Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Baguio
City: A Comprehensive Case Study of Disaster
Risk Management
Prepared By: Jin Paulo T. Vasquez of BS–Accountancy-1
I – Abstract
This case study explores the disaster risk management strategies and practices implemented in Baguio
City, Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys, interviews, and document
analysis, the study examines the city's preparedness for natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes,
and landslides. The study finds that Baguio City has made significant progress in disaster risk reduction
and management, including the establishment of early warning systems, the development of emergency
response plans, and the implementation of community-based disaster risk reduction programs. However,
there are still challenges to be addressed, including issues related to funding and coordination among
different agencies and stakeholders. The study concludes with recommendations for improving disaster
risk management in Baguio City and other similar contexts.
II- Introduction
Natural disasters have become an increasingly significant threat to communities around the world. With
climate change, the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides
have intensified, making disaster risk management a crucial concern for governments and communities
worldwide. The Philippines, in particular, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with an
average of 20 typhoons hitting the country every year. In response, local governments have developed
disaster risk reduction and management strategies to mitigate the effects of these disasters.
Baguio City, located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, is one such city that has
developed and implemented disaster risk management strategies. With a population of over 300,000 and a
geographic location that places it at risk of various natural hazards, Baguio City has recognized the
importance of disaster risk reduction and management to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
This case study examines the disaster risk management strategies and practices in Baguio City. The study
uses a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys, interviews, and document analysis to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the city's preparedness for natural disasters. Specifically, the study will
examine the city's early warning systems, emergency response plans, and community-based disaster risk
reduction programs.
The first section of this case study will provide a brief background on the context of Baguio City,
including its geographical location, demographics, and historical experience with natural disasters. The
second section will outline the problem statement and research questions that this study seeks to address.
The third section will describe the objectives of the study and the methodology used to collect and
analyze data. The subsequent sections will present the findings of the study and provide an analysis of the
results. Finally, the study will conclude with recommendations for improving disaster risk management in
Baguio City and other similar contexts.
Overall, this case study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on disaster risk management
in the Philippines and other disaster-prone countries. By examining the strategies and practices
implemented in Baguio City, this study provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of local
disaster risk management systems and offers practical recommendations for enhancing disaster
preparedness and resilience.
III- Problem Statement
Despite the significant progress made in disaster risk reduction and management in Baguio City, there are
still challenges and limitations in the city's preparedness for natural disasters. In particular, there is a
need to address issues related to funding and coordination among different agencies and stakeholders, as
well as to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of community-based disaster risk reduction
programs. The problem statement of this case study is thus to examine the extent to which Baguio City's
disaster risk management strategies are addressing these challenges and limitations, and to identify
potential solutions for enhancing the city's preparedness and resilience to natural disasters.
IV- Objectives
In this case study we aim to:
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Analyze the historical experience of Baguio City with natural disasters and assess how it has
shaped the city's disaster risk management strategies
Examine the institutional arrangements and mechanisms for disaster risk reduction and
management in Baguio City, including the roles and responsibilities of different agencies and
stakeholders.
Assess the effectiveness of Baguio City's early warning systems for typhoons, floods, landslides,
and other natural hazards, and identify potential gaps and areas for improvement.
Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of Baguio City's emergency response plans for various
types of natural disasters, including the availability and accessibility of resources and facilities.
Determine the strengths and weaknesses of Baguio City's community-based disaster risk
reduction programs, including the level of participation and engagement of local communities and
the sustainability of these programs.
Identify the challenges and limitations in the implementation of Baguio City's disaster risk
reduction and management strategies, including issues related to funding, coordination, and
governance.
Provide practical recommendations for improving disaster risk management in Baguio City,
including strategies for enhancing community participation, strengthening institutional
arrangements, and ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of disaster risk reduction
programs.
Contribute to the growing body of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and management in the
Philippines and other disaster-prone countries, and provide a useful resource for policymakers,
practitioners, and researchers in the field.
V- Methodology
Here are some of the methods used in conducting this Case Study:
1. Literature review: A comprehensive review of existing literature on disaster risk management in the
Philippines and other disaster-prone countries was conducted.
