Disaster Preparedness Knowledge and Action Population Development Perspective

Effects of disasters on population are crucial under global climate change. One area that is usually gravely affected by disasters in the Philippines is Marikina City, a fluvial area situated above a major fault line with a high number of residents to be affected. The local government engages residents with regular information dissemination and trainings based on national guidelines, focusing on programs for students. This study aims to appraise such program on university students regarding self-perceived knowledge of disaster preparedness, confidence on actual preparedness, and engaging performing knowledge to action. A survey implemented in this study is adapted from instrument used in studies of crisis preparation assessment and preparedness. Involved in the survey are 133 students of a public university in Marikina City. Ordered logit regression is used to test if there are differences between responses to the items. Subsequently, ten respondents were randomly selected to participate in group discussion to substantiate responses to the survey. Results show that belief in being prepared and knowing what to do is significantly different for hypothetical earthquake scenario but is not observed for typhoon scenario. Result from the discussion indicate that complacency is absent regarding typhoons because people in their age group residing in Marikina City, as well as those living in adjacent areas, have experienced it in recent years but earthquakes bring uncertainty. The findings in this study are vital toward determining methods to lessen the gap between knowledge and action to improve safety and well-being among youth population.

Keywords – Disaster preparedness, Disaster behaviour, Youth behaviour