CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter deals with pieces of literature, concepts, and reports from books,

reliable internet sources, published theses, vertical files and periodicals that are

related to the study that was conducted. The gathered data served as additional

knowledge and a way for the researchers to fully understand the problem to come up

with their chosen output, which in this case, is an action plan.

Related Literature

Typhoons are generally defined as a tropical storm occurring mainly in the

region of the Philippines or the China Sea. Fundamentally, it is just a cyclone

originating from the Northwest Pacific Ocean that commonly occur from May to

November, though it cannot be told exactly when a typhoon will strike, everyone

must be ready. Typhoons are usually accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong wind,

landslides, flash flood, and overwhelming waves (Flint, 2017). According to Calilung

(2016), a typhoon is formed when warm ocean water evaporates rapidly. It is usually

in spiral form and travels while rotating and usually has a diameter of not less than a

hundred kilometers. Calilung (2016), additionally emphasized that when the ocean is

warmer it has a big possibility that a stronger typhoon will be formed. Although that

destructiveness can be reduced to the minimum if relevant preparation is done. For

instance De Vera (2016) asserted that a Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) 4

typhoon hit Batanes but casualties were fewer than anticipated because the

MDRRMC of Batanes were able to respond to any untoward incident and every
 15

organizations in there has done precautionary measures and everyone was prepared

for the impact of Typhoon Meranti ( “Bagyong Ferdie” ) which was supposed to be

deadly if the residents and authorities of Batanes was not prepared.

As typhoon preparedness is the researchers’ main focus on their study, they

needed to learn more about it, such as how it is formed, the dangers it brings with it.

The researchers utilized the information that has been gathered by using it to identify

the disaster that the subjects are facing. By giving the definition of the typhoon, the

problem is analyzed and enabled the researchers to continue their next step in order to

make an action plan.

In 2016, Quebral’s book states that disasters like typhoon have several effects

on everyone. These are population displacement, health risks, food scarcity, and

emotional aftershocks. According to Oliva (2016), effects of a certain disaster like

typhoon still vary depending on the severity of life, poverty, and the environment.

Usually, the severity becomes higher in the community that is directly affected by the

disaster. Nearby communities may also be affected and may still be significant.

The researchers utilized the effects of a typhoon by using it as guide that

helped them formulate possible precautionary measures to the effects of typhoons,

namely: flood, strong wind, and heavy rainfall. By knowing the effects of the

typhoons, the researchers included in their action plan on what must be done for each

effects, the researchers also used the effects of a typhoon as a basis to see if the

respondents do something to make them less-prone to the effects of typhoon.

 16

Philippines is very prone to typhoon. According to Dungo (n.d.), the

Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons a year. It is because of the geographic

location of the Philippines, the Philippines is located near the equator, along the

Pacific Region where typhoons are generated and make a landfall in the Philippines

since it is the first country on the path of the typhoons. Also, as indicated by

Montenegro (2015), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reported

that the Philippines is ranked fourth among countries hit by the highest number of

disasters in the past 20 years.

The researchers gathered information about typhoons in the Philippines. It has

been concluded that the Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons,

making it a lot more crucial to have disaster preparedness.

According to M2.0 Social Media Agency (2015), the worst typhoons that went

down in the Philippine History are Typhoon Haiphong in 1881 that killed over 20,000

people and declared as the deadliest typhoon in the Philippine History. Typhoon

Thelma (Uring) in 1991 left 5,081 to 8,165 casualties and over 3,000 missing people.

Typhoon Angela (Rosing) in 1995 that left $241 million or 10.8 billion pesos

damages to the Philippines. Tropical depression Winnie in 2004 that unexpectedly

possessed disastrous rainfall like typhoon left 1,600 dead people and 751 missing

people. Typhoon Fengshen (Frank) in 2008 left 1,371 dead people and 87 missing

people. Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) in 2009 left $244 million or 11 billion pesos

damages. Rammasun (Glenda) in 2014 that took $871 million or 38.6 billion pesos

damages in the country and Supertyphoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 costing $2.86
 17

billion or 89.6 billion pesos damages and killed over 6,300 lives in the Philippines

and 1,061 people were also went missing.

