Awareness and Preparedness on Volcanic Eruption among Residents in the Danger Zone
Edmund Ocate, Christi Magto
Received: 22 March 2026; Revised: 25 May 2026; Accepted: 03 June 2026; Published: 08 June 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66074/LIT88D00F9
Abstract
This study investigated the levels of awareness and preparedness regarding volcanic eruptions among residents in the municipality of Mambajao, Camiguin, a locale where all the barangays are situated within volcanic danger zones. Utilizing a quantitative-descriptive design, data were gathered from 378 respondents across 15 barangays using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. B Before the actual implementation, research protocols and ethical standards were religiously observed in carrying out the inquiry. Appropriate statistical tools were used to produce reliable results for dissemination. The findings revealed that the residents possess a moderate level of awareness (M=3.13), and a high level of preparedness (M=3.34). Moreover, the residents exhibited a statistically significant and very strong positive correlation (r = 0.812, p < .001) between awareness and preparedness, with awareness explaining 65.93% of the variation in preparedness levels. Results also showed significant differences across all explanatory variables. Notably, newer residents (less than one year) and those in close proximity to the volcano demonstrated higher vigilance compared to long-term residents, who exhibited normalization of awareness for having known it a long time. Additionally, low-income and smaller households showed significantly higher readiness, likely due to simplified coordination and a higher perceived vulnerability. This study concluded that although cultural memory and folk awareness drive high preparedness, critical gaps remain in formal information dissemination, particularly regarding specific evacuation routes and the filtering of misinformation on social media. The results underscore the need for local government units to bridge the last mile of risk communication to ensure that high psychological readiness translates into effective, coordinated action during a volcanic event.
Keywords: danger zone, disaster awareness and preparedness, volcanic eruptions
Corresponding Author Information: Camiguin Polytechnic State College, Philippines; hvo.edmundocate@gmail.com
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2026