The Level of Preparedness of the Residents of Barangay Benguet During Typhoon

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

We are situated in a Pacific Ring of Fire. An average of 21 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in a year. A typhoon is a violent tropical cyclone, in meteorological terms, which is low pressure system occurring in tropical ocean. Typhoons are major storms that affect everything they come in contact with, from boats to agricultural products to human beings. There are several times that the residents of Barangay Benguet suffered because of lack of awareness and training on the precautionary measures when typhoon occurs. People in the community rely on their past experiences, instead of adapting the proper things to do before, during, and after typhoons.

METHODS

The study aimed to determine the level of preparedness of the residents of Barangay Benguet during typhoon. This study utilized a descriptive method of research. A survey questionnaire was used to gather the needed data. The respondents were the 60 residents of Barangay Benguet aged 20 to 60 years old.

RESULTS

The level of preparedness of the respondents during typhoon has a rating of 4.31, which has a descriptive rating of very prepared. Most of the respondents agreed to the benefits of being prepared during typhoon as follows; a) To avoid loss of life, b) To prevent destruction of property, c) To know the things to do before, during, and after typhoon, d) To overcome the difficult situation during typhoon and e) To gain knowledge on the precautionary measures during typhoon. The things to do before, during, and after typhoon are the following; a) stay alert and be prepared, b) keep and emergency kit, c) stay updated on news,d) follow the instructions given by the disaster risk reduction committee personnel and e) know the important emergency hotlines in the community like the BDRRMC or PDRRMC. From the responses of the residents, the average rating is 3 which has a descriptive rating of aware.

DISCUSSIONS

The results show that there is a need to increase the level of preparedness and enhance the awareness of the residents on the things to do before, during, and after typhoon. The awareness of the residents would be enhanced through the cooperation of the school and the community. Thus, the Barangay Council with the assistance of the school may conduct a training program on disaster resilience. On the other hand, the school may use the proposed module in the teaching learning process to increase the awareness of the students.