Weathering the Storm: A Qualitative Case Study on Disaster Crisis Management of DRRM Officers in MDS

Abstract

This study investigated how Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officers in Maguindanao del Sur (MDS) navigate the complexities of natural disaster crises across pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster crisis phases. This study was guided by Coombs’ (2018) three-stage crisis management model and employed a qualitative single-case study approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with municipal and provincial DRRM heads. Findings using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis revealed that each crisis phase involved distinct sub-phases marked by specific practices and decisions. In the pre-crisis phase, disaster crisis signals were primarily detected through early warning systems (EWS); however, internal vulnerabilities emerged as subtle crisis conditions. DRRM officers also engaged in prevention and preparation efforts to strengthen their overall disaster crisis management. During the disaster crisis phase, the crisis was formally recognized through field validations and hazard assessments, prompting response actions. Post-crisis actions emphasized evaluation, learning, and recovery initiatives to improve future resilience. The findings highlight the central role of DRRM officers as frontline crisis managers and emphasize the need for proactive, anticipatory approaches to disaster crisis management in highly vulnerable regions. Across all phases, effective crisis communication is crucial to ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated information flow that supports informed decision-making and effective response.