BIBLIOGRAPHY

KAPUNO, JOCELYN BANASAN, April 2011. Women’s
Participation in Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Activities in
Barangay Padang, Legazpi City. Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Marlowe U. Aquino,PhD
ABSTRACT
This study is a short qualitative study to look into the level of
Women’s Participation in the Processes of Community-Based Disaster
Preparedness ( CBDP) activities. This was done to discern and identify
what action needs to be taken in order to involve women in the different
CBDP activities. The study comes out with the finding that highlights the
needs of women. From the identified needs, strategies and activities can
be developed which can encourage women to actively participate in
Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) activities.
The identified need and strategies wil be a basis and a stepping
stone in implementing CBDP programs which can bring women into the
public spaces, give them opportunities to be partners in al CBDP
decision- making, development planning and community mobilization.

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Included in awareness programs are education and trainings which
wil be women learning nontraditional skil s such as rescuing, managing
relief camps and doing damage assessments. Accessing information
and situations wil al be part of their learning. Knowledge is one of the
main aspects that can empower the women.

While Barangay Padang is a disaster prone area mostly affected by
eruptions of Mayon Volcano, typhoon, lahar and flood calamities. Recent
analysis of field information reveals that women do not have appropriate
knowledge in CBDP. Community Resources to fund IEC Programs is
indeed needed to implement CBDP programs.
The study highlighting women’s participation is indeed an important
aspect in community decision making, Community Planning and
Community Mobilization thereby provided them a space in giving them a
voice to actively participate in Community Development.

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INTRODUCTION


Background of the Study

Climate change has been considered an important concern
nowadays. It is a phenomenon that causes humanity to act and behave
by instinct due to subsequent occurrence of natural calamities and
disasters. Among these are strong typhoons, drought, flooding,
earthquakes and even volcanic eruption. These occur without warning and
become furious as these reach maximum strength. Because of these
natural occurrences, people are affected which eventual y cause
destruction, loss of lives and properties and affect greatly agriculture and
fisheries especial y food availability leaving people in chaos and distress.

In a recent report published by Oxfam (2009) climate-related
disasters, like floods, earthquakes or droughts are set to increase and the
number of people affected is predicted to increase by 54 percent or
equivalent to 375 mil ion people by 2015 (http://www.oxfam.org/en/policy).
The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED)
estimates that 65 per cent of disasters from (1991-2005) occurred and
over 95 per cent of people kil ed by natural disasters are mostly from the
developing countries (http://www.cred.be/centre/intro.html).
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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While Climate Change already poses significant chal enges for
developing countries; factors such as the Global Economic Crisis;
increasing pressure on rural productive lands and an increasingly
urbanized population may also make the poor more vulnerable to
disasters.
The reason for their vulnerability is abject poverty. The poor are more
likely to live in areas exposed to disasters in which they lack financial
capacities or capabilities, health facilities and preparedness planning
systems to cope with disasters. The economic factor is most apparent
as many poor people are forced to live on marginal lands, such as
floodplains, coastal towns and unstable hil sides. A study made by CRED
in 2001 concluded that in the past decade, in an average; every disaster in
low Human development countries claimed about 1,062 lives. Each
disaster in the middle Human Development Countries claimed 145 lives.
These figures stand in stark contrast to the average of 22.5 people kil ed
per disaster in high Human Development Countries (2001).

