Inter-Agency Coordination in Disaster Response in Surigao City: Assessing Institutional Strengths, Operational Gaps and Governance Strategies for Public Sector Improvement

Abstract

This study assessed inter-agency coordination in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and its relationship with perceived disaster response effectiveness among local government units and government agencies in Surigao City, Philippines. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed. Of 139 targeted personnel and representatives from disaster-response stakeholder groups, 117 provided usable questionnaires, yielding an 84.17% response rate. The researcher-made instrument was adapted from the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Local Government Unit Disaster Preparedness Journal: Engagement of Stakeholders Tool (LISTO) and measured coordination across prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank-order correlation were used as the principal analyses. Overall inter-agency coordination was rated Very High (M = 4.39, SD = 0.58), as was perceived disaster response effectiveness (M = 4.46, SD = 0.52). Operational challenges were Moderate overall (M = 3.26, SD = 0.92), led by communication breakdowns, limited resources and equipment, and lack of joint training. Overall coordination was strongly and positively associated with perceived disaster response effectiveness (ρ = .763, p < .001, n = 117). All four coordination domains were significantly associated with effectiveness, with coefficients ranging from .638 to .674. Respondents also expressed Very High support for governance strategies emphasizing communication systems and technology, stronger policies and guidelines, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and inter-agency partnerships. The findings indicate that strong institutional coordination can coexist with persistent operational vulnerabilities. Strengthening interoperable communication, joint preparedness activities, resource capacity, and formal coordination protocols may help sustain and refine local disaster governance. Because the study is cross-sectional and perception-based, the results establish association rather than causation.