Post-Disaster Tourism Recovery: A Case of Mabini, Batangas

Lea  M. Abuda,; Monique  G. Pastor,; Xian  R. Ravidas,

Post-Disaster Tourism Recovery: A Case of Mabini, Batangas

Lea M. Abuda | Monique G. Pastor | Xian R. Ravidas

Abstract:

This study identified the changes brought about by the earthquake in Mabini, Batangas in their resorts and its impact on the socio-economic and environmental condition of the municipality. The disaster risk management plans, coping mechanisms, and vulnerability of the municipality were also determined. The recovery of their destination image after the quake was also determined. The researchers used descriptive design with pure qualitative method to obtain data from 22 key informants, consisting of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, Tourism Officer, 10 resorts owners/manager/staff, and 10 barangay officials/workers/volunteers. Using thematic analysis, the results of the study showed that there have been minimal changes in the municipality after the earthquake. Help from the national government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private sectors arrived especially when Mabini declared the town under a state of calamity. The tourism industry recovered fast with the help of these stakeholders. Only few barangays have disaster risk management plan even though the municipal government provides trainings and seminars to barangay captains. Since the municipality is vulnerable to floods, storm surges, erosions, and landslides and to a recently found unnamed fault line, the municipality has the following coping mechanisms: repair, rehabilitation, and slope stabilization actions in areas with high slopes, improvement of barangay waterworks systems, and spring development and education campaign on affected areas. Proper coordination between the participating committees, from resorts personnel to the municipal government and to the community was suggested. Fire and earthquake drills must be performed in barangay halls and evacuation centers to inform the residents about the right practices. Lastly, barangay officials must organize assembly meetings with the residents frequently.