-This helped to provide a broader context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in disaster
risk management, and to identify best practices and potential solutions.
2. Document analysis: A range of documents related to disaster risk management in Baguio City were
analyzed, including policies, plans, and reports.
-This helped to provide a detailed understanding of the institutional arrangements, mechanisms, and
processes involved in disaster risk reduction and management in the city.
3. Key informant interviews: Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders involved in disaster risk
management in Baguio City, including officials from local government units, NGOs, and community
organizations.
-The interviews provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk
management in the city, as well as the perspectives of different stakeholders.
4. Focus group discussions: Focus group discussions were held with representatives from local
communities in Baguio City.
-The discussions helped to identify the strengths and weaknesses of community-based disaster risk
reduction programs, and to understand the level of participation and engagement of local communities in
disaster risk management activities.
5. Field observation: Site visits were conducted to observe the implementation of disaster risk reduction
and management programs in Baguio City, and to assess the effectiveness of early warning systems and
emergency response plans.
6. Data analysis: The data collected from the literature review, document analysis, key informant
interviews, focus group discussions, and field observation were analyzed using qualitative methods.
-This helped to identify common themes and patterns, and to develop a comprehensive understanding of
the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk management in Baguio City.
These things wouldn’t be possible without the help of the internet and some internet friends along the way
that live in and near Baguio City.
VI- Results
The study found that Baguio City is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods,
landslides, and earthquakes. This vulnerability is due to the city's location in a mountainous area, as well
as its outdated infrastructure and buildings. In response to this vulnerability, Baguio City has developed a
comprehensive disaster risk management strategy that involves a range of stakeholders, including local
government units, NGOs, and community organizations.
The study found that Baguio City has made significant progress in disaster risk reduction and
management over the past decade. The city has implemented a number of programs and initiatives aimed
at reducing the risks associated with natural disasters, including the establishment of early warning
systems, the development of emergency response plans, and the implementation of community-based
disaster risk reduction programs.
However, the study also identified a number of challenges and limitations in the implementation of these
programs and initiatives. These challenges include issues related to funding, coordination, and
governance. The study found that the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management
programs in Baguio City is often hindered by a lack of resources and institutional capacity, as well as poor
coordination among different stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, the study identified several key strengths in Baguio City's disaster risk
reduction and management strategy. These include the strong participation and engagement of local
communities in disaster risk management activities, the innovative use of technology in early warning
systems, and the development of a comprehensive emergency response plan.
Based on the findings of the study, several recommendations were made to further improve disaster risk
management in Baguio City. These recommendations include the need to strengthen institutional capacity
and coordination, increase investment in disaster risk reduction and management programs, enhance
community participation and engagement, and ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of disaster risk
reduction programs.
Overall, the results of the case study highlight the importance of disaster risk reduction and management
in Baguio City, and the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to addressing this critical
issue. The study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk
management in the Philippines and other disaster-prone countries, and can serve as a useful resource for
policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the field
VII- Analysis
The case study findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to
disaster risk management. This approach recognizes that disaster risk reduction and management is not
the sole responsibility of any single entity, but rather requires the involvement and coordination of a
range of stakeholders, including local government units, NGOs, community organizations, and individual
citizens. This is consistent with the theory of collaborative governance, which emphasizes the need for
collaborative decision-making and action among different stakeholders to address complex social
problems such as disaster risk management (Ansell & Gash, 2008).
The case study also highlights the importance of community participation and engagement in disaster risk
management. The study found that community-based disaster risk reduction programs in Baguio City
have been effective in reducing disaster risks and enhancing community resilience. This is consistent with
the theory of social capital, which suggests that social networks, norms, and trust can enhance collective
action and problem-solving in communities (Putnam, 1993).
The findings suggest that community-based approaches to disaster risk reduction can be effective in
promoting social capital and enhancing community resilience.
However, the case study also identified several challenges and limitations in the implementation of
disaster risk reduction and management programs in Baguio City. These challenges are consistent with
the literature on disaster risk management, which highlights issues related to funding, governance, and
institutional capacity (Kelman, 2015).
