Philippine E-Journals

COMMUNICATION AND RISK REDUCTION BEHAVIORS OF RESIDENTS IN SELECTED DISASTER-PRONE COMMUNITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Edmund G. Centeno | Romel A. Daya | Gerby Muya

 

Abstract:

This study investigates the risk reduction and communication behaviors of residents of selected disaster-prone areas in two Philippine provinces in responding to disasters, such as earthquake, flood, and fire. A one-shot survey was administered to 1,696 purposively selected residents. Data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that almost all the respondents had experience with disasters, especially earthquake, flood, and fire. Most of them have moderate to high level of knowledge of disaster and DRRM. In general, they had positive attitudes toward the importance of information on disasters and DRRM. The study reveals that there is significant relationship between the respondents’ knowledge of and attitudes towards disasters and DRRM; knowledge of disasters and DRRM, and practices during and after earthquake and flood; and attitudes towards disasters and DRRM, and practices before, during, and after disasters. The study concludes that the respondents’ communication behaviors as well as their media and non-media sources of information are significantly related to their level of knowledge of and attitude towards disasters and DRRM information, and their practices before, after, and during disasters.