DISASTER OPERATION READINESS OF THE NUEVA ECIJA SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT STAFF

This study aimed to describe the disaster operation readiness level of the staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region III- Nueva Ecija Extension Office. It revealed that the respondents were slightly ready in terms of pre-disaster phase and almost ready in terms of the onslaught of disaster. It further revealed that monthly income of the respondents, the number of trainings they attended related to disaster operations, and their length of service were significantly related with their level of readiness for the pre- disaster-phase. On the other hand, number of trainings attended, monthly income, and position of the respondents were found to be significantly related with the respondents' readiness for the during- the- disaster- phase. The study further revealed that they were least ready in terms of conducting psycho social interventions to affected families and in managing evacuation centers. It is recommended that all DSWD staff undergo rigid training in terms of disaster management and operation.