PRAGMATIC USE OF ICT FOR EFFECTIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Authors : Maria Victoria G PINEDA

Pages : 15-25

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Publication Date : 2009-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In an archipelago situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines with close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, is a typhoon and tropical cyclone-friendly country. While the citizens across the islands are very familiar with typhoon behaviors, anticipation of the probable disaster may still be underestimated and conventional preparation would not be enough. A disaster is a form of chaos that is very inimitable, unpredictable and pertains to real-time monitoring before, during and after it takes place. And ICT can take a strategic role as far as preparedness, response and rehabilitation efforts are to be made. This paper intends to impart two pragmatic ways of utilizing ICT in disaster governance. First is facilitating cooperation among the different government agencies through a web-based Disaster Coordination System to address disaster management. A comprehensive workflow facility that permits remote exchange of data and transactions among regional centers, local municipalities and the national disaster coordinating council is the major feature of the system. Second is applying concepts of human resources but at the same time addressing the peculiarities of a volunteer in the design of a volunteer management system for the Philippine National Red Cross. The system utilizes web and mobile technologies. Both systems are perceived to be proactive and dependable references for policy-making.
Keywords : disaster management, disaster systems, disaster coordination, government cooperation, citizen participation, Philippines