Disaster Risk Awareness and Preparedness: A Term Paper

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DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT – AWARENESS AND

PREPAREDNESS: A TERM PAPER

Submitted by:

Zoren Pepito Lao Gubalane Graduate Student

Submitted to:

Dr. Rodolfo T. Delara Subject Professor

DBA737- RISK MANAGEMENT& INSURANCE Course Title

Summer 2015

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ABSTRACT

This Term Paper aims to generate necessary data and information to assess the

Disaster Risk Management in the areas of Awareness and Preparedness. Specifically,

this paper aims to consider the following objectives:

1. To identify the fundamental concepts of disaster

2. To identify some relevant theories about disaster

3. To site some related literatures about disaster

4. To identify some related components and parameters in assessing the level of

disaster risk awareness and preparedness of the LGUs.

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is naturally prone to disasters – typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic

eruptions, landslides, floods, tsunamis, and others. Filipinos have already surpassed

these kinds of disasters and have conditioned themselves for some more disasters to

come each year. This is due to the geographic set-up of the country since it is located

along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, located

in the midst of large bodies of water, it is very favorable to the natural formation of

storms and typhoons. In the light of those horrifying disaster that struck the country, it

seems that in terms of preparedness, mitigation and response efforts, there were still

gaps in which the government has to realize improvements. Government still has a lot

rules to implement and people has a lot of roles to be played with, that is why they must

be aware and at the same time be prepared, before, during, and after each and every

disaster.

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Calamities and disasters can happen anytime. With the advent of science and

new technologies, calamities and disasters can now be projected at a more or less

realistic time – or even at a realistic time. Seasons can also be a good indicator for a

calamity or disaster to come, however, the challenge is still about what specific time and

place this particular catastrophe has to surface. This condition puts all people and

properties into uncertainty. It is always good and ideal to be certain in our thoughts,

conditions, and decisions for the future, but obviously it is so difficult and sometimes

impossible to attain certainty.

The performance of each locality, city or municipality in preventing and mitigating

the adverse impacts of hazards and related disasters, counts on the ways local

government units in particular, have prepared for disaster possibilities in their respective

jurisdictions. Contingency planning is actually a fundamental tool, but good plan cannot

stand alone without having an empowered citizenry, infrastructures, emergency

response mechanisms, rehabilitation, and other important logistics. The bottom line of

the aforementioned would questions about the financial capabilities of the government

or the local government units to be specific.The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Fund(LDRRMF) as stipulated under Rule 18 of its Implementing Rules

and Regulations, has to utilize the fund which amounting to not less than five percent of

the total estimated revenue from the regular sources shall be set aside as the LDRRMF

supports the LDRRMF activities such as, but not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness

programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and

medicines, for post disaster activities, payments of calamity insurance and construction

of evacuation centers.

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It is important to measure the level of awareness and preparedness of the

stakeholders. Awareness can be closely associated to ones knowledge about a

phenomenon brought about to him/her from legitimate sources of information and

authorities. Being informed or aware does not always guarantee that a particular person

or institution is prepared enough in times calamities and disasters come, because as we

all know logistics and infrastructural preparedness would significantly count into the

cycle preparation. As what an American master negotiator, James A. Baker

emphasized, as he referred to us his 5Ps, and quote, ―Prior Preparation Prevents Poor

Performance.‖

METHODS The method use in the gathering of pertinent data in this paper are basically

secondary data taken from legal documents, books, journals, literatures, related studies

and the internet.

RESULTS

a) Fundamental Concepts of Disaster

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it

comes to disasters - typhoons and tropical storms, flooding, landslides, earthquakes,

tsunami and volcanic eruptions. Typhoons in particular affect the Philippine vast area on

a repeated basis. Annually, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons in

which five or six of these causing significant damage to life and property.

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Some severe traffic conditions are being experienced by many passengers,

commuters, pedestrians, students and workers along every roads and highways of

Metro Manila due typhoons and heavy rains that causes flooding specially in the low

lying locations of the area. Many productive business operations temporarily stopped,

cancellation of classes, stranded trips, livelihood and other source of living were

paralyzed. Various economic activities were significantly affected, thus, threatened the

economic well-being of the country. As we all know, Metro Manila is not only situated

prone for floods and typhoons but also for fires and earthquakes. March is being

considered as the commencement of the fire prevention month since many of the fire

incidents happen during summer.

The most common disasters occurring in the Philippines are classified into two

major divisions. The first major division belongs to natural hazards such as hydro-

meteorological and geological. Hydro-meteorological consists of typhoons, storm

surges, and floods, while geological consists of volcanic eruption, earthquakes,

tsunamis, and landslides, and epidemics. The second major division is human-made

hazards which include armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, and chemical contamination.

