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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 31 | P a g e
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www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.
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http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/333413/fire-incidents-during-new-year-revelry-in-metro-
manila-fewer-by-50-this-year#ixzz3C2EEd8Jt
www.geoportal.gov.ph
http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/dl/userfiles/Documents/000002/2291_eng.pdf
http://paa2013.princeton.edu/papers/131027
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http://cdr.lib.unc.edu/indexablecontent/uuid:08d3c39b-eea2-4f8c-aa36-
adf0c919be19?dl=true/