Perceptions of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Implementation: Evidences from Catanduanes Island, Philippines

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program implementation in Catanduanes, Philippines, a region highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Adopting a descriptive-comparative quantitative research design, the study investigates the perceived implementation of the program from the perspectives of program providers (43 municipal and barangay officials) and beneficiaries (401 household heads). The assessment spans the four thematic areas of DRRM: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. Guided by Stakeholder Theory and Systems Theory, and utilizing an Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, the research quantifies perceptual differences and aims to offer strategic recommendations. Using weighted mean and z-tests for independent samples, data analysis reveals consistent disparities, with providers generally reporting higher implementation levels than beneficiaries. Key findings indicate strong perceived implementation in "Increase of awareness and capacity" and "On-time safe evacuation," but significant gaps in areas like infrastructure resilience and access to disaster financing. These perceptual gaps underscore challenges in coordination, trust, and program impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for inclusive, evidence-based assessments that integrate lived experiences with institutional metrics. The proposed strategic action plan aims to bridge these identified gaps, fostering more resilient and context-sensitive disaster governance in Catanduanes.