Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents readings from the different sources which are deemed

important and related to the current study conducted. Moreover, it also places this study

in proper perspective.

Related Literature

Disaster Risk Reduction & Disaster Risk Management

The policy objective of anticipating and reducing risk is called disaster risk

reduction (DRR). Although often used interchangeably with DRR, disaster risk

management (DRM) can be thought of as the implementation of DRR, since it describes

the actions that aim to achieve the objective of reducing risk.

Disaster risk is an indicator of poor development, so reducing disaster risk

requires integrating DRR policy and DRM practice into sustainable development goals.

Historically, dealing with disasters focused on emergency response, but towards

the end of the 20th century it was increasingly recognized that disasters are not natural

(even if the associated hazard is) and that it is only by reducing and managing conditions

of hazard, exposure and vulnerability that we can prevent losses and alleviate the impacts

of disasters. Since we cannot reduce the severity of natural hazards, the main opportunity

for reducing risk lies in reducing vulnerability and exposure. Reducing these two

components of risk requires identifying and reducing the underlying drivers of risk,
which are particularly related to poor economic and urban development choices and

practice, degradation of the environment, poverty and inequality and climate change,

which create and exacerbate conditions of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability.

Addressing these underlying risk drivers will reduce disaster risk, lessen the impacts of

climate change and, consequently, maintain the sustainability of development.

DRR is a part of sustainable development, so it must involve every part of society,

government, non-governmental organizations, and the professional and private sector. It

therefore requires a people-centered and multi-sector approach, building resilience to

multiple, cascading and interacting hazards and creating a culture of prevention and

resilience. Successful DRR results from the combination of top-down, institutional

changes and strategies, with bottom-up, local and community-based approaches. DRM

programmed should not be standalone but instead be integrated within development

planning and practice, since disasters are an indicator of failed or skewed development,

of unsustainable economic and social processes, and of ill-adapted societies. Approaches

need to address the different layers of risk (from intensive to extensive risk), underlying

risk drivers, as well as be tailored to local contexts. There is no ‘one-size fits all’

approach to DRM, but there exist a number of approaches and frameworks, which have

been effectively implemented to reduce disaster risk. But, before being able to reduce

risk, we need to understand the hazards, and the exposure and vulnerability of people and

assets to those hazards.

Disaster preparedness and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's purpose, as stated in

its Constitution and the principle of humanity, is to prevent and alleviate human suffering

wherever it may be found, to protect life and health, and to ensure human dignity.

Disaster preparedness fits within this overarching goal and has been identified as one of

the "core areas" that National Societies should prioritize and integrate into their overall

programming efforts in the IFRC's Strategy 2010.

Local populations and community-based organizations, Civil Defense and

national emergency structures, fire brigades, Red Crescent/Red Cross Societies,

international agencies, NGOs, and others all participate in emergency response

operations. The International Federation and National Societies must recognize the

importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in developing countries.

Aims and objectives of disaster preparedness

Disaster preparedness refers to actions taken to prepare for and mitigate the

effects of natural disasters. That is, to anticipate and, if possible, prevent them, to

mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and to respond to and effectively cope

with their consequences. Disaster preparedness is best viewed in a broad sense and

should be conceived of as a goal rather than a specialized program or stage that

immediately precedes disaster response.

Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process that is the result of a

wide range of activities and resources rather than a single sectoral activity. It necessitates

contributions from a wide range of sectors, including training and logistics, health care,
 and institutional development. From this vantage point, disaster preparedness includes the

following.

 Increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of disaster emergency response

mechanisms at the community, national and Federation level. This includes:

 the development and regular testing of warning systems (linked to forecasting

systems) and plans for evacuation or other measures to be taken during a disaster

alert period to minimize potential loss of life and physical damage

 the education and training of officials and the population at risk

 the training of first aid and emergency response teams

 the establishment of emergency response policies, standards, organizational

arrangements, and operational plans to be followed after a disaster

 Strengthening community-based disaster preparedness through National Society

programming for the community or direct support of community-led activity. This could

include educating, preparing, and assisting local populations and communities in their

daily efforts to reduce risks and prepare their own local response mechanisms to deal

with disaster emergencies.

