Statement of the Problem

This study generally aims to study "Mapping the Vulnerability of Ecotourism

Destinations in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija: Analysing Risks and Resilience to Natural

Disasters", specifically it aims to seek answers to the following questions:

1.) What is the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent in terms of:

a. Age

b. Gender

c. Education Level

2.) What is the level of exposure of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to various natural

hazards, such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes through:

a. Location,

b. Topography and Geology,

c. Climate and Weather patterns,

d. Tourism Infrastructure and development

e. Human settlement and population

3.) What is the capacity of the Ecotourism sites in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to

recover and rebuild after an event in terms of:

a. Preparedness

b. Infrastructure

c. Financial Resources

d. Social Networks

e. Ecotourism Management Practices

4.) What enhancement activity can be proposed for improving the resilience and

preparedness of ecotourism destinations in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, to reduce

their vulnerability to natural disasters?

 Objectives of the Study

The researchers aim to determine the vulnerability of ecotourism destinations

in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to natural disasters. This study is guided by the

following objectives:

1.) To assess the level of exposure of these destinations to various natural hazards,

such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes through:

a. Location,

b. Topography and Geology,

c. Climate and Weather patterns,

d. Tourism Infrastructure and development

e. Human settlement and population

2.) To determine whether there is a significant relationship between the socio-

demographic profile of the respondents and the vulnerability of ecotourism

destinations in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija’s Risks and Resilience to natural

disasters.

3.) To analyse the resilience of these destinations to natural disasters, focusing on

their capacity to recover and rebuild after an event in terms of:

a. Preparedness

b. Infrastructure

c. Financial Resources

d. Social Networks

e. Ecotourism Management Practices

4.) To provide recommendations for improving the resilience and preparedness of

ecotourism destinations in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, to reduce their vulnerability

to natural disasters.

Significance of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to reduce vulnerability and enhance

disaster risks preparedness to natural disasters on the local tourism in Pantabangan,

Nueva Ecija. This issue holds significance since tourism plays a significant role in

increasing on the economy of our country and to maintain international relationship.

Therefore, the study concentrates on monitoring compliance with disaster risks

preparedness, as well as analyzing the impact of natural disasters on the local tourism

in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The researchers believe that the study will beneficial to

the following:

Tourist

The outcomes of this research will increase awareness on disaster risks

preparedness among tourists not only from local destination but also among other

tourist in all places. Although the research may have focused on local tourists, it is

likely that other tourists reading this research may have similar views with the

respondents. Therefore, this study can help them assist on how being prepared for a

natural disaster on a destination.

Students

This study will help students by presenting tourism principles as well as

applications of such concepts that may affect tourist destinations due to natural

disaster threats and risks. They can also utilize the study's findings as a reputable

source for their other schoolwork.

Tourism Program Implementers

The findings of this study will help to strengthen tourism and travel programs

for the advancement of our tourism industry. This will also provide them with

information on recognizing risk and resistance to natural disasters, as well as the

extent to natural disasters affecting tourist destinations.

Tourism Faculty

This research will help tourism instructors enhance their instructions resulting

of the impact of natural catastrophes on tourism. This may assist them decide whether

the students can conclude all of the information they receive during their courses.

Local Government Unit

This research will be useful to government entities that encourage tourism and

migration. With this research, the government will be aware of the actions of tourists

who wish to participate in the attractions of the Philippines, as well as the movement

of tourism in the specified country.

Universities and Commission on Higher Education

The data generated by this study may be shared with the Commission on Higher

Education and other educational institutions in order for them to develop policies and

initiatives that benefit students. The findings may inspire ideas for giving lectures and

starting debates in which university students can participate and become better

knowledgeable

Future Researchers

It would broaden students’ extensive knowledge and serve as a foundation for

future studies on the analysis of the effects of natural disasters and on disaster risk

mitigation. The outcomes of this study might potentially present concepts that could
be used as benchmark information in future investigations testing the reliability of

related findings.

Respondents and Sampling Procedure

The respondents of the study will be stakeholders in the area, such as tourists,

local community members, hotel owners and government officials responsible for

managing the ecotourism destinations. These individuals would be able to provide

valuable insights into the current state of the ecotourism industry in Pantabangan,

including the level of risk and resilience to natural disasters, as well as any challenges

or opportunities for improvement. The surveys will use a technique called stratified

random sampling to guarantee that various stakeholder groups will be accurately

represented. This will be achieved by categorizing tourists, hotel businesses, and

government officials according to their geographical locations and roles in the tourism

sector. The participation of the study is made up of 10 participants who own, manage,

or oversee ecotourism sites in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija; 30 individuals from the

hotel business (including owners & staff), 10 tourists, 5 members of the local

community, and 5 government officials, all carefully selected. The interviews will

employ a purposive sampling approach, aiming to include influential stakeholders

with substantial expertise in tourism management. A varied range of participants,

such as tourists, members of the local community, hotel personnel (both owners and

staff), and government representatives, will be identified and extended invitations for

participation.