Is a geographically isolated community prepared&mdash;or left behind&mdash;in disaster risk communication?

Boyeth  C. Pelone,; Frincess Jade  C. Cajano,

Is a geographically isolated community prepared—or left behind—in disaster risk communication?

Boyeth C. Pelone | Frincess Jade C Cajano

Abstract:

Geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) such as Barangay Mabuhay in Carmen, Davao del Norte, face greater disaster risks because of their remoteness, lack of infrastructure, and limited economic resources. Through a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach, this study examines the main challenges in disaster risk communication and identifies targeted interventions that can help address them. The results point to several barriers, including limited technical knowledge, poor access to localized risk information, weak communication systems, and language or cultural gaps, which lead to delayed responses and heightened vulnerability among residents. To address these issues, this policy brief advocates for the adoption of a Community-Based Risk Communication and Early Warning Enhancement Program that promotes inclusive, localized, and culturally sensitive strategies that translate Priorities 1 and 4 of the Sendai Framework into actionable and community-based interventions. It places priority on building the skills of barangay leaders, focal persons, and residents, promoting the use of visual and participatory tools, and investing in technologies that people can access. In the end, the goal is to strengthen a community-based approach to disaster preparedness, ensuring that no one is left behind.

References:

Chambers, R. (1994). Participatory rural appraisal (PRA): Challenges, potentials and paradigm. World Development, 22(10), 1437–1454. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(94)90030-2
Cutter, S. L., Barnes, L., Berry, M., Burton, C., Evans, E., Tate, E., & Webb, J. (2008). A place-based model for understanding community resilience to natural disasters. Global Environmental Change, 18(4), 598–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2008.07.013
Department of Health (DOH). (2020). Administrative Order No. 2020-0023: Guidelines on Identifying Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and Strengthening their Health Systems.
Gaillard, J. C., & Mercer, J. (2013). From knowledge to action: Bridging gaps in disaster risk reduction. Progress in Human Geography, 37(1), 93–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132512446717
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). (2018). Public awareness and public education for disaster risk reduction: A guide. Retrieved from https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/PAPE-2.0-English.pdf
Lagmay, A. M. F., Racoma, B. A., Aracan, K. A., Alconis-Ayco, J., & Saddi, I. L. (2015). Disseminating near-real-time hazards information and flood maps in the Philippines through Web-GIS. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 13, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.01.002
Luna, E. (2009). Disaster risk reduction: A cultural approach. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 18(3), 290–298. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560910971158
Pelone, B. C., & Arellano, A. J. P. (2024). Flood preparedness and utilization of early warning systems among households in selected flood-prone areas in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Davao Research Journal (DRJ), 15(1), 34–47. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v15i1.149
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). (2017). Risk, shocks, building resilience: Proceedings of the Second Annual Public Policy Conference 2016. PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2017-13.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (2020). 2020 Census of Population and Housing: Report No. 4 – Population of the Philippines.
Shaw, R., Takeuchi, Y., & Nakamura, M. (2010). Indigenous knowledge and disaster risk reduction. Springer Science & Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-443153986-6
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2019). Global assessment report on disaster risk reduction 2019. https://www.undrr.org/publication/global-assessment-report-disaster-risk-reduction-2019
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2015). Words into Action: A Guide to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/words-action-guide-multi-hazard-early-warning
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2006). Developing Early Warning Systems: A Checklist. Retrieved from https://www.unisdr.org/files/608_10340.pdf
Wisner, B., Gaillard, J. C., & Kelman, I. (2012). Handbook of hazards and disaster risk reduction. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203844236.
World Conference on Disaster Reduction. (2005). Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015: Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters.