Preparedness to Natural Hazards of Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Regional Employees and Its Relation to the Implementation of Disaster Preparedness Measures: Basis for the Creation of Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP)

Abstract ―​

This quantitative research study examines the preparedness of regional employees of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to natural hazards and its relation to the implementation of disaster preparedness measures. The objective is to establish a basis for the creation of a Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) within the organization. The study presents several key findings based on survey responses from PIA regional offices. The study reveals that a significant proportion (42.7%) of respondents are aged 46 years and older. The majority of respondents hold the position of information officers (66.9%), and 45.2% have a length of service of 12 years and above. Respondents perceived a high probability of various natural hazards occurring in their respective regions, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, tropical cyclones and typhoons, heavy rainfall, landslides, and storm surges. Further, regional employees of PIA demonstrate sufficient knowledge of natural hazards and disaster preparedness measures. However, the implementation of these disaster preparedness measures is found to be occasional (sometimes), as indicated by a mean score of 3.12. Subsequently, regional office employees strongly agree with the importance of implementing these disaster preparedness measures in their offices. The study also finds no significant relationship between the level of knowledge of disaster preparedness measures and the implementation of such measures and between the level of implementation and the attitude of employees towards their implementation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the PIA develop and implement a Public Service Continuity Plan to enhance its preparedness and response to natural hazards. The plan should consider each regional office's specific needs and characteristics and provide comprehensive guidelines for disaster preparedness measures.