Philippine E-Journals

Disaster-Preparedness and Resiliency of the Selected Corporations in Iloilo City, Philippines

ROLANDO A. ALIMEN | Ronald S. Baynosa | James F. Montehermoso | JOSE RENAN B. ESCOTO

 

Abstract:

The level of exposure of a certain location to disaster is partly attributed to its location and natural attributes. Thus, this study aimed to assess the disaster preparedness of the top 20 corporations operating in Iloilo City, Philippines and their corresponding resiliency level should a disaster occur. The study was descriptive and used questionnaires and, in some instances, personal interviews for primary data. Secondary data were collected from the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office, Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Crisis Disaster and Management Office, DOST-PAGASA, DOST PHIVOLCS. GIS and REDAS0-generated maps were likewise used. Disaster is a product of hazard, exposure to such hazard, and vulnerability in people and assets. The top 20 corporations have already experienced flooding due to typhoon Frank in June 2008. As such, such a hazard exists. Hazard mapping identified their locations relative to flood-prone areas and, therefore, a high degree of exposure. The people within such corporations and physical assets such as machinery, equipment, etc., are most vulnerable to such hazards. Considering the level of their preparedness, the disaster risk for these corporations is high in such conditions. Results revealed that the top ten corporations in Iloilo City are resilient, based on the post-Typhoon Frank recovery rate. On earthquake and earthquake-related hazards: most companies are highly vulnerable to ground-shaking, although no corporation will suffer a direct impact of a tsunami, most will be inundated, all companies are highly vulnerable to liquefaction, and the capacity of such corporations to reduce or mitigate the impact of such hazards is doubtful.