Citing all these probabilities and realities, all the stakeholders should be aware

and be prepared because these disasters can happen anytime. It is necessary for each

and everyone to determine the level of awareness and preparedness of all people as far

as calamity and disasters are concerned, so that preventive and corrective measures

can either be undertaken.

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b) Relevant Theories On Disaster

Vested-Interest Theory

Miller, et.al (2012) cited the works of Crano undertaken in 1983, emphasized

that individuals will likely tend to act or anticipate for something if it is hedonically

relevant to them. This came to be known as the Vested Interest Theory. Furthermore, it

is basically vested interest deals with the bearing of a particular attitude-object or a

phenomenon in its capacity to have significant personal consequences for a particular

individual.

Extended Parallel Process Model

This model is a product of a Fear and Appeal Theory. This theory presents a risk,

presents the vulnerability to the risk, and then describes a suggested form of protective

action. Several models were created by several researchers, psychologist, and social

scientists. One of which is the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). White (1994)

developed a framework that provides effective communication of risk-related information

using several concepts similar to those articulated in the vested interest theory.

c. Related Literature for Disaster

In so far as disaster is concern, the Philippine Senate and the House of

Representatives, legislated the RA No. 10121 which begun and held in Metro Manila,

on Monday, the twenty-seventh day of July, two thousand nine.Republic Act No. 10121

is an act strengthening the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system,

providing for the national disaster risk reduction and management framework and

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institutionalizing the national disaster risk reduction and management plan,

appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes.

As per report of the Journal on Rehabilitation Medicine (2011), it emphasized the

role of the World Health Organization Liaison Sub-Committee on Rehabilitation Disaster

Relief (CRDR) of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

(ISPRM) in developing an enhanced physical rehabilitation relief response to large-

scale natural disaster. The CRDR has started that disaster rehabilitation is an emerging

subspecialty within physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM). In reviewing the existing

literature was found that large natural disasters result in many survivors with disabling

impairments, that these survivors may have better clinical outcomes when they are

treated by PRM physicians and teams of rehabilitation professionals that the delivery of

these rehabilitation services to disaster sites is complicated and that their absence

result in significant negative consequences for individuals, communities and society. To

advance its agenda the CRDR sponsored an inaugural Symposium on Rehabilitation

Disaster Relief as a concurrent scientific session at the 2011 ISPR 6th World Congress

in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The symposium included oral and poster presentation on a

range of relevant topics and concluded with an international non-governmental

organization panel discussion that addressed to critical questions ―How can

rehabilitation actors coordinate better in disaster?‖ building upon the symposium the

CRDR developed a disaster rehabilitation evidence-base which will inform and educate

the global professional rehabilitation community about needs and best practices in

disaster rehabilitation. The Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (JRM) has commissioned

this special report to announce a series of papers on disaster rehabilitation from the

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symposium’s scientific program. Authors were invited to submit papers on the topic for

inclusion in this special series. JRM also encourages expert commentary in the forms of

Letters to the Editor.

According to the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA,

2013), schools may be seen as the ideal setting for the dissemination of risk-based

educational programs. Most children can be seen as malleable and easily shaped and

molded, and if given the proper preparedness skills, children can develop those skills

and carry them into their adulthood. FEMA further asserts that helping children gain a

realistic view of disasters is vital in ensuring their comprehension and realistic view of

disasters in vital in ensuring their comprehension and understanding when faced with a

major disaster. Therefore, disaster education programs should work to integrate a more

realistic perception of risks into their materials and curricula and therefore, it will result

to increased awareness and knowledge of protective behaviors.

In the handbook of Carter (2008) entitled, Disaster Management: A Disaster

Manager’s Handbook, stated that disaster preparedness refers to measures which

enable governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to respond rapidly

and effectively to disaster situations. This entails the formulation and maintenance of

counter-disaster plans, special provisions for emergency action, provision of warning

systems, emergency communications, public education, and awareness and training

programs.

The earthquake can occur anywhere along the West Valley Fault, including

Metro Manila. But a 7.2 magnitude earthquake can shake the ground even a hundred

kilometers away, which means that it can shake the whole of Metro Manila and its

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surrounding provinces.Solidum reiterates that weak, poorly designed, and poorly

constructed buildings far from the earthquake fault are still vulnerable to

destruction.Grounds can also be affected by liquefaction, a process where loose, sandy

sediments behave like liquid, Solidum explains. It becomes weak. This can cause poorly

designed or constructed buildings and homes to subside or tilt, roads fissured, and

water banks broken.Areas near the waters like Marikina Valley down to Manila de Bay,

and the coastal cities of Metro Manila are also more likely to experience stronger

ground shaking due to the softer ground they sit on.

