Author
Adviser
This study was conducted to assess the level of disaster vulnerability and preparedness of Barangay Palingon in Calamba City. Specifically, it sought to discuss the disaster profile of the barangay, determine the various factors affecting the barangay’s vulnerability, identify the existing projects and initiatives toward disaster preparedness, and suggest recommendations for the enhancement of disaster preparedness projects of the barangay. Using survey complemented with key informant interviews and secondary data from the barangay, this paper found that Barangay Palingon has a low level of disaster vulnerability and high level of preparedness which means that the community has a low level of disaster risk, as perceived by 82 survey respondents and 5 key informants. In addition, as Palingon is a lake shore community, typhoon and floods are the frequently experienced hazards in the community. Moreover, economic factors influence more the level of disaster vulnerability of the barangay than social, physical, and environmental. Furthermore, among the identified projects of Palingon toward disaster preparedness, dissemination of information and instruction through patrolling around the barangay is the top answer. On the other hand, findings also revealed that although there is a low level of physical, social, and environmental vulnerability, there are still other factors which are also important to take note and consider to further improve the preparedness projects and initiatives of Palingon. With that, this study suggests to have a participatory and community-based disaster preparedness plan which contains all the necessary actions and projects which can lessen the vulnerability and improve the preparedness of the barangay to reduce the risk of the community to disaster.