Sto. Domingo, Albay, nestled in the shadow of Mayon Volcano, is a municipality shaped by its unique geography, rich history, and commitment to community well-being. This predominantly agricultural town, with a population of 37,765, faces significant disaster risks from volcanic activity, floods, and landslides, necessitating a strong focus on disaster preparedness. Its socio-cultural heritage, celebrated through events like the Sarung Banggi Festival, blends with a modern approach to governance, evidenced by strategic municipal ordinances and a robust network of public safety agencies. The town's economy, driven by agriculture and supported by local financial institutions, is underpinned by a proactive local government that prioritizes disaster risk reduction and management.

Primarily, this public safety and security study focused on disaster preparedness status of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) in Sto. Domingo, Albay. Its primary objective was to assess the council's effectiveness by examining its organizational structure and management systems. The research investigated the existing measures for evaluating disaster preparedness, identifying the challenges faced by the DRRMC in this domain. Furthermore, the study aimed to develop a comprehensive action plan to enhance the council's capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. By addressing these key questions, the research provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of Sto. Domingo's disaster preparedness framework, ultimately contributing to the development of strategies to improve community resilience.

This study concludes that Sto. Domingo demonstrates a strong commitment to disaster risk reduction through early warning systems, proactive community engagement, and comprehensive preparedness activities. By prioritizing timely information dissemination, visible police assistance, and multi-faceted community dialogues, the town aims to enhance resilience and mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Strategic placement of warning signages, targeted training programs, and collaborative partnerships further reinforce this proactive framework, ensuring residents are well-informed and equipped to handle potential hazards.

Therefore, it is recommended to further enhance disaster resilience, Sto. Domingo may implement a multi-channel dissemination strategy for early warnings, including SMS alerts and social media, ensuring warnings are understood and acted upon effectively. Enhanced community engagement and information dissemination, with a focus on interactive sessions and tailored information for vulnerable populations, is important. Strengthening collaborative partnerships with NGOs, CSOs, and the private sector, along with regular evaluations of the DRRM plan and comprehensive simulation drills, will ensure the framework remains adaptable and effective.

Furthermore, the action plan outlines a year-round, comprehensive disaster preparedness strategy focusing on five key areas: enhancing early warning systems through multi-channel alerts and drills; strengthening community engagement via workshops and accessible materials; improving evacuation and shelter management with updated plans and equipped centers; enhancing DRRM capacity through training and simulation exercises; and integrating climate change adaptation by conducting risk assessments and promoting sustainable practices. This plan aims to minimize casualties, foster community resilience, and ensure continuous preparedness in Sto. Domingo.