As of June 19, 2013, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported

about the Flood Management Master Plan for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas.

Report indicated that after the flood events brought about by typhoons Ondoy and

Pepeng in September and October 2009, respectively, that caused severe damage in

Metro Manila and surrounding areas, the World Bank has provided a technical grant in

the amount of $1.5 million under the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and

Recovery Trust Fund of the Australian Agency for International Development

(AusAID).A flood risk assessment study for the entire Metro Manila and surrounding

basin area was undertaken from February 2011 to February 2012, to prepare a

comprehensive flood risk management plan for the same and to determine a set of

priority structural measures, which will still undergo individual feasibility studies and

detailed design prior to implementation, including nonstructural measures that will

provide sustainable flood management up to a designated safety level and serve as the

roadmap/vision of the government until 2035.

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Based on the report by Kim Luces of GMA News on July 10, 2013, he highlighted

that the next big quake in Metro Manila may hit within our lifetime. He elucidated that

earthquakes are impossible to predict but, based on historical records, Metro Manila's

West Valley Fault is due for the Next Big One within our lifetimes. A possible 7.2

earthquake looms around the corner if the West Valley Fault along the eastern side of

Metro Manila cracks, Renato Solidum Jr., Philippine Institute of Volcanology and

Seismology (Phivolcs) director warns.The West Valley Fault that runs from the heights

of Sierra Madre down to Laguna. It crosses the eastern side of Quezon City, western

side of Marikina, western part of Pasig, eastern part of Makati, parts of Taguig, and

Muntinlupa.The fault has moved four times in the past 1,400 years. On average, it

moves every 400 years, ―+/- 10 to 100 years, maybe‖, Solidum says. The last time an

earthquake occurred along the West Valley fault was in 1658, around 355 years ago.―It

can happen within our generation or the next generation,‖ Solidum said.

In the article of De Leon, A. (2014) published by the DOST Digest, she reported

that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is in need of more disaster

response leaders. Although mayors and organizations are all committed to disaster

response stand at the frontline of disaster management, this does not exempt any other

member of society from becoming a responsible disaster leader. Mayors need

responsible barangay chairmen and other dedicated people working under their

stewardship in order to effectively carry out their tasks when disasters occur. The

message here is that disaster management or disaster response is everybody’s

business. Tools are provided for the recipients to use – for them to lead their families, to

lead their streets to safety (Asst. Secretary Raymund E. Liboro, 2014).

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Preparation remains best option, unlike storms and typhoons, earthquakes

cannot be ―forecasted‖ and can only be predicted by looking at how often it happens in

history. To date, there are no scientific instruments that predicts when an earthquake

will occur. Solidum said that the possibility of a movement from the West Valley Fault is

a more than enough reason for us to prepare for it as soon as we can. The most

important preparation measure, Solidum said, it is to make sure that buildings, houses ,

and infrastructures in Metro Manila are earthquake and fire resistant. He also said that

at the local level, the physical integrity of the buildings should be assessed. ―The issue

though is some of the buildings are non-engineered and most likely walang permit so

they have to focus on that also,‖ he added.Major lifelines like water and power supply,

and communication means should be strengthened and made fire and earthquake

proof. Another is to have an efficient relief and recovery system after the earthquake.

Solidum suggests a ―bayanihan‖ style of relief and recovery where provinces unaffected

by the earthquake could help those that are unaffected. Preparedness need not only be

concentrated in Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces, but also to the other

regions. First aid and rescue should be available in each community in case major

assistance cannot immediately arrive in their area after an earthquake. — TJD/OMG,

GMA News.

D. Some Related Components And Parameters In Assessing The Level Of

Disaster Risk Awareness And Preparedness Of The LGUs.

A questionnaire can be administered in order to capture necessary information

and to assess the level of disaster risk awareness and preparedness of the LGUs. In

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the area of disaster risk awareness, maybe the process of assessment should at least

assist the respondents to answer or provide their perceptions.

