Social and economic impact of fire incident on micro and small businesses in Pritil Public Market in Tondo, Manila: Assessing the role of disaster preparedness behavior - Burlungan, Jolina Mae F.; Cruz, Reamel M.; Glinoga, Riannah Lauren Jo; Manalaysay, April S.; Ocampo, Anabella I.; Pacson, Tashelle Keile A. (Manila: PLM, 2023)
ABSTRACT: According to GMA Integrated News (2023), from January to April 2023, a total of 3,991 fire incidents were recorded across the country, one of which is the fire incident at the Pritil Public Market in Tondo, Manila, that occurred on April 28, 2023, which was a devastating event that caused economic and social disruption to the micro and small businesses, which are crucial to the local economy. Micro and small businesses have become highly vulnerable to fire disasters because of limited resources and a lack highly vulnerable to fire disasters because of limited resources and a lack of disaster preparedness, which has led to many challenges faced by the business owners in the aftermath of the incident. The study highlights the economic and social impacts of a fire incident in the Pritil Public Market, including workforce reduction, income loss, and properly destruction. Socially, business owners experienced physical, mental, and emotional stresses, and changes in their place and social connections. It emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness in mitigating these effects, highlighting the need for enhancing preparedness among micro and small businesses to minimize the social and economic impacts of fires. Several key strategies should be put forth to address the aforementioned challenges, including strengthening disaster preparedness and fire safety measures to help lower the risk and impact of disasters by ensuring that businesses have an effective disaster recovery plan. Providing financial assistance and economic support to aid businesses in recovery efforts. Moreover, addressing the social and psychological impact of fire incidents to support the well-being of business owners, reducing physical, mental, and emotional stress through counselling services and community support programs. Promoting business continuity and resilience by relocating businesses to quickly resume operations, maintaining social and place attachments. Finally, strengthening business relocation and recovery efforts involves facilitating an efficient transition to temporary or new locations to ensure minimal disruption to business activities and community ties.
F
Keywords: academic writing