Community-based disaster risk reduction: DRRMO’s role in public administration’s collaborative engagement

Abstract

This research investigates the critical role of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) in fostering effective Collaborative Engagement with key public administration and community stakeholders—the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 7, Community Representatives, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)—in the context of Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR). Conducted in Region 7, Philippines, the research utilized a descriptive-evaluative approach to assess the current status of collaboration across the four thematic pillars of DRRM, stakeholder capacity, and the systemic challenges encountered. The findings reveal a collaborative network with a strong foundational capacity, characterized by highly educated and experienced personnel (e.g., 87.5% College Graduates) who share a universal understanding of the Philippine DRRM system. However, the study uncovered a critical operational imbalance, showing high perceived involvement in Response (AWM 3.8) and Prevention/Mitigation (AWM 3.6), but only moderate involvement in the essential resilience-sustaining phases of Preparedness (AWM 3.4) and Recovery (AWM 3.3). Furthermore, effective collaboration is significantly hindered by deep-seated systemic and relational barriers, notably role ambiguity (AWM 3.7), lack of trust (AWM 3.6), and funding constraints (AWM 3.6). Specialized technical expertise in areas like Disaster Risk Financing and GIS was also found to be limited. The research concludes that the DRRMO’s current role in collaborative engagement is insufficient to achieve holistic resilience due to these structural friction points. Consequently, the study’s main output is the Framework for Collaborative Governance. This prescriptive framework provides specific protocols and mechanisms designed to: (1) Enforce balance across the four DRRM pillars; (2) Resolve systemic barriers by establishing protocols for role clarification, financial transparency, and cultural alignment; and (3) Mandate targeted capacity building to enhance technical expertise and inclusivity. The Framework aims to transition the DRRMO’s function from mere cooperation to genuine, resilience-oriented collaborative governance in Region 7.