DISCUSSION

1. As To Identify The Fundamental Concepts Of Disaster

That,the Republic Act101211 is an act which shall be known as the "Philippine Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010".As far as the Declaration of Policy

indicated in Section 2 of this Act, it indicates that it shall be the policy of the State to:

a) Uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the

root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's institutional

capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience

of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts;

b) Adhere to and adopt the universal norms, principles and standards of

humanitarian assistance and the global effort on risk reduction as concrete

expression of the country's commitment to overcome human sufferings due to

recurring disasters;

c) Incorporate internationally accepted principles of disaster risk management in the

creation and implementation of national, regional and local sustainable

development and poverty reduction strategies, policies, plans and budgets;

d) Adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic,

comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and

environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the

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involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all

levels, especially the local community;

e) Develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) that aims to strengthen the

capacity of the national government and the local government units (LGUs),

together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of

communities, and' to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing

disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster

preparedness and response capabilities at all levels;

f) Adopt and implement a coherent, comprehensive, integrated, efficient and

responsive disaster risk reduction program incorporated in the development plan

at various levels of government adhering to the principles of good governance

such as transparency and accountability within the context of poverty alleviation

and environmental protection;

g) Mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change in development

processes such as policy formulation, socioeconomic development planning,

budgeting, and governance, particularly in the areas of environment, agriculture,

water, energy, health, education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning,

and public infrastructure and housing, among others;

h) Institutionalize the policies, structures, coordination mechanisms and programs

with continuing budget appropriation on disaster risk reduction from national

down to local levels towards building a disaster-resilient nation and communities;

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i) Mainstream disaster risk reduction into the peace process and conflict resolution

approaches in order to minimize loss of lives and damage to property, and

ensure that communities in conflict zones can immediately go back to their

normal lives during periods of intermittent conflicts;

j) Ensure that disaster risk reduction and climate change measures are gender

responsive, sensitive to indigenous know ledge systems, and respectful of

human rights;

k) Recognize the local risk patterns across the country and strengthen the capacity

of LGUs for disaster risk reduction and management through decentralized

powers, responsibilities, and resources at the regional and local levels;

l) Recognize and strengthen the capacities of LGUs and communities in mitigating

and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the impact of disasters;

m) Engage the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector

and volunteers in the government's disaster risk reduction programs towards

complementation of resources and effective delivery of services to the Citizenry;

n) Develop and strengthen the capacities of vulnerable and marginalized groups to

mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of disasters;

o) Enhance and implement a program where humanitarian aid workers,

communities, health professionals, government aid agencies, donors, and the

media are educated and trained on how they can actively support breastfeeding

before and during a disaster and/or an emergency; and provide maximum care,

assistance and services to individuals and families affected by disaster,

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implement emergency rehabilitation projects to lessen the impact of disaster, and

facilitate resumption of normal social and economic activities.

That, the following are some of the basic terms relevant to disaster:

―Disaster Awareness‖ – refers to the level of one’s knowledge and understanding

about important issues and concerns of a particular thing or phenomena.

―Disaster Mitigation‖ - the lessening or limitation of the adverse impacts of

hazards and related disasters. Mitigation measures encompass engineering

techniques and hazard-resistant construction as well as improved environmental

policies and public awareness ((RA10121, 2010).

―Disaster Preparedness‖ – the knowledge and capacities developed by

government, professional response and recovery organizations, communities

and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from the impacts

of likely, imminent or current hazard events or conditions (RA10121, 2010).

―Disaster Prevention‖ – the outright avoidance of adverse impacts of hazards and

related disasters. It expresses the concept and intention to completely avoid

potential adverse impacts through action taken in advance…(RA10121, 2010).

―Disaster Response‖ – the provision of emergency services and public

assistance during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce

―Disaster‖ – a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society

involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and

impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope

using its own resources (RA10121, 2010)

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―Resiliency‖ –the ability to recover quickly from disasters.

That, the disaster continuum is composed of three major focuses- Mitigation and

Preparation; Response; and Recovery and Evaluation.This continuum summarizes that

as far as mitigation is concerned, the effects of a potential disaster with pre-planning

lessens the effects of a potential disaster. The level and immediacy of disaster response

depends on the materiality of the preplanning. He further indicated that the third item in

the continuum which is the recovery,is something that would take a long process of

returning to normal day-to-day life for at least up to an average of one year. Along with

the process of recovery, is the process of evaluation. Evaluation provides decision

makers the opportunity of identifying the cause of the effect and be empowered by all

lessons learned to prepare more effectively for the next disaster. Any information

brought about by the process of evaluation would bring the process back to mitigation.

