Exploring Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness of Rural Communities

Marites C Geronimo; Meah L Gonzaga

doi:10.2121/edu-ijes.v14i1.1446

Exploring Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness of Rural Communities

Marites C Geronimo, Meah L Gonzaga

Abstract

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).

Keywords

Disaster Mitigation; Preparedness; Rural Communities; Natural Hazards

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2121/edu-ijes.v14i1.1446

DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.2121/edu-ijes.v14i1.1446.g1229