Ha Pagtindog han Bungto: Improvising Local Governance and the Use of LDRRMFs in Yolanda-Ravaged Leyte and Eastern Samar

Abstract

This study examines local disaster responses in Palo, Leyte and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, which were the towns hardest hit by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. Using qualitative research methods and a policy framework that focuses on the top-down implementation of Republic Act 10121, this study examines disaster management responses and improvisations made by local government officials as first responders in these two municipalities. Despite the proactive nature of the law and the presence of the local disaster risk reduction and management funds (LDRRMFs) to address disasters, responses of these two municipalities were still largely improvised and reactive giving the impression that said funds were inaccessible or underutilized. This study reconstructs and compares activities done before, during, and after the devastation in these two municipalities, and presents lessons learned.