CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION

Countries all over the world experience more severe natural calamities brought by global
warming and climate change. Natural calamities have drastically become more destructive
causing more and more casualties. In South-East Asian tropical countries like the Philippines,
typhoons and monsoons are at a scale that are off the charts because of the irregularities caused
by climate change. The destruction brought by such is not only felt by individuals but also felt by
their countries as a whole. The devastation brought by extreme natural calamities is sure to affect
several aspects of the society and the government. That is why governments give special
attention in preparing for these calamities in order to minimize the losses and impediments
brought by such to protect the lives of its people.
The Philippines is highly at risk of the danger that can be brought by natural calamities.
The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire wherein a series of active volcanoes which can
cause violent earthquakes which may result to catastrophic tendencies especially in the highly
populated urban areas like the cities in the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA). Earthquakes
pose more danger in highly populated urban areas due to crowded structures. Earthquakes bring
forth with them complicating problems like fire, power disruption, loss of vital access roads and
basic commodity shortages. On the other hand, the Pacific Ocean is also just beside the
Philippine archipelago leaving the country susceptible to heavy rains, strong winds,
thunderstorms, landslides, flash floods and other complications that come along with typhoons,
since typhoons originate over warm regions of water in the Pacific ocean .

Considering that the Philippines is at risk of these natural calamities, awareness and
preparedness of the government and the citizens are a must. The Philippine government, putting
into consideration the issues at hand, created a disaster risk reduction body which starts from the
national level down to the local government level in order to address the problems and create
well-functioning disaster management units in worst case scenarios. The National Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is on top in the flow of command in which it
provides every available information and equipment to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Council (RDRRMC) then down to the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Council (LDRRMC).
In consideration of the fact that the phenomenon of climate change has contributed
significantly to the detriments of natural calamities, it is presumed that prevention is nearly
impossible. There are two popular approaches towards such inevitable events, namely,
Mitigation and Adaptation. Since the issue of Climate Change and Natural Disasters involve
uncontrollable forces of nature, there would be a slim chance, if not none at all, that the negative
effects of these phenomena could be prevented. Mitigation is a precautionary measure wherein
after accepting the inevitability of the said Environmental Phenomena, changes are made in order
to lower the amount of casualties and damage to property. Examples of mitigation include
provision of equipment, conducting of seminars, drills and other forms of information
dissemination. The second approach, Adaptation, refers to the changes made in order to improve
resiliency and decrease vulnerability from the mentioned phenomena. Examples of adaptation
include the building of flood-ways, earthquake resilient houses and any other structural and
technological breakthroughs intended for adaptation. These approaches are highly advisable
when dealing with environmental phenomena. Marikina city, being subjected to serious Natural

Calamities, can utilize these approaches to improve their Disaster Preparedness Policies and
plans.
As aforementioned in the preceding paragraphs, highly populated urban areas are at risk
of more catastrophic tendencies. Marikina city falls into such category. According to PAGASA
(2010) the GMMA cities like Marikina are at risk of frequent high wind speeds ranging from 60
kph to 302 kph. Aside from strong winds brought by typhoons and irregular monsoons, Marikina
city is also situated beside the Pasig-Marikina River which renders the city highly vulnerable to
floods brought by torrential rains. Furthermore, Marikina is the catch basin of waters from the
mountains of Rizal Province before flowing to the Manila Bay via the Pasig Marikina River
causing other complications of flooding to arise. Compared to other GMMA cities, Marikina is at
a higher level of risk because of the unfortunate circumstances that are aggravating the situation.
The Marikina local government is always at watch whenever there is a rain warning to
anticipate evacuation and pre-emptive measures if ever the river reaches its critical level because
according to the Flood Map of the DOSTs Project NOAH, the Riverside Zone Barangays are at
risk of floods ranging from Medium Flood Levels, measuring 0.5-1.4 meters and High Flood
Levels measuring 1.5 meters and beyond. Considering the fact that Marikina city is highly at
risk, the local government of the city is trying to implement disaster preparedness policies as
response to the danger posed by such uncontrollable natural phenomena. Knowing that neither
time nor nature is in their favour, cooperation and participation of the people is a must. That is
where the disaster preparedness and risk reduction policies come to play, effective policy making
and implementation will be critical before, during and after a calamity.
The researchers are trying to assess the implementation of the existing disaster
preparedness policies of the city of Marikina for the Riverside zone barangays. If the