 Creating activities that are useful for both addressing everyday risks that communities

face and responding to disaster situations, such as health, first aid, or social welfare

programs that include disaster reduction and response components.

Community involvement critical in disaster preparedness

PDRRMC Executive Officer Adrian Sedillo gave a brief lecture on disaster

preparedness to members of the farmer and fisherfolk associations, barangay captains,

and other local officials of this town recently at the Municipal Multi-Purpose Hall during
the Ugnayan: A Dialogue for Progress Multi-Sectoral Forum. Sedillo emphasized the

importance of community involvement in the identification of hazards as well as the

identification of actions to be taken in response to any calamities or disasters. “You need

to understand your hazards so you can plan your actions,” Sedillo said.

Sedillo also briefly discussed the four-disaster management thematic areas under

RA 10121, which are prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and

rehabilitation. The law, according to Sedillo, serves as the government's disaster

management bible, whereas E.O 66 prescribes rules for canceling or suspending classes

or work during typhoons and other natural disasters, as well as the use of the DRRM

fund.

The PDRRMC official reiterated that the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Committee is under the Barangay Development Council, which is required

by law to take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of

any disaster if their barangay is affected by a calamity. When two or more barangays are

affected by a disaster, the city or municipal government takes over, according to Sedillo.

Meanwhile, members of the Sibulan town farmer and fisherfolks association, women's

group, barangay captains, and other local officials attended the forum. The PIA held a

Ugnayan Forum in Negros Oriental for the second time. The first was completed in April

at Dumaguete City's Silliman University. (fcr/ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

(Govt.Philippines, 2017).

REPUBLIC ACT .10121

a committee of the Barangay Development Council that was established in (RA 10121 or

the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010) to prevent and protect

the community's residents. The BDRRMC is in charge of organizing programs and

activities in the barangay to mitigate the effects of the disaster on the people and their

habits. (Sarge Belen, 2021).

The involved in DRRM as mandated in the DRRM act.

National Government- Different governments departments and agencies with authority

Members of DRRM-related organizations the National Disaster Risk Reduction

Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure consistency in DRRM policies, plans, and

procedures government initiatives (Sec. 5).

Local Government Units (LGU)- Local governments are regarded as the "frontliners"

and "first responders" in any disaster (Sec. 15). They take the lead in preparing for,

responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Civil society organizations (CSO), the private sector and volunteers- The civil society

Organizations and the private sector play critical formal and informal roles in effective

disaster risk reduction management. They supplement and strengthen the government's

resources and efforts in putting in place an effective DRRM. Membership at all levels of

governance (Sec. 2.d; Sec. 5.hh & ii; Sec. 11.a.17 & 18; and Sec. 12.d) and an

accreditation process ensure their participation and involvement in all aspects of DRRM

from planning to implementation (Sec. 13). Cooperatives, peoples’ organizations,

and academic institutions are examples of CSOs.

Communities- Disaster victims include communities, including the most vulnerable

sectors. and change agents. It is critical to improve, institutionalize, and scale up skills.

They have initiated and sustained knowledge and innovative practices in DRRM.

Because they are most familiar with their situation, their active and substantive

participation at all levels of DRRM coordination is recognized. They must decide which

approach is most appropriate for them (Sec. 2.d and Sec. 12.d).

Funtions of DRRM Structure

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

is a multi‐ sectoral body composed of the heads of the different executive departments of

government, government institutions, local government associations, civil society

organizations, and the private sector.  It shall oversee the DRRM system in the

Philippines.  (Secs. 5 and 6)  

integrating, supervising and evaluating DRRM activities of the Local DRRM Councils.

The RDRRMC is chaired by the Regional Director of the OCD. It is responsible for

ensuring disaster sensitive regional development plans, and convening the different

regional line agencies and concerned institutions and authorities in case of emergencies

(Sec. 10)

Local DRRM Offices (LDRRMO) Local DRRM Offices sets the direction,

development, implementation and coordination of DRRM programs and activities within

their territorial jurisdictions. The LDRRMOs are established in every province, city and

municipality (PDRRMO, CDRRMO and MDRRMO) (Sec. 12 .a).    