Meanwhile, in the Philippine Archipelago an average of twenty (20)
typhoons and dangerous storms arrive from the Pacific Ocean over the
eastern seaboard yearly. The Philippines has been an unfortunate
recipient of increased flooding from more powerful and dangerous type of
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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typhoons. Most of this frequent storms affect the Bicol Region which
causes floods, lahar, and mud flows (IFRC, 2009).
More specifical y, Barangay, Padang in LegazpiCity is always at
stake and hampered by natural calamities. Agricultural produce and
economic activities is terribly affected. These activities are common
scenes in the area and other parts of the country. These are regularly
occurring in communities that are hard-pressed by pressures of disasters
where no definite program of disaster preparedness and management are
observed. On the other hand, there are areas which have a local disaster
preparedness plan and program due to past experiences from natural
calamities like typhoons, flooding and earthquakes.
Aside from the threat of typhoons, volcanic eruptions are common
occurrences in the Philippines. Most of the 7,100 islands in the country are
from volcanic eruption. There are thirty-seven (37) volcanoes in the
country of which eighteen (18) are considered active including the famous
Mayon Volcano in the Bicol Region.
Because of these given disaster-prone conditions, the Philippine
government encourages its local units to have a responsive and functional
community-based disaster preparedness (CBDP) and management
program. This is becoming a pressing issue several lives need to be
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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protected including children and youths. More so, the participation of
women in CBDP activities geared towards Community Development.

Disaster preparedness is indeed everyone’s concern and a
pressing need in most local communities where disaster and calamities
becomes a part of their lives. It is also a means of helping individual
groups or a community prepare in the event of a natural calamity. It is a
broad concept that describes a set of measures that includes loss of lives,
properties and disruption of livelihoods.

In addition, disaster preparedness is an important precondition
event to everyone especial y to people living in disaster-prone areas like
Barangay Padang which is directly located at the foot of Mayon Volcano.
Women and men roles are different in the event of disasters. However,
women have a better understanding on how to deal with circumstances
because they are usual y left in the house together with elderly, children
and youths. As a result, they are the once involved in preparing the family
members cope with the natural calamities or disasters because men are
encourage to help extra hand for other disaster related activities.

In view of this, it is necessary to understand and assess the
processes and strategies women do in the event of a natural calamity that
strike them. The regular occurrence of the Mayon Volcano in Bicol region
has caused a lot of experiences and interventions for community action
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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and development. It is in this premise that the research study is
conducted for more responsive and effective women participation in
community-based disaster preparedness activities.

Statement of the Problem
Natural calamities causing disasters are considered part of
unpredictable phenomenon known to men. They do not know set
boundaries when it happen and they affect young or old, and men, women
and children alike. Its impact an effects trigger a socio-psychological and
economic destruction know to men.The inevitable eruption of Mayon
Volcano put Barangay Padang in a very dangerous and non-permanent
condition. People and community continue to experience the effects of
the eruptions. especial y when these are induced further by strong rains,
typhoons and flooding.
In 2006, mudflows from Mount Mayon was flushed by heavy rains
brought by Typhoon Reming where 430 families were buried or washed
away to the sea by these rampaging flush floods causing a catastrophic
effect on the normal lives of the people. Lately in 2009, people in the
barangay have to be evacuated again due to the eminent eruption of the
Volcano. Everyone experienced the effects of eruption disaster that
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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compel ed to bear the loss of lives as wel as properties in Barangay
Padang.

The research study wil attempt to answer the fol owing questions
in relation to community-based disaster preparedness (CBDP) activities:
1. What is the level of participation of women in the different
localized CBDP activities ?
2. What are the strategies to enhance the participation of women in
the community-based disaster preparedness activities?
3. What are the needs of women to encourage and strengthen their
participation in Community- Based-Disaster Preparedness activities?
4. What are the different aspects of women’s participation in
community-based disaster preparedness activities?

Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to determine the active
participation of women in community-based disaster preparedness
activities at Barangay Padang, Legazpi City
Specifical y, this study aims:
1. To determine the level of participation of women in the different
activities of CBDP program;
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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2. To identify the different strategies influencing the participation of
women in community-based disaster preparedness activities;
3. To identify the local needs of women in encouraging and
strengthening local participation in CBDP activities; and
4. To analyze the different aspects of women’s participation in
community-based disaster preparedness activities.