By citing recent typhoons in the Philippines, the researchers gained a glimpse

of how destructive a typhoon can be and in order to reduce those casualties, the

researchers used the data from past typhoons as an educator to improve the chances of

public safety when the next typhoon strikes. By citing recent typhoons in the

Philippines, the researchers became more aware of the destructive force of the

typhoons which can hit any place, any time.

Strong wind is one of the effects brought by the typhoon. The average

typhoon-force winds that can reach out as 40 km-240 km and can extend as 480 km

from the center of the large tropical depression. These are very dangerous typhoon

that can harm the lives the people of a certain community (Quebral, 2016). Bayquen

et al. (2013), additionally emphasized that strong winds during typhoons have large

impacts or effects on environment like trees, houses, and electric post can be

damaged. Electrical power distributors and communication services may be disrupted

and overall damages of the affected communities can be very heavy for everyone.

This study used the effects brought by strong wind in their questionnaire to

determine if the residents experience it or if the residents are vulnerable to it.

Typhoon also brings heavy rainfalls that cause much more damages like

flooding, landslides, and mud slides and the roads, bridges, and sometimes houses are

washed away by floods (Angeles, Crisostomo, Quinsaat & Toledo, 2013).

 18

The concepts above was used in this study as another factor in the level of

vulnerability of the residents, having known heavy rainfall can trigger floods etc., the

researchers connected it to their questionnaire to determine the level of preparedness

of the residents when it comes to heavy rainfall and its effects.

Flood is generally referred to as running and overlaying of water on the land

that is not ordinarily covered by it. It is also defined as superfluous water that swamps

land property. It causes damaged to properties and lives especially when it flows fast

and rises very rapidly (Lanada, Melegrito, & Mendoza, 2016). Oliva (2016), states

that effects of typhoon like flood can also cause waterborne diseases that can cause

danger to one’s life such as leptospirosis and typhoid fever.

The effects of flood is used in the study is included in the output of the

researchers, which is an action plan where they stated in there the things that they

must and must not do in line with the effects of typhoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA) is the Philippines’ government agency that is responsible

for monitoring typhoons, weather disturbances, weather forecasting, flood control,

and astronomical research (Bayquen et. al., 2013).

Through the definition of PAGASA, the researchers became more aware of

what they do for the country and what their duties are which enabled the researchers

to make right recommendations in their output.

According to The New Book of Popular Science (2006), weather forecast can

be a life-saving warning because forecasters can notify the public of potentially

 19

devastating storms and other calamities days before its predicted arrival, enabling the

public to ready themselves.

In conclusion of the researchers, the residents must stay-tuned to weather

forecasts in order to be safe so they included it in their output.

Rimando (2016) elucidated that as weather is constantly changing,

meteorologists from PAGASA predict the weather and other disturbances that can

affect this archipelago to make necessary response. Judging from the observed

temperature, pressure, humidity, wind direction, and precipitation of the next 24

hours, predictions called weather forecasts can be made. All depressions, storms, and

typhoons identified by PAGASA inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility are

being closely watched and monitored then it announced to the public so they can

prepare accordingly. PAGASA can tell which places will be affected in the next 24

hours. PAGASA is also responsible for releasing tropical cyclone warnings and

PSWS as explained in the later part.

This study figured out that the warnings from PAGASA, the government unit

responsible for monitoring and broadcasting potentially devastating typhoons, is

recognized by every citizens of the country therefore, they will follow the

precautionary measures and warnings that PAGASA announced thus increasing the

chances of the subjects to be more cautious.

Also according to Aquino, Valdoz, Mariano, and Bascara (2013), to describe

the intensity of a storm, PAGASA used a system called Public Storm Warning

Signals wherein the intensity of the storm is described using four warning levels:
 20

Parena (2016) said that In PSWS 1, the wind speed ranges from 30-60 kph

and is expected to make a landfall in 36 hours after detection. In this storm signal,

twigs and branches of diminutive trees may fall off, the roof of nipa huts may be

partially broken and very little or no damage is done in affected communities.

However, rice crops may suffer a considerable damage. People are advised to listen to

weather updates issued by PAGASA every six hours because waves on coastal waters

may develop and become bigger and higher over time.

Through understanding the effects of PSWS 1, the researchers got an idea on

what must be done when a warning is released by PAGASA. The researchers then

included it in their action plan to guide the residents when there is PSWS 1.