Mitigation is any planning and preparedness taken to minimize the effects of manmade

or natural disasters. It may take several forms. The levies built along rivers to control

flooding or storm basements for the shelter during tornadoes are examples of

mitigation. Building codes requiring buildings to meet certain standards that reduce the

chance of fire and contamination, and eventually improve structural safety. In

earthquake prone areas, these codes requiring that structures meet standards that will

minimize damage and danger during an earthquake. Stockpiling food, water, medicine,

and other supplies is another form of mitigation and preparedness. Mitigation also takes

the form of organizational efforts and planning. Organizing in anticipation of what may

occur is essential to mitigating the effects of disasters (Beach, 2010).As to the

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response phase of the continuum, it is about the mobilization of forces during and

immediately after an event to save life, limb, and property. It is both an organized

response by trained personnel and a grassroots effort by victims who may be able to

help themselves and those around them. Its effectiveness is dictated by the scope of

the event and preparations made during the mitigation phase. Response is first

performed by victims and trained rescue personnel within and close by the event.

Trained rescue personnel affected by the event will respond next. Finally, state and/or

federal rescue personnel will respond after requests to the state’s governor or the

federal government (Beach, 2010).The recovery phase begins after the response

phase ends. More realistically, the response phase fades out as the recovery phase

fades in. the recovery phase is the slow return to normal life after a disaster. Although

normal life may not be the same as it was before the disaster, life has changed from the

intense efforts to save life and property. During this time, victims will begin to move from

shelters back to their homes or into temporary housing. Permanent housing will be re-

established. Utilities will begin to be restored and food, water, fuel and other necessities

will be available, though possibly not at pre-disaster levels. Schools, business, and local

government will slowly begin to function again. Many aspects of life taken for granted

before the disaster may have changed or may have disappeared entirely (Beach, 2010).

That, the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric,

Geographical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), has indicated the

following public storm warning signals, its perceived impacts, and basic instructions on

what to do:Signal No.1 Storm Signal is a Tropical Cyclone that would affect the locality.

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Winds of not more than 60kph may be expected in at least 36 hours. Disaster

preparedness plan must now be activated to alert status. Twigs and branches of small

trees may be broken. Some banana plants may be tilted or downed. Some houses of

very light materials (nipa and cogon) may be partially unroofed. Unless this warning

signal is upgraded during the entire existence of the tropical cyclone, only very light or

no damage at all may be sustained by the exposed communities. Rice crop, however,

may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage, Listen to your radio for

more information about the weather disturbance. Check the ability of the house to

withstand strong winds and strengthen it if necessary.The people are advised to monitor

the latest Severe Weather Bulletin issued by PAGASA every six hours. In the

meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occurs. Signal No.2

is a Moderate Tropical Cyclonewhich would affect the locality. Winds of 61-100 kph may

be expected in at least 24 hours.Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others

broken. Few big trees may be uprooted. Many banana plants may be downed. Rice and

corn may be adversely affected. Large number of nipa and cogon houses may be

partially or totally unroofed.Some old galvanized iron roofing may be peeled off.In

general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed

communitiesDisaster agencies/organizations concerned must act now to alert their

communities.Special attention should be given to the latest position, the direction and

speed of movement as the cyclone may intensify and move towards the locality. The

general public, especially people travelling by sea and air are cautioned to avoid

unnecessary risks. Protect properties before the signals are upgraded. Board up

windows or put storm shutters in place and securely fasten it. Stay at home.Signal No.3

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is a Strong Tropical Cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of 101-185 kph may be

expected in at least 18 hours.Disaster agencies/organizations concerned must now be

ready to act in response to actual emergency. Many coconut trees may be broken or

destroyed. Almost all banana plants may be downed and a large number of trees may

be uprooted. Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses. Majority of all nipa and

cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed and there may be considerable damage to

structures of light to medium construction. There may be widespread disruption of

electrical power and communication services. In general, moderate to heavy damage

may be experienced, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Keep your

radio on and listen to the latest news about typhoon. Everybody is advised to stay in

safe and strong houses. Evacuate from low-lying areas to higher grounds. Stay away

from coasts and riverbanks. Watch out for the passage of the ―Eye‖ of the typhoon.

Keep your radio on and listen to the latest news about typhoon.Everybody is advised to

stay in safe and strong houses.Evacuate from low-lying areas to higher grounds.Stay

away from coasts and riverbanks.Watch out for the passage of the ―Eye‖ of the

typhoon.Signal No.4 is a Very Intense Typhoon that would affect the locality. Winds of

more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.Disaster

agencies/organizations concerned are now fully responding to emergencies and in full

readiness to immediately respond to possible calamity.Coconut plantation may suffer

expensive damage. Many large trees may be uprooted.Rice and corn plantation may

suffer severe losses.Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction

may be severely damaged. Electrical power distribution and communication services

may be severely disrupted.In the overall, damage to affected communities can be very

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heavy, Stay in safe houses or evacuation centers.All travels and outdoor activities

should be cancelled.

