Western Visayas’ Disaster Preparedness: A Mixed Reality

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Western Visayas stood out among the most prepared regions in the Philippines, according to a recent study by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI).

The region, which scored 21.4 out of 50 in HHI’s “Survey on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Perceptions,” ranked third nationwide, showcasing strides in readiness alongside Cordillera Administrative Region (24.0) and Central Visayas (21.5).

While the results highlighted progress, they also underscored critical gaps, particularly at the level of local government units (LGUs).

The survey, conducted from February to March 2024, provided both a reason for optimism and a call for urgent action.

The national average score of 19.2 reflected a significant jump from 13.5 in 2017, signaling gradual improvements in awareness and preparatory activities.

Yet, as Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, director of HHI’s Resilient Communities program, pointed out, the score—equivalent to just 38.4% of necessary activities—is insufficient for a country consistently ranked as the most disaster-prone in the world.

Good News and Gaps

Western Visayas’ high preparedness score can be attributed to active community engagement and increased awareness.

However, when compared against the broader picture, the region’s readiness is only a slice of a complex reality.

Other regions, such as the Davao Region (17.3), Negros Island (15.8), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) (15.1), painted a stark contrast, highlighting disparities in resource allocation and the historical struggles faced by conflict-affected and infrastructure-poor areas.

Moreover, even economically pivotal areas such as the National Capital Region (NCR) lagged behind, ranking 11th with a score of 19.1. The findings laid bare that wealth and urban concentration do not necessarily translate to better disaster readiness.

LGU Preparedness: A Work in Progress

While LGUs in Western Visayas may take pride in the region’s standing, the study’s details pointed to systemic loopholes that require immediate attention.

The survey revealed that Filipinos excelled most in information-related activities, scoring 4.9 out of 10, but social support, a critical component of disaster response, trailed at 2.3 out of 10.

Notably, only 16% of respondents knew their local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) officer, while only 23% were members of relevant groups or associations.

Previous editorials by Daily Guardian have highlighted these deficiencies. One particularly notable piece examined how LGUs often focus on post-disaster response rather than proactive planning and community integration.

The current findings echo those concerns: while 87% of Filipinos took measures to safeguard important documents, and 70% regularly monitored typhoon warnings, only 27% had a “Go Bag” prepared, and a mere 20% had an established disaster management plan.

The lack of local material investments compounds the problem. While retrofitting homes and strengthening structures are commendable, they are not enough to offset the gaps in social and logistical support. As Dr. Patrick Vinck, HHI’s Director of Research, emphasized, bolstering local leadership and leveraging technology are essential for scaling up community resilience.

Without meaningful financial investments in resilient infrastructure and anticipatory systems, local preparedness efforts remain reactive rather than preventive.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Readiness

The survey also underscored the role of socioeconomic factors in preparedness levels. Filipinos with higher education levels reported significantly better scores (24.1) compared to those with only primary education (15.3).

Similarly, wealthier respondents showed higher engagement in preparedness activities. This disparity further cements the reality that LGUs serving poorer, less-educated populations face compounded challenges.

It is worth revisiting the Daily Guardian’s editorial on the socioeconomic hurdles faced by rural municipalities. We pointed out that while national policies often prioritize funding allocation, they leave out the intricacies of community-level execution, leading to uneven outcomes.

The Harvard study’s results reinforce the importance of targeted, inclusive policies that bridge the gap between richer and poorer communities.

Beyond Awareness: Actionable Solutions

The findings called attention to the critical gap between awareness and action. While discussing emergency plans as a family (58%) showed promise, fewer respondents reported concrete actions like participating in disaster drills or preparing emergency kits.

LGUs need to harness this latent awareness and convert it into actionable community engagement.

Dr. Bollettino stressed that “for a country as vulnerable to disasters as the Philippines, progress should be accelerated.” This acceleration demands that LGUs move beyond the optics of disaster drills and seminars to genuine, measurable investments in community-led initiatives.

Local governments must collaborate with private and civic organizations to bolster social support systems and improve community resilience.

The Path to True Preparedness

As the HHI study and other similar assessments indicate, disaster preparedness in the Philippines remains a patchwork of successes and significant gaps.

Western Visayas’ relatively high score is commendable, but it should not be a resting point. It is a reminder that LGUs across the region and the nation need to commit to continuous improvements, inclusive policymaking, and sustainable investments.