Communicating Climate Risk in Tourism Destinations: The Case of Siruma, Camarines Sur (A Monograph)

Climate risk communication serves as a vital early warning tool that enables communities to prepare for and respond to impending disasters. It empowers locals to make informed decisions that protect lives and property. This study explored how climate risks are communicated in Siruma, Camarines Sur, and identified the challenges faced by local stakeholders in delivering effective risk messages. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews involving 17 participants. Respondents shared insights on climate risk information, communication strategies, and barriers encountered. Findings reveal that the primary sources of risk messages are the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer, Barangay Officials, and the Philippine National Police—primarily through house-to-house visits and two-way radio communication. Despite the availability of risk information, some residents resist preventive evacuation due to low risk perception, often influenced by unconvincing messages and perceived lack of credibility. The study underscores the need for focused, empathetic, and persuasive communication strategies to enhance public responsiveness and promote proactive disaster preparedness

Risk Communication, Challenges in Risk Communication, Risk Perception and Behavioral Change

1. Asian Development Bank. (2018). Information Sources to Support ADB Climate Risks Assessments and Management. Technical Note. https://www.adb.org/publications/adb-climate-risk- [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Bertram, K. (n.d.). Risk Communication & Community Engagement. https://ccp.jhu.edu/what-we-do/expertise/risk-communication-and-community-engagement/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Manual. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Charles, L., & Ward, N. (2007). Generating Change Through Research: Action Research and Its Implications. Centre for Rural Economy Discussion Paper Series No. 10, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/56871/5F06626A-6B12-4BC0-BAD4-121EADB67773.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Food and Agriculture Organization & World Health Organization. (1998, February). Expert Consultation on the Application of Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters. http://www.fao.org/3/x1271e/X1271E03.htm [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Fornoles, J. (2008). Meet “Mr. Typhoon”: An Interview with Naga’s Prominent Meteorologist, Mr. Mike Padua. https://www.typhoon2000.ph/interview.htm [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Goerlandt, F., Li, J., & Reniers, G. (2020). The Landscape of Risk Communication Research: A Scientometric Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(9), 3255. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093255 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Heydari, et al. (2021). The effect of risk communication on preventive and protective behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: Mediating role of risk perception. BMC Public Health, 21, Article 54. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Protection Motivation Theory. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_motivation_theory [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Theory of Change. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_change [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Lindsey, M., et al. (2022). Insights into Improving Risk and Safety Communication through Environmental Health Literacy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.mdpi.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. National Ocean Service. (2022). What is storm surge? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/stormsurge-stormtide.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Ngo, C. (2021). Climate Change Risk Communication: How Message Frames Shape Perceptions of Risks and Efficacy, and Influence Behavioural Intentions to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (PhD Dissertation). Wageningen University. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). About Tropical Cyclones. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/about-tropical-cyclone [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Mandate and Functions. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/mandate-and-functions [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Poortvliet, P. M., et al. (2020). Communicating Climate Change Risk: A Content Analysis of IPCC’s Summary for Policymakers. https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1119&context=calsfac [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. United Nations Institute for Training and Research. (2009). https://start.org/wp-content/uploads/accca09-web.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. UN Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR). (2006). Developing an Early Warning Systems: A Checklist. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Early Warning: From Concept to Action. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Villafuerte, M. B. (2021). Storm Surge Vulnerability Index of Siruma, Camarines Sur. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Wardekker, A. (2004). Risk Communication on Climate Change (Master's Thesis). University of Bergen. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262296226_Risk_Communication_on_Climate_Change [Google Scholar] [Crossref]