Assessing Flood Control Program Strategies and Community Resilience: A Case Study from Region XII, Philippines

Flooding remains one of the most pressing natural hazards worldwide, causing severe damage to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure, particularly in developing countries (UNDRR, 2015; World Bank, 2017; IPCC, 2022). This study evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of the flood control program in Region XII, Philippines, through a qualitative case study design. Fifteen key stakeholders were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured format, and data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) approach. Findings revealed that the construction of flood control structures, such as dikes and drainage systems, served as the primary long-term strategy to mitigate flooding risks. Participants emphasized that these interventions enhanced community resilience, reflected in reduced flood-related displacements, longer-lasting infrastructure, and improved community preparedness in low-lying barangays—aligning with literature that highlights infrastructure’s role in reducing vulnerability (Dawson et al., 2011; Hallegatte et al., 2013). Effective implementation was attributed to comprehensive planning, consistent monitoring, and strong multi-sectoral collaboration among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Local Government Units (LGUs), echoing prior studies that stress inter-agency cooperation in disaster risk reduction (Comfort et al., 2010; Tierney, 2014). Despite these achievements, challenges such as limited funding, weather-related project delays, and maintenance constraints were identified. The study recommends promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to ensure sustainable infrastructure development. Acknowledging its qualitative scope and regional focus, the study suggests further quantitative validation to strengthen generalizability.