presumptions that Marikina has done well regarding such, not only the city of Marikina will have
an overview of the effectiveness of their policy implementation but other cities or local
governments at risk of similar natural calamities will have a model for creating their own disaster
preparedness policies as well as a model for their preparations, precautionary measures and
response to natural calamities in the future.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
As political science students, the researchers are interested in issues involving the society
and its elements like political issues, organizational issues, hierarchical issues, power disputes,
environmental issues and any other related issues affecting the concerns of the discipline. As for
the topic involving disaster preparedness policies, the researchers deem the topic not only as an
issue affecting the existence of the society or its elements, but also as an important and timely
issue that needs continuous and serious attention from the government and every individual
affected by natural calamities.
The researchers believe that Disaster Preparedness should be tackled thoroughly and that
there is a need for an assessment of the existing implemented policies. It is timely and necessary
for an assessment of the implemented policies. It is timely and necessary for an assessment to be
undertaken so that the strengths and vulnerabilities of the implemented policies shall be looked
upon for the benefit of the respondents and whoever deems the task to be beneficial. The
assessment can also narrow down the issues involving such policies and can possibly determine
those points wherein more attention is required. By assessing the local disaster preparedness of
Marikina city for the riverside zone barangays, an overall view of the effectiveness of their
implemented policies can be determined.

The researchers chose the Riverside Zone Barangays of Marikina city because the
barangays lie along the riverside and Marikina is also considered to be the catch basin for the
rainwaters that flows down from the mountains of Rizal. With the circumstances present,
wherein the respondents have a high degree or susceptibility of risk and danger, the researchers
believe that is an ideal starting ground for an assessment of disaster preparedness policies, and
besides Marikina city has its prestige when it comes to disaster risk management and response
because of good practices when it comes to such. Consequently, considering the circumstances to
which the riverside zone barangays are subjected to, they can become a microcosm of a worst
case scenario and the extent of the capability of the LDRMMC, RDMMC and NDRMMC if ever
an unfortunate event happens in a large scale.

IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

This thesis paper will be beneficial to the following:
The researchers. The information gathered in the research will first benefit the
researchers themselves by way of awareness and knowledge that could help them in response to
situations similar to the aforementioned events.
Students. The study will serve as a basis of reference in conducting future research study.
Instructors- The study will provide them additional information about this important issue so that
they can relay the awareness to their students;

Citizens. The study will give them further knowledge about how their local government
responds to disasters and what measures they may take in order to protect themselves from the
aforementioned natural calamities
Local Government officials. The study will help them evaluate the effectivity of their
policies involving disaster risk management and for them to have a vantage point in determining
the possible flaws;
National Institutions. (specialized on information and services primarily for the
protection of life and property). The study will give them idea on areas they should improve
regarding disaster management reduction plan and advisories, and also for them to have the data
on local governments disaster risk management.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Society, as perceived by Durkheim (1893) Structural Functionalism theory, needs the

participation of each of its parts to be able to achieve stability. That Society is an interrelation of
parts functioning in their own manner as prescribed by the circumstantial and essential needs of
its existence. The different parts make up the society as a whole, and if in any case, one of such
parts is changed or removed, it would deal significant amount of change in the structure and
well-being of a society. As to the relevance of this theory in disaster response of a community,
there is a need for every part of the community including persons in authority and civilians to act
in such a manner that is beneficial to the community as a whole. The inability of a single part of

the community changes the possible outcome and in unfortunate circumstances like destructive
natural calamities, there will only be a thin line between survival and death.
From a national perspective of disaster risk reduction, this theory applies to the effective
coordination of the NDRRMC with the RDRRMC, LDRRMC and down to the smallest unit of
local governments. Coordination in an unfortunate event is key if matters are needed to be dealt
with in a short period of time.
The Local government code of 1991 emphasizes the importance of the creation of local
government units and its autonomous power to create and implement policies in order to
preserve public safety and interest. Autonomous power is given because there is no one more
familiar about the conditions within localities other than the local governments themselves, thus
making the identification and determination of necessary local policies less arduous. By creating
such system in policy making, local governments like Marikina city are able to deal with the
circumstances that may arise in their own locality. This kind of system is also beneficial to the
national government because it will enable it to identify and assess the policies of local
governments, and if ever these are applicable in a national level, the policies can be adapted by
the country as a whole or may be indorsed to other local governments who are dealing with
similar circumstances.
The Philippine Government, in its commitment to the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals, has adapted the Hyogo framework for Action or the HFA (2005).The Hyogo
framework for action was formulated by 168 government participants in the World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Kobe, Japan. The framework aims to build and develop the
resiliency of nations and communities to disasters and to reduce their risks to hazards. According
to the framework, its objectives are as follows;

