Navigating Challenges for Disaster Resilience: Insights from Department of Public Works and Highways Personnel

Abstract

Disasters are unforeseen, catastrophic events that have the potential to significantly harm populations, ecosystems, and economies. Disasters can occur quickly or gradually, and the scope of their effects may range from local to regional to even global. The Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) efforts in building and maintaining resilient road networks are vital for ensuring access to affected areas during disasters. This facilitates the timely arrival of emergency responders, the delivery of relief supplies, and the evacuation of affected populations. This study then seeks to examine the experiences of the DPWH-BSDEO (Benguet Second District Engineering Office) personnel in their commitment to fostering disaster resilience while navigating challenges. This study utilized a qualitative research design. Data were collected from various sources, including DPWH-BSDEO employees, Municipal of Buguias personnel, Philippine National Police-Buguias, Bureau of Fire Protection-Buguias, as well as official office reports. The responses of the participants established that the challenges faced by DPWH-BSDEO personnel encompass insufficient funding, limited resources, inadequate training among disaster volunteers, vulnerability of responders to disasters, limited community cooperation, suboptimal communication, and an ineffective drainage system. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that it is imperative to enhance the DRRM functions within the office and significantly bolster its capabilities.