Building Community Resilience: A Case Study on the Localization of the Early Warning System

Abstract

The Philippines has been the world’s most at-risk country since 2022. While disasters cannot be controlled, its negative impacts can be mitigated. One of these is through the institutionalization and operationalization of the Early Warning System (EWS). The elements of EWS namely 1.) Risk Knowledge, 2.) Monitoring and Forecasting, 3.) Dissemination and Communication, and 4.) Preparedness to respond, are of equal significance because each contributes for the safety and resilience of the community.

In the Philippines, the creation and institutionalization of the EWS in every Local Government Unit (LGU) is clearly defined in the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The LGUs from the provincial down to the barangay level are obligated to operate a multi-hazard EWS to provide accurate and timely advice for immediate response, and for the information of the general public. The LGUs play a vital role in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, this includes the creation, institutionalization, and communication of the EWS.

The Philippines having a diverse ethno-linguistic culture makes the communication of EWS also challenging. A lot of studies have explored the preparedness of the LGUs for disasters but research focusing on the communication aspect of DRRM and of EWS, is quite limited.

This research qualitatively explores the communication of EWS of the subject Local Government Unit through Key Informant Interviews to individuals who have a vital role in their communication process. The subject of this study, as the regional hub in Western Visayas and an awardee in disaster resilience, employs various strategies like the localization of its EWS to build a resilient community. The localization of the EWS is not only limited to the language used in communicating its early warning messages, it also pertains to the established mechanisms to ensure that it is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

It is crucial to explore and analyze the communication of the EWS to ensure that it is functional and responsive to the needs of the public. With the right and timely information, everybody will be guided as well to do the right actions.

The results of this qualitative research are vital in strengthening the operationalization and the communication of the EWS in the locality. The localization of the EWS, as an innovation, strengthens community resilience as it empowers the community. It ultimately contributes to the development and implementation of an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative DRRM and EWS.

This research is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), No. 13 (Climate Action), and No. 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).