An Assessment of the Sendai Framework in the Province of Laguna

The rising frequency of extreme climate events highlights the urgent need for effective local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). In the 2024 World Risk Report, the Philippines ranked highest globally on the World Risk Index for the third consecutive year. This study assessed the awareness, utilization, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness of the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) among Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) in Laguna. Anchored in Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Judgment Theory, the research employed a quantitative survey design targeting 94 local DRRM officers across 30 municipal and city LGUs. The findings revealed a key implementation paradox: officers exhibit moderate theoretical awareness of specific global targets, yet report high operational utilization, high satisfaction, and high perceived effectiveness. Statistical testing confirmed a strong positive relationship between utilization and satisfaction. Inferential analysis demonstrated that educational attainment and years of service have statistically significant positive relationships with overall awareness. The study concludes that local implementation relies primarily on top-down statutory compliance under national mandates—specifically Republic Act 10121 and the NDRRMP 2020–2030—rather than a deep institutional understanding of the international blueprint. Key recommendations include conducting targeted orientations for newly appointed officers and institutionalizing clear, grassroots strategic risk communication channels.