Risk Communication Vulnerabilities Perceived by Claverianos of Cagayan

As part of the annual risk report which calculated the disaster risk for 193 countries across the globe, the World Risk Index indicated that the Philippines has the highest disaster risk, with an index score of 46.82, placing the country in a disaster-prone state, compelling Filipinos to familiarize their ways in and out a certain disaster. During and after disasters, lives are lost, livelihoods are shattered, and people are unable to return to their pre-disaster normal lives– a situation that poses a huge socio-psychological challenge to the victims. The impact is not only for the victims – the victims’ families, friends, the first responders, and the caregivers are also confronted with very undesirable situations. In such context, this study utilized a qualitative-descriptive design with an interview method as the primary approach. It was anchored on identifying the risk communication strategies available for Claverianos and the various risk communication vulnerabilities they experience during disasters, specifically in the context of typhoons and floods in terms of three factors, namely: individual factor, social-structural factor, and situational factor. To attain its goals, this study used a qualitative design with interview as the primary approach. The study was conducted in Claveria, Cagayan. Results of the study show that the available risk communication strategies provided by the MDDRMO Claveria to the Claverianos are risk information dissemination through various media, distribution of preventive evacuation letter/memorandum, roving and responding, availability of an active hotline, and creation of DRRM council. On one hand, as for the risk communication vulnerabilities perceived by Claverianos, it was found out that there is a need to localize the language used in risk communication messages; that there are overlooked use of jargons, implied meaning on warning messages written in bold style, and the risk messages are sometimes too complex (individual); there is the unavailability of risk communication channels/ resources, ineffective and inefficient delivery of risk information and preference on national risk v information sources rather than the local provider (social-structural); and broken communication infrastructures (situational). In conclusion, while the MDDRMO Claveria has implemented various risk communication strategies, it is recommended that these efforts be strengthened by localizing language, simplifying messages, improving delivery mechanisms, and addressing infrastructure and social-structural barriers to ensure more effective and inclusive risk communication.