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Typhoon Kristine found Bicolanos used to experiencing and recovering from disasters, but not necessarily better prepared for them
The Philippine national government must build deeper trust in gov’t response in the region
MASSACHUSETTS, USA – When Typhoon Kristine (internationally, Trami) made landfall in the Philippines recently, it claimed 151 lives and affected around 8.8 million Filipinos. In Region V (Bicol), this scenario is nothing new. Bicolanos report some of the highest levels of exposure to past disasters (89%), especially typhoons and tropical storms (77%), according to a recent survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI).
Bicolanos also perceive they are at risk, with 40% reporting high or extreme risk– more than any other regions outside of the Visayas and Davao. They also report experiencing impactful disasters in the last five years (65%).
After enduring disasters, Bicolanos primarily identified financial and material losses as the greatest impacts (89%), which 77% of the Filipino population also experienced. Bicolanos also cited experiencing mental health impacts (15%), followed by displacement (12%) and physical health impacts (11%).
Perceptions of government response
When asked about what they found useful in recovering from disasters, Bicolanos mentioned government assistance (62%), food supplies (55%), and cash support (32%), among other types of assistance.
In Bicol, data show that strong local mechanisms, including assistance from the local government units (73%) and relatives (52%), are present to facilitate recovery. Both mechanisms are rated higher in Bicol compared to national averages of 62% and 43%, respectively.
“The role of local government units is critical for disaster preparedness in the Philippines, as they lead various actions like routine training and drills, investment in evacuation centers, and effective early warning systems,” says Dr. Patrick Vinck, Director of Research at HHI.
Although local government is an important source of assistance, this does not translate into positive views of the efforts of the national government to ensure effective disaster preparedness and response.
Nationwide, 39% of Filipinos perceive national government efforts positively; whereas, only 24% of Bicolanos share the same perception– the lowest percentage among the regions.
According to Dr. Vinck, “Building trust in government efforts is essential for effective disaster response, ensuring that communities feel supported, prepared, and engaged when facing crises.”
Increasing public confidence in the national government relies on shaping disaster preparedness and response efforts to address specific hazards Bicolanos perceive as threats to their well-being, such as typhoon (97%), heavy rainfall (34%), volcanic eruption (33%), and flood (28%), he adds.
Bicolanos’ disaster preparedness
“Despite facing frequent and intense typhoons, Bicol's lower preparedness highlights a critical disconnect between experience and readiness,” says Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, Director of HHI's Resilient Communities program and co-lead for this study.
The HHI survey created composite scores that measure the level of preparedness of Filipinos based on planning, training, material investment, information, and social support. Bicol reported an average score of 19.5 out of 50, which is a bit higher than the national average score of 19.2. Among the regions, Bicol ranks 9th on disaster preparedness, but it is not significantly better prepared than the rest of the country.
Bicolanos tend to have better access to information (5.3 out of 10), undertake planning activities (4.5), and invest in preparedness materials, including Go Bags (4.5). However, they are less likely to participate in training or drills (2.9) and build social ties as a means of preparedness (2.3).
“In regions like Bicol, where there is both high perceived risk of exposure to disaster and very high levels of previous exposure, it is imperative that households enhance their planning measures, routinely store fresh water, food, and medicines, and keep a Go Bag handy, among other critical measures,” Dr. Bollettino adds.
Dr. Bollettino also notes that the region’s preparedness has progressed over time. “Compared to 2017, when we conducted our first nationwide survey, the regional preparedness score for Bicol has increased by 52%, more than the nationwide average (42%), but less than 6 other regions,” he shares.
Need for investments in training
Dr. Bollettino emphasizes that while the region has shown progress, there is still a need for further improvement, particularly in training, which the national government may focus on to build deeper trust among Bicolano communities.
“Training is crucial for equipping individuals with practical skills and knowledge to respond effectively during disasters,” he explains.
He adds, “Investing in more comprehensive training programs and facilitating regular drills will strengthen Bicol's resilience against future calamities and ensure communities are not only aware of the risks but are also equipped to mitigate them effectively.”
Nationwide survey on disaster and climate resilience
HHI conducted a nationwide survey in February – March 2024 to understand the factors that contribute to disaster and climate resilience among Filipinos. It also highlights how the preparedness landscape in the Philippines has changed since 2017 when it conducted its first-of-its-kind socio-behavioral survey using the same methodology and instruments.
This 2024 nationwide survey collected data from 4,608 Filipino using a standardized questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews by trained local enumerators. The sample was designed to provide representative data at the regional level. Data were weighted to match the population distribution. This ensured that the findings reflect the perspectives of the broader population across the Philippines.
HHI Resilient Communities, a research program at HHI, has been operating in the Philippines since 2015 to inform disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) programming and policy. HHI is an academic and research center in humanitarian crisis and leadership at Harvard University.
Read or download the information sheet: hhi.harvard.edu/surveyph
For inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
KEANU COSTALES | Grants and Communications Specialist
HHI Resilient Communities
Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
E: kcostales@hsph.harvard.edu
MARK DAZA | Project and Communications Manager
HHI Resilient Communities
Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
E: mdaza@hsph.harvard.edu