards
DMP (Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness) like conducting public
awareness and education programs, elevating flood-prone roadways,
clearing of waterways, and tree pruning but are either not conducted
on a regular basis, or are still not done systematically. Some residents
said that the city is well-prepared such that it recorded zero casualties at
the onslaught of the strongest typhoon ever recorded which hit Central
Philippines in November 2013. Others were a bit skeptical and noted that
even though lives were not lost, a lot of houses and properties were still
brought down and flooded during Typhoon Haiyan; an indication that
there are still things needed to be done in regard to disaster management.

Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the local government,
through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, develop
and implement a long-term and holistic disaster management plan
which will highlight public awareness campaigns, early warning system,
insurance, and the like. Additionally, it is recommended that the city
government shall coordinate all the efforts of the rural communities to
establish an efficient, regular and systematic disaster management in
the city. It shall continue to engage active participation from all sectors
including education, business, industry, agriculture, and others to ensure
the sustainability of the program.

The periodic conduct of orientation and training on disaster risk
reduction by government and non-government organizations will help the
respondents brace themselves in the event of an incoming disaster and
not only prepare when there are official announcements. Practice drills
may also involve far flung areas and volunteers may be organized to keep
watch on vulnerable areas and encroachers. The local government may
consider timely distribution of provisions to families affected by disasters.
Moreover, information dissemination on proper disposal of waste be
conducted regularly to minimize the effects of these on humans and the
environment. Coastal clean-ups and mangrove growing should also be
considered as top priorities of agencies and organizations as part of their
social responsibilities.

In Cadiz City, PNU (Philippine Normal University) Visayas has been
involved in many extension programs related to the environment in its
adopted community. It includes mangrove planting, coastal clean-up
and the conduct of lectures to adults and homeowners about health-
and environment-related topics and issues. It is reasonable that the
respondents “did not know” about the extension work that the university
does as indicated in the results since the work is concentrated in only one
barangay. Thus, the current strategic development plan of the university

© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

MARITES C. GERONIMO & MEAH L. GONZAGA,
Exploring Disaster Mitigation

should include expanding the scope of its community work.
More importantly, in line with the Philippine agenda on disaster

risk reduction, the university should highlight the issue of disaster
management in its community work through the conduct of seminars,
workshops, and lectures to vulnerable communities in close partnership
with the concerned government agencies such as the City Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Office and LGUs (Local Government Units).
This is important because the work on disaster risk management should
be done through a holistic and integrated approach.

In relation to this, this study highly puts forward the development
of a comprehensive and operational module that will serve as a guide
to vulnerable communities in their DMP as part of the city’s disaster
management plan. The module will cover general emergency preparedness,
organizing equipment, making disaster plans, emergency response
training, structural and non-structural mitigation, disaster insurance, and
specific emergency training concerning seniors, pets, people with special
needs, and for business/organizations.

The university should closely coordinate with the CDRRMO and non-
government organizations like CREATE (Cadiz City Rescue Emergency
Assistance Team) in the conduct of training and drills. Training of qualified
faculty and volunteers will also become a top priority of the program. The
close coordination between the university and government agency will
ensure efficient and effective delivery of the program that will cover the
entire City of Cadiz. Through this, it is hoped that a solid, systematic, and
workable program of reducing the vulnerability of the rural communities
of Cadiz City can be implemented.13

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further that our research has never been reviewed nor published in any other scholarly journal. This certification is issued on 26th July
2021 for whatever legal and official purposes it may serve.

EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies,
Volume 14(1), August 2021

© 2021 Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
p-ISSN 1979-7877, e-ISSN 2621-587X, and www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare

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