1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

Rationale

Disaster preparedness refers to the process of ensuring that an organization has

complied with the preventive measures; it is also the state of readiness to contain the

effects of a forecast disastrous event to minimize loss of life, injury, and damage to

property. It provides rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and other services in the aftermath of the

disaster and has the capability and resources to continue to sustain its essential functions

without being overwhelmed by the demand placed on them (Business dictionary, 2018).

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (2018), the Philippines is one of

the most high-risk countries in the world for experiencing natural disasters. The list of

possible natural disasters includes earthquakes, floods, mudslides, typhoons, and

volcanic eruptions. The Philippines is considered to be one of the most storm-exposed

countries on Earth. On average, 18 to 20 tropical storms enter Philippine waters each

year, with 8 or 9 of those storms making landfall.

In addition, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery stated that the

Philippines is at high risk from cyclones, earthquakes, floods, landslides, tsunamis,

volcanic eruptions, and wildfires. Since 1990, the Philippines has been affected by 565

natural disaster events that have claimed the lives of nearly 70,000 Filipinos and caused

an estimated 23 billion in damages. At least 60 percent of the country’s total land area is

exposed to multiple hazards, and 74 percent of the population is vulnerable to their impact.

An average of 20 typhoons make landfall in the Philippines every year, and typhoons

making landfall over the last decade have become stronger and more devastating. In

2013, Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest storm ever recorded at landfall, caused over 6,000

reported fatalities and damaged 1.1 million homes in nine regions.

 2

On the other hand, to the World Risk Report in 2016, the Philippines is the third

most vulnerable country to disasters. The country lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where

80% of earthquakes occur. Around 20-25 typhoons ravage the country every year, leading

to the loss of lives and millions of damages to infrastructure and livelihood. About 220

known volcanoes dot the country, and at least 22 of them are considered active.

According to Esquire Philippines (2018), the Philippines ranks third on the world

risk index list of countries with the greatest exposure to natural disasters, with a score of

52.46%, just ahead of Japan (45.91%) because the Philippines is located in the Pacific

ring of fire.

In addition, a report from Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and

Humanitarian Assistance (2018) stated that the Philippines has a high vulnerability to

natural hazards which is attributed to the nation’s geographic position in Southeast Asia.

Natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides,

and fires affect the country. Volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are related to the continental

plate activity around “the Ring of Fire”. Because it is one of the most geologically active

areas, it is nicknamed “The Ring of Fire”. This is a circular arm of active volcanoes that

surround the Pacific Ocean basin. This area in the Pacific Ocean covers nearly 25,000

miles from the southern tip of South America, to the west coast of North America, across

the Bering Strait, through Japan, and into New Zealand. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (also

known as Typhoon Yolanda), one of the deadliest disasters to strike the Philippines,

affected 26 million people and claimed at least 8,000 lives. Rising sea levels are also a

direct threat to approximately 70 percent of the Philippine population, which has forced

many to relocate as a result. In addition, climate change has also increased the severity

and frequency of natural disasters in the country.

Historically, the municipality of Paoay had suffered from flooding year in and year

out as it served as a catch basin of floodwaters coming from neighboring Batac City.
 3

The purpose of this study was to determine the preparedness of the community

residents of Paoay and to minimize or prevent damages and loss of lives; and, to know

the available resources in the community and the frequency of use of the materials. Lastly

is to gain knowledge from the community in their experiences before, during and after a

disaster.

Statement of the Objectives

This study was conducted primarily to determine the Heritage Community

Residents’ Disaster Preparedness.

Specifically, it aimed to:

1. Identify the socio-demographic profile of the respondents as to:

1.1 age,

1.2 sex,

1.3 civil status, and

1.4 educational attainment.

2. Evaluate the preparedness of the residents:

2.1 before disaster,

2.2 during disaster, and

2.3 after disaster.

3. Determine the significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile and

disaster preparedness of the residents in a heritage community.

Significance of the Study

This study was conducted to benefit the following groups of people:

Community Residents. The result of this study will serve as a guide on how to

sustain their preparedness or improve their preparedness when it comes to disasters and

to know what are the things they should improve regarding their preparedness.
 4

Health Care Provider/Health Educators. The result of this study will serve as a

basis for health care providers to formulate health education lectures and trainings on

disaster preparedness among the residents of the community.

Local Government Officials. The result of this study will serve as a basis for the

local government officials particularly the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Council for them to determine the needed resources and information that can be imparted

to the community residents.

Researchers. The findings of this study will provide basis for the researchers to

conduct additional studies related to the topic.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The primary concern of this study was to determine the disaster preparedness of

the residents in a heritage community. It specifically aimed to present the socio-

demographic profile of the community residents as to age, gender, civil status and

educational attainment. Also, it determined the preparedness of the residents; before

disaster, during disaster and after disaster.

The sample of the study was taken from the population of Paoay Ilocos Norte

where heritage sites are located such as the St. Agustin Church and the Malacañang of

the north specifically the barangay of Veronica, Pambaran, San Roque and Salbang. The

community residents were limited only to one person per household, male or female,

married or unmarried aged 18 years old above and was currently residing at the said town

for at least 6 months and wad not suffering from any debilitating condition.

Excluded are those residents outside Paoay Ilocos Norte, below 18 years old and

those who resided on the community for less than 6 months.

Data gathering was conducted from August – October 2018 in the municipality of

Paoay Ilocos Norte.

 5

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined operationally to give the readers a better

understanding of the study.

Disaster. This refers to a sudden event that gives great damage on the

environment with involvement of people’s lives such as typhoons, floods,

earthquakes or tsunamis.

Disaster Preparedness. This refers to the extent of preparation of an individual

in terms of disaster whether it is predictable or not as to: Pre-disaster, during

disaster and post disaster.

Before disaster preparedness. This refers to the work done in advance

for possible emergencies and disasters.

During disaster preparedness. This refers to the mitigation practices

done during emergencies and disasters.

After disaster preparedness. This refers to the work to be done after a

disaster.

Heritage Community. This refers to the places in Paoay where the famous

Baroque-styled Church, Paoay Lake and Malacañang of the North which are duly

recognized by the government as historical sites.

Residents. This refers to the people currently residing at Paoay.

Urban. This refers to relating to or belonging to a town or city.

Sociodemographic profile. This pertains to age, sex, civil status and educational

attainment.

Age. This refers to the number of years of existence of the community

residents from birth to present.

Civil status. This pertains to the marital status or any of several distinct

options that describe the respondents’ relationship with a significant other.

 6

Single. This refers to the respondent who has never been married.

Married. This refers to the respondent who lives with his/her

significant other as husband and wife.

Divorced. This refers to the respondent whose bond of matrimony

has been dissolved legally and who therefore can remarry.

Separated. This refers to the respondent separated legally or not

from his/her spouse because of marital discord or

misunderstanding.

Widowed/Widower. This refers to the respondent whose bond of

matrimony has been dissolved by death of his/her spouse.

Educational attainment. This refers to the highest level of formal

education of the respondents.