KALINGA: Katalyst Application with Localized Interactive Guided-Relief Map
Mark Joshua Catarina, Ma. Dannah Amores, Kenn John Patalinjug, Kyla Jade Agua, Marjorie Reso, Windel Pelayo, Jonel Gelig & Leonard Balabat
Abstract
The Philippines experiences natural and man-made disasters, yet preparedness and response to disaster victims is still low due to fragmented communication, misinformation, and the lack of a common platform for coordination. To address these gaps, the researchers developed Kalinga. This mobile disaster-response application would help citizens access relief distribution schedules, emergency hotlines, evacuation center locations, and shelter information, even when offline. The application aims to improve the accessibility, transparency, and organization of disaster-related information and resources. The study used Agile methodology, which facilitated iterative program development and enabled continuous improvement based on user feedback. The app was enhanced and tested with ISO 25010-based User Acceptance Testing with 50 citizens of the various barangays of Bogo City, two (2) LGU representatives of the CSWD, three (3) barangay level respondents, three (3) city level respondents, and one (1) IT expert. The UAT questionnaire included various software characteristics to evaluate Kalinga, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Findings yielded a cumulative weighted mean of 4.23, indicating that Kalinga is operational, easy to use, dependable, and capable of successfully coordinating communication and coordination in the event of a disaster. However, the study has identified limitations, including network instability, varying levels of users’ technological knowledge, and the use of a token-based AI chatbot, which would restrict access for all individuals in actual disaster situations. Despite these limitations, the findings indicate that Kalinga can significantly contribute to more effective, efficient disaster response efforts and better support communities.
Keywords
disaster response, mobile application, location-based, relief operation, local government unit, information management
Author information & Contribution
Mark Joshua Catarina. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Student-researcher, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges.
Ma. Dannah Amores. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Student-researcher, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges.
Kenn John Patalinjug. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Student-researcher, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges.
Kyla Jade Agua. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Student-researcher, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges.
Marjorie Reso. Master in Information Technology. Faculty, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges. Email: marjorie_reso@crmc.edu.ph
Windel Pelayo. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Faculty, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges. Email: windel_pelayo@crmc.edu.ph
Jonel Gelig. Doctor in Management major in Human Resource Management. College Dean, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges. Email: jonel_gelig@crmc.edu.ph
Leonard Balabat. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Program Chair, Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges. Email: leonard_balabat@crmc.edu.ph
"Author 1 conceptualized the study, organized the research framework, and drafted the majority of the manuscript. Author 2 contributed to the development of the system’s front-end interface and assisted in revising the manuscript. Author 3 developed the back-end system and supported the implementation and technical components of the study. Author 4 assisted in gathering information relevant to the study. Author 5 and Author 6 revised sections of the manuscript to improve it and ensure adherence to the required format. Author 7 and Author 8 provided the approval for publication of the content. All authors contributed to the review of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the author used ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and QuillBot in summarizing key points, paraphrasing ideas, searching for relevant literature, and improving the clarity and structure of sentences. The author takes full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of content generated using AI.
Notes
This paper has been presented in the 3rd International Student Research Congress 2026.
Acknowledgement
The researchers would like to give due credit to the individuals and institutions that contributed immensely towards the realization of this capstone project. Firstly, the researchers would like to show their utmost appreciation to their Capstone advisers, Ms. Marjorie Reso and Mr. Windel Pelayo, who guided and supported them throughout their capstone journey. Their experience, useful insights and positive recommendations made an immeasurable contribution to the creation and polishing of the project. Moreover, the researchers wish to thank the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bogo City, citizens, and all other participants who made time to take part in the surveys and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) generously. Their collaboration and constructive feedback were crucial in measuring the performance and the effectiveness of the system. The researchers would also wish to thank the time, comments, and suggestions made by the panel members, Dr. Jonel Gelig, Dr. Shiela Tirol, Mr. Leonard Balabat, and Mr. Miguel Alvarina, who took part in this research and contributed to the quality of the research. Above all, the researchers give glory and honor to the Lord Almighty, for strength, wisdom, and guidance helping the KALINGA team to overcome challenges and successfully accomplish this research endeavor.
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Cite this article:
Catarina, M.J., Amores, M.D., Patalinjug, K.J., Agua, K.J., Reso, M., Pelayo, W., Gelig, J. & Balabat, L. (2026). KALINGA: Katalyst Application with Localized Interactive Guided-Relief Map. The Research Probe, 6(1), 70-94. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.221
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