Readiness of Community Members on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Abstract: This study assessed the readiness of community members in a 5th-class municipality in Iloilo for Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) during the first quarter of 2024 as a basis for an action plan. Using a descriptive research design and a researcher-made survey validated through Carter V. Good and Douglas E. Scates' evaluation criteria, data were gathered from 379 community personnel. Reliability testing was conducted in Canlaon City Division to 30 personnel using Cronbach alpha formula. Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted using frequency, percentage, mean, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Findings indicate that demographic factors such as age, sex, educational attainment, and income significantly influence readiness levels. Older individuals, females, and those with higher education and income levels exhibit greater preparedness in prevention and mitigation. While overall readiness across DRRM phases—prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation—is high, gaps exist in training participation, disaster communication, and management of records and aid. Notably, education and income impact prevention and preparedness but not response and rehabilitation, where older males demonstrate higher readiness. These results underscore the need for tailored strategies addressing demographic variations and enhancing training, communication, and management practices to improve community resilience. Keywords: Disaster risk reduction and management, readiness of community members