Communicating Disaster Risks in a State University in the Philippines

Abstract

In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, schools and universities play an important role in promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience. However, such practice is seldom observed. Thus, the study examined how disaster risks are communicated within a state university in the Philippines. Specifically, the study attempted aimed to: identify the existing communication methods used to convey disaster information or protocols to stakeholders in the university; assess how constituents respond to these protocols; find out how prepared are they to respond to disaster risks to various stakeholders; and analyze the existing mechanisms for stakeholders’ feedback on disaster communication efforts. This study examined the gaps in disaster communication, acknowledging that clear, inclusive, and practical communication are keys for ensuring campus safety. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined surveys, interviews, and a review of existing data to understand current communication practices, stakeholder responses, preparedness levels, and barriers. The findings showed that while the university has existing systems such as memos and social media announcements, these are not always consistent, inclusive, or engaging. Many students and faculty members are still unaware of some safety procedures. There are also few opportunities that are often lacking for people to give feedback, and visual materials that could help explain risks. This research suggests that communication efforts should be more participatory and tailored to the campus context. The lack of effective disaster risk communication makes it difficult to build a strong risk culture among members of the university community. Without clear, consistent, and inclusive communication, awareness about risks will not develop into shared values, habits, and actions that support preparedness and resilience. Steps like regular training, more accessible materials (such as visuals or audio aids), and greater involvement from all stakeholders of the university can help improve how disaster risks are understood. With these interventions, the university can strengthen its communication strategies and build a more resilient and prepared academic institution to develop a risk culture with shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviuoral norms that shape how a community views and reacts to hazards.