Leading the Way in Disaster Resilience: The Worklife of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (BDRRMO) Chiefs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.417Keywords:
Adaptive Leadership, Community Resilience, Coping Strategies, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Early Warning Systems, Leadership, Resilience, Thematic Analysis, Transcendental PhenomenologyAbstract
This study explored the worklife experiences, coping strategies, leadership practices, and aspirations of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO) Chiefs in selected barangays of Liloan, Cebu. Anchored on the Competence Motivation Theory of Susan Harter (1978), Leadership Theory by Kurt Lewin (1939), and Resilience Theory by Ann Masten (2021), the study examined how competence, leadership, and resilience influence disaster preparedness and response effectiveness. A qualitative research design grounded in transcendental phenomenology was employed to understand the lived experiences of the participants. Data were gathered through Individual Depth Interviews (IDIs) with ten incumbent BDRRMO Chiefs selected through purposive sampling. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that preparedness, teamwork, communication, coordination, early warning systems, and organized relief operations were essential in ensuring effective disaster response. Participants emphasized that regular drills, clear delegation of responsibilities, and collaboration with local agencies improved operational efficiency and minimized disaster impacts. However, the study also identified challenges such as limited resources, inadequate communication systems, delayed external assistance, transportation difficulties, and community non-compliance with evacuation protocols. To address these challenges, BDRRMO Chiefs relied on adaptive leadership, community education, preparedness planning, and collaborative communication strategies. Their aspirations focused on strengthening communication systems, improving early warning mechanisms, establishing barangay-owned evacuation centers, enhancing training and simulation exercises, and increasing resource allocation for disaster preparedness and response. The study concluded that effective disaster risk reduction and management depend on competent leadership, institutional support, preparedness systems, and community participation. Continuous capacity-building, strengthened coordination, and improved disaster governance are necessary to enhance community resilience and disaster response effectiveness. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities through its emphasis on disaster preparedness and community resilience, SDG 13 on Climate Action through adaptive disaster response strategies, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through strengthened local disaster governance. The study contributes to sustainability by promoting resilient communities, improved local governance, strengthened institutional preparedness, and enhanced community participation in disaster risk reduction and management.References
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