(a) effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable development

policies, planning and programming at all levels, disaster prevention, mitigation,
preparedness and vulnerability reduction; (b) development and strengthening of
institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all levels; and (c) systematic incorporation of
risk reduction approaches into the design and implementation of emergency
preparedness, response and recovery program in the reconstruction of affected
communities.
The HFA (2005) also created a Priority Action for Disaster management. According to the
framework these are;
Priority Action 1: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority
with a strong institutional basis for implementation. Priority Action 2: Identify, assess and
monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning. Priority Action 3: Use knowledge,
innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels. Priority
Action 5: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.
Regarding the issue of preparedness in any kind of disaster, the HFA is an important leap.
The framework provides the participating nations a distinct framework of actions in dealing with
disasters making them more organized. Experiences of all the participant nations are laid into the
latter in order to make a consensus in addressing Disaster Risk Reduction. The Philippines
benefited in the adaptation of the HFA but since Natural disasters continue to be more destructive
because of the Climate Change phenomenon, additional measures are necessary in order to cope
up.

In response to the increasing danger posed by natural calamities, Republic Act 10121 or
the Philippine Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 is enacted. The act is the
basis of existence of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council, which is to
be considered as the centre of command in times of calamities. The act also creates the Regional
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management council. The NDRRMC along its sub units are given the necessary powers and
authorities to create Disaster Preparedness policies. Consequently, they are the ones responsible
for the implementation of such policies, and there cooperation is required as well because it is
essential for them to have a uniform and distinct flow of command.

CONCEPTUAL PARADIGM

Marikina Local Government

*Population
Flooding

*Equipment
*Facilities
*Trainings

Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Policies

*Policies are implemented properly

*Resiliency from floods
Figure 1: The figure illustrates the Paradigm of the Study, the Demographic profile of the
respondents, the external factor affecting the respondents, the process in which the researchers
will perform the study, and the possible results that will be achieved in the disaster preparedness
policy assessment
The box on the extreme top of the Conceptual paradigm stands for the Marikina Local
Government and its Risk Reduction Council. The two boxes that lie below it represent the
variables that are involved in the latter. While the lower box shows the process or methodology
in which the researchers will apply in order to come up with the projected results. The bottom
box contains the assumptions of the study. The researchers are assuming that the study will
provide results which will indicate that local policies are properly implemented and that the
resiliency of Marikina city to Natural Calamities is exceptional.

THE PROBLEM OF THE STUDY

1

Aside from the policies provided by R.A 10121, what are the policies that are implemented
by the Marikina Local Government in the Riverside Zone Barangays?

What are the equipment provided by the Marikina Local Government to the Riverside Zone
Barangays regarding Disaster Risk Reduction?
1

How many units per equipment do the Riverside Zone Barangays have?

Is the quantity of the equipment enough to suffice the need for it?

3. How do the respondents assess the Disaster Preparedness Policy implementation of the Local
Disaster Risk Reduction Management council in terms of ;
a. Seminars;
b. Information dissemination; and
c. Emergency drills
4. What are the common damages brought by natural calamities to the selected Barangays?
a. Damage to property
b. Casualties
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the disaster preparedness plan of Marikina city for the following
barangays: Concepcion Uno, Malanday, Nangka, and Tumana. The said barangays comprise the
Riverside zone (Tabing-Ilog) of Marikina city, one of four physiography zones in the said city.
The study covers the policies in relation to natural disasters specifically typhoons, floods
and the complications that may arise in the event of such. The study also includes the assessment
of policies and plans and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of
disaster risk reduction and management present in the selected barangays, including risk

