The Philippines experiences an average of twenty (20) typhoons yearly besides other calamities. In 2010, the Republic Act 10121 or otherwise known as the Philippines Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Act was enacted. The Act “provides for the development of policies and plans and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of disaster risk reduction and management, including good governance, risk assessment and early warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying risk factors, and preparedness for effective response and early recovery.”
Quezon province is almost surrounded by water. It is one of the longest provinces in the Philippines. Its northern portion directly faces the western North Pacific Basin which is the most prolific of all typhoon generators in the world. About 20 typhoons annually are formed and 5 of which make a landfall directly hitting the province. Pitogo, Quezon lies along Tayabas Bay with communities in coastal areas as vulnerable to strong winds, flooding and storm surges. When typhoon hits during high tide season, communities along the river banks and coastlines become more vulnerable to flash flood and storm surge that wounds require pre-emptive evacuation at the onset of anticipated disaster.
This Public Safety Security Study aims to assess the existing security framework during calamities in Pitogo, Quezon, identify the risk threats and proposed strategic measures to enhance public safety when every calamity particularly typhoon befall in the municipality of Pitogo.