Abstract

Small islands face many vulnerabilities brought by natural and anthropogenic causes. These exposures pose potential community losses triggered by disruption in their economic activities. This study aims to create an economic recovery model that can potentially lessen the economic and livelihood effects of disaster-related problems in the Philippines, particularly in the island communities. Using the islands in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines as a case in point, the study determined the variables that support and maintain economic recovery during disastrous events. Anchored on the variables used in the Integrated Community-Based Risk Reduction (ICBRR) model, this research established the variables that strengthen the island community recovery. The study utilized mixed method as it employs the logistic regression modeling, structural equation modeling; descriptive statistics, interviews, and direct observation and focused group study to attain its objective. Results show the significance of all the variables and uncover the critical need for improvement in the following areas—waste management and mangrove protection, medical facilities, income source, education, microfinance access, housing and infrastructure, local government involvement, and disaster risk reduction—to mitigate the potential risks to the well-being of the population and the environment and natural habitat that provides subsistence for all life forms in the future. This study was able to construct an ISLET model that is an enabler for the economic recovery and overall improvement in important aspects in the lives of island communities—such as in infrastructure, social protection, local government intervention, education and training, and especially to put in place mechanisms through which disaster risk reduction activities can take place in order to promote the pace of economic recovery of island communities after events of disasters.