Overcoming Challenges in Earthquake Preparedness in Panay Island in the Philippines through Good Governance
Abstract
Disaster risk reduction is a major concern especially among developing and underdeveloped countries. This case study reviewed the governance strategies in place to manage the potential impacts of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Panay Island, which is home to more than 2 million inhabitants. National and local government offices engaged in disaster management provided the secondary data needed for this case study. Key informant interviews were conducted to collect salient information on governance strategies employed such as on fund sources and major players. Triangulation was employed to enhance the analysis and credibility of this research. Among the key findings is that an active fault, a trench, and a collision zone may generate another destructive earthquake in the future. However, good governance as a result of collaborations among public, private, and civil society organizations may reduce the vulnerability of communities in Panay Island to tsunami and other earthquake hazards. Public officials of underdeveloped and developing countries searching for alternative management strategies to supplement their minimal resources in managing impacts of earthquakes may be able to apply the strategies presented in this case study.
