Typhoon:
The Pangasinan disaster risk reduction and management council has alerted all municipal and
barangay risk reduction councils to prepare for the possible effects of typhoon Juan to the province.
PDRRMC executive officer said the three advanced command posts located at the PDRRMC
action center in Lingayen, the police public safety management company in Alaminos City and PPSMC in
Tayug town have been placed on alert. Heavy equipment were prepositioned in said command posts
and relief goods were readied in the identified evacuation centers. There are 341 evacuation centers all
over the province. The province is more prepared this time to deal with disasters with the lessons
learned from the massive floods brought by typhoon. Several measures were adopted one of which is
the on-going massive clearing up of river tributaries and other waterways to mitigate flooding, he said.
Illegal structures like fishpens and other fish traps have been dismantled in the towns of Lingayen,
Binmaley and San Carlos City.
Meanwhile, the water level at the San Roque dam is at 250.80 meters above sea level, according
to Vice-President for Corporate Responsibility Tommy Valdez of the San Roque Power Corporation.
Engineer Virgilio Garcia of the National Power Corporation who heads the flood forecasting and warning
system for dam operations agreed. It was agreed that when the level reached the critical 280 level, the
dam would start releasing waters subject to some conditions like the presence of typhoons and the
amount of expected rainfall.
Aside from the national council, various local governments throughout the country established
Local DRRM Offices at the regional, provincial, municipal, city and barangay levels in accordance with
Republic Act 10121. As functional arms of the local governments, these Offices are responsible to create
a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan according to the Framework of the NDRRMC
covering 4 aspects including disaster preparedness, response, prevention and mitigation, and
rehabilitation and recovery.
With that, there is an urgent need for training in disaster management. Disaster Management,
as stipulated in Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010, is the process of assessment and planning, physical protection and response
capacity development designed to conveys a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive Disaster Risk
Reduction Management (DRRM) wherein men and women have increased their awareness and
understanding of DRRM, with the end in view of increasing people’s resilience and decreasing their
vulnerabilities. It includes the knowledge, skills and practices of a person during disaster occurrence.
Unfortunately, there are limited studies regarding emergency preparedness conducted in
Pangasinan, even though it is one of the leading research agenda of the National Unified Health
Research (NUHR), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine National Health
Research System (PNHRS) and Philippine Council in Industry and Energy Research Development
(PCIERD).
Holden, V. (n.d.) Disaster management capability of disaster risk reduction and management council in
selected areas in Pangasinan: Basis for a capability enhancement program. Nosteonline
https://nosteonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DISASTER-MANAGEMENT-CAPABILITY-OF-
DISASTER-RISK-REDUCTION.pdf
Danny, S. (2010, October 17) Philippines (the): Pangasinan disaster councils put on stand by. Reliefweb
https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-pangasinan-disaster-councils-put-stand
Landslide:
Disaster risk reduction in the Ilocos region, specifically focusing on landslides, holds great
importance for the protection of lives and property. To achieve this, the region should conduct a
thorough assessment of hazards and vulnerabilities, pinpointing areas at high risk and identifying
contributing factors. The implementation of early warning systems for monitoring rainfall, soil moisture,
and ground movement is critical for timely alerts, and enforcing strict land use regulations and building
codes in landslide-prone areas is vital to prevent construction in these zones.
Furthermore, enhancing the resilience of infrastructure, improving drainage systems, controlling
erosion, and advocating afforestation all play significant roles in lessening the risks of landslides. Public
awareness campaigns and active involvement of the community are essential for educating residents
about landslide risks and safety measures. The development of effective emergency response and
evacuation plans, alongside resource allocation and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the DRRM
plan, will contribute to a more resilient Ilocos region when facing landslide threats. Collaboration with
local communities and national agencies remains central to the success of these initiatives, ensuring a
coordinated and efficient response to landslide events. Awareness and preparedness are the most
effective prevention and mitigation measures against possible threats of landslide in the community.
PHIVOLCS (2023,November 4) Landslide Awareness.
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/landslide/landslide-prepareness
Earthquake:
Region I (Ilocos region) earthquake hazard is classified as high according to the information that
is currently available. This means that there is more than a 20% chance of potentially-damaging
earthquake shaking in your project area in the next 50 years. Taking precautions or preparation must be
considered. Getting information about major earthquakes and secondary hazards that have affected the
project area in the past and the effects these caused. Community memory and historical accounts of
earthquakes can provide useful information to supplement scientific studies. Contact the governmental
organizations responsible for earthquake risk management in the project country to obtain more
detailed information on the potential earthquake hazard.
Determine whether the project site is likely to be affected by ground failure or other site
hazards during an earthquake. Soil investigations should be conducted by a geotechnical engineer to
determine physical properties of the soil including its liquefaction potential, the stability of natural
slopes and other considerations for design. Select a project location with minimal site hazards if
possible. Ensure that the proposed project is not built on or near active earthquake faults. Engage
qualified and experienced local technical professionals: structural and geotechnical earthquake
engineers, and geologists specializing in hazards. Ensure that design and implementation of all project
activities, including infrastructure construction and improvements, provide for earthquake protection
and comply with local building standards.
Earthquakes could interrupt the availability and function of off-site utility services such as
electricity, water supply, communications, sanitation, as well as access to transportation. Determine
potential impacts and provide sufficient on-site back-up and seismic protection of critical utilities.