Significance of the Study
Women’s participation in development activities is considered a
significant contribution in program management. Specifical y, this could be
seen in local community activities such as the community-based disaster
preparedness activities in the calamity-stricken or affected areas. Given
the fact that most areas are vulnerable to calamities in the country, the
findings of this research undertaking wil support a number of interventions
towards social development and welfare including community
development.
Results of the study wil serve as basis for more responsive and
effective disaster prevention activities while reducing the impact of such
disasters through appropriate decision- making,participatory planning,
community action and program implementation including monitoring and
evaluation..
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Furthermore, it provides new perspective on women’s experiences,
needs and interests contributory to disaster preparedness strategies
necessary in ensuring meaningful participation through proper information
and responsive activities toward gender equality and women’s
empowerment.
In addition, the study wil enable development workers especial y
planners to draw concrete ideas and insights in planning function and
practical plans and program related to disaster preparedness and related
activities especial y on local governance and management.
Experiences and testimonies of local people wil be careful y
integrated and analyzed to serve as a case scenario for information and
knowledge exchange on disaster preparedness vital to responsive
community action and community education. Also, it wil encourage
appropriate measures towards community mobilization and organization
towards a wel planned program that incorporates women’s point of view
including their needs and roles for the welfare of the whole community.
Final y, the study it wil provide valuable recommendations in
developing a comprehensive and gender-sensitive community-based
disaster preparedness program that adhere to local people objective in
reducing the effects and impacts of any form of disaster in the future.

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focused on the participation of women in community-based-
disaster preparedness activities. Compared to the men, women have less
access to resources, opportunities and decision-making. These were
identified constraints that hinder the development of their ful capabilities in
carrying out community responsibilities and decision-making. Participation
of women empowers communities to identify their needs, action plans,
manage projects and evaluate the results of their activities.
It also focuses on the significant involvement of women in the
process of carrying out their knowledge in disaster preparedness.
Individual and col ective reliance for a proactive and immediate response
to a disaster or to make appropriate recommendations for relevant
activities in the strategic areas as proposed in disaster management
projects is deemed necessary for local governance and management
implementation.
Specifical y, the study was done in Barangay Padang because this
is the community which experienced the combination of the strong
typhoon, mud flows and flooding. These people and community
experiences resulted to develop a local disaster preparedness program.
Given the vast testimonies of the locals, it is an opportune time that such
study wil be conducted as basis for further inquiries. The women as part
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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of the overal disaster preparedness activities wil be analyzed vis-à-vis the
needs and strategies used for better management.
Conceptual Framework
The essence of this study is anchored on the concept of
participation as an effective tool in Disaster Preparedness among women
in Barangay Padang. Participatory approach in this endeavor is done
basical y to recognize their capacity and capability as active women in the
attainment of their own development. In order to build disaster-resilient
communities, they first need to be empowered so that women in the
community can cope with these adverse effects caused by these natural
hazards.

Participation of women in Barangay Padang wil be described as to
their socio-demographic profile like age, civil status, educational
attainment and religious affiliations.
Women’s participation wil also be analyzed in their involvement and
decision-making in the fol owing Community-Based Disaster
Preparedness Activities such as:
1. Disaster Education and Awareness;
2. Coordination and linkages on Disaster Preparedness;
3. Dril on Disaster Evacuation, Search and Rescue;
4. Tree Planting; and
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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5. Lahar, Mud Flow and Flood Buffering.

It is believed that there are factors that intervenes the CBDP such
as scarce community resources and lacking in (IEC) Information,
Education and Communication Programs and other activities
implemented by the LGU’s and NGO’s are not wel implemented and
sustained.

The interplay of al variables interrelates to each other demonstrate
col ective decision among the women. Participation also mean building
and strengthening the capabilities of women in Barangay Padang who are
able to determine the development that leads to empowerment of the
whole community (Figure 1).











Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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C om unity Resources





PARTICIPATION IN


COMMUNITY-BASED

Women’s profile and
Sustainable
DISASTER


charcterization of
Community-Based
PREPAREDNESS

Disaster Program
PROGRAM
Bar ngay Pad ng






Strategies used by

the LGU’S and other
sup ort

organizations


Figure 1. The interrelationship of factors identified in the development of
Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Program







Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Operational Definition of Terms
Awareness. Local y termed as “pagmalay”, it refers to the
development of the women through learning programs or training activities
that enable them to develop knowledge and skil s which they can use
special y in situation of disasters.
Climate change. It is basical y understood as the heating up of the
environment that involves the green house gasses fil ing up the earth’s
atmosphere & environment with the slow depletion of the earth’s ozone
layer.
Contingency planning. It is basical y anticipatory an advance
planning process by the community in a situation of uncertainty where
objectives, actions and possible response are put in place in order to
prevent a hazardous or catastrophic situations.
Disaster. “sakuna”, a serious disruption of socio-economic
activities caused by natural or man- made calamities. It includes loss of
lives and properties which causes environmental degradation.
Disaster preparedness. “paghahanda”. It means anticipating
calamities that wil affect the community and it is a measure taken to
reduce its effects. It involves predicting the possibility of emergency to
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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prevent them, mitigate their effects on vulnerable populations, and
respond to and effectively cope with their impact as its consequences.
Disaster preparedness activities. Refers to selected activities
needed to be given priorities in terms of responding to any natural or man
– made disasters for the women to be ready and equipped in order to
prevent damages and loss of lives and properties.
Disaster impact. It is the actual consequence of a hazardous
situation caused by natural or man- made calamity.
Disaster management. It is a process strategy that is implemented
when any catastrophe arises to help the event return to normal function
as quickly as possible with a proper Disaster Management Planning.
Participation. Refers to the active involvement of women in
Disaster Preparedness Activities.
Poverty. It is a situation where the women in Padang are deprived
to a better access of information, progress and development. The poor
are most likely to live in areas exposed to disasters which lack the basic
financial capacity, health facilities and planning to cope with disasters.
Women. Refers to the women in Barangay, Padang, Legazpi City.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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Vulnerability. Factors in the community that al ows a hazard to
cause a disaster or a catastrophe. It increases the chances of a
community being unable to cope with an emergency.













Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Description of Natural Disasters


Disasters cause changes to our environment. It changes the face
of the earth. Natural disasters result from four major causes which are
theearthquakes, storms, floods and droughts. According to UNESCO,
three quarters of the world's population live in areas that were affected by
these phenomena.
To understand the nature and entirety of disasters and its
unprecedented effects such as the case of the recent flood and other
Typhoons like typhoonReming in 2006 devastated had Legazpi City. It is
important to know first the definition of disaster. On the article, Disasters:
The Environment and Public Health, Improving our Response written by
Logue (1996) at the American Journal of Public Health, he defined
disaster as “ a catastrophic event that often leads to great destruction and
loss, an event that causes excessive morbidity and mortality.”

On the other hand, Shishani, et al., (2009) on the Disaster Nursing
Golden Lecture, defined disaster “ as a result of vast ecological
breakdown in the relation between humans and their environment, as
serious or sudden event on such scale that the stricken community needs
extraordinary efforts to cope outside help or international aid.”
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The above-mentioned definition of Shishani, et al., (2009) is
closely similar to the definition of the Center for Research on the
Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) (2009) in Brussels, Belgium wherein it
defined disaster “as a situation or event which overwhelms local capacity,
necessitating a request to a national or international level for external
assistance”.

There are also two types of disasters namely: natural and man-
made. Adelman, et al., (2009) on her study of the nature of disasters on
her book, Disaster Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. She defined
natural disaster “as a type of disaster that often strike without a warning
such as earthquakes, tsunamis, pandemic flu, outbreaks and tornados,”
while a man-made disaster is “a type of disaster that occur or can occur
with some warnings which include anything that a human being has done
to cause a disaster such as acts of bioterrorism, hijackings or war”. From
that definition, Typhoons, Volcanic Eruptions are considered natural
disasters because it occurred natural y and brought major damages to the
people in the communities.
Earthquake is caused by a sudden released of accumulated strain
energy in the form of low frequency sound and waves cal ed seismic
waves. Earthquake beneath the ocean can caused tsunamis. A tsunami
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according to UNESCO travels at the speed of a commercial jet plane but
slows down when it hits shal ow waters and rears up onto the land.