In PSWS 2, the wind speed ranges from 61-120 kph and is expected to make a

landfall in 24 hours after detection. In this storm signal, only very few trees are

uprooted and some are slightly bent and tilted, rice and corn crops may suffer

significant damage due to higher wind speed, many nipa huts or houses made from

light materials may be totally unroofed while some senescent galvanized iron roofing

may be blown away by the wind. Moreover, winds may bring slight damage to the

exposed communities. People who are traveling by sea and air are warned by the

authorities to avoid unnecessary risks and outdoor activities of children should be

done when the storm has dissipated. People are also advised to secure properties and

resources before the signal is raised. Also, disaster preparedness groups are on the

move to let residents of a certain community know about the current situation (Luna,

2016).
 21

The researchers gained the knowledge that PSWS 2 may not be totally

destructive but it poses a threat too that is why it is included also in their action plan

to guide the residents when there is PSWS 2 released by PAGASA.

As Angeles, Crisostomo, Quinsaat, & Toledo (2013) attested, in PSWS 3, the

wind speed ranges from 121-170 kph and might make a landfall 18 hours after

detection. Many plants and trees may be devastated or uprooted while rice and corn

crops may suffer a heavy loss. Most of the nipa huts may be devastated and houses

built using light materials may suffer a considerable amount of damage as well. As

electrical posts and cell towers may be brought down by strong winds, there will be a

widespread loss of electricity and cellular services. Traveling by sea or air may be

deferred because strong winds and violent waves may put traveling at high risk.

Moreover, residents are advised to seek shelter in fortified structures and evacuate

areas where there are potential floods. People are also advised not to wander away

from safe shelters. Classes in all levels are also suspended and children should be

supervised at all times. Disaster preparedness and response agencies are on the move

to attend to the needs of the residents accordingly.

PSWS 3 is quite destructive that is why the researchers used the statements

above as a guide to create an action plan and proper responses for the residents.

Lanada, Melegrito, & Mendoza (2016) stated that in PSWS 4, wind speeds

exceed 171-220 kph and is expected to make a landfall 12 hours after detection. All

sizes of trees may be uprooted due to strong winds and plantation may suffer from

abysmally heavy damage. In this signal warning, some residential and institutional

buildings may be damaged severely while electricity and cellular services may be
 22

discontinued for a while. The overall damage to exposed communities can be very

heavy. The situation is very much damaging to the community. Land, sea, and even

air transport should be revoked due to extreme weather disturbances. Evacuation to

safer shelters should have also been completed before the situation gets too extreme

and there is also a PSWS 5 with wind speeds of more than 220 kph expected within

12 hours and very heavy damage can be seen everywhere.

Knowing the different levels of public storm warning signals broadcasted by

PAGASA can give the subjects of this research the urge to make actions depending

on the level storm warning signal. By including the concepts cited, the researchers

also got an idea on what should be done during different Public Storm Warning

Signals enabling them to have some ideas that they incorporated in their survey

questionnaire.

Disaster is a serious disruption of society, causing widespread human,

material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected people to cope

using its own resources. Disaster risk reduction is a systematic approach to

identifying, assessing and reducing the risks of disasters that helps to reduce

socioeconomic vulnerabilities to disaster as well as deal with the environmental and

other hazards that trigger them. Disaster Risk Reduction is also about human and

environment preservation wherein communities must implement Disaster Risk

Reduction Plans because the Philippines adhere to the HFA to lessen casualties to the

minimum rate (Lanada, Melegrito, & Mendoza, 2016).

Disaster Risk Reduction elucidated the researchers that in order to reduce

risks, they must identify, address the problem and create a plan to weaken the effects
 23

of the problem so that minimal casualties may be attained. The researchers also

gained prior knowledge about how local communities are obliged to develop Disaster

Risk Reduction Plans. The researchers concluded that local communities have their

own action plans, but still the researchers aim to assess their level of preparedness

regarding evacuation and rescue. To measure the capacity of the local communities to

evacuate and rescue residents, the researchers interrogated the local authorities about

their prepared action plan and it if they are prepared for possible evacuations and

rescue.

