Community Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Activities for Volcanic Eruption in Central Negros

Aims: Determine the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) activities for a volcanic eruption in communities within the danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon volcano in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness as assessed by the community leaders. Moreover, it sought to solicit challenges encountered and recommendations of the community leaders in the implementation of DRRM activities for a volcanic eruption in the communities.

Study Design: Descriptive survey.

Place and Duration of Study: 25 communities within the 14-kilometer danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon volcano in Central Negros, Philippines, between August 2021 and September 2021.

Methodology: 105 community leaders of communities identified using a purposive sampling technique. Frequency, ranking, and percentage were used to identify and determine the DRRM activities in the areas of disaster prevention and mitigation, and preparedness. The same statistical tools were used to identify challenges encountered and the respondents' recommendations.

Results: This study revealed that the DRRM activities were practiced and communicated with the community. Most community leaders were aware and active in planning, implementing, and disseminating preparedness and mitigation measures in preparation for a possible volcanic eruption. When it comes to challenges, the absence/weak internet signal and insufficiency of funds for rescue equipment and other emergency resources were among the significant challenges identified. As to the recommendations, holding training courses to capacitate community members and allocating funds to procure rescue equipment and other emergency resources were among those identified.

Conclusion: Prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness activities for volcanic eruptions are being practiced by the communities. However, these are not substantive because of some challenges beyond the community's capacity to provide, like weak internet connectivity and insufficient funds to finance all the necessary rescue equipment. Moreover, the recommendations gathered imply that communities value making these DRRM activities sustainable, improved, and strengthened.