That,the guiding principles for this master plan development are geared towards the

following:

1. Adopt the principles of integrated water resources management and river basin

approach.

2. Develop a safe society with resiliency to floods through:

Structural measures for the river basins and waterways

Structural measures for the Laguna lakeshore, and

Improvement of the urban drainage system

3. Improvement of the Flood Information and Warning System (FIWS)

4. Establish an integrated and consistent flood risk management (FRM) institutional

system

5. Strengthen community-based flood risk management—land use and solid waste

6. Utilization of runoff waters as water resources, etc.

7. Reforestation and watershed management

That, according to the news, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said, there were 1,006

fire incidents in Metro Manila during the first period, or 13% higher compared to the 888

fire incidents in the same period in 2012. According to BFP National Capital Region

director general Santiago Laguna, 12 people have died from fire since January until

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Sunday. The most recent fatality was two-year-old little girl, who died in a fire in Makati

City early Sunday morning reportedly due to an over-heated exhaust fan.While most

victims are informal settlers, authorities pointed out that the common cause of fire is

technical overload. Amid the rising incidents of fire, the BFP reminded the public to be

more observant of possible cause of fire, especially this summer, where record high

temperatures have been recorded. Laguna, however, assured the public that the BFP

always has their fire trucks filled with water in case of emergency (From a report by

Dennis Datu, dzMM)

That,there are eleven recommended shortlisted structural mitigation measures under

the ―Flood Management Master Plan for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas‖ that will

serve as the roadmap of the government, which is envisioned to be implemented until

2035, that is about 23 year development. These projects were prioritized according to:

(1) the severity of floods based on flood risk, flood area, duration of floods and flood

damage, (2) technical viability, (3) social and environmental viability in preliminary level,

and (4) aerial distribution of putting priority for the flood mitigation measures for the

rivers and Laguna Lake. Report said that these eleven long-term projects, with an

estimated cost of around P351.72 billion are still subject to validation via a

comprehensive feasibility study and detailed design that can either be financed using

government funds or requested under official development assistance.

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2. Discussion On Some Relevant Theories About Disaster

Vested-Interest Theory. Miller, et.al (2012) cited the works of Crano

undertaken in 1983, emphasized that individuals will likely tend to act or anticipate for

something if it is hedonically relevant to them. This came to be known as the Vested

Interest Theory. Furthermore, it is basically vested interest deals with the bearing of a

particular attitude-object or a phenomenon in its capacity to have significant personal

consequences for a particular individual. There are five elements cited under this

theory, namely: stake, salience, immediacy, certainty, and self-efficacy. One of the

important elements in Vested Interest Theory is the Stake.In a particular issue it can be

thought of, as the level of self interest and perceptions of a potential gain or loss related

to that issue. He added that, as revealed in the study, when individuals perceive direct

personal consequences, they are more likely to behave in anticipation of those

consequences (Crano&Pislin, 1995). Furthermore, they hypothesized that vestedness,

is an interplay between the salience of the phenomenon; perceived certainty of potential

consequences whether or not these consequences are perceived to be immediate as

opposed to remote in time; and to one’s pertinent level of self-efficacy. Another

important element in the Vested Interest Theory is Salience. It describes individuals’

perception on the prominence of a phenomenon. People who have first-hand

experience with a particular situation or object are likely to have stronger and more

accessible attitudes regarding the consequences or related behaviors. As to the way

Miller (2012) cited the works of Sivacek&Crano (1982), he cited that as to the context of

a disaster, individuals who had to evacuate due to typhoon, and have been saved by

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doing so, are more likely to have salient attitude regarding evacuation, compared to

those who are new to a particular area who have only indirect experience with

evacuation and related outcomes, or maybe they have only learned it from the news

reports. Utilizing the preceding situations exemplified as to how direct or indirect an

individual experiences to disaster, it has something to do with the Immediacy of their

responses whether to evacuate or not. Similarly, the time-based imminence of

phenomenon also translates into stronger beliefs, in such a way that the more

immediate the anticipated relevant outcomes, the greater likelihood individuals will act in

ways consistent with those attitudes (Thornton & Knox, 2002, cited by Miller et.al.

2012). Another important element is perceived certainty of the personal consequences

associated with ones’ attitude relevant behavior, also has a powerful moderating effect

on one’s level of vested interest (Petrocelli, et.al. 2007). The final component of

Vested Interest Theory, involves the concept of Self-Efficacy. It refers to one’s beliefs in

his or her ability to affect change and produce desired outcomes (Bandura, 1997).

