No abstract

Using the qualitative methods of document analysis and key informant interviews, this paper explored the Berkes & Ross (2013) framework to show a human-ecological representation in analyzing a disaster situation. The case of the 2011 flashflood in Davao City, Southern Philippines was examined, looking into a social vulnerability model as the focal point of disaster resiliency. Results show that the systems approach on the framework can be an alternative approach to the study of disaster resilience, combining the ecological, psychological and developmental resilience vis-à-vis the role of the institutions and the agencies involved using the community as the central actor for the immediate response to the disaster. Moreover, this analysis showed that the integration of cultural factors can contextualize disaster mitigation. Disaster resiliency at the community levels may be further enhanced using an integrative model with a "participatory bottom-up" approach.

Vulnerable communities of Davao City, Southern Philippines has experienced flooding that leads to catastrophic effects costing damage to properties and loss of lives. Communities need to build its resiliency to respond to flooding and mitigate its negative impacts. Policy makers and leaders need to regularly review and update its existing policies to address gaps and promote effective community engagement. This paper highlights the development of the communication management framework based on the results from the qualitative approaches of document analysis, examination of relevant secondary data and the key informant interviews conducted among the heads and representatives of the identified agencies involved in the risk reduction and disaster management of the city. Results of the study revealed that Davao City implements a top-down communication system for risk reduction management which has little or no room for transactional interaction between the source of the message and the local communities. Messages have been found to be unfiltered and interoperability mechanism has been found only at the level of the implementing agencies. The study, therefore, proposed a participatory management model for flood-risk communication (PMMFRC) for flood-vulnerable communities towards risk reduction.

This book project has been an opportunity to share the plight of the flood-vulnerable communities of Davao City, Philippines. Aside from being a requirement to graduate under the PhD Development Studies program, the major objective is to find ways how the academe can help in alleviating the risks of flooding as a recurring disaster in these areas. As extensive literature on disaster studies examined risk communication and disaster risk management, it has been found to be discussed as separate concerns. These studies emphasize the significant role of risk communication and management at the level of the communities to enhance community preparedness and reduce the risks triggered by disasters like flooding. However, no literature has been found specifically in the area of risk communication management. The study, therefore, aimed to focus on this gap in the literature which integrates risk communication with disaster risk management towards a more integrative approach to risk reduction. Using a convergent parallel mixed method design, the study was conducted utilizing both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in the data collection and analysis guided by the integrated frameworks of the disaster risk management and the social amplification of risk (SARF). The merging of both results in the analysis and interpretation helped identify the convergence or divergence of the findings. Results of the study revealed that the risk reduction strategies can be further enhanced through a risk communication management using a localized and participatory approach in the proper knowledge transfer of flood risk communication among the stakeholders involved, placing the community as the central actor for amplification. This book highlights the proposed community-based flood-risk communication management (CBFRCM) framework as a modification of the SARF labeled as the Flood Risk Amplification Communication Theory (FRACT) as an alternative framework. The application of the theory necessitates the enhancement of risk communication management towards the resilience of the flood-vulnerable communities, specifically in the context of Davao City, Philippines. The authors wish to share these findings and encourage that the proposed theory be used in other contexts and optimize the role of risk communication as part of the risk reduction approaches of risk managers and policy makers on disaster management.

Urban vulnerability is a priority concern and communities must build resiliency to respond to disasters and mitigate its negative impacts. This is a case study on the 2011 Matina flash flood affecting thousands of families in the following barangays: Matina Crossing, Matina Pangi and Matina Aplaya. The study areas are heavily populated, with business, and institutional establishments. Using the qualitative method, this paper highlights the vulnerabilities of the community and examined the role of risk communication and social capital that enable communities, groups and institutions respond quickly to the hazards of flooding. Review of literatures reveals that Davao City is a flood prone area, major tributaries drain towards the Davao Gulf. Affected families in these areas comprised 61.57% of the total affected families of the 2011 flash floods. The average number of households per family is 4.3, while the total number of casualties reached 29 – majority are women and children. Results of the study revealed that despite the lack of communication management protocols, there is a strong sense of social capital exhibited by communities, institutions and various groups involved in the emergency response. Inter-governmental, and cross boundary efforts for climate change adaptation initiatives to reduce vulnerabilities among communities must be factored in given the nature of ecosystems and river systems draining towards Davao Gulf. Further it is recommended that ecosystem-based and community-based adaptation be explored to build more resilient communities who able to with stand and reduce vulnerabilities during natural hazards such as flooding.