assessment and early warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying
risk factors, and preparedness for effective response and early recovery.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Disaster. This refers to the serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a
society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts,
which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.
Disasters are often described as a result of the combination of: the exposure to a hazard; the
conditions of vulnerability that are present; and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or
cope with the potential consequences.
Disaster Preparedness. This refers to the knowledge and capacities developed by
governments, professional response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to
effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from, the Impacts of likely, imminent or current
hazard events or conditions.
Disaster Risk. This refers to the potential disaster losses in lives, health status,
livelihood, assets and services, which could occur to a particular community or a Society over
some specified future time period.
Equipment. This refers to the supplies or tools needed and used in Disaster Risk
Reduction.
Facilities. This refers to the things such as a building or large piece of equipment that is
built for the purpose of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Exposure. This refers to the condition of people, assets, and activities being unprotected
from hazards.
Hazard. This refers to the dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or
condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of
livelihood and service, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
Policy. This refers to the definite course or method of action selected from among
alternatives and in light of

given conditions to guide and determine present and future

decisions
Vulnerability. This refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a community,
system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter deals with related literatures and studies concerning disaster preparedness,
precautionary measures, risk reduction and policies regarding the aforementioned. The chapter
also includes the different kinds of natural disasters that could affect Marikina and the
complications added to it by climate change.
Local and foreign literature and studies are presented in this chapter to supplement the
necessary information for the study to develop well.
Republic Act 10121, the Autonomy of Local Governments and the Implications of Climate
Change in Disaster Preparedness Policies

The local government code of 1991 was enacted in order to give local governments the
power to create and implement their own local policies. The Rationale of the local government
code is that local governments can identify the flaws in their own localities better than anyone
else, thus it would only be reasonable that they create and implement their own policies. Henstra
(2010) emphasizes the key role of local governments in the creation of policies and other related
actions in order to effectively respond to community emergencies and their aftermath. Local
governments also provide key data to the National government which is vital in the formulation
of standards in policies and in the identification of most effective practices or policies which can
be adapted by other local governments having similar issues.
The Philippines is subjected to several Natural Calamities due to its geographical
location, in response to that inevitable fact, Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine disaster Risk
Reduction Act of 2010 was enacted, the R.A. establishes the existence of the NDRRMC,
RDRRMC and the LDRRMC. The act is created in response to the growing danger caused by
natural calamities which has been made more complex and more destructive by climate change.
The Republic Act also vested powers to the risk reduction management councils to create
necessary policies corresponding to the needs at hand. RA 10121 is considered as the
government response to the ever changing and unpredictable behaviour of natural calamities.
Consequently, PAGASA (2010) says that the Greater Metro Manila Area is at risk of earthquakes
ranging from Magnitude 6.5 to 7.2 because the west valley fault passes right under Greater
Metro Manila Area cities including Marikina City. PAGASA also said that the GMMA is at risk
of having frequent high wind speeds ranging from 60kph to 302 kph. If ever these calamities
happen, Marikina will be much affected because aside from being situated over the west valley
fault, it is also along the Pasig-Marikina River and will be vulnerable to floods brought by the

rains caused by typhoons or irregular monsoon winds. Having known that Marikina is at risk of
these disasters, it is essential that they have policies addressing precautionary measures and risk
reduction for lesser casualty. Regarding the enactment of R.A. 10121 and its Risk Reduction
Management Councils powers to create policies, Buergelt and Patton (2014) said that in dealing
with natural disasters, mitigation and adaptation measures will, at some point, not suffice unless
environmental issues are addressed along with the latter. Policies in disaster preparedness should
also address the issues in the environment so that there would be better results in terms of
interdependency between the environment and humans. They also pointed out the role and
implications of global environmental and climate change in the increasing gravity of hazard that
natural disasters may bring forth. And such, they said, is the reason why the nature of policies
should consider both concerns.