Consider the effects of an earthquake on access to buildings, especially critical buildings that must be
operational immediately following an earthquake. Consider purchasing earthquake insurance to cover
potential losses to the project. While insurance does not prevent injuries or deaths, or save
communities, it can reduce financial losses and enable a project or facility to recover from the effects of
an earthquake and regain its function more quickly.
GFDRR (n.d.) Region I. ThinkHazard
https://thinkhazard.org/en/report/2356-philippines-region-i-ilocos-region/EQ
Drought:
An institutional structure was developed in 1987-1988 under the lead of the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), upon whom the recommendation of its Council
Chairman, will be sent to the Philippine President, who is then responsible to declare that the areas
within the country affected by the hazard is declared under the State of Calamity (Lalap, 1991). This
proclamation enables the government to immediately provide assistance by:
• Controlling overpricing and hoarding of prime commodities;
• Delaying payment of taxes and amortizations owed to the government; and
• Releasing of budget for the calamity fund.
The Inter-agency Committee on Water Crisis Management is responsible for water management
during drought situation including setting up of priorities on water use. This committee was created in
1987 and meets regularly during period of water crisis to monitor water supply and identify priorities.
Reports issued routinely on water supply or forecast by existing government agencies such as the
Weather Bureau or PAGASA are forwarded to this Committee for review and consideration.
Recommendations are transmitted to NDRRMC for future action. The media is a major partner of the
government in the information and awareness campaign (Lalap, 1991).
The drought response plans are generally connected to food security programs considering that
agriculture is most vulnerable to climate change variability. Some of the drought response plans
prepared by different concern agencies are the following:
The Action Measures for Vulnerable Areas of the Department of Agriculture, El Nino Briefing
Materials, Malacanang, Manila, 28 May 2002
• Ensuring water availability in production areas through irrigation (shallow tube wells) and cloud
seeding
• Shifting of planting calendars or early planting
• Planting early maturing crops requiring less water and more tolerant to drought
• Livelihood assistance to compensate for farm/fishery income loss;
• Emergency food assistance
• Provide insurance coverage to affected areas
• Water rationing
• Promotion of alternative crops as replacement for major staples
On the other hand, action measures for Less Vulnerable Areas (DA, El Nino Briefing
Materials, Manila 28 May 2002) are:
• Providing seeds, planting materials and fingerlings;
Fertilizer support (organic/mor5 of 7
Further irrigation development
Dr. Silvino. T, (n.d.) Drought conditions and management strategies in the …
https://www.ais.unwater.org/ais/pluginfile.php/597/mod_page/content/70/Philippines.pdf
Volcanic eruption:
In Region 1 of the Philippines, where the potential for volcanic eruptions is a significant concern,
it is crucial to implement effective measures for disaster risk reduction. This region, also known as the
Ilocos Region, is situated in the northwestern part of Luzon Island and is home to several volcanoes,
some of which are currently active or have the potential to erupt. To minimize the impact of volcanic
eruptions, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach, which includes continuous monitoring by
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), well-prepared evacuation plans,
public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and the delineation of hazard zones. Additionally,
community readiness through regular drills, resilient infrastructure, and collaboration among various
stakeholders plays a crucial role in establishing a robust disaster risk reduction framework for the region.
The safety and economic well-being of the residents in Region 1, as well as the sustainability of
their livelihoods, depend on a coordinated approach that encompasses all these components.
Furthermore, ongoing research and monitoring of volcanic activity, along with the development of
predictive models, can help refine the understanding of volcanic hazards and enhance the region’s
ability to respond effectively to volcanic eruptions. By diligently implementing these strategies, Region 1
can reduce the vulnerability of its communities and enhance their resilience in the face of this persistent
geological threat. The management of the Pinatubo Volcano eruption crisis of 1991-92 marks the
highest point in the development of volcanic disaster mitigation in the country.
Tayag, JC. (n.d.) Volcanic disaster mitigation in the Philippines: experience from Mt. Pinatubo. PubMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8044638/
Tsunami:
Tsunami risk reduction and management in Region 1 of the Philippines, situated along the
western coastline of Luzon, is paramount given its proximity to the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific
Ocean. To effectively address this risk, the region must begin with a comprehensive hazard assessment,
identifying potential tsunami sources and creating inundation maps to pinpoint vulnerable areas. The
establishment of a robust early warning system, coupled with public awareness campaigns and
community education, is vital to ensure residents are well-informed about tsunami risks and equipped
with the knowledge to respond appropriately. Land use planning, evacuation planning, and the
enforcement of building codes in high-risk areas are crucial to minimize exposure, while retrofitting
infrastructure and allocating resources enhance overall resilience. Local Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management committees play a pivotal role in community-specific preparedness plans, and regular
drills and exercises help communities be well-prepared for tsunami events.
Through collaboration between local government units, national agencies, and the local
community, Region 1 can significantly mitigate tsunami risks and enhance the safety and resilience of its
residents. Consistent monitoring, evaluation, and updates to the tsunami risk reduction plan are
essential to adapt to changing risks and vulnerabilities, ultimately ensuring a more resilient response to
potential tsunami events.
PreventionWeb (2015) Philippines: National disaster response plan for earthquake and tsunami –
Version two
https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/philippines-national-disaster-response-plan-earthquake-
and-tsunami-version-two
