Enhancing Community Understanding and Behavioral Action to PHIVOLCS Alert Levels Through Web-Based Infographic in Agoncillo, Batangas

Abstract

Communities near Taal Volcano face recurring risks due to periodic volcanic activity, yet many locals still lack clear understanding about PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) Alert Levels and appropriate safety actions. Ineffective communication and limited access to accurate information often cause delayed evacuation and low preparedness, while government warning signals often arrive late. Web-based infographics offer a modern, accessible tool to improve public awareness and guide proper behavioral responses during volcanic hazards. This action research examined the effectiveness of a web-based infographic in enhancing community understanding and promoting appropriate behavioral actions toward PHIVOLCS Alert Levels among residents of Agoncillo, Batangas. A quantitative-descriptive design was employed using convenience sampling, and survey questionnaires were distributed to 100 residents to evaluate their awareness, risk perception, information accessibility, and assessment of the infographic’s completeness, readability, visual layout, and accessibility. Findings show high levels of awareness and strong risk perception, with consistent dependence on official sources for volcanic information. Respondents strongly agreed that the infographic provided complete, organized, visually clear, and relevant information through its design, layout, images, and visual elements, though, some noted difficulties in readability and accessibility due to small text size and poor internet connectivity. The website was updated with feature larger, more readable typography. Respondents also expressed that barangay officials and local government units rarely conduct seminars or awareness campaigns. The study concludes that the web-based infographic is a highly effective tool for enhancing understanding of PHIVOLCS Alert Levels and improving preparedness and behavioral response. It is recommended to further revise the infographic by enhancing accessibility, and future initiatives should integrate and expand continuous community education efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness.

Introduction

The study focuses on the community of Agoncillo, Batangas—a high-risk area near the highly active Taal Volcano—and examines how a web-based infographic can improve residents’ understanding and response to PHIVOLCS volcanic alert levels. Despite frequent monitoring and warnings, many residents remain unclear about alert level meanings and often delay evacuation due to limited awareness, unclear communication, and past issues with last-mile information delivery, as observed during the 2020 eruption. Research shows that lack of experience, low risk comprehension, and communication gaps increase vulnerability and worsen socio-economic impacts during eruptions.

Digital tools such as web-based infographics are identified as effective for delivering timely, accurate, and easy-to-understand hazard information. These tools help increase trust, awareness, and behavioral readiness. The study also highlights the crucial role of future geodetic engineers in providing accurate hazard maps, evacuation routes, and geospatial data to support disaster planning.

The main goal of the research is to create an accessible web-based infographic containing safety guidelines, dos and don’ts, emergency routes, and hotline numbers to enhance preparedness and guide residents toward better decision-making during volcanic unrest.

Using a quantitative-descriptive research design, the study surveyed 100 residents through convenience sampling. Respondents varied in age, occupation, and proximity to hazard zones. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measured through a 4-point Likert scale.

Key Findings

1. Demographic Profile:
Most respondents were aged 41 and above, with housewives forming the largest occupational group. All participants lived within the hazard-prone area of Agoncillo.

2. Factors Influencing Behavioral Actions:

• Level of Awareness (WM = 3.7): High awareness of PHIVOLCS and alert levels.

• Risk Perception (WM = 3.6): Strong recognition of volcanic threats and community vulnerability.

• Information Accessibility (WM = 3.3): Residents rely heavily on official sources and respond promptly when information is clear.

3. Evaluation of Web-Based Infographic Features:

• Completeness of Information (WM = 4.0): Strongly positive; content is accurate, complete, and helpful.

• Readability and Clarity (WM = 3.3): Generally clear and easy to understand.

• Visual Appearance and Layout (WM = 3.6): Visually appealing, organized, and effective in conveying information.

• Accessibility (WM = 3.1): Easy to use and access, though limited internet connectivity can affect performance.

Conclusion

The study concludes that a web-based infographic is an effective tool for enhancing awareness, risk perception, and readiness among residents exposed to volcanic hazards. By providing clear, complete, and visually organized information, the infographic significantly supports faster decision-making and better community response. However, improvements can be made to readability and accessibility, especially for users with slow internet connections.

Conclusion

In connection with the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) The community of Agoncillo, Batangas, are highly aware of volcanic hazards, indicating vigilance in facing volcanic risks. 2) The community\'s risk perception is strong, indicating that residents actively seek and respond to official information about Taal Volcano. 3) Results indicated that residents have confidence in authoritative sources, take immediate action upon warnings, and do not wait even when the information is not well understood. 4) The results revealed that the the web-based infographic delivered accurate and complete information on volcanic hazards. 5) The study concludes that the web-based infographic enhanced awareness, accessibility, and preparedness in building a more informed and resilient community against volcanic threats.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Erica Mae H. Mantaring, Mikaela Kim R. Marquina, Jan Joseph M. Martinez, Crisie Mae G. Mendoza, Ace Vincent L. Montejo, Meiry Adrienne S. Oabel, Marc Andrei D. Pajar, Godwin Morris T. Villamater. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.