Flooding and Disaster Risk Analysis Data

Because of the irregular monsoons and stronger typhoons hitting the Philippines,
PAGASA (2014) said that flooding is one of the most challenging issues in our country. The
government and the people expect only higher cost of damages and more lives and families
affected. The case of the Tropical Storm Ondoy only demonstrated that Metro Manila, one of the
engines of the countrys growth is highly vulnerable to severe flooding. Disasters that affect the
stability of Metro manila will affect our countrys economic growth. PAGASA also said that the
only way to avoid severe flooding is through look beyond planning, disaster preparedness and
response, and focusing on the analysis of disaster situations by using the risk information. Risk
information can be used to anticipate consequences of flood, tropical cyclone severe wind and
earthquake. Its ultimate goal is for us to have a better understanding of what affects us and the

conditions to precipitate a disaster. PAGASA (2013) then said that Risk analysis data can enable
the local government to better manage flood risks. It is a foremost resource when planning for
land use to ensure that infrastructure or human settlements in any given area in the city or
municipality are safe from the risk of flooding. It can also be used as definitive guide for the
creation of DRRM plans. For example, for areas located along river banks, LGUs can construct
small dikes- the size of which is based on flood severity predicted by the risk maps. These dikes,
combined with river and flood management can help decrease damages that can happen due to
flooding. In planning ahead, data gathering and data analysis is vital and the need for a fast and
reliable means of information circulation is a necessity.

Approaches in Data Gathering and Web- Based Information System

Not only those data gathered from gadgets and instruments can be useful in Disaster Risk
Reduction, because Indigenous knowledge on disaster management, according to Mercer (2010)
is considered to have a growing relevance in the issue of disaster risk reduction. Indigenous
knowledge passed throughout generations which had been the result of simple plain sight
observation by ordinary people, had been tested by time, and that have had complimented the
indigenous community in terms of risk reduction in times of natural disasters are looked into as
important source of possible solutions.
In accordance to data gathering and data circulation, Calorce (2009) stated that the
Philippine Disaster Management Information System can be used as a web based portal system
for alert and monitoring, resource and mobilization, response coordination and information

management. Considering the importance of the first hours before and after the disaster, there is
a must that an organized circle of command should be present in the Local Government which
will deal with the effective dispersal of personnel and distribution of the resources. It will be
essential that the local governments are able to organize their actions with the national
government. That is why a web based portal is needed for accessibility of data whenever it is
needed in establishing National Coordination among local governments involved.
The Existing Projects of the DOST Regarding Disaster Risk Analysis
The government of the Philippine using utilizing the power of its agencies concerned in
Disaster Risk Reduction is trying to develop early warning signals. Dalumpines (2013) said that
The DOST is finding ways to improve the Philippine Disaster Preparedness Programs. The
DOST has improved their Project NOAH through its component called Disaster Risk and
Exposure Assessment for Mitigation or DREAM Program. The DREAM program will enable the
DOST to scan the whole country and produce three-dimensional (3D) flood hazard maps. The
extension of this project will enable the DOST to ensure that the Philippines has a way to
monitor disaster that are happening throughout the country.
Inevitability of Natural Disasters and the Possible Measures
Natural Calamities are always expected to cause impediments no matter how well a
community prepares for such, according to Coppola (2010), there is no global formula when it
comes to disaster response. The actions to address preparedness mitigation or risk reduction, and
response activities will always be dependent on the circumstances in the environment of a
particular place. In disasters be it natural or man-made, the corresponding actions will always
depend on the gravity and the amount or extent of available equipment and facilities, also the

availability and extent of prepared equipment and facilities will also be a critical part in the
reduction of risk. In accordance to natural calamity response, Kusumasari (2010), although
considering the fact that there is no global formula for Disaster Response, stated that there are
four stages in disaster management, namely; Mitigation Stage, Preparedness Stage, Response
Stage, and the Recovery Stage. Accordingly, it was explained that the important requisites in
managing disasters in the Mitigation stage are evaluation, monitoring and dissemination. While
in the Preparedness stage, planning, exercise, and training are the matters to be considered. The
Response stage requires assessment, information exchange, and logistical expertise. Lastly, the
Recovery stage, local governments must have personnel with expertise in damage assessment
and debris removal as well as disaster assistance skills. There is no global formula in solving the
problem of natural calamities but there are ways in which its impediments can be minimized. In
relevance to what kusumasari (2010) had said, Tomasini et. al. (2009) said that humanitarian
agencies should make supply chain management as a priority function in disaster response
because it has the most importance. They contended that supply chains should be prioritized
because insufficiency in supplies like prime commodities can aggravate the situation and might
cause panic among the people which may lead to chaotic tendencies and desperate acts like
looting or pillaging.
Community Involvement in Disaster Risk Reduction
According to Sagun et al. (2009), disaster management is a continuous, highly
collaborative process involving Governments, Disaster Management Organizations, Responders,
the Construction Sector, and the general public.(Sagun et al. pp 214-238) It was also mentioned
that these entities must cooperate and synchronized their actions among themselves in order to
achieve better feats in Disaster Management. In relation to the importance of community

