Compliance with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 of Local Government Units in the Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines

Compliance with the provisions of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act strengthens the DRRM office in local government units resulting in effectual practices in reducing, minimizing, and mitigating risks and creating its disaster resiliency. This study assessed the compliance of local government units (LGUs) with the provisions of the PDRRM Act in the areas of risk management practices and institutional arrangements and capacities focused on the four thematic areas of disaster. Challenges encountered by DRRM officers and planning coordinators of 32 LGUs were investigated. Using descriptive analysis, the findings revealed a high level of compliance with risk management practices in prevention and mitigation, preparedness, and response and a moderate level of rehabilitation and recovery. As to institutional arrangements and capacities, LGUs also exhibited a high level of compliance with a lower mean on structural mechanisms. When income classification was used as a variable, 4th class LGUs rated moderate; as to location, results were varied. As to the number of hazards, LGUs with nine hazards and more are rated high. The study concluded that failure to provide personnel and financial resources to the DRRM office endangers the safety and general well-being of the population and poses great risks to lives and properties.