Abstract
This study generally aims to assess the administrative capabilities of Maguindanao del Norte in the implementation of the “The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121) of 2010 Program. Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions: What is the level of administrative capability of Maguindanao del Norte in the implementation of RA 10121 / DRRMP in terms of the following thematic areas: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Disaster Preparedness; Disaster Response; and Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation? What are the problems encountered by the selected five (5) municipalities of the province during the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program?; What policy recommendation that can be drawn from the study?A descriptive evaluative method is used in the study. The respondents in this study consist of one hundred (100) individuals coming from the five (5) selected municipalities. Twenty (20) respondents per municipality. The purposive sampling method was used in the identification of respondents where the study is conducted. The research instrument used is survey questionnaires, and a study of relevant literature and research, as well as data from the Maguindanao del Norte Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the selected five (5) municipalities’ Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.The data gathering procedure consist of two stages. The preparatory stage, in which the materials needed in the study is prepared and the questionnaire is validated. Second stage is the actual gathering of data. The gathering of data has been completed in two weeks. The data analysis is done using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for its validity and reliability. The statistical tools used are the frequency count, and the mean. The frequency count is used to summarize the occurrence of the responses of the respondents on a particular question or statement. Ranking method is also used in analyzing the problems or challenges encountered. Based on the analysis made on the data, the province of Maguindanao del Norte is highly capable in the implementation of DRRM (with final rating of 4.10, which is equivalent to High) on the four (4) thematic areas: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and rehabilitation program. Hence, this concludes that the level of administrative capabilities of Maguindanao del Norte in the implementation of Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121) of 2010 Program was highly capable. On the onset of conclusion, these recommendations are being formulated: First, the provincial government must make sure that the residents benefit fully from the catastrophe resilience measures and activities they carry out. It is not enough to just state that something was conducted efficiently if the immediate beneficiaries are unaware of it. Second, the Maguindanao del Norte administration must guarantee that its residents maximize the facilities for catastrophe resilience. Third, the Maguindanao del Norte should emphasize the correct distribution of suitable equipment to all of its towns. Fourth, the police, fire department, rescuers/volunteers, and barangay authorities should receive further training to improve their ability to assist their constituents during calamities. Fifth, the administration of Maguindanao del Norte must devote more time, expertise, intelligence, effort, funds, and dedication to make their local government unit a disaster-resistant community. Sixth, it is recommended that comparable studies be done in other locations.