The concept of vulnerability is a condition determined by physical, social,

economic, and environmental factors which increases the susceptibility of a

community to the impact of hazards. It is the extent to which a community, structure

service, or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of a

particular hazard, on account of its nature, construction and proximity to hazardous

terrain or a hazardous-prone area (Luna, 2016).

This research also aimed to determine the level of vulnerability of the

residents that is why the researchers sought concepts about it to understand it even

further.

As cited in the book of Quebral (2016), there are four main types of

vulnerability. The first one is physical vulnerability, which is used for critical

infrastructure and for housing United Nations International Strategy for Disaster

Reduction (UNISDR) that may be determined by aspects such as population density

levels, remoteness of a settlement, the site, design and materials. Next is the social
 24

vulnerability, it is the inability of people, organization and societies to stand up

against the impacts of hazards due to the institution and systems of cultural values

and inherent in social interactions. Then economic vulnerability is next, it refers to

the level of the economic status of individuals, communities and nations. The poor

are usually the more vulnerable to disaster because they lack resources to build sturdy

structures that will protect themselves from being impacted by disasters. Last is the

environmental vulnerability, it has two aspects which is the natural resource depletion

and resource degradation which both communities and government must be sensitive

about. To reduce natural disaster risk and vulnerability, migration must be

undertaken.

The concept of vulnerability is accustomed in the researchers’ action plan as

another factor that will determine the safety of the subjects. For example, the

environmental vulnerability, some of the subjects live in coastal areas which made

them prone to storm surges. The researchers then included in their action plan that

those who live in coastal areas are of much higher risks and is more vulnerable to

hazards, so for example, the researchers included in their action plan to warn the

people living near the sea to migrate or evacuate immediately after the authorities

announced so.

The concept of capacity is the combination of strengths, characteristics, and

resources of a community that can be used to achieve certain goals and these qualities

helps the citizens and communities to overcome the negative effects of disaster.

Through the help of preparation, mitigation, and recovery, the risk of disaster is

reduced (Lanada, Melegrito, & Mendoza, 2016).

 25

In this study, the concept of capacity refers to the capabilities of the local

authorities and residents to attain safety during typhoons. For example, the subject

does not have the capacity to build reinforced houses, then he or she will have

problems amidst the typhoon, therefore he or she would not be able to stay totally

safe. The researchers deemed that if the subject does not have the capacity to prepare

and remain safe during typhoons, then they will have difficulties in staying safe

during a calamity, which means they will have to allot more time preparing for

typhoons.

According Davies and Lemma (2009), the capacity development is defined by

the United Nations and Development Programme as the process through which

individual and societies obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to achieve

their own development objectives over time.

The concept of capacity is incorporated in the study because lack of capacity

is also a vulnerability. The researchers included it in their questionnaire to see if the

residents have the capacity to do something because if they do not have the capacity

to perform something when there is a disaster, they can be vulnerable to it.

Oliva (2016), states that Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

Management is essential to develop, implement, and maintain an effective early

warning system in a hazard prone community. Luna (2016) added that CBDRRM is

an alternative that helps to reduce the sufferings and difficulties during disaster that

goes beyond emergencies and enclose risk reduction before, during and after disaster

events. The greatest enemy in risk reduction is dependency where the locals are
 26

looking for the outside help and refuse to take action on their own as the only answer

to their misery and by this the people become more vulnerable and unmindful of the

dangers that may come.

Once again, the researchers aim to develop an action plan that is based on the

areas of improvement of the residents’ level of preparedness regarding typhoons. A

Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan is fit to be another

factor in their output because in a CBDRRM, everyone in the community needs to

identify the risks, then plan as a whole on how they will address that matter. A

community should also raise awareness by conducting drills and seminars that will

help the residents be more familiar with the problems they are facing so they will be

able to participate in the disaster risk reduction process of a community.

According to Luna (2016), that external organization such as governments

agencies, and non-governmental organization, and key players need to appreciate and

adopt CBDRM in their own risk reduction program. Through this, the local people

will be encouraged to actively participate in risk reduction process and will diminish

the imposition of program. As stated by Lanada, Melegrito, and Mendoza (2016),

that in past, the response of the Philippines in prevailing disaster was focused only on

the relief operation and emergency response. Disaster preparedness like evacuation

drills and exercise, training and education, and other preparedness activities to equip

people with knowledge, skills, and attitude were not given much attention.

