Philippine E-Journals

Communication Strategies in Disaster Risk Reduction of Brgy. Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon

Renzo Ramil A. Almario | Angeline S. Mangaoang | Maria Cielo L. Quizon

 

Abstract:

The study focused on the communication strategies in Disaster Risk Reduction used by the local officials of Barangay Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon. The objectives of the study were to: (1) describe the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the households in the community; (2) determine the communication strategies in disaster risk reduction; (3) identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the communication strategies; (4) assess the relationship between communication strategies and the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the households; and (5) evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies in disaster risk reduction. Research methods included conduct of survey among 60 respondents, comprising of 30 males and 30 females; key informant interview; observation; focus group discussion; and review of documents. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics as well as Analytical Hierarchy Process. The respondents commonly used cellular phones and watched television to get information. As source of information, the local officials were considered as the most effective communication channel. Through capacity building and helping one another which they identified as the most effective communication approach, the residents get to develop and improve the community. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats using AHP analysis revealed that the communication strategies in the area were within the Strength and Opportunities area more than over the Weaknesses and Threats area. The use of cellular phone for text messaging was identified as strength while poor information dissemination was the weakness. Use of simple language in communicating was the top identified opportunity and the major threat was the uncontrolled telecommunication signal. The results of correlation revealed that each of the socio-demographic and economic characteristics was significantly related to at least one communication strategy. Civil status, on the other hand, was related to multiple communication strategies. Further, the communication channel used by the local officials was found helpful in disseminating information. The communication approaches used by the residents increased their awareness on disaster risk reduction and built alliances to help strengthen their community.