According to the theory, attitudes that function to guide behaviors will be relevant to the

extent the attitude holder believes he or she has the capability to behave in the

appropriate attitude-relevant way. Therefore, an individual’s perceptions that inspire the

actions towards disaster, is influenced by the ideas, such as -the amount of money or

property he/she might loss or gain (Stake); the level of exposure as characterized by

his/her first-hand experiences about the disaster (Saliency); the time-base imminence

and the urgency being called upon by the authorities can translate beliefs to act

consistent to it (Immediacy); the level of knowledge, assurance and probability of a

24 | P a g e

phenomenon to occur (Certainty); and theability of individuals to affect change and

produce desired outcomes (Self-Efficacy).

Figure 1: Paradigm of the Vested Interest Theory

Extended Parallel Process Model

This model is a product of a Fear and Appeal Theory. This theory presents a risk,

presents the vulnerability to the risk, and then describes a suggested form of protective

action. Several models were created by several researchers, psychologist, and social

scientists. One of which is the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). White (1994)

developed a framework that provides effective communication of risk-related information

using several concepts similar to those articulated in the vested interest theory. There

are four major components that characterize the EPPM, namely: external stimuli;

message processing; outcomes; and process. According to this model, the evaluation of

a fear appeal initiates two appraisals of the message. The appraisal possibly describes

the level of threat and the level of perceived self-efficacy (threat-efficacy appraisal),

which may results in one of the outcomes whether to accept or reject the message. First

Vested

Interest

Stake

Self-Efficacy

Saliency

Certainly

Immediacy

25 | P a g e

of all, individuals appraise the threat of an issue from a message. The appraisal of

threat is divided into two key components, such as susceptibility and severity of risk.

The more individuals believe they are susceptible to a serious or severe threat, the

more motivated they are to begin with the second appraisal which is an evaluation of

the efficacy of the expected response. White’s model likewise divides efficacy into two

key perceptions as well, such as response efficacy and self-efficacy. Response efficacy

concerns the target’s faith in the ability of preferred response to effectively mitigate the

danger posed by the threat, while self-efficacy corresponds to the receivers’ self

perceived ability to perform the actions necessary to avert that danger. If the threat is

perceived as irrelevant or insignificant, then there is no motivation to process the

message further, and people will simply ignore the fear appeal (White & Allen, 2000). In

contrast, when a threat is depicted and perceived to be severe and relevant, individuals

become scared. There fear motivates them to do some sort of actions that will diminish

their fear. Perceived efficacy which is basically composed of self-efficacy and response

efficacy, determines whether people will become motivated to control the danger of the

threat or control their fear about the threat. When people believe they are able to carry

out an effective suggested response against the threat due to high perceived self-

efficacy and response efficacy, they are motivated to control the danger and

consciously think about ways to remove or lessen the treat. Typically, they think

carefully about the recommended responses advocated in the persuasive message and

adopt those as a means to control the danger. Alternatively, when people doubt whether

the recommended response works due to low response efficacy and/or low self-efficacy,

they are motivated to control their fear and focus on eliminating their fear through

26 | P a g e

denial, defensive avoidance, and reactance. This line of risk appraisal however, shall

not have to take place, because the rule of the thumb suggests that, when in doubt,

there shall be more reasons for individuals to assume the worst thing and be motivated

to accept the message components to be able to work on more danger-control-process.

Stimuli

Message Processing

Outcomes Process of Action

Message Components

Self-efficacy; Response Efficacy; Susceptibility; Severity

Perceived Efficacy (self-efficacy, response efficacy)

Perceived Threat (susceptibility, severity)

*These can be perceived as High/Low Efficacy or High/Low Threat *Perception can be inspired by the principle of Individual Differences.

Fear

Feedbacks

Doubts

Protective Motivation (message acceptance)

Defensive Motivation (message rejection)

Danger Control Process

Fear Control Process

Figure 2: Paradigm of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM)

3. As to Citation of Related Literatures

There are common disasters occurring in the Philippines. Under the umbrella of

the so-called hydro-meteorological hazards are the typhoons, storm surges,

drought and floods. Volcanic eruption, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides

belong to the so-called geological hazards. Some hazard can be brought to us by

diseases, illnesses or viruses that widely affected and threatened the health and

27 | P a g e

well-being of people, plants and animals, generally termed as epidemics. There

are also some manmade hazards which include armed conflicts, terrorist attacks,

chemical contaminations and others that may cause social unrests. Hydro-

meteorological, geological, and epidemic hazards are clustered as natural

hazards.

