Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Disaster Preparedness of Coastal Barangays in the Municipality of Pilar

Abstract

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That is, to predict and, where possible, prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences (IFRC, 2019). This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices on disaster preparedness of coastal barangays of the Municipality of Pilar, Province of Capiz. It involves 222 respondents from the five coastal barangays of Pilar namely; Binaobawan, Natividad, Poblacion, San Ramon and Casanayan. Frequency and percentage were used in analysing the results which showed that respondents were both male and female, aged 41-51 years old, high school graduate, unemployed and having a monthly income of Php 5,000 and below. People in coastal barangays of the municipality of Pilar have knowledge on the natural hazards and the danger they face in their communities. Almost all people in coastal barangays have access to early warning systems via radio and TV although barangay officials have organized way to warn people about the incoming disaster. The people showed various ways to prepare for natural disasters within their own households, however, structured preparedness mechanisms within the community are substantially fewer apparent as perceived by the respondents: very few people reported never taking part in disaster preparedness drills and weakness in risk assessment was manifested. Respondents understood who is responsible for doing what when disasters happen in their area but many of them just somewhat understood or did not understand at all.