Assessment of a Coastal Community’s Readiness, Response, and Recovery to 2020 Taal Eruption: The Case of Lemery, Batangas

The Taal Volcanic Eruption in January 2020 posed significant social and economic challenges to the coastal municipality of Lemery, Batangas. This disaster emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies, particularly in coastal communities vulnerable to volcanic eruptions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive baseline for improving future volcanic disaster management by applying a systems thinking approach and integrating disaster readiness into land use planning and zoning to address interconnected risks and minimize vulnerabilities. The study used primary data from key informant interviews, supplemented by secondary data from government reports and academic literature. Using a phenomenological design, thematic analysis was used to generate themes on readiness, response, and recovery mechanisms of coastal communities and the factors affecting them. The findings identified the critical gaps in the municipality's disaster preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms. Significant findings were (1) total lack of preparedness, (2) individualized response efforts shaped by socioeconomic conditions, and (3) recovery processes that faced barriers from the COVID-19 pandemic, ineffective coordination, and poor resource mobilization. These challenges emphasize the need for a multi-sectoral and cross-boundary approach to disaster risk reduction. Developing an inclusive and context-sensitive disaster management framework can enhance the resilience of coastal communities, thus ensuring better outcomes for future volcanic hazards.