Advisers

Flordaliza M. Gabbaoan, RCrim, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study evaluates the responsiveness of Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSOs) as frontline responders in community-level emergencies within Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. BPSOs play a crucial role in ensuring public safety, minimizing risks, and providing immediate assistance before professional units arrive. Given that Barangay Holy Spirit is one of the largest and most densely populated barangays in Quezon City, it is essential to assess the effectiveness of its community-based emergency response. This study aimed to identify existing gaps and provide actionable recommendations to enhance local disaster preparedness and overall community resilience. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, involving 80 randomly sampled respondents (30 BPSOs and 50 residents) from Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. data were collected using a validated researcher-constructed questionnaire assessing BPSO responsiveness in coordination, resources, and training, alongside challenges and proposed improvements. Statistical analysis included frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and the Mann-Whitney U Test. The findings revealed that respondents rated BPSOs with an overall weighted mean of 3.33 in coordination (Very Responsive), 3.18 in resources (Responsive), and 3.18 in training (Responsive). The most significant challenge identified was limited access to equipment and resources during emergencies, reported by 56.25% of the respondents. The Mann-Whitney U Test showed a statistically significant difference in assessments across the variables, with p-values of 0.01193, 0.01167, and 0.01193, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. While BPSOs show good coordination, there is a clear need to improve resources and training. The study highlights that limited access to equipment is a major hindrance. To address this, an Emergency Response Enhancement Plan was proposed, focusing on better resource allocation, inter-agency coordination, consistent training, and community involvement to strengthen BPSO effectiveness.

Keywords

training, Resources, coordination