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Efficiency of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) in

Emergency Situation Response

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Disasters have always been a result of human interaction with nature, technology, and other

living entities. Sometimes unpredictable, sudden, sometimes slow, and lingering. Various types of

disasters continually affect the way we live. It impedes human development. The level of disaster risk

prevalent in a community is linked to the developmental choices exerted by the community. Historically,

dealing with disasters focused on emergency response, but towards the end of the 20th century, it was

increasingly recognized that disasters are not only natural and that it is only by reducing and managing

conditions of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability that we can prevent losses and alleviate the impacts of

disaster are not only natural and that it is only by reducing and managing conditions of hazard, exposure,

and vulnerability that we can prevent losses and alleviate the impacts of disaster.

According to Marinduque State College August (2019). The Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Office was created under the direct supervision of the Vice President for Administration

and Finance during the presidency of Dr. Merian Catajay-Mani. With the primary mandate of overseeing

the disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities of the college, the unit is in its initial phase

of development moving towards achieving the vision of “a safe and disaster-resilient Marinduque State

College”. Currently, it is headed by Engr. Froilan P. Ney, with the assistance of Campus and School

DRRM Coordinators. The unit has been one of the lead offices in the College’s response to typhoons

and the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the recent Taal volcano eruption in Batangas. It also supports the
Academic Affairs Department in its planned activities like sports competitions and commencement

exercises.

The unit is also tasked to represent the college in DRRM activities in the community. The Head

is a member of the Provincial DRRM Council, Boac Municipal DRMC, and Municipal Peace and Order

Council representing the MSC College President. Disasters are a major threat to the Philippines, with the

country experiencing an average of 20 typhoons per year. In recent years, the Philippines has also been

increasingly affected by other types of disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) is the primary government

agency responsible for disaster response in the Philippines. The DRRMO is tasked with coordinating the

response of different agencies and organizations to disasters and ensuring that relief and assistance are

delivered to affected communities. The efficiency of the DRRMO in emergency response is a critical

issue, as it can have a major impact on the lives and livelihoods of those affected by disasters. A well-

functioning DRRMO can help to reduce the loss of life and property and support the recovery of

affected communities. However, the DRRMO has faced a number of challenges in recent years,

including limited resources, complex logistics, and lack of coordination. These challenges have had a

negative impact on the DRRMO's ability to effectively respond to disasters. This research will examine

the efficiency of the DRRMO in emergency situation response. The research will identify the factors

that contribute to the efficiency of the DRRMO, and the challenges that the DRRMO faces. The research

will also make recommendations for improving the efficiency of the DRRMO in emergency situation

response. The findings of this research will have important implications for policymakers and

practitioners. The research will help to identify areas where the DRRMO needs to improve its efficiency
in emergency situation response. The research will also help policymakers to develop more effective

policies and programs to support the DRRMO in its works.

Significance of the Study

DRRMO- This research study will help the NDRRMO to know or solve the problems they may

encounter when it comes to emergency response.

Government- This study will provide a data basis in government programs in connection with the

NDRRMO and it will be successful with the active support also of the government.

Community- This study will broaden their perception about the roles of NDRRMO in responding

emergency situation.

Future Researchers- The results of this study will serve as their basis and reference on their research

specifically, those studies that are related to NDRRMO.

(DRRMO) plays a crucial role in schools in ensuring the safety and preparedness of students, staff, and

the school community.

Statement of the problem.

Limited Resources: Many NDRRMOs operate with constrained budgets and resources,

hindering their ability to invest in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts adequately.

1. What do you think is the effect of not allocating enough budget and resources when it comes to

disaster risk reduction?

2. Given the increase of natural disasters due to climate change. What do you think the NDRRMOs

should do to address such issues?

3. What makes it a challenge for the NDRRMOs to ensure people are informed when it comes to

disaster risk reduction?

4. how does technology affect the enhancement of disaster management?

5. What makes people underestimate the risks they face?

The research study focus on determining the Efficiency of Disaster Risk Reduction Management

Office (DRRMO) in Emergency Situation Response. The respondents will be 3 to 5 selected officers in

DRRMO specifically, those personnel and staff by using interview.

Theoretical Framework

The Theory of Planned Behavior and Disaster Preparedness. This theory has been extended to

the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) where the positive or negative intention to perform a behavior

is based on the combination of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control. In their study, Najafi,

Ardalan, Akbarisari, Noorbala, & Elmi (2017) identified several theoretical frameworks in the past

literature which deal with behavior, and which can help to reduce the risk of natural disasters; these

theories include the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Person Relative to Event Theory (PrE),

Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), Social-Cognitive Preparation Model, and the Theory of

Planned Behavior (TPB) (Najafi et al., 2017). This theory has been extended to the Theory of Planned

Behaviour (TPB) where the positive or negative intention to perform a behavior is based on the

combination of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control. In their study, Najafi, Ardalan,

Akbarisari, Noorbala, & Elmi (2017) identified several theoretical frameworks in the past literature

which deal with behavior, and which can help to reduce the risk of natural disasters; these theories

include the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Person Relative to Event Theory (PrE), Protective
Action Decision Model (PADM), Social-Cognitive Preparation Model, and the Theory of Planned

Behavior (TPB) (Najafi et al., 2017).

Definition of Term

Efficiency: Efficiency refers to the ability of the DRRMO to achieve the desired emergency response

outcomes with the optimal use of resources, time, and effort.

Emergency Response: This is the immediate and coordinated set of actions taken by the DRRMO in

response to a disaster or emergency situation to minimize harm and provide assistance to those affected.

Resource Allocation: Resource allocation involves the strategic distribution of personnel, equipment,

and financial resources to support emergency response activities effectively.

Response Time: Response time is the duration it takes for the DRRMO to initiate and complete

emergency response actions from the moment a disaster occurs.

Capacity Building: Capacity building refers to the process of enhancing the skills, knowledge, and

abilities of the DRRMO staff and community members to respond efficiently to emergencies.

Coordination: Coordination involves the effective management of various stakeholders and resources

to ensure a synchronized response to emergencies.

DRRMO in advance to ensure a swift and efficient response during emergencies.

Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of the DRRMO and the community to withstand, adapt to,

and recover from the impacts of disasters.

Performance Metrics: These are specific measurements and indicators used to assess and evaluate the

efficiency of the DRRMO's emergency response efforts, such as response times, resource utilization, and

effectiveness.

Lessons Learned: Lessons learned are insights gained from past emergency response experiences,

which inform future actions and improve the overall efficiency of the DRRMO.

Situational Awareness: This term refers to the DRRMO's understanding of the current situation during

an emergency, including the status of affected areas and the needs of those impacted.

Continuous Improvement: Continuous improvement involves the ongoing process of identifying

weaknesses and areas for enhancement in the DRRMO's emergency response procedures and making

necessary adjustments.