Evaluating Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Preparedness in University Extension Campuses

This study evaluates the preparedness of the External Studies Unit of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in implementing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) programs. Using a mixed method, it examined the level of DRRM preparedness along with the four key indicators: disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster recovery and rehabilitation. This study also evaluated the frequency of drills conducted and the barriers encountered in DRRM implementation. The study randomly selected 344 student participants for the quantitative phase and purposively selected five campus administrators for the qualitative stage. The quantitative findings revealed that the DRRM preparedness of the five campuses varies according to campus. Campuses 3 and 5 showed a very high level of implementation, while other campuses, like Campus 1, Campus 2, and Campus 4, reportedly had a high level of implementation only. There were three themes that emerged in qualitative findings: (1) limited personnel training on DRRM and high workload demands; (2) inadequate organizational capacity for DRRM implementation; and (3) shortages of emergency and response equipment. Both quantitative and qualitative data were integrated as supplemental validation to the findings. The result suggests that campuses with very high DRRM implementation are due to the dynamic leadership of campus administrators, enhanced stakeholder partnerships, and strategic resource management. In conclusion, the overall DRRM preparedness of WMSU external campuses is highly implemented, and the programs demonstrate and contribute to the university’s shared responsibility to promote safety and a secure learning environment.