DISASTER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY OF CALAMITY-PRONE MUNICIPALITIES IN A PHILIPPINE ISLAND PROVINCE: APPROACH TO A COMPREHENSIVE RESILIENCE PROGRAM

This study determined the extent of disaster risk reduction knowledge, level of disaster resilience among the residents of disaster-prone municipalities, extent of disaster capability management of the calamity-prone municipalities, and the extent of implementation of the disaster risk reduction management in the disaster-prone municipalities of Oriental Mindoro which served as basis for a comprehensive resilience program. The descriptive-quantitative method of research was used in this study utilizing the survey questionnaire as research instrument. The respondents were selected using stratified proportional random sampling and total enumeration. T-test was used in determining the significant difference between the first group of variables while the analysis of variance and Scheffe’s test were used in determining the significant difference on the stages in the level of implementation of the disaster risk reduction management. Results revealed the need for periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMCs) and to set the standard of performance not only for the purpose of policy evaluation but also for measuring community involvement in disaster risk reduction . Barangay officials and residents of the disaster-prone municipalities in Oriental Mindoro have a high level of disaster risk reduction knowledge but a moderate level of disaster resilience. The high extent of capability in the maintenance of public order in disaster-prone municipalities indicates the effective implementation of policies on disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction management. It is recommended that a comprehensive resilience program to enhance disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction management be implemented. Additional training and information-dissemination seminars may also be conducted to further expose the respondents on risk reduction knowledge and disaster preparedness.