The article by Boyce, Blackburn, Rico, and Moats, “Rural–Urban Differences in Individual-Level Preparedness Attitudes and Behaviors for Climate-Induced Disaster Events in the United States,” offers important insights into how rurality, income, and age influence preparedness behaviors for climate-related hazards.Reference Boyce, Blackburn and Rico ¹ The findings that preparedness attitudes are broadly similar across populations but vary by socioeconomic conditions have relevance for other disaster-prone nations, including the Philippines.

In the Philippines, where an average of 20 tropical cyclones strike annually, climate-induced events frequently disrupt local food systems and expose disparities between rural and urban populations. Even with evacuation plans, many families experience food shortages, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks in evacuation settings. These conditions underscore that food and nutrition preparedness should be recognized as a fundamental component of public health readiness rather than only as a post-disaster relief concern.Reference Ludher ^{2 –}Reference Le ³ Strengthening this dimension of preparedness aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which emphasizes building resilience through inclusive, health-oriented strategies.Reference Delgado, Pavlova and Yasukawa ⁴

Boyce et al. identified that rural populations with limited income were more likely to maintain evacuation plans compared to their urban counterparts.Reference Boyce, Blackburn and Rico ¹ In the Philippine context, socioeconomic disparities compound this issue: rural farming communities often lack access to post-harvest storage, diversified income sources, and resilient supply chains—all of which are essential to sustain nutrition during prolonged emergencies. Addressing these structural barriers through community food banks, household food preservation training, and local seed systems can strengthen both preparedness and recovery capacities.Reference Ludher ²

Public communication also plays a critical role. Boyce et al. highlighted the need for culturally tailored risk communication in rural settings.Reference Boyce, Blackburn and Rico ¹ Philippine disaster management programs could benefit from integrating food-preparedness education into agricultural extension services and school-based nutrition initiatives. This approach reinforces local knowledge, fosters inter-sectoral collaboration, and cultivates resilience through bayanihan—the Filipino value of collective action.

As climate-induced disasters increase in frequency and severity, preparedness frameworks must evolve to include food and nutrition systems as vital components of health security. Expanding preparedness beyond evacuation and relief can bridge the persistent divide between survival and sustained well-being.