Risk Communication in Disaster-Prone Areas in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines

The municipality of Caramoan in Camarines Sur lies in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines. As such, while it is a tourist destination in the Bicol Region, it is prone to natural disasters due to its geographic location. This study evaluated the risk communication in Caramoan in terms of phenomenal natural disasters, and the efficiency of risk communication sources, strategies, and platforms utilized. The researchers used a mixed method research design to answer the objectives of the study. A survey questionnaire was used as a research instrument on the 364 respondents from the five selected barangays. Interview questions was used on the three informants from the local agencies in the municipality. This study found that the primary natural disaster experienced was Heavy Rainfall indicated by 363 respondents. Further, the primary reliable sources were TV weather forecasts and the mayor’s office with a mean of 3.86 interpreted as Highly Efficient. In the three phases of natural disasters the communication platform primarily utilized was television broadcasting and the communication strategy frequently used was Face-to-face communication with neighbors. The study found that the residents are aware and well-prepared for the natural disasters in their area. Municipality’s risk communication in natural disaster preparedness initiatives have been highly efficient due to their emphasis on community awareness, involvement, and resilience-building. The study recommends 1.) A Risk Communication Plan be drafted to increase the municipality's resistance to its various natural hazards, 2.) Establish a unified and well-coordinated approach to risk communication and consistently solicit feedback from the community to continually improve and adjust ways to communicate to suit specific needs and preferences, and 3.) A study on risk communication messages in three phases of natural disasters be made to increase risk perception and to achieve behavioral change. Keywords: Risk Communication, Disaster Prone Areas, Efficiency of Risk Communication Sources and Strategies, Warnings and Mechanisms for Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resiliency.