CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains the research topic and its setting including the background of
the study, the objectives, scope and delimitation, definition of terms used, significance of
the study, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework.
Nature & Importance of the Study
Disasters happen when serious disruptions exceeded the capacity to cope of a
community (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2015). This
can be caused by natural, man-made and technological hazards, and different factors that
impact the exposure and vulnerability of a community (United Nations Office for Disaster
Risk Reduction, 2022).
Disasters may occur in all levels of society. What is more concerning is, it has the
ability to take lives, destroy environment and urban infrastructure, and spread an influx of
diseases. It also creates an impact on both long term and short-term levels of security (The
California State University, 2018).
Considering the foreseen effects of disasters, disaster management was said to be a
topic worth sitting down and working out. Disaster Management is a management of
resources with various goals and multidisciplinary approach on how to plan, coordinate,
and implement. It is also an action done before, during and after the disaster so as to
mitigate the disaster’s negative impacts.
In this regard, there is always a need to equip the residents within the community
on how to respond and react whenever faced in these tough circumstances. Everybody must
be well- informed of the practices to reduce disaster risk (Corpuz et al., 2018)
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The Philippines had experienced endless numbers of deadly disasters such as typhoon,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural hazards (Wingard & Brandlin, 2013).
There were even unimaginable numbers of deaths and casualties within the disasters
considered that the archipelago is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and was ranked as
third disaster risk country all over the world. Best example would be Super Typhoon
Yolanda on Region VIII last November 2013, wherein almost all business was swept and
had cost lives and properties (Salcedo, 2014).
The Republic Act No. 10121 known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010”, DRRM practices are solidified through creation of plans and
appropriation of funds, and encouraging the community (Official Gazette, 2015). This act
encouraged the local government units (LGUs) to come up with different strategies to
effectively engage and educate the community with DRRM practices. In line with this, the
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) – Sta. Fe with the
help of Philippine National Police (PNP) – Sta. Fe and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) –
Sta. Fe conducts a quarterly training on Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness in all
the barangays of Sta. Fe, Leyte. (MDRRMO – Sta. Fe, 2022).
Conducting research on the level of effectiveness of disaster risk reduction management
practices is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in assessing the efficiency and impact of
existing practices and interventions. Through systematic evaluation, research provides insights into
the strengths and weaknesses of disaster risk reduction strategies, allowing for evidence-based
decision-making and informed improvements. It helps identify successful approaches and areas
that require attention or modification.
Secondly, research contributes to the overall knowledge base and understanding of
effective disaster risk reduction measures. By investigating and analyzing the outcomes of
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different approaches, researchers can identify best practices, lessons learned, and
innovative strategies. This knowledge can be shared among practitioners, policymakers,
and communities, facilitating the adoption of effective strategies and enhancing overall
disaster resilience.
Moreover, research helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. It allows for
a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of disasters, including the social,
economic, and environmental factors that influence their impact and the effectiveness of
management practices. Research findings provide a scientific basis for decision-makers to
design and implement context-specific strategies that consider the unique characteristics
and vulnerabilities of a particular area.
Furthermore, conducting research on the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction
management practices can contribute to resource optimization. By identifying which
practices are most effective and cost-efficient, stakeholders can allocate limited resources
strategically, focusing on interventions that yield the highest impact. This ensures that
investments in disaster risk reduction are targeted and yield the greatest benefits in terms
of reducing vulnerability, saving lives, and minimizing damage.
Hence, the researchers of this study evaluated the effectiveness of local programs
in relation to the increase of disasters and its unpredictability in the locality. Furthermore,
since evaluation provides a systematic method to assess a program, practice, intervention,
or initiative this study provided an empirical understanding on how well the MDRRMO –
Sta. Fe achieved its goals. The results of this study are important in developing a
comprehensive response for the vulnerable community and in providing a mitigating
strategy for the casualties during calamities.
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Objectives of the Study
The goal of the study was to measure the level of effectiveness of Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Practices in selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte.
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following objectives:
1. To determine the socio-demographic profile of the selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte
as perceived by the respondents in terms of:
1.1. population;
1.2. types of hazard;
1.3. socio-economic status;
2. To determine the level of effectiveness of disaster risk reduction management practices
of selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte in terms of:
2.1. prevention and mitigation;
2.2. disaster preparedness.
3. To determine the significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile of
selected barangays and the level of perceived effectiveness of DRRM.
4. To propose an action plan based on the result of the study.
Scope and Delimitation
This research was intended to study the level of effectiveness of Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Practices in the selected barangays of Sta. Fe, Leyte. The selected
barangays were Barangay Victoria, Barangay San Isidro, and Barangay Badiangay. The
respondents were the residents of the said barangays. Sixty-seven (67) respondents were
selected in each barangay, a total of two-hundred one (201) respondents. In addition, this
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study used a descriptive-correlational research design. And in the gathering of data, the
researchers utilized a survey questionnaire.
In addition, this study was conducted between the months of October 1, 2022 and
January 30, 2023.
Definition of Terms
To help and guide the readers in understanding this study, the following terms were
operationally defined:
Action Plan. In this study, this is the detailed sequence of steps that must be taken,
or activities that must be performed well, for a more effective risk reduction and
