Determining factors affecting preparedness beliefs among Filipinos on Taal volcano eruption in Luzon, Philippines

Volcanic eruption is a known natural disaster threat in the Philippines, and lack of disaster preparedness may lead to immense property damages and human casualties. This study aimed to determine the relevant factors affecting Filipinos’ preparedness beliefs in the risk of the Taal volcano eruption by integrating the Protection Motivation Theory and the extended Theory of Planned Behavior. A total of 653 individuals living in nearby urban and rural areas around the Taal volcano answered the self-administered questionnaire with 61 questions (61 indicators and 11 latent variables). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), results showed that Perceived risk proximity, Media, and Hazard knowledge had substantial effects on Perceived severity and Perceived vulnerability. Perceived severity and Perceived vulnerability consequently have positive direct impact on Perceived behavioral control, Risk avoidance norms, and Attitude toward the behavior, which were found to have a direct significance to Intention to evacuate, Preparedness behaviors and Preparedness beliefs in the threat of Taal volcano eruption. The results will contribute to researchers and policymakers in developing disaster mitigation plans to minimize the effects of volcano-related disasters and build community resilience to natural disasters. Furthermore, the SEM constructs can be extended and modified to analyze the preparedness in other third world countries prone to natural disasters.