According to UNESCO some 50,000 earthquakes occur on an
average every year as the Earth's tectonic plates shift and adjust,
including some of potential y devastating magnitude releasing awesome
amounts of energy. But scientists have no way of knowing beyond the
broadest indications when and where tremors wil occur next. UNESCO
has supported the establishment of international, regional and national
centers for the recording, exchange and analysis of seismological data. It
helped train engineers and scientists and has been behind the creation of
specialized centers for earthquake engineering and seismology in the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Britain, Japan, Peru and Iran.
Flood is among the most common natural disasters. It affects
special y the low lying areas. In the Philippines a series of floods had
affected many areaswhich wascaused by continuous heavy rains. In the
case of Tropical Storm Ketsana, local y known as Ondoy, hit the country
dumping more than one month's worth of rain in only 12 hours and
reportedly kil ing 240 people in what has been referred to as the worst
flooding the country has seen in more than 40 years according to the
Philippine Daily Inquirer (2009).
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Flood are caused by heavy rain that pours down to the rivers. These
natural waterways are unable to carry al the water downwhich caused the
rising and over flows of water causing the surrounding land to be flooded.
Heavy rain is not the only cause for flood it can also come from masses of
snow melting and tidal waves. Floods occur anywhere and it is
deadly.Meanwhile InLegazpi City some of the barangays including the
road going to barangay Padang was flooded due to heavy rains that have
caused residents to evacuate their home due to floods in December of
2010.Albay Governor Joey Salceda has declared a state of calamity in the
province as flood levels continue to rise as rains continue to
shower.According to weather bureau PAGASA, the severe weather is
caused by the tail end of a cold front.
Tropical cyclones also known as typhoons or hurricanes are among
the deadliest and most costly natural disasters because it brings a
massive surges of water.
A future rise in sea levels according to UNESCO is associated with
global warming which may cause bigger storms and causes tsunamis.
Another concern is the rising of the sea surface temperatures that
may caused the increased and intensity of violent tropical storms
according to the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (2008)
where many coastal areas wil experience increased levels of flooding,
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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accelerated erosion, loss of wetland and sea water intrusion in freshwater
sources.
The changing climate patterns increased the prevalence of drought which
is one among the deadliest natural disasters. It had already threatens one
third of the earth surface. It directly affects the lives of 250 mil ion people
and threatens another 1.2 bil ion in 110 countries tens of mil ions are those
in the sub-Saharan Africa are expected to swel migratory pressures
towards Northern Africa and Europe according to UNESCO.
Volcanic eruption is also one of the most dangerous natural disasters.
Itdischarges fumes, ashes and lava, lahar and causes avalanches,
landslides and tsunamis.
On the local scale the province of Albay has been experiencing
series of volcanic eruption from Mayon volcano. Thus in 1999 Mayon
explodes again. According to a local paper “Albayano Examiner”
communities around the said volcano had evacuated to a safer ground. In
2 hours some two thousand residents had fled their homes andmore
residents fol owed through. According to Eduardo Laguerta the resident
volcanologist of PHILVOCS said the seismograph had registered 25
minutes earthquake before the volcano had erupted and the ashes had
reached up to 7 kilometers. Until the fol owing year in 2000 the condition
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of Mayon volcano was stil critical according toNarito (2000) of the
DyaryoBikol.
Aside from the volcanic eruption the Province of Albay has been
experiencing series of floods, volcanic mudflow, earthquake and typhoons.
Damaging properties and causing harm to the people. In an article written
by Arguil es(2009) said, that the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council
(PDCC) readied preventive measures in case Mayon Volcano acts up or
makes a ful blown eruption. