Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Disaster Resiliency Model for Flood-Vulnerable Communities in Davao City, Southern Philippines

Abstract

Development and disasters are closely linked, but the cause-andeffect relationship between the two has been ignored in the past. Thus, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) observed that disasters were seen in the context of emergency response and not as part of long-term development programming. Over time, effects of disasters can seriously degrade a country’s long-term potential for sustained development. Vulnerable communities of Davao City in the Southern Philippines has experienced flooding that led to catastrophic results such as damage to property and loss of lives. Communities need to build its resiliency to respond to flooding and mitigate its negative impacts, while policy makers and leaders need to consciously and regularly review and update its existing policies to address gaps and promote effective community engagement. This paper highlights the results from the quantitative phase of the study to examine and analyze the respondents’ vulnerability, awareness, and perception of flood risks. A survey using multistage cluster sampling was conducted among 353 respondents from the top 5 flood-vulnerable barangays. Data from the key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also integrated to provide an in-depth explanation of the patterns emerging from the survey. Results of the study revealed that the vulnerability is associated with sociodemographic characteristics, experience in flooding, and responses to flooding. Moreover, risk reduction strategies can be further enhanced through risk communication management using a localized and participatory approach in the proper knowledge transfer of flood risk communication among the stakeholders involved. Community-based policies and well-defined communication processes must be strengthened to promote inclusive approach towards effective community-based disaster preparedness and management.