Initiatives of Local Government Units in the Prevention, Mitigation, and Preparedness Towards the Effects of Flooding in Selected Cities and Municipalities in the Province of Bulacan

Abstract

The study centered on the flood mitigation initiatives of selected LGUs in the Province of Bulacan, namely Calumpit, Hagonoy, Paombong, the City of Malolos, Obando, and Bulakan. Programs initiated and implemented by these Local Government Units (LGUs) in flood-prone and low-lying areas frequently affected by flooding served were systematically examined and utilized as benchmarks for the development of an enhanced Flood Management Master Plan tailored for the province’s geographic and socio-environmental context. This approach reflects Safety and Risk Management Theory, emphasizing the systematic identification, assessment, and reduction of hazards, and Public Safety Theory, which underscores the protection of lives and community well-being through coordinated local governance. The study involved eighty-seven (87) participants, consisting of six (6) Local Chief Executives from the different cities and municipalities, six (6) Planning Officers, six (6) C/MDRRMOs, nine (9) Rescue Team Leaders, and 60 community members from the selected LGUs. These respondents were purposefully selected for their direct knowledge and experience with the implementation of flood mitigation programs, ensuring that the data reflected both institutional and community perspectives. This was conducted from July 25, 2021, to October 2021. The researcher utilized a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and thematic analysis. This methodological design enabled the study to capture both measurable program effectiveness and the nuanced experiences of stakeholders, providing a comprehensive understanding of flood risk management practices in line with both risk reduction frameworks and public safety imperatives.

Keywords: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness