Disclaimer from
the Author:
This article is a
study and a reflection of my perspective, formulated from various frameworks
and best practices I have encountered in my academic and professional journey.
The examples and figures presented are conceptual and should be treated as
guiding principles, not as real-world scenarios or validated data.
Readers are advised
to use the content herein as a reference for exploring ideas and strategies,
not as a definitive source of operational frameworks or policy implementation.
While the insights aim to inspire critical thinking and understanding, they are
not grounded in empirical research or official government practices.
Users should exercise
discretion and seek further research or professional guidance when applying
these principles to real-life situations.
I. Disaster Risk
Management through ISO 31000, Six Sigma, and Stakeholder Engagement
In the face of frequent natural
disasters, local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines have increasingly
embraced systematic approaches to disaster risk management. Stakeholder
involvement, official capacity building, and the integration of risk management
frameworks have all been essential to enhancing disaster preparedness and
response. Real-life examples from Cebu City, Marikina City, and Dingalan, Aurora,
highlight how these principles are applied in practice.
II. Capacity Building in Risk
Management
Implementation: Training LGU Officials
in Risk Management Principles
Cebu City, which was severely impacted
by Typhoon Odette in 2021, turned adversity into an opportunity for growth by
investing in the capacity building of its local government officials. The Cebu
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) adopted risk
management frameworks to enhance process efficiency in emergency response.
Workshops focused on the implementation of data-driven risk assessments and
continuous improvement strategies to enhance the city's disaster management
capabilities.
Cebu City sought to increase the
general effectiveness of disaster response and preparedness by educating LGU
officials on these concepts. The training sessions placed a strong emphasis on
the necessity of an organized, effective response during critical events, the
significance of risk identification, and the role that continuous improvement
plays in disaster management. The result was a more streamlined disaster
management process that could better withstand future typhoons and other
emergencies.
III. Stakeholder Involvement for
Community-Based Disaster Management
Implementation: Establishing Community
Risk-Mapping Workshops to Integrate Local Knowledge
In Marikina City, which is prone to
severe flooding, the local government successfully integrated community input
into its disaster risk reduction plans. The city initiated Barangay Risk Mapping
Workshops, where residents contributed valuable local knowledge about
flood-prone areas, evacuation routes, and historical disaster trends. This
stakeholder-driven approach significantly improved the city’s flood
preparedness and response.
Through these workshops, the LGU not
only gathered essential data on flood risks but also fostered a sense of
ownership and engagement among the local community. By aligning the city’s
disaster risk reduction plan with the insights of those most affected by
floods, Marikina enhanced its evacuation strategies and improved community
trust in local authorities. The integration of local knowledge into risk
assessments allowed the city to create more accurate and actionable disaster
response plans.
IV. ISO 31000-Aligned Risk
Identification in Dingalan, Aurora: ISO 31000-Aligned Templates for Risk
Identification and Evaluation
The Municipality of Dingalan, Aurora,
located along the coast and frequently affected by typhoons, adopted a
standardized approach to disaster risk management based on ISO 31000
principles. Dingalan developed risk evaluation templates that included
historical disaster data, hazard mapping, and vulnerability assessments. This
framework was instrumental in streamlining the municipality’s disaster preparedness
and recovery efforts.
By aligning their risk management
processes with ISO 31000, Dingalan can ensure a more systematic and data-driven
approach to risk identification and assessment. The LGU was able to forecast
future risks and gain a better understanding of past vulnerabilities by
integrating historical disaster data. Furthermore, hazard mapping and
vulnerability assessments allowed the municipality to focus on high-risk areas,
improving resource allocation and disaster response planning.
Table format : Risk Assessment based on
the given scenario for the risk assessment in Dingalan, Aurora
Issues
|
Interested Parties
|
Immediate Effect
|
Long-Term Impact
|
Risk
|
Opportunity
|
RO Owner
|
Compliance Obligation
|
Measures
|
Impact (1-3)
|
Likelihood (1-3)
|
Risk Score
|
Risk Level (L,M,H)
|
(PAPs) to Address R/O
|
Need for standardized risk assessment approach
|
Local Government Unit (LGU)
|
Improved disaster preparedness
|
Strengthened resilience to disasters
|
Typhoon damage, flooding, infrastructure loss,
and loss of life
|
Improved preparedness and recovery strategies,
enhanced public safety
|
LGU Risk Assessment Team
|
Republic Act No. 10121: Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2010
|
Adoption of ISO 31000-aligned templates for risk
evaluation
|
3
|
2
|
6
|
Medium
|
Regular risk evaluations, enhanced disaster
recovery plans
|
Inadequate disaster recovery frameworks in the
past
|
Residents, Emergency Response Teams
|
Disruption to local businesses and services
|
Increased vulnerability to future hazards
|
Uncertainty in disaster impact prediction,
inadequate response infrastructure
|
Ability to better allocate resources for disaster
management
|
LGU Disaster Management Team
|
RA 10121: National Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Plan
|
Historical disaster data, hazard mapping,
vulnerability assessments
|
3
|
2
|
6
|
Medium
|
Integration of vulnerability assessments into
policy
|
Lack of coordination on risk assessment
initiatives
|
Local and regional government, NGOs
|
Delay in response to typhoon or flood events
|
Weakened public confidence in disaster response
|
Fragmented information, conflicting responses,
confusion
|
Improved coordination between government and NGOs
for faster response
|
LGU Disaster Risk Management Head
|
RA 7160: Local Government Code, RA 10121:
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan
|
Standardized templates for risk identification
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
Low
|
Foster partnerships with NGOs, improve
communication channels
|
Limited historical disaster data for effective
planning
|
LGU Planning Office, PHIVOLCS
|
Inefficient allocation of resources during
disasters
|
Lack of readiness for future disasters
|
Insufficient data, risk mismanagement
|
Better-informed decisions through accurate
historical data
|
LGU Planning and Development Officer
|
RA 10121: NDRRM Act, RA 10586: Philippine
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
|
Integration of historical disaster data into risk
templates
|
3
|
3
|
9
|
High
|
Improve data collection and integration in
planning
|
V. Control Phase- (DMAIC 6 sigma Phase):
Sustaining Improvements in Disaster Risk Management
To ensure the long-term success of
these disaster risk management initiatives, the implementation of control
mechanisms is essential. The following real-life examples from various LGUs
illustrate how these measures can be sustained.
1.Performance Dashboards: Real-Time
KPI Monitoring
- Project
NOAH, a disaster monitoring system launched by the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST), provides real-time data on flood levels, storm
surges, and landslide risks. During Typhoon Ulysses (2020), these
dashboards helped local government units (LGUs) make informed decisions
and evacuate high-risk areas in a timely manner.
A table format for how real-time
data on flood levels, storm surges, and landslide risks could be presented on
dashboards to help local government units (LGUs) make informed decisions:
Data Type
|
Real-Time Data
|
Risk Level
|
Affected Areas
|
Recommended Action
|
Time of Last Update
|
Additional Notes
|
Flood Levels
|
4 meters above normal
|
High
|
Barangay Riverside, Baywalk
|
Evacuate flood-prone areas, alert residents
|
10:30 AM
|
Flood sensors placed along key riverbanks
|
Storm Surges
|
2.5 meters expected
|
Moderate to High
|
Coastal Barangays: San Isidro, Bagumbayan
|
Evacuate coastal areas, secure boats
|
10:15 AM
|
Surge expected within 3 hours; evacuation shelters prepared
|
Landslide Risk
|
Elevated risk due to heavy rain
|
High
|
Barangay Mabini, Hilltop
|
Advise evacuation from steep slopes, monitor ground movement
|
10:40 AM
|
Rainfall accumulation over past 24 hours has increased risk
|
Flood Levels
|
1.2 meters above normal
|
Moderate
|
Barangay Talon, Floodplain
|
Monitor closely, prepare for possible evacuation
|
10:45 AM
|
Flooding expected to worsen in the next 6 hours
|
Storm Surges
|
1 meter expected
|
Low to Moderate
|
Barangay Maligaya, Beachfront
|
Alert, prepare barriers, monitor wind strength
|
10:25 AM
|
Storm surge likely during high tide
|
Landslide Risk
|
No immediate risk
|
Low
|
Barangay Sta. Lucia, Lowlands
|
No action required, monitor rainfall
|
10:50 AM
|
Rainfall below alert threshold
|
This table format presents the key
real-time data points, the corresponding risk level, affected areas, and
recommended actions. These dashboards would help LGUs make quick, informed
decisions regarding evacuation and other disaster preparedness measures. The
time of last update ensures that the data being used is current, and the
additional notes provide context for any upcoming changes in condition.
2. Regular Audits: Semi-Annual Reviews
of Risk Assessment Processes.
In Albay, the province’s Zero Casualty
Policy led to the establishment of semi-annual audits that assess the
effectiveness of disaster preparedness programs. These audits focus on key
areas such as compliance with evacuation protocols, the efficiency of relief
distribution, and the functionality of early warning systems. Based on audit
results, Albay refined policies, including improvements to evacuation centers
and flood monitoring sensors.
Sample Audit program/plan in table
format based on the semi-annual reviews of the risk assessment processes for
disaster preparedness:
Audit Objective
|
Audit Focus Area
|
Key Audit Activities
|
Audit Frequency
|
Responsible Personnel
|
Expected Outcomes
|
Follow-Up Actions
|
Assess Effectiveness of Disaster Preparedness
|
Compliance with Evacuation Protocols
|
- Review evacuation drills and procedures
- Verify availability of evacuation maps and guidelines
|
Semi-Annual
|
Local Disaster Risk Management Office
|
Improved evacuation procedures
Higher compliance with evacuation protocols
|
Revise protocols based on feedback
Update evacuation plans as necessary
|
Assess Relief Distribution Efficiency
|
Distribution of Relief Goods
|
- Evaluate response time to disasters
- Assess adequacy of relief supplies storage and distribution plans
|
Semi-Annual
|
Provincial Relief Coordination Team
|
Faster and more organized distribution of relief goods
|
Optimize relief logistics
Improve stockpiling strategy
|
Evaluate Early Warning System Functionality
|
Flood Monitoring Sensors and Communication Systems
|
- Test the functionality of flood sensors and warning systems
- Assess communication between authorities and communities
|
Semi-Annual
|
Albay Disaster Monitoring Center
|
Improved sensor functionality
Better community communication
|
Maintenance of systems
Enhance sensor coverage
|
Review Disaster Response Policies
|
Policy Refinements Based on Audit Results
|
- Analyze feedback from previous audits
- Review any policy changes for effectiveness
|
Semi-Annual
|
Albay Provincial Government
|
Refined policies for better preparedness and response
|
Implement policy changes based on audit recommendations
|
This audit plan focuses on key areas
like evacuation protocols, relief distribution, early warning systems, and
ongoing policy reviews, all aligned with the objectives of enhancing Albay's
disaster preparedness.
3. Community Feedback Mechanism:
Hotline for Reporting Risks & Providing Feedback
Following the devastation of Super
Typhoon Haiyan (2013), Leyte established a disaster hotline to enable residents
to report infrastructure damage, missing individuals, and provide feedback on
disaster response efforts. This system enhanced the efficiency of the local
government’s response and ensured that urgent issues were prioritized during
relief operations. The provincial government responded by implementing a
disaster hotline for reporting risks and providing feedback. This mechanism
enabled residents to report infrastructure damage, missing persons, and supply
needs, allowing the LGU to prioritize urgent issues and deploy resources
effectively. The hotline improved coordination between agencies, reducing
evacuation delays and facilitating faster decision-making. It also helped
locate missing individuals and ensured efficient resource allocation. The
success of this initiative minimized further loss of life and became a model
for disaster preparedness in other regions.
Reference
Delica-Willison, Z. (2015). Community-Based Disaster Risk Management
in the Philippines: Empowering Stakeholders for Resilience.
Results and Impact ( on this case is a
product of my own estimation- do not use this as a validated data)
Through the integration of performance
dashboards, regular audits, and community feedback mechanisms, LGUs have made
significant strides in enhancing disaster risk management:
- Risk Identification Rate:
Improved by 30% following the adoption of Project NOAH’s hazard mapping
techniques.
- Response
Readiness Time:
Reduced by 40% through preemptive evacuation policies, as evidenced by
Albay’s success during Typhoons Reming (2006) and Rolly (2020).
- Stakeholder
Satisfaction Index:
Increased from 60% to 85%, reflecting improved disaster preparedness and
response efforts, as seen in Leyte’s post-Haiyan surveys.
Conclusion
The integration of ISO 31000 risk
management principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and community-based approaches
has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing disaster preparedness in
the Philippines. By building the capacity of LGU officials, involving
stakeholders in risk identification, and implementing control mechanisms for
continuous improvement, LGUs are better equipped to manage and respond to
natural disasters. These initiatives not only enhance the operational
efficiency of disaster management efforts but also foster stronger community
engagement and resilience.
Through these lessons from Cebu City,
Marikina City, and Dingalan, LGUs across the country can further strengthen
their disaster risk management systems, ensuring that they are well-prepared
for future challenges.
References:
Riskonnect. (2025, January 31). The Basics of ISO 31000 – Risk Management. Riskonnect. https://riskonnect.com/business-continuity-resilience/the-basics-of-iso-31000-risk-management/