As of June 19, 2013, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported

about the Flood Management Master Plan for Metro Manila and Surrounding

Areas. The Boundary of study area and the river basins. The study area covers

the entire Metro Manila and the surrounding areas, particularly, provinces of

Rizal, Laguna, and parts of Bulacan, with a total area of 4,354 sq. km or 435,400

hectares, which is seven times the size of Metro Manila and two-thirds that of

Singapore.It also encompasses the Pasig-Marikina River Basin, Malabon-

Tullahan, Meycauayan, South Parañaque-Las Piñas, and the Laguna Lake

Basins, including drainage basins. Administration Areas in and around the study

area include 16 cities and one municipality in the National Capital Region (NCR),

63 cities/municipalities in the CALABARZON area and eight cities/municipalities

in Bulacan with a population of 20,433,722 in and around the Study Area and

estimated population of 17,147,658 in the study area. There are three major

flooding occurrences being identified, one is the huge volume of water coming

from Sierra Madre; the drainage capacity constraints in core area of Metro

Manila; and the low-lying communities around Manila Bay and Laguna Lake. The

diagram showed the Master Plan’s optimum recommendations for structural

measures in combination with nonstructural measures for the Pasig-Marikina

28 | P a g e

River Basin and adjacent areas. In order to reduce the peak discharge of inflow

equivalent to 3,600 m3/s under a 100-year return period from flowing

downstream, a dam is proposed to be constructed in the upstream portion of

Upper-Upper Marikina River in Rodriguez, Rizal (Montalban) so that only 900

m3/s discharge of outflow will go down. To further reduce the peak discharge of

900 m3/s from flowing down the Upper-Upper Marikina River, the area between

the Tumana Bridge and the San Mateo Bridge, and the area upstream of the San

Mateo Bridge, with a combined total length of 4.0 km and maximum width of 1.5

km will be utilized as a natural retarding basin by constructing small dikes beside

natural levees alongside river area management and flood plain management.

In addition to the above, river improvements such as a combination of dike/river

wall construction and excavation, dredging/excavation only, or river wall

construction only will be carried out at different locations, as applicable, along the

Pasig and Marikina Rivers and adjacent areas including river area management

and flood plain management when needed, to ensure that the target safety level

for mitigation measures will be achieved. For the other river basins, except

Laguna Lake Basin, river improvements combined with river area management

and flood plain management were recommended to ensure that the target safety

level for mitigation measures for each will be achieved. As to its estimated

impacts, 1.6 million people will directly benefit from the mitigating structural

measures for the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and adjacent areas and around P43

billion will be saved from direct damages due to floods.

29 | P a g e

Among proposed components and measures under the Drainage Improvement in

the Core Area of Metropolitan Manila (DICAMM) are the rehabilitation of 15 major

pumping stations; rehabilitation of drainage channel which includes the removal

of obstructions within drainage channels with settlements, dredging and

reclogging, rehabilitation of drainage mains, and additional drainage mains/box

culverts.

On the adjacent side of this development, the following are the optimum solutions

in solving the flooding situation in the Laguna lakeshore area, which include -

putting up a road dike around the lake with pumping stations; lakeshore land

raising with road and future developments; and construction of a spillway that will

cut through the heavily built-up Parañaque City and another one that will go

through to the Pacific Ocean; dredging works; and river improvements for the

selected inflow rivers of the lake developments.

4. As To Identification Of Some Related Components And Parameters In

Assessing The Level Of Disaster Risk Awareness And Preparedness Of

The LGUs.

Respondents assess the level of disaster risk awareness of the LGUs in terms of:

Disaster brought by Typhoon

Disaster brought by Flood

Disaster brought by Earthquake

Disaster brought by Fire

Mandatory Disaster Provisions

Organization/Institutional Supports

30 | P a g e

Respondents should assess the level of disaster risk preparedness of the LGUs

in terms of:

Disaster Planning

Disaster Mitigation

Disaster Response

Disaster Rehabilitation

Disaster Recovery

31 | P a g e

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Beach, M. (2010). Disaster Preparedness and Management. Philadelphia, PA 19103:

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Cunningham, William P . (2008). Environmental Science: A Global Concern, Tenth

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Disaster Preparedness through Educational Multi-Media.APowerpoint presentation by Dr. ROSA T. PEREZ, Weather Services Chief Flood Forecasting.Branch (FFB) PAGASA-DOST. Revised June 2007

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DPWH report (Posted June 19, 2013). Flood Management Master Plan For Metro

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MgaDapatGawinSaPanahon Ng Bagyo, Baha, Lindol, Tsunami, Pagputok Ng BulkanAt ―Blackout‖. A Powerpoint presentation by Maximo C. Aljibe, PhD. Senior Education Program Specialist PFSED Administrative Unit Head DepED Focal Person on Disaster/Risk Management. Revised 2006

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