DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RISK COMMUNICATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN FLOOD-PRONE AREAS OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
Abstract
Climate-related hazards, including intense typhoons and flooding, continue to threaten the Philippines, affecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and development. In flood-prone municipalities, disaster preparedness is both an emergency-response concern and an issue of environmental governance, policy implementation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. This study assessed preparedness and risk communication in Cabagan, Sta. Maria, and San Pablo in Northern Isabela from 2020 to 2022. Using a descriptive evaluative case-study design, it employed key informant interviews, document review, checklist assessment, and analysis of LGU Facebook communication before Typhoon Ulysses. Preparedness was examined across systems and processes, policies and plans, competency, and hardware and supplies. Cabagan showed the strongest preparedness, Sta. Maria remained generally prepared with selected gaps, and San Pablo exhibited institutional and policy deficiencies requiring corrective action. Strengthening systems, partnerships, technical capacity, resources, and risk communication can improve local climate resilience effectively.