At the barangay level, Barangay DRRM Committees (BDRRMC) shall be

established (Sec. 12.a) with at least two (2) members representing the civil society

organizations (CSOs).    The BDRRMC shall be a regular committee of the BDC (Sec.

12.d)

Related Studies

Chhoun Nareth (2017) on her studies entitled “Disaster management in combodia:

community-based disaster risk management in the case of drought in Aoral District”.

Within the study, it discusses the faced and possibility to improve CBDRM to minimize
the impact of natural disasters in terms of the loss of property, livelihoods, and lives. The

study employs the concept of the CBDRM process as a means of understanding the two

communes chosen for the study by exposing five themes that contribute to a better

performing CBDRM, such as local capacity/knowledge, decision making, local

resources, stakeholder involvement, and local participation. The research findings

revealed that, to some extent, the CBDRM helps people mitigate disaster risks by

providing basic knowledge to local people as well as authorities, creating a space for

stakeholder involvement that encourages people to participate despite constraints. A few

suggestions and recommendations have been made based on the findings. These

suggestions and recommendations served as a guideline for stakeholders and other parties

on how and where to improve the operation of CBDRN in Cambodia.

A study conducted by Gerdan, S. (2014) entitled “Determination of disaster

awareness, attitudes levels and individual priorities at Kocaeli University” the aimed of

the study is to determine the level disaster of awareness and attitude and the individual

properties of the personnel and the students at umuttepe campus of kocaeli University.

The finding and result of the study the difference between the awareness levels of

academic and administrative personnel is associated with the positive influence of

education level and responsibilities. Level of education is an important factor in reducing

disaster damages. Comparison of age groups shows similar results for both personnel and

student groups. This result is anticipated, because older groups are supposed to be more

sensitive and responsible to the problems in their Turkish communities in regard to their

experiences. Students in the Department of Engineering have the highest awareness level

of all. Most of these students are from the Departments of Geology and Geophysics and
have the privilege of taking courses related to disasters.

Those were undoubtedly very beneficial programs, none of which was included in

a formal education system, however. For this reason, most of the disaster-prone

countries-initiated disaster education programs, considering the major disasters on their

land in their curriculum. Our results support the world's science-based developments and

emphasize that education and training in disaster awareness in formal education is very

important.

GAPS AND CHALLENGES

The lack of disaster awareness is the first obstacle encountered in disaster

response. An approach perceiving the damages caused by disasters as reparation or

reconstruction of the buildings and facilities cannot meet the needs of communities

affected by disasters. (Eurasian Journal Educational Research, 2014)

Policy-related issues such as the failure to present complete reports in fieldworks were

just some of the many impediments in the development of local plans. Abuyog being

classified as less affected also made it more difficult to push for greater shares in DRR-

related PPAs like relocation site which made the LGU resort to requesting for national

fund. For external aid, no audit mechanism existed for the municipality as it was only the

proponents of the projects who can audit. Additionally, these foreign-assisted projects

were usually accepted by lower-class municipalities to augment financial needs however,

there was a lack of a standard mechanism and proper channels to subject the incoming
foreign aid. Inconsistent advice from accountants were also experienced during the

process. (Sonny N. Domingo and Arvie Joy A. Manejar, 2018)

The local disaster coordinating committee is frequently dismissed as merely a rehash of

these entities. But a closer examination of their objectives, roles, and interrelationships

would show how the law has evolved from being reactive to long-term sustainable

growth from being integrated, localized, proactive, and focused on short-term

emergencies. Participation by various interest groups is an essential component of these

structures.

According to an article that Attorney. Gloria Estenzo Ramos' failure to establish

functional barangay development councils will be disastrous for localities because R.A.

The BDC is regarded as the barangay disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM)

council under Republic Act 10121. How can plans be created and responses

institutionalized by the people themselves without a functioning DRRM body? Disaster

Risk Reduction Management cannot be mandated by political leaders alone or provided

door-to-door. Disaster preparedness necessitates group effort in a disaster epicenter like

the Philippines.

The researcher wants to make a contribution at this point to help close any gaps and

overcome any difficulties with the study.