Abstract
Being part of the seismically active "Pacific Ring of Fire," earthquakes in the Philippines have ever been occurring. Many studies have been conducted assessing the earthquake preparedness of the people, yet there needs to be more studies among rural communities. This research study aims to fill in the gaps as it assesses the earthquake preparedness of people living in rural communities, particularly in Ipil-Cuneg, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The study utilized a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative methodology. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the earthquake preparedness of the respondents in terms of awareness and practices among the 187 sample size. With the use of inferential and statistical treatments, it was found that the respondents are very aware and prepared about the necessities regarding earthquake preparedness. However, it is analyzed that earthquake preparedness has very low to no relationship to the residents’ demographic profiles. The respondents’ awareness and practices are also found to have a very high positive correlation. The respondents’ actions are based on what they know and are aware of. Moreover, the respondents deem that awareness and practices are essential in preparation for earthquake occurrences to know what they should do during the event. These findings can be used to establish disaster risk mitigation interventions for the barangay in order for the people to strengthen their knowledge and practices about earthquake preparedness. It is recommended that authorities should initiate programs that would shape the community to be efficient in times of disaster.
