Cooperation between local authority and communities: reducing flood disaster risk in Dagupan City, Philippines

This brief outlines the flood risks faced by Dagupan City, Philippines and highlights lessons learned in disaster risk reduction. In particular, this case shows how integrating flooding risk reduction as a regular and joint activity of city governments with their communities has galvanised action, and fostered a growing sense of unity and pride in the city.

Flooding in Dagupan is a common problem due to the presence of seven rivers with a high sediment load which do not drain easily into the sea. This situation is further aggravated by the onset of high tide causing tidal backflow. People are increasingly exposed to flood risk as Dagupan has become a major urban center for the region.

The brief covers the following topics:

• a discussion of the flood risks faced by residents of Dagupan City
• forming a Technical Working Group
• working with other stakeholders
• work with communities
• institutionalising change
• holding an annual Disaster Preparedness Day
• making a Risk Communications Plan

Lessons learned from the case study include:

• disaster preparedness is not enough. While it is critical to plan for emergencies and mitigate impending disasters, further efforts need to be made to ensure that quality of life is preserved
• start with what is available and integrate disaster risk reduction within it. Creating a Technical Working Group ensures continuity of the focus on disaster management and involves the key stakeholders who are concerned with lowering the need for disaster response
• aim for vertical and horizontal integration of disaster management. For disaster management to be effective, all key players must be included: national and local governments, the private sector and civil society
• create a culture of safety. The community must be completely involved in disaster management and can also monitor their own vulnerabilities and capacities. Suggested measures include more data collection points that can be inputted into the city’s monitoring system and a local law to create an attitude of disaster preparedness among the community 
• have a risk communications plan to increase the transparency of disaster management activities. The study suggests that talking about disaster risk does not create panic or unrest among people but rather creates a stronger feeling of community and ownership over disaster risk reduction activities