Authors :
Cindy D. C. Cariaga; Jan Vincent S. Carmen; Wendy S. P. Nicolas; Marivic B. Posadas
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/9cfs34nu
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2vdh4c7d
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun889
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study assesses the disaster preparedness of Barangay Sapang in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, a community
highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. Using a quantitative research design and a
self-constructed survey questionnaire, the study measured residents’ awareness of hazards, resource availability, emergency
response protocols, community participation, and challenges related to disaster preparedness. A total of respondents were
selected through convenience sampling, and data were analyzed using weighted mean and statistical tools in SPSS.
Findings reveal that while residents demonstrate strong awareness of disaster risks and possess adequate knowledge of
evacuation routes and emergency procedures, gaps remain in practical skills, hands-on training, and consistent participation
in disaster drills. Resource availability, particularly first-aid kits, training modules, and emergency supplies, was found to
be limited despite good access to communication channels and evacuation centers. Community involvement was generally
positive, though participation varies across population groups. Major challenges identified include inadequate funding,
limited resources, poor coordination, and insufficient training.
Based on these findings, the study proposes Project HANDA: Holistic Approach to Neighborhood Disaster Awareness,
a community extension program aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness through capacity-building, improved
resource accessibility, enhanced coordination, and sustained community engagement. The results emphasize the importance
of localized assessments and targeted interventions to build resilient, informed, and disaster-ready communities.
References :
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2021). Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Tohoku-earthquake-and-tsunami-of-2011
- Domingo, S. N. (2018). Disaster preparedness and local governance in the Philippines (PIDS Discussion Paper). https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1852.pdf?
- Dariagan, J. D., et al. (2020). Disaster preparedness of local governments in Panay Island. Journal of Disaster Research / PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7587520/?
- Department of Budget & Management / Philippine DRR finance analyses (2025). DRR public expenditure and fiscal frameworks. https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/AboutDBM/PEFA/DRR-PFM-Report_cleaned-web.pdf?
- IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
- NDRRMC. (2020). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework 2020-2028. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
- Mayer, B. (2019). A review of the literature on community resilience and disaster recovery. Current Environmental Health Reports, 6, 167–173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-019-00239-3
- Northern Mindanao CSO engagement study (2025). Strengthening community engagement in local disaster management. https://web.coa.gov.ph/disaster_audit/doc/Local.pdf?
- Patel, S. S., Rogers, M. B., Amlot, R., & Rubin, G. J. (2017). What do we mean by ‘community resilience’? A systematic literature review of how it is defined in the literature. PLOS Currents Disasters, 9, ecurrents.dis.db775aff25efc5ac4f0660ad9c9f7db2. https://doi.org/10.1371/currents.dis.db775aff25efc5ac4f0660ad9c9f7db2
- Resilient Philippines. (2020). Community-Based Early Warning System: Learning from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte. https://resilientphilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Community-Based-Early-Warning-System_Learning-from-Saint-Bernard-Southern-Leyte.pdf?
- UNDP. (2017). Human Development Report 2017: Human Development for Everyone. United Nations Development Programme.
This study assesses the disaster preparedness of Barangay Sapang in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, a community
highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. Using a quantitative research design and a
self-constructed survey questionnaire, the study measured residents’ awareness of hazards, resource availability, emergency
response protocols, community participation, and challenges related to disaster preparedness. A total of respondents were
selected through convenience sampling, and data were analyzed using weighted mean and statistical tools in SPSS.
Findings reveal that while residents demonstrate strong awareness of disaster risks and possess adequate knowledge of
evacuation routes and emergency procedures, gaps remain in practical skills, hands-on training, and consistent participation
in disaster drills. Resource availability, particularly first-aid kits, training modules, and emergency supplies, was found to
be limited despite good access to communication channels and evacuation centers. Community involvement was generally
positive, though participation varies across population groups. Major challenges identified include inadequate funding,
limited resources, poor coordination, and insufficient training.
Based on these findings, the study proposes Project HANDA: Holistic Approach to Neighborhood Disaster Awareness,
a community extension program aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness through capacity-building, improved
resource accessibility, enhanced coordination, and sustained community engagement. The results emphasize the importance
of localized assessments and targeted interventions to build resilient, informed, and disaster-ready communities.