According to Parena (2016), a well-developed community based DRRM plan

includes an understanding of the real life situation of the community, participation of

 27

community in disaster risk assessment and actual DRMM planning, community that

can manage the implementation of the DRRM plan, and community that monitor the

evaluation of DRRM plan.

As cited in the book of Lanada, Melegrito, and Mendoza (2016), development

is a process through which people increase their capabilities for producing things that

they need and at the same time it reduce their vulnerabilities to events that threaten

their economic and sociopolitical existence and this view of development express

briefly the aspiration of community in participation in disaster mitigation and risk

reduction.

Thereupon, the researchers included in their action plan an advice to

participate in seminars to raise awareness of the residents to the vulnerabilities that

they might not know about so they can prepare accordingly. The researchers also

emphasized in their action plan only the areas where they felt that they are most

vulnerable to successfully create an action plan.

There are guidelines made during a typhoon warning because typhoon is

inevitable. The effects of it will become worse if the residents and the authorities of a

certain community does not have enough knowledge and understanding on what they

have to do when a certain natural disaster come (Lanada, Melegrito, & Mendoza,

2016).

The researchers adopted the guidelines during a typhoon warning in their

study because their output is to create an action plan that will guide them on what

must be done.
 28

Williams (2012) also added that there are two good rules for responding

when a typhoon threatens their home, which is to run from the water and hide from

the wind because these are the things that make typhoons so destructive.

This research deemed the statement above as meaningful and logical so,

through the action plan, the residents are advised to run from the water and hide from

the wind when there is a typhoon.

According to Villaraza (2014), there should be precautionary measures that

the residents and local authorities of a certain community, before, during, and after a

typhoon warning has been announced by PAGASA. The following are the

precautionary measures before a typhoon:

The first thing to do before a typhoon strike is to be updated to the news and

know where the typhoon might possibly make a landfall so one can prepare

accordingly. One has to prepare important things like an emergency kit and know

where could be the possible evacuation center if ever there is a need to evacuate.

Also, fortify the things such as sheds that might be blown away. Then, store enough

food and water that is enough to last for 3-4 days and just to be safe, trim the

branches of trees that can potentially fall near your house because according to

Pareno (2017), there are instances in the past, specifically in Zamboanga, where

people died because they were pinned to death by tree that has fallen due to

continuous rain and wind. And lastly, follow the instructions given by the local

authorities.

To prepare for the typhoon’s impact, this study used the guidelines above in

the questionnaire to determine the level of preparedness of the residents.

 29

Lanada, Melegrito, and Mendoza (2016) additionally commented that the

following is the precautionary measures during a typhoon:

During a typhoon, one must stay inside as much as possible to avoid accidents

from flying and falling debris and to avoid electrocution from fallen posts. Always

stay tuned-in to the radio and television for the latest news and weather updates. It is

already given that one must be alert and prepared at all times. Save batteries of

flashlights and phones in case of emergency situations. When the weather goes from

bad to worse, evacuate the area if the local authorities ordered so.

The researchers used the concepts above as a guideline when the typhoon is

happening.

In 2016, Quebral’s book, he additionally stated the following as precautionary

measures after a typhoon:

To be safe from further hazards, be updated to the news through radio and

television broadcasts. Also, avoid getting near uprooted trees, wrecked houses, and

fallen posts. Lastly, do not wade through flood water to avoid accumulating

waterborne diseases for there are instances in the past, specifically in Pangasinan,

Inigo (2018) cited that massive flooding struck the province that around 316 barangay

and 22 towns and cities were left abysmally flooded. Later, there were reports of 45

cases of leptospirosis with 10 deaths, a proof that flood waters can be dangerous.

The researchers became aware of the consequences of typhoons so in order to

reduce it, the researchers used the concepts above to serve as a guideline for the

residents that is included in the action plan created by the researchers.

 30

In terms of emergency preparedness, according to Lanada, Melegrito, and

Mendoza (2016), during a disaster, two important areas for consideration are

evacuation and management of the evacuation center. Evacuation is a delicate process

of saving people’s lives, so the first phase of evacuation is to make sure that everyone

is aware and well-taught on how to do this kind of process. People should determine

the time when the community members need to evacuate the particular area. Assigned

persons must also be alert and observe warning signs that is disseminated by the

authorities. The people must be alert if it is time to leave the area and wait for the

announcement for evacuation.