involvement in Disaster risk reduction, Sawaji (2010) states in his journal that when a natural
disaster occurs in Japan, all disaster response agencies such as fire departments, police officers
and self-defense forces are assigned to rescue and give relief to the victims but in case a large
scale disaster happens, these agencies would not be able to help them all at once. For that reason
the Japanese government conduct trainings on what to do during disaster and provides special
equipment that are a must have in case a large scale disaster happens. Training for disaster begins
in elementary. Kids in Japan, at an early age, will be aware about disaster risk reduction.
Emergency utilities are available on shops such as radio, flashlight, emergency packed goods and
other basic necessities. It was also mentioned that the most important thing people could do in
times of disasters is to help one another, because when a disaster strikes it takes time for the
officials to arrive, so it is a necessity for them to help one another and not lose precious time. The
citizens have also led voluntary disaster prevention organizations that enable Japan to be ready
for Natural disasters and its complications.
The Need for Information and the Coordination between Authorities and the Citizens
The importance of information in natural calamities is always repeatedly reiterated,
information is always the bloodline of a response plan and for that reason, Practical data,
according to Malayang & De Leon (2013) has an important role in disaster risk reduction. Aside
from being the basis in developing measures to respond in disasters, it also acts as the assessment
tool for the implemented policies. They also said that in order to hasten the gathering of data,
survey questions and interviews are not the only means, they stated that by providing barangays
a template in assessing and determining the risk factor in their locality, a significant amount of
effort and time can be saved. Their study made an emphasis on the role of every single individual
in a locality when it comes to the state of their local risk reduction management. Also, according

to Narvaez (2012), crowdsourcing, another method of information collection which utilizes data
received from volunteers, is important in disaster response because it can provide critically
lacking or complimentary information to better the disaster response. Crowdsourcing can be used
especially before and after a disaster wherein volunteer-produced data has been proven to have
contributed a significant feat in the challenge of coming up with better results.
But before the mobilization of protocols and emergency responses, Lagmay & Arcilla
(2013) presented in their study that developing a culture of safety is a responsibility by which
everyone in the community must develop. And before anything else could happen or could be
made, such should be taken into consideration first. A culture of safety is an effective way to
spread awareness of natural disasters, they also reiterated that it is a must that civil participation
is achieved and that such be led by authorities concerned. Active participation of all sectors of
society in the disaster mitigation could help decrease the risks brought by natural calamities.
Their study suggested that safety should be embedded in our culture so that consciousness about
risks may be well observed by the community. After all has been made and prepared in a
personal perspective , that is the time wherein vital necessities for the whole community should
be taken into consideration. In relation to community necessities, Alshehri (2012) stated that the
study that he had undertaken proved that hospitals and other related medical response facilities
are essential part of a community critical infrastructure and that such institutions should be more
involve in disaster response and recovery. Hospitals accordingly should also be more involved in
interaction links, training and in their main role which is healthcare.

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the methodology of the study. In this chapter, the researchers
discussed the research design, research locale, population of the study, data collection,
instruments used, and statistical treatment of data.

Research Design
This research uses descriptive research method. The nature of descriptive research
method is to gather information about presenting existing conditions. According to Dr. Y.P.
Aggarwal (2008), descriptive research is devoted to the gathering of information about
prevailing conditions or situations for the purpose of description and interpretation. This type of
research method is not simply amassing and tabulating facts but includes proper analyses,
interpretation, comparisons, identification of trends and relationships. The researchers use
qualitative and quantitative in the study and gathered information through interview and use of
questionnaire.

Research Locale
The researchers will conduct the study in Marikina because it is one of the cities that are
prone to disasters especially flooding. The focus of this study only covers the Riverside zone in
Marikina. Riverside zone barangays are composed by Concepcion Uno, Malanday, Nangka and
Tumana. The researchers choose the barangays of Riverside zone barangays for these are the

nearest in the Marikina River. The said barangays have estimated total residents of one hundred
seventy-three thousand but the researchers will only choose one hundred (100) citizens from the
said barangays to validate the answer of the MDRRMC about the disaster preparedness policy.

