Enhancing Disaster Resilience: An Evaluation of Awareness and Performance of the University-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (UBDRRMC) of the University of Eastern Philippines
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the University-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (UBDRRMC) at the University of Eastern Philippines, with a focus on their awareness and implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) initiatives. The research sought to gauge council members’ levels of awareness concerning the existence of the DRRM Plan, the various components of DRRM, and the powers and responsibilities of the UBDRRMC. Furthermore, it aimed to assess the UBDRRMC’s effectiveness in executing DRRM activities. Employing a descriptive-evaluative research design, the study yielded notable insights. The findings revealed a substantial awareness among council members regarding the presence of a DRRM Plan within the University of Eastern Philippines. Nevertheless, interviews uncovered ongoing efforts by the UBDRRMC to develop a comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management plan, highlighting the ongoing requirement for collaborative efforts and strategic planning within the university community. In terms of awareness about DRRM components, the study underscored council members’ robust comprehension, laying the groundwork for enhanced disaster preparedness, response, and recovery endeavors within the University of Eastern Philippines. Regarding the performance of the UBDRRMC, the data indicated that council members had a clear understanding of their powers and responsibilities, reflecting their preparedness to confront the evolving challenges of disaster risk reduction and management. The interviews further supported these findings, with council members expressing intentions to fulfill their responsibilities during the council’s scheduled sessions. The study underscores the council members’ comprehensive grasp of their roles within the UBDRRMC framework, thereby enabling well-informed and effective strategies for disaster preparedness and management. Moreover, the results underscore the operational effectiveness of the UBDRRMC, while concurrently highlighting prospects for enhancing their performance in executing DRRM initiatives. Ultimately, the research underscores the consistent significance of optimizing DRRM strategies to elevate disaster resilience within the University of Eastern Philippines. While the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the University of Eastern Philippines (UBDRRMC) is presently operational, opportunities for improvement exist. The study’s findings, coupled with insights from interviews, indicate that despite the community’s considerable disaster preparedness, the UBDRRMC’s approach remains largely reactive, marked by sporadic meetings mainly convened during emergencies. Additionally, the sustainability of several DRRM programs is compromised due to their omission from development plans and, notably, local policies. Consequently, it is imperative for the University to establish a comprehensive policy framework that seamlessly integrates and prioritizes DRRM efforts.
Keywords: Disaster Preparedness, Risk Reduction, Disaster Resilience, Management Plan, Awareness, Implementation, Assess, Effectiveness, Collaborative Efforts, Strategic planning, Recovery Endeavors, Reactive Approach, Sustainability, DRRM programs, Development Plans, Local Policies, Comprehensive Policy Framework, Integration, Prioritization, DRRM Efforts.