In conclusion, evacuation and management of the evacuation center is

important so the researchers tested if the local authorities consider it and determine

their level of capacity regarding evacuation.

Sitjar (2015) also explained the phases of evacuation, he stated that the

second phase is to proceed to the identified evacuation sites that the assigned official

person in the community will lead the affected people and will be asked to use the

alternative and safest route and follow the road signs. Third, is the checklist of the

community members will be checked and identify those who are not in the evacuation

site and those who are in the evacuation area. Fourth, the sick, elderly, disabled, and

children are the priority in evacuation. Fifth, bring the necessary supplies and

facilities at the evacuation center such as food and water supplies, medical support,

toilet and place to sleep. Sixth, rescue missing people that should have rescue team to

help the community and also have a rescue for the animals. Seventh, having a
 31

management in the evacuation center, that should create committees that are relevant

in the management of evacuation center.

The researchers used the concepts above to determine the level of capacity of

the local authorities during evacuation by conducting a survey to see if they do the

concepts above.

Quebral (2016) explicated that there are five phases of evacuation, namely,

Warning, Order to Move, Actual Evacuation, Management of Evacuation Center and

Return to House or Transfer to new Houses. The first phase is the Warning phase, this

incorporates the announcement on the coming of hazards such as typhoon, the

possible effect and the actions to be undertaken must be emphasized. Second is the

Order to Move, where there is already an order to leave the particular area. Third is

the Actual Evacuation, where the community leaders ask the people to proceed to the

evacuation center and record the names of the community members. Fourth, Manage

the Evacuation Center that should orient the people involved so that they can be able

to help in arranging the area as well as the foods and medicines needed. Also, make

sure that the cleanliness, orderliness are maintained as well as having the assigned

committees for food, health, information, education and security. And lastly, Return

to House and it is the time in rebuilding of houses, clean the evacuation center and

transfer to old or new house.

The researchers included the phases of evacuation in their study to gain the

knowledge of how evacuation should be executed. Then, they used that knowledge to

test the preparedness of the local authorities regarding that matter.Evacuation and
 32

rescue, as the researchers’ target is to quantify those of the local authorities, the

researchers included concepts like phases of evacuation and how search and rescue

must be executed. Although barangay councils do not have full responsibility

regarding search and rescue, the researchers still aimed to test their capacity because

as the HFA suggested, every community must make disaster risk reduction a priority,

therefore the locale of the researchers is expected to have some plan to reduce

casualties themselves.

According to Arcuelo and Lisniak (2017), search and rescue (SAR) is one of

the most important and dynamic processes in disaster management, which aims to

identify and rescue people in the calamities like typhoon. Security and safety should

always be fully considered for both staff and victims. The primary responsibility for

the readiness of search and rescue capabilities lies on the national or regional

government. Disaster rescue, by its very nature, is a high-risk activity. Safety must be

foremost in mind. As such, it is important to communicate the location of the event

and the number of people involved as well as every potential residual danger

(collapsed structures, broken pipes, electric cables, etc.) to the authorities, thus

allowing them to efficiently coordinate their rescue efforts. Rescuing trapped victims

are removed and given medical aid as necessary. Before removing victims, it is often

necessary to move or stabilize debris. Victims may be able to walk to safety

themselves or may be removed using lifts, drags, or carries. Removal of victims is

designed to avoid further injury.

The researchers also aim to assess the level of preparedness of the local

authorities regarding their capacity to rescue their residents. The researchers used the
 33

information above as a standard that enabled them to tell the capacity of the local

authorities to actually perform a search and rescue operation.

In Developing an Action Plan, Parena (2016) stated that RA 10121 or the

Philippines DRRM Law gave permission to communities to develop a Community-

Based Disaster Risk Reduction Management plan. Having a plan is crucial since it

will identify community problems and mention the areas that need government

assistance. Moreover, having a plan will decrease the odds of the people getting

involved in serious casualties. RA 10121 aims to bring changes to the country’s

preparation against disasters. It also requires all stakeholders to create a Disaster Risk

Reduction Management plan which is supposed to be followed by everyone.

