IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2010 (RA 10121) IN THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF QUEZON PROVINCE

This study aimed to analyze the extent of implementation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121) in the First Congressional District of Quezon Province which included the municipalities of Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Lucban, Mauban, Pagbilao, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo, Real, Sampaloc, and the city of Tayabas. It sought to identify the level of effectiveness of RA 10121 as well as to determine the problems encountered by the residents and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) upon the release and implementation of the said law. This descriptive type of research utilized quantitative approaches through survey instruments distributed to two groups of respondents, LDRRMC and the residents of the said locations. A total of 400 residents were chosen through quota sampling while sixty-one (61) Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council members were chosen purposively. Different statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, weighted arithmetic mean, and Mann-Whitney u test were utilized in the data analysis. Results revealed that RA 10121 was effectively implemented in terms of mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. However, the government should continue to build an effective and applicable disaster risk financing in which every family in the community should be practically involved. Information dissemination in the form of seminar or any printed materials to guide each family on how to prepare for disasters is highly recommended. Challenges and problems encountered include the insufficiency of supply of relief goods and inadequate evacuation centers. Also, some citizens are not listening to the directives of the local officials and there were not enough mobile vehicles that could be used to respond to disaster situations. A disaster risk reduction management work plan was therefore proposed and developed to address the problems.