Population of the Study

The respondents of the researchers on which they will gather the information needed are
the following:
a) The researchers will gather information through interview and questionnaire from the
Acting DRRM Officer of Marikina Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The
researchers will also gather information from the Administrative and Training Division Head,
Administrative and Training Staff, Operations/Warning Division, and Research and Planning
Staff about the disaster preparedness policy of Marikina.
b) The researchers will gather information through questionnaire from the officer in
charge for implementing the disaster preparedness policy in the local barangay unit of Malanday,
Nangka and Tumana about the disaster preparedness policy of Marikina and to verify the
answers of MDRRMC.
c) The researchers will give questionnaires to the residents of barangays Malanday,
Nangka and Tumana. The researchers will gather information from twenty-five (25) heads of the
household per barangay, a total of one hundred (100) residents from the said barangays to
validate the answer of the MDRRMC.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will give a letter of request to the Chief Executive Officer of the local
government of Marikina duly noted by the adviser of the Political Science department and
approved by the Dean of College and Arts and Sciences for permission to conduct the study in
the Marikina Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Riverside zone barangays
(Malanday, Nangka and Tumana), and among the residents of the said barangays.
Upon confirmation, the researchers will interview and give questionnaire to the Marikina
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers. After gathering information from the
MDRRMC, the researchers will proceed to the said barangays to give questionnaire about
implementing disaster preparedness policy of Marikina to its citizens and to confirm the actions
of the MDRRMC. The researcher will ask questions that will support and supplement the
necessary details regarding the study. Subsequently, the researchers will give questionnaires to
the residents of the said barangays to validate the answers about disaster preparedness policy of
the local government.

Instrumentation
The researchers will use the interview method and questionnaire/survey to gather
information in the Riverside zone barangays of Marikina. The researcher prepared sets of
questions of the direct interview for the MDRRMC and the barangay officials. A structured
questionnaire will be given to the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council officers and staff is used to gather data. The same will be given to the barangay officials.

Another structured questionnaire will be given to the citizens to validate the answers of the
MDRRMC and barangay officials about the disaster preparedness policy of Marikina.

Statistical Treatment of Data

1. Weighted Mean- It was used to translate the assessment of the implementation of policies of
MDRRMC.
The formula: Xw = Ewf / n
Where:

Xw = weighted mean
wf = summation of frequency times the number of scale
n = total number of respondents

The interpretations of the weighted mean are as follows:

Scale
2.35 3.00
1.68 2.34
1.00 1.67

Verbal Interpretation
Fully Implemented
Somewhat Implemented
Not Implemented

REFERENCES
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NGO perceptions of disaster management. Disasters, 33: 686704. doi: 10.1111/j.14677717.2009.01104
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Building Model. Volume 42, Issue 4, pp 591-603
Calorce, Edgardo P. Jr (2009) The Philippine Disaster Management Information System
Coppola, Damon P. (2010) Introduction to International Disaster
Dorasamy, M., Raman, M., Muthaiyah, S., & Kaliannan, M. (2010). Disaster Preparedness in
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Kusumasari, Bevaola, Alam, Quamrul, & Siddiqui, Kamal (2010) "Resource capability for local
government in managing disaster", Disaster Prevention and Management: An
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Lagmay, A.M.F & Arcilla, C.A., Lessons from Recent Philippine Disasters, National Institute of
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Preparedness for Disasters: Are Current Assumptions Valid?. Disaster Medicine and
Public Health Preparedness, 6, pp 170-173. doi:10.1001/dmp.2012.23.
Malayang, Ben S. III & De Leon, Roy Olsen (2013) Practical Data for Barangay- Oriented
Resources Climate Change Vulnerability
Marasigan (2014) The Civil Defense Gazette Vol. 2 Issue 1
Mercer, J., Kelman, I., Taranis, L. and Suchet-Pearson, S. (2010), Framework for integrating
indigenous and scientific knowledge for disaster risk reduction. Disasters, 34: 214239.
doi: 10.1111/j.1467-7717.2009.01126
Narvaez, R. W. M. (2012). Crowdsourcing for disaster preparedness: Realities and
opportunities. Master's thesis, Graduate Institute of International and Development
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PAGASA (2010) Greater Metro Manila Area: Ready, Safe, Resilient against Earthquake
PAGASA (2013) Greater Metro Manila Area: Ready, Safe, Resilient against Floods
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10.1111/j.1467-7717.2008.01071.
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APPENDICES
Letters
September 26, 2014
Dr. Winston S. Sirug
Office of the Dean
College of Arts and Sciences