management in the selected barangay of Sta. Fe, Leyte. This is also based on the assessment
of barangay in terms of prevention and mitigation practices, disaster and preparedness
practices, and level of effectiveness of disaster risk reduction management.
Disaster Preparedness Practices. In this study, this refer to the implementation of
the following in the selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte: disaster awareness seminar,
regular simulation and drills (fire, earthquake, mass casualty, terrorist attack), climate
change awareness seminars, information dissemination, conduct of training for standard
first aid, conduct of basic life-support training, conduct of incident command system
training, conduct of training on contingency planning, contingency planning, conduct of
training for search and rescue, early warning system, and any additional practices that the
MDRRMO – Sta. Fe strategized within the barangay as a measure applied for practices.
Disaster Risk Reduction Management Practices. As defined in this study, these
are the practices that the MDRRMO – Sta. Fe taught to the barangays in line with the RA
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10121 in terms of what to do before, during, and after disasters so as to minimize risks and
casualties.
Level of Effectiveness. In the study, this was measured through the knowledge of
respondents in the selected barangays of Sta. Fe, Leyte. It was categorized by the
researchers as very much effective (5), effective (4), neither effective nor ineffective (3),
moderately effective (2), and not effective (1).
Population. In the study, this pertain to the respondents that live in Sta. Fe Leyte.
Prevention and Mitigation. In the study, this pertain to the presence of the
following in the selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte: risk assessment, review of DRRM
and CCA, integration of DRRM and CCA into policies and plans, construction of dams or
embankments, planning and zoning, floodplain property, assignment of relocation centers,
public outreach projects, installation of disaster warning systems, purchasing of radio
communication equipment, conducting emergency response training, and any additional
practices that the MDRRMO – Sta. Fe strategized within the barangay as a measure applied
for prevention and mitigation.
Socio-Demographic Profile. In this research, this was determined as the
demographic profile of the selected barangays in Sta. Fe, Leyte as perceived by the
respondents in terms of population, types of hazard and socio-economic status.
Types of Hazard. This is defined as the variety of risks that the different barangays
face during calamities or emergency situations.
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Significance of the Study
The findings and results of the study were beneficial to the following:
Community. The result of this study would help the community of the selected
barangays in Sta. Fe to identify and map local capacities to cope with hazards that may
compromise their health, socio-economic status, and livelihood.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management of Sta. Fe/ National Disaster
Risk Reduction Management Office. This will help them assess the level of effectiveness
of their implemented disaster management and practices.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD). This study will provide them a better
understanding on the current situation of the selected barangays of Sta. Fe, Leyte as to how
effective DRRM practices are. They will also be able to track down records of causes of
casualties during any future investigation.
Local Government Unit (LGU). The results of this study will help the selected
barangays of Sta. Fe, Leyte to conduct initiatives in order to strengthen the effectiveness
of their disaster risk reduction management practices.
Future Researchers. This will serve as a background in conducting relative
studies.
Theoretical Framework
The study was anchored on the Implementation Theory by Leonid Hurwicz (1959)
supported by Practice Theory by Pierre Bourdieu (1972), and Experiential Learning Theory
by David Kolb (1984).
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Implementation Theory by Leonid Hurwicz (1959) suggest that in any
implementation, may it be programs, project, or policies, there is always social objectives
which needs incentives from the implementing agents and councils.
This theory highlighted the need for the implementers to fully understand their
goals and objectives and that they must exert effort in thinking and looking for strategies
and innovative so they can effectively implement their practices.
In relation to the study, the effectiveness of DRRM practices will depend on how
it was implemented by the authorized agents. Studies and measurements like this are very
much important in determining the deeper insights on how and what to utilized in order to
achieve the practices’ fullest potential. Understanding lapses and gaps will create a room
for environment so as to come up with better and resilient DRRM practices.
On the other hand, Practice Theory by Pierre Bourdieu (1972) highlighted that
practice is a product of social life through societal structures and person’s individual
disposition.
In relation to this study, DRRM practices should be incorporated to everyday life
of the people within their localities. The implementers of these practices must collaborate
with different societal group within them so as so reach people and strengthen the
knowledge and skills in relation disaster risk reduction management. They must also ensure
that the residents are able to realize how important these practices are in the mitigation of
risks, casualties and damages during calamities.
While Experiential Learning Theory by David Kolb (1984) posits that knowledge
is created through grasping and transformation of experiences. It highlighted that cognition,
environmental factors, emotions, affects and influence the learning process. The wide
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variety of knowledge about disaster risk reduction is much more focused as to how this
factors developed the sense of preparedness and knowledge based on the experiences and
other factors in the learning process.
In connection with the study, DRRM practices are not just about campaign and
information drive. The implementing agencies must be able to allow the residents
participate in different simulations so as to ensure that they are able to remember and know
how to initiate what they had learned.
With the proposed action plans based on the findings, the disaster risk preparedness
will be improved into a level wherein they are able to apply what they have learned during
emergency situations.
Conceptual Framework
This figure presented the conceptual framework of this study in the Input-ProcessOutput (IPO) format. The input included all the preliminary data that was gathered. Then,
during the process, data was analyzed through descriptive-correlational research design
and results was presented during the final defense. After approval, the researchers crafted
an action plan which entails the implementation of findings
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Input

Process
Demographic profile of
the selected barangays in
Sta. Fe, Leyte
o population;
o types of hazard;
o socio-economic
status;

Level of effectiveness of
disaster risk reduction
management


Collection of Data
Survey
Questionnaire

Analysis of Data

Interpretation of
Data
o 2.1. prevention and
mitigation;
o 2.2.
disaster
preparedness.
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study
Output

Proposed
Action
Plan