Chapter I: Project Definition and Description

A. Project Background

Flooding is one of the most frequent and destructive natural disasters that threaten the lives and livelihoods of many communities in the Philippines, including those in the Province of Batangas. The Municipality of Rosario, known for its vibrant agricultural economy and growing population, is particularly vulnerable due to its topography, proximity to rivers, and changing climate patterns. Ensuring the safety of its residents during flood events requires not only well-equipped evacuation centers but also efficient and safe evacuation routes.

This study is focused on developing an optimized evacuation route plan for the Permanent Evacuation Center located at Barangay Poblacion E, Municipality of Rosario, Batangas. This center serves as a critical shelter for residents during flood emergencies, and ensuring its accessibility through well-defined routes is paramount to safeguarding lives.

The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers a powerful approach to this challenge by providing spatial analysis capabilities that allow for the assessment of flood-prone areas, evaluation of road networks, and determination of optimal evacuation routes. This study aims to leverage GIS technology to ensure that the evacuation center at Barangay Poblacion E is easily accessible from various parts of the municipality, especially during flood emergencies when time is critical.

B. Location of Project / Area of Study

The area of study is the Permanent Evacuation Center situated in Barangay Poblacion E, a central and densely populated barangay within the Municipality of Rosario, Batangas. Rosario is located in the southern part of Luzon, within the CALABARZON region, and is known for its agricultural lands, river systems, and growing urban areas.

Barangay Poblacion E is a strategic location due to its centrality, making it an ideal evacuation hub for both nearby urban barangays and more remote rural areas. However, the presence of rivers, low-lying areas, and variable road conditions necessitates meticulous evacuation route planning to ensure that residents can reach the evacuation center safely and efficiently during flood events.

The study area includes the road networks, waterways, and settlements that connect various parts of Rosario to the Poblacion E evacuation center, taking into consideration the potential hazards posed by flooding and other environmental factors.

C. Proposed Project Design

The project design focuses on creating a comprehensive GIS-based evacuation route plan for the Permanent Evacuation Center at Barangay Poblacion E. The design will involve:

1. Flood Risk Assessment – Identifying flood-prone zones in Rosario using historical data, hydrological models, and topographic analysis.

2. Road Network Analysis – Mapping the road infrastructure and evaluating its capacity, condition, and accessibility during floods.

3. Evacuation Route Design – Developing optimized evacuation routes using GIS algorithms to ensure the shortest and safest paths to Poblacion E.

4. Community Collaboration – Engaging with local stakeholders, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), to validate and refine the proposed routes.

5. Simulation and Validation – Testing the evacuation routes through simulated flood scenarios to assess their effectiveness and identify potential challenges.

This project aims to deliver a practical and implementable evacuation route plan that enhances the safety and resilience of the residents of Rosario, particularly those relying on the Poblacion E evacuation center during flood emergencies.

D. Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to develop a GIS-based evacuation route plan that ensures the accessibility and safety of the Permanent Evacuation Center at Barangay Poblacion E, Rosario, Batangas during flood events. The specific objectives are:

• To identify flood-prone areas within the Municipality of Rosario through GIS-based hazard mapping.

• To assess the accessibility and suitability of the Barangay Poblacion E evacuation center in relation to flood risk zones and road networks.

• To design optimized evacuation routes that minimize travel time, avoid flood hazards, and ensure the safe passage of evacuees to Poblacion E.

• To integrate GIS technology into local disaster risk management practices for enhanced flood preparedness.

• To collaborate with local authorities to validate and implement the evacuation route plan effectively.

E. Scope and Limitations of the Study

Scope

This study covers the entire Municipality of Rosario, focusing on the development of evacuation routes leading to the Permanent Evacuation Center at Barangay Poblacion E. It includes:

• Flood hazard mapping and analysis within Rosario.

• Assessment of road networks and their viability during floods.

• Evaluation of Poblacion E as an evacuation hub.

• Design and testing of GIS-based evacuation routes.

Limitations

• Data Availability – The accuracy of the evacuation plan depends on the availability of updated flood maps, road data, and population distribution.

• Infrastructure Challenges – Some roads may become impassable during severe floods, affecting route reliability.

• Dynamic Conditions – Real-time changes during flood events, such as sudden road closures or rising water levels, may impact route effectiveness.

• Community Preparedness – The success of the evacuation plan depends on public awareness, cooperation, and timely response.

Despite these limitations, the study seeks to provide a robust evacuation planning framework that enhances disaster preparedness in Rosario, Batangas.

F. Significance of the Study

This study holds immense significance for the Municipality of Rosario, Batangas, particularly for stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and management, including:

1. Local Government Units (LGUs)

The study offers actionable insights and GIS-based tools to improve evacuation planning, resource allocation, and emergency response strategies.

2. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO)

Enhanced evacuation route planning will assist the MDRRMO in efficiently managing flood emergencies and ensuring the safety of residents.

3. Residents of Rosario, Batangas

Residents will benefit from well-defined evacuation routes, reducing the risks associated with floods and ensuring timely access to the Poblacion E evacuation center.

4. Urban Planners and Infrastructure Developers

GIS analysis will guide infrastructure planning and development, ensuring that evacuation routes and centers are integrated into the municipality’s growth framework.

5. Researchers and Academics

The study serves as a valuable reference for future research in disaster management, particularly in GIS-based evacuation planning and flood risk mitigation.

By addressing these key areas, this study aims to enhance the flood resilience of Rosario, Batangas, through efficient evacuation route planning for the Permanent Evacuation Center at Barangay Poblacion E.