Bakwit: A Mobile Application for Disaster-Prone Areas and Evacuation Centers Mapping Using Geographic Information Systems

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides, and earthquakes, highlighting the need for accessible and reliable disaster information. This study employed a descriptive-developmental research design to develop and evaluate BAKWIT, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mobile application that maps disaster-prone areas and evacuation centers in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City. The application integrates spatial data, hazard maps, and verified evacuation center locations to provide residents, Local Government Units (LGUs), and emergency responders with real-time, location-based information for safer and more efficient evacuations. Key features include hazard zone identification, navigation tools, directions to evacuation centers, detailed evacuation center information, and emergency contact access. The study involved 33 purposively selected respondents composed of barangay officials and staff, Emergency Response Team (ERT) members, residents, and software developers. Data were analyzed using the Weighted Mean to evaluate user responses and Spearman's rho correlation to determine the relationship between the application's profile and user satisfaction. Results indicated favorable user evaluations across all Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs. Perceived Usefulness obtained the highest weighted mean (4.40), followed by Behavioral Intention to Use (4.36), Perceived Ease of Use (4.26), and Attitude Toward Use (4.21), with an overall mean of 4.31, interpreted as "Agree." Correlation analysis revealed that Attitude Toward Use had a statistically significant positive relationship with user satisfaction (ρ = 0.699, p = 0.025), whereas Perceived Usefulness (ρ = 0.253, p = 0.481) and Perceived Ease of Use (ρ = −0.465, p = 0.176) showed no statistically significant relationships. These findings suggest that BAKWIT is a feasible tool for strengthening disaster preparedness and supporting disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) initiatives. However, its reliance on internet connectivity may limit its effectiveness during network disruptions, highlighting the need for future enhancements that support offline functionality.