Natural and Human-induced Disasters in San Juan, Batangas: Basis for Risk Reduction Management Project

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The geophysical condition of San Juan, Batangas made it exposed to different disasters brought by natural and human-induced hazards. Since disasters can cause indisputable damage to life and property, the Municipality is expected to be at the lead of every emergency and risk reduction measure. Educational institutions, on the other hand, should also be partners of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the implementation of programs for risk reduction management. As such, this study focused on assessing the natural and human-induced disasters in San Juan, Batangas. It also paid attention to determining the extent of the practice of disaster resiliency measures in the municipality.

METHODS

A qualitative-descriptive method was used in this study with a questionnaire, document analyses and interviews as research instruments. The respondents of the study are 198 academic leaders obtained through random sampling and 41 civic leaders identified through purposive sampling. Before the conduct of the study, the researcher sought firsts the approval of the authorities, then, personally administered the research instruments used.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the academic and civic leaders have the knowledge on natural and human-induced disasters such as fire, flood, typhoon, landslide, and earthquake as evident on the obtained composite means that are of the same ranges. However, academic leaders are more aware than civic leaders in terms of disasters. On the other hand, the school announces the suspension of offices and/or classes based on advisories given by the warning agencies and/or the Local and National government obtained the highest weighted mean of 3.35 interpreted as moderately practiced. Least rated among the measures is that school provides and installs functional alarm and warning system as evident on the obtained weighted mean of 3.12 interpreted as moderately practiced. The findings indicate that they exerting efforts to become prepared and ready to respond in times of emergency and disaster crises, however, there is a need to improve the current practices given the fact that DRRM is everyone's responsibility.

DISCUSSIONS

The academic and civic leaders have knowledge of natural and human-induced disasters such as fire, flood, typhoon, landslide, an earthquake. However, disaster resiliency measures are moderately practiced in San Juan, Batangas. Therefore, schools and government agencies must strengthen its implementation in order to build a disaster resilient community.