Why does network governance fail in managing post-disaster conditions in the Philippines?

Abstract

Disasters are the litmus test of governance. The inherent complexity of disasters places government agencies and societies in vulnerable situations. This study uses the mixed-method approach to social network analysis in evaluating the network structure of the Philippine disaster management and its implications for disaster governance. A survey was conducted among the target 56 identified disaster response-related agencies and organisations from the disaster management networks of the most susceptible areas in the Philippines – Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, Province of Misamis Oriental and the overall Region 10 disaster response network, aimed at measuring the existing relationships among member agencies. Forty-four agencies and organisations were able to participate in the survey. Also, key informant interviews were conducted among the representatives of the lead agencies, non-government organisations and survivors of Typhoon Washi. The findings revealed that the mandated tall structure and the lead organisation form of network governance as stipulated in Republic Act 10121 does not work in the regional and local disaster management networks in Region 10, particularly during Typhoon Washi in 2010. At the regional level, such structure does not build interdependencies among agencies, while at the local level, disaster response operations are constrained by bureaucratic protocols making disaster management networks ineffective. At the regional level, where many agencies and organisations are involved, the existing less centralised structure of decision-making should be transformed into a highly centralised structure, while disaster operations should be improved through coordination at all levels of disaster operations and intensified collaboration with non-government agencies.

Collaborating network in managing post the Mount Merapi’s disruption, Indonesia

“…Given these findings, this study enriches the current understanding of cross-sector collaboration, which Bryson et al ( 2006 ) referred to as an ideal but difficult and complicated approach towards the successful outcome. With its focus on the influences of the initial conditions to the aspects of governance process-leadership, initial agreement, trust, planning and managing conflict and its impact on the outcome of collaboration, this study reaffirms the previous studies conducted on cross-sector collaboration and disaster governance emphasising the relevance of the aspects of governance processes, particularly leadership in collaborative disaster management (Fung 2015 ; Jovita 2010 ; Kapucu et al 2010 ; Lester & Krejci 2019 ). This study also joins the theoretical discussion on the relationship between the impact of the initial condition to the collaborative process that institutional design and sector failure, sets the basic ground under which collaboration takes place (Ansell & Gash 2008 ).…”

ASEAN Policy Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic: Adaptation and Experimentation Policy: A Study of ASEAN Countries Policy Volatility for COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The inevitable balance between many issues recognizes and interprets the problem of decision-making—process weighing the qualities of the issue’s characteristic and competing solutions—are three components of disproportionate responses (Jirangkul, 2018). Hence the gap of the policy response is to make disproportionate policy responses operational (Jovita et al, 2018; Prawoto et al, 2020). While current studies suggest measuring policy (dis) proportionality in a complex and measured way, a more comprehensive, slimmer, intersubjective, and large-scale comparative study measuring approach must be adopted.…”

Social media in aid of post disaster management

“…Recovery after being struck is the most complicated function of disaster management, and most successful when the needs of the community are addressed and have returned to a normal routine (Lindell, 2013; UNISDR, 2017). Addressing the needs of the affected community requires efforts not only from the government but also from other stakeholders (Jovita, 2018). The integration of public participation, more specifically the victims, in decision-making and in implementing such decisions is needed as the victims are the first responders of the disaster they are experiencing (Larabee, 2003).…”

“…Social media is used in disseminating information, but of how social media can be used in acquiring information, particularly for post-disaster management, is still subtle (Alexander, 2014; Anikeeva et al , 2015; Hashimoto and Ohama, 2014; Kaminska and Rutten, 2014). Results of this study can particularly help the Philippines, as the lack of reliable communication system has been one of the major problems of the government in responding to calamities (Fearnley et al , 2017; Jovita, 2018).…”