Quantitative Analysis of Care Economy Innovations and Their Effects on Disaster Preparedness and Resilience among Fisherfolk in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental

Coastal communities face recurring disasters such as typhoons and floods, making disaster preparedness a critical concern. Recent frameworks, such as ASEAN’s Comprehensive Framework on the Care Economy (ACFCE), highlight the importance of integrating care-driven approaches into disaster resilience. However, quantitative evidence on the role of care economy innovations remains limited. This study employed a cross-sectional household survey of approximately 150 fisherfolk households in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire captured demographic data, participation in barangay health initiatives, caregiving roles, fisherfolk association membership, technological adoption (mobile alerts, health kits), and ecological practices (e.g., mangrove rehabilitation). Disaster preparedness was assessed using indicators of evacuation knowledge, emergency kit ownership, response times, and perceived resilience scores. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were applied. Findings reveal that fisherfolk association membership, women’s caregiving and coordination roles, and the use of technological tools significantly predict higher preparedness levels. Traditional ecological knowledge shows a positive correlation with resilience, while demographic variables such as education, income, and household size moderate these relationships. Households with higher socioeconomic resources demonstrate greater capacity for preparedness and resilience. The study provides empirical evidence that care economy innovations enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in coastal communities. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening grassroots care systems through gender-sensitive strategies, training programs, and partnerships. Integrating care-driven practices into local governance and ASEAN disaster risk reduction frameworks can significantly advance sustainable resilience.