Having known that there is a law that requires stakeholders and communities

to create an action plan, the researchers still aim to create an action plan that is

intended for household use of the residents and an alternative plan that the

community can use as well. The action plan that the researchers did is an initial plan

of action of the residents while help is unavailable.

Lanada, Melegrito, and Mendoza (2016) also provided the steps in developing

an Action Plan. They stated that in order to formulate an action plan, several steps

must be taken into consideration. These are the following:

The first step is to analyze the problem. Analyze the problem by considering

possible hazards that one will face, also imagine the worst-case scenario so necessary

preparations can be done. After the problem is analyzed, think how the problem will

be solved. To plan for the solution, one must imagine a situation that is desirable then

come up with methods or strategies on how one will achieve that desirable situation.
 34

If needed, one can also think of alternative solutions in case the main solution is not

applicable.

This research followed the steps above to develop an action plan that is

intended for the resident’s use in case help is unavailable.

Esguerra (2016) also suggested that it is also crucial to prepare for the

implementation of the action plan. One should identify and assign reliable groups of

people that can resolve a specific problem. Include in the action plan when and how

long a certain step in the plan takes place. To ensure that the plan is carried out the

way it is intended to, one must recognize the possible hindrances and obstacles that

the people should overcome to do what is set to do. To top it all off, see to it if drills

and awareness programs are possible to conduct in order to increase the chances of

proper plan execution.

The researchers also followed the step above to create an effective action plan.

Related Studies

Under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is the Disaster

Risk Reduction. As asserted in the study of Cliff (2007), O’Leary (2006) stated that

there are four phases of coping with disasters, namely: Mitigation, Preparedness,

Response, and Recovery which simply means that one should identify first the

potential dangers. Next, improve one’s capability of responding to the problem, then

execute every preparation and plans that has been made. Lastly, return the pre-

disaster situation of the area that has been heavily affected.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management includes four phases which is

Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. The researchers used it in their

 35

questionnaire to see if the local authorities do the things that has been previously

mentioned.

To attain sustainable development, the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA),

which is the proposed solution by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk

Reduction on 2005, focuses on five important areas for action, including principles

and techniques to guide disaster-prone communities toward achieving disaster

resilience, namely: “Make Disaster Risk Reduction a Priority”. Ensure that disaster

risk reduction is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for

implementation. “Know the Risk and Take Action”. Identify, assess, and monitor

disaster risk and enhance early warning. On the basis of this knowledge, effective

early warning system should be developed, one that is appropriately adapted to the

peculiar situation of the people at risk. “Build Understanding and Awareness”. Use

knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all

levels. Knowledge and understanding of appropriate vulnerability measures combined

with commitment to act is the key to disaster reduction. “Reduce Risk and cut down

underlying risk factors”. Communities and countries can be resilient to disasters by

investing in double, well-known ways of reducing vulnerability and risk (Anaya et.

al.,2012).

Creating an Action Plan is the set output of the researchers, the researchers

decided to use the HFA to serve as a guide to create one. By following the steps

above, the researchers created an action plan after they have determined the level of

preparedness of the subjects wherein the action plan is modified to emphasize the

aspects in which the subjects need more attention. The researchers identified the
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problems namely: typhoons and the dangers with it such as potential flooding, heavy

rainfall, and strong winds. The researchers also determined that the cause of many

typhoons in the Philippines is because it is located beside the Northwest Pacific

Ocean where most typhoons form so typhoons are a common phenomenon in the

Philippines, making it more crucial to have an action plan and disaster preparedness.

The researchers deemed that the most desirable scenario is for everyone to be safely

evacuated, rescued and the casualties are reduced to the minimum rate and in order to

attain that, the researchers included in their action plan the things that the subjects

should follow if ever there is a need to.

Lastly, Anaya et al. (2012) also stipulated on their study that the last

guideline set by the HFA is to “Be prepared and Ready to Act”. Strengthen disaster

preparedness for effective response at all levels of preparedness through conducting

risk assessments, among others, prior to investing in development programs and

projects at all levels of society can make people more resilient to natural hazards.

By using the concepts above, the researchers learned that conducting risk

assessments and seminars is essential in building resilience of communities that is

why the researchers included it in their questionnaire to determine if communities

conduct seminars and risk assessments.