Community Awareness on Earthquake and Assessment on Earthquake Risk Reduction Practices in a Philippine Municipality

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Abstract
This study determined the level of awareness on earthquake and assessment on earthquake risk reduction practices in a Philippine municipality which covered 150 household heads from 15 barangays of Malvar. The study used the descriptive method of research and used self-made questionnaire to gather the necessary data. For analysis, weighted mean and Pearson r were used. In the light of the significant findings revealed in the study, the following conclusions were drawn: the respondents were aware of the occurrence earthquake and the earthquake risk reduction practices of the Municipality were good. It was found out that there is no significant relationship existed between the respondents’ level of awareness and their assessed risk reduction practices. The findings of the study afforded the researchers in drawing various suggested activities to strengthen the implementation of earthquake risk reduction practices in the Philippines. Based on the conclusions formulated in the study, the following recommendations were offered. The officials of the municipality may provide funds in order to supply the basic needs and facilities of the community. The officials of the municipality may improve their way of warning the public especially by providing visible signages that would be a great help for them to become aware of the different hazards present to the locality. The officials of municipality may provide map of evacuation in every barangay that could help the community to easily find their route after such dilemma. The officials of Malvar may improve the trainings and activities that would help the Search and Rescue teams to respond quickly when a phenomenon happens. This will decrease the possibility of an injured person in critical condition.