Precarious Living: Assessing the Disaster Risk Vulnerability of Selected Informal Settlers in Dasmariñas City, Philippines

Abstract

From the perspective of disaster management, the proliferation of slums and informal settlers pose a serious problem because their economic status inadvertently drive them to spaces unsuitable for housing. The informal settler often reside in areas prone to flooding, seismic activity and landslides exposing them to a vicious repeat cycle of destruction and loss of life. Sitio Bato, a newly-formed informal settlers’ community in Dasmarinas City, Philippines, is a case point. Situated near a creek and without electricity and water connection (at the start of study in 2019), the residents are seemingly susceptible to disaster hazards. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to discuss the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the residents of Sitio Bato regarding their vulnerability to disasters and the views of selected local government officials regarding the self-assessment of the informal settlers. Through survey among household heads and key informant interviews of local leaders, the following findings were notable in the study. First, the residents were knowledgeable of preventive mechanisms of floods, such as the important function of trees and proper waste disposal to exclude waterways. The residents’ neighborhood organization is recognized by the barangay officials, and hence, their attendance to seminars/training on disaster management might have helped. Second, in terms of attitude, it appears that it is innate for the informal settlers to care for their neighbors, and thus, it is part of their daily activity to check on each other’s family. The lack of electricity encourage them to stay outdoors and talk to each other, strengthening their bond. Third, in terms of practice, disposal of trash to the creek is not done, and hence, water from the creek flows without obstruction. Recyclable trash coming from communities in the upper part of the creek are collected by a few Sitio Bato residents. Overall, residents do not perceive that their living in Sitio Bato as precarious or hazardous. Local officials generally perceive the city’s informal settlers as “privileged” because the services offered by the city government is received by everyone, regardless of the legality of their residence.

Behavior Transformation during The Covid-19 Pandemic in the Malakok Community of Minangkabau

“…Each village is led by a village mayor with population data as follows: environment (Sarnoto & Andini, 2017). According to (Aguilar, 2021) behavior is the output of all kinds of experiences and human interactions with their environment which are manifested in knowledge, attitudes and actions.…”