Sir/Madam:
May I request for a schedule for the service of Mr. Francisco Riodique III as our thesis
adviser. Our topic is An Assessment of the Disaster Preparedness Policy of Riverside Zone
Barangays in Marikina City.
We pledge to work closely with him for good of our research paper.

Very Truly Yours,

Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda

Charlemagne S. Galagar

Karl Edson G. Gato

Respectfully endorsed to Mr. Francisco Riodique III seeking response on the above
request of Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda, Charlemagne S. Galagar, and Karl Edson G. Gato.

Renante Pagala

Thesis Instructor
September 26, 2014
Dr. Winston S. Sirug
Office of the Dean
College of Arts and Sciences

Sir/Madam:
May I request for a schedule for the service of Ms. Sheilla Tandoc as our language editor.
Our topic is An Assessment of the Disaster Preparedness Policy of Riverside Zone Barangays in
Marikina City.
We pledge to work closely with her for good of our research paper.

Very Truly Yours,

Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda

Charlemagne S. Galagar

Karl Edson G. Gato

Respectfully endorsed to Ms. Sheilla Tandoc seeking response on the above request of
Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda, Charlemagne S. Galagar, and Karl Edson G. Gato.

Renante Pagala
Thesis Instructor

September 26, 2014

Dr. Winston S. Sirug
Office of the Dean
College of Arts and Sciences

Sir/Madam:
May I request for a schedule for the service of Mr. John Irish Lira as our statistician. Our
topic is An Assessment of the Disaster Preparedness Policy of Riverside Zone Barangays in
Marikina City.
We pledge to work closely with him for good of our research paper.

Very Truly Yours,

Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda

Charlemagne S. Galagar

Karl Edson G. Gato

Respectfully endorsed to Mr. John Irish Lira seeking response on the above request of
Neil Patrick I. Avellaneda, Charlemagne S. Galagar, and Karl Edson G. Gato.

Renante Pagala
Thesis Instructor

Questionnaires
AN ASSESSMENT OF REPUBLIC ACT 10121 THE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
POLICY OF RIVERSIDE ZONE BARANGAYS IN MARIKINA CITY
Name (optional):
Age:

Barangay:

Assessment of the MDRRMC on implementation of policies

Directions: Put a () in the box that corresponds to your answer. Use the following scale.
1-Not Implemented

2- Somewhat Implemented

3- Fully Implemented

Preparedness Plan
a. Seminars and Trainings
1.Seminars are given to the residents
2. Trainings are given to the residents
3. Things learned in seminars and trainings are applicable to real life
situation
4. Notable persons and authorities on disaster preparedness are invited as
lecturers and speakers
5. Trainings and seminars are attended
b. Information System/ Mass Media
1. Develop information and database generation
2. Early warning signals are given
3. Pointers on disaster preparedness are seen via mass media
4. Geohazard maps are provided
5. Resident are informed on Emergency plan of the barangay
c. Emergency Drills
1. Flood drills are conducted
2. Making of improvised lifesaving equipment are taught
3. Drills taught are useful
4. First aid and safety measures are taught
5. Preparation on emergency situation
Interview Questions

For the LDRRMC office

1. After the implementation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Act of 2010, is there
a significant decrease in every succeeding incident of flooding?
1.1 In terms of Casualties.
a) Fatality Rate
b) Number of injured
1.2 In terms of damage to property.
2. Are there specific policies implemented exclusively among the Riverside Zone
Barangays?
3. Is there a specific Building Code implemented in:
3.1 Marikina City?
3.2 The Riverside Zone Barangays?
For the Barangay Office
1. What are the equipment provided by the local government regarding the Disaster Risk
Reduction of your Barangay?
2. How many per equipment were provided?
3. Are the amounts of equipment enough to suffice the necessity of your barangay?