AUTHORS: Mildred M. Estanda, Christine S. Diaz, Glen D. Depra, Martin O. Escobido
DATE COMPLETED: February 5, 2015
KEYWORDS:
ABSTRACT
The research aimed to describe the existing disaster-related policies in terms of background data, needs or concerns it seek to address the greening provisions of Davao City. It also aimed to identify the implementing measures adopted by the City relative to the policies such as enabling mechanisms, fiscal allocation, systems and procedures and constituency participation. The constituencies’ knowledge, perceptions and attitudes on policies, programs, and projects on disaster management were also among the point for inquiry in the research. The research further looked into the constituencies’ reasons for support and hesitance on the programs, projects and activities on disaster management. Furthermore, the constituencies’ suggestions for effective implementation of policies were also gathered. This is a descriptive study that used qualitative and quantitative approach in examining the city government’s effort to uphold the rights and safety of the people, in the provision of disaster-related policies, technology and mechanism. The first two objectives used secondary data review and in-depth interview while the remaining objectives were addressed through data gathered from the 400 residents of the three barangays (Maa, Matina Crossing and Bucana) who are known for their disaster preparedness mechanisms, ordinance and technology. The study used multiple stage sampling where the sample per barangay was stratified based on population. The selection of actual respondents was randomly selected.RA 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) has been used as the backbone to address natural and man-made disaster. However, there are gray areas on the implementation of the law especially in the barangay level. The residents of the barangay have limited knowledge on the existence of barangay policies addressing disaster challenges. The qualitative data gathered also illustrate that in the almost all occasions the barangay merely follows mandates of the city in addressing disaster. In most cases, initiatives of the barangay are limited to acquisition of equipment. The respondents also have low level of knowledge about RA 10121. Since the three barangays have newly elected officials, both quantitative and qualitative data depicts limited knowledge of the respondents on disaster related mechanisms, policies and activities in their barangays. In general, respondents expressed positive perceptions on their barangay’s programs, projects and activities on disaster management. They agree on the importance of disaster-management programs. Clarity of the barangay disaster reduction committee structure, conduct of reassessment of barangay hazards and risks, sufficiency of rescue-related equipment and supplies, capacitation of rescuers and barangay residents, distribution of immediate relief to survivors and provision for temporary shelters, health care and search and retrieval operations. While there is consensus on availability and sufficiency of programs, projects and activities on disaster management, there is one area which needs to be acted upon. There is the pre-positioning of food supplies for immediate assistance. It surfaced from the perception survey that food supplies for immediate assistance were not prepared ahead. In terms of attitudes towards programs, projects and activities on disaster management there is an overall panorama of disaster management viewed from respondents’ lens. It was evident that respondents are willing to understand the risk factors in their barangay. They also agree on the utilization value of local drills and simulation exercises and in having a needs-based barangay procurement plan. The law is a welcome challenge in Davao City because it gives directive to examine and check proposed Disaster Response Rehabilitation Management programs, projects and activities from the different Barangays. However, it has been observed that the support to those initiatives in the barangay can be thwarted by local politics that hinders sustainable programs on disaster derangement.
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