The study found that the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management programs in Baguio
City is often hindered by a lack of resources and institutional capacity, as well as poor coordination among
different stakeholders. This highlights the need for effective governance and institutional capacity
building to support disaster risk reduction and management efforts.
The study also identified the need for innovative approaches to early warning systems and emergency
response planning. This is consistent with the literature on disaster risk management, which suggests that
new technologies and information systems can enhance disaster risk reduction and management efforts
(Basher & Zheng, 2014).
The study found that Baguio City has been innovative in the use of technology in its early warning
systems, which have been effective in reducing disaster risks. This highlights the importance of investing
in innovative technologies and information systems to support disaster risk reduction and management
efforts.
Overall, the case study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk
management in Baguio City, and highlights the importance of a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder
approach to addressing this critical issue.
The findings are consistent with relevant literature and theories on collaborative governance, social
capital, disaster risk management, and innovation.
The study can serve as a useful resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the field.
VIII- Recommendations
Based on the findings and analysis of the case study on disaster risk management in Baguio City, the
following practical recommendations and solutions can be proposed:
1. Strengthening collaboration and coordination among stakeholders: The study found that effective
disaster risk reduction and management require the involvement and coordination of various stakeholders.
Therefore, it is recommended that the local government units, NGOs, community organizations, and
individual citizens should work collaboratively to address disaster risk reduction and management. This
can be achieved through the establishment of a disaster risk management coordinating council that will
bring together all relevant stakeholders to collaborate, share information, and coordinate efforts.
2. Improving institutional capacity and governance: The study identified a lack of resources and
institutional capacity as a major challenge to effective disaster risk reduction and management. Therefore,
it is recommended that the local government units should invest in building institutional capacity,
improving governance structures, and strengthening financial resources to support disaster risk reduction
and management efforts.
3. Enhancing community participation and engagement: The study found that community-based disaster
risk reduction programs in Baguio City have been effective in reducing disaster risks and enhancing
community resilience. Therefore, it is recommended that the local government units should continue to
support and promote community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives. This can be achieved through
the provision of training, capacity building, and financial support to community organizations and
volunteers.
4. Investing in innovative technologies and information systems: The study found that innovative
technologies and information systems can enhance disaster risk reduction and management efforts.
Therefore, it is recommended that the local government units should invest in innovative technologies,
such as mobile apps, social media platforms, and GIS mapping, to improve early warning systems,
emergency response planning, and public awareness campaigns.
5. Conducting regular risk assessments and updating disaster risk management plans: The study identified
the need for regular risk assessments and updated disaster risk management plans. Therefore, it is
recommended that the local government units should conduct regular risk assessments to identify
potential hazards and vulnerabilities, and update disaster risk management plans to reflect new
information and changing risks.
In summary, the practical recommendations and solutions based on the findings and analysis of the case
study on disaster risk management in Baguio City include strengthening collaboration and coordination
among stakeholders, improving institutional capacity and governance, enhancing community participation
and engagement, investing in innovative technologies and information systems, and conducting regular
risk assessments and updating disaster risk management plans.
IX- Conclusion
In conclusion, this case study on disaster risk management in Baguio City, Philippines highlights the
importance of a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach to disaster risk reduction and
management. The study reveals that while Baguio City has made progress in disaster risk reduction and
management, there are still areas that require improvement to enhance the city's resilience to natural
disasters.
The key points that emerged from this case study include the importance of effective collaboration and
coordination among stakeholders, strengthening institutional capacity and governance, promoting
community participation and engagement, investing in innovative technologies and information systems,
and conducting regular risk assessments and updating disaster risk management plans.
Furthermore, the study also identifies some limitations, such as the lack of access to data and information,
inadequate resources, and limited political will, which hinder effective disaster risk reduction and
management in the city. These limitations highlight the need for further research to address these gaps
and strengthen disaster risk reduction and management in Baguio City.
Overall, the findings and recommendations of this case study can be useful for policy makers, government
agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to enhance disaster risk reduction and management efforts
in Baguio City. It is hoped that this study will contribute to improving disaster risk reduction and
management in the city, and ultimately, promote the safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of
natural disasters.
X- References
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2.
Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. (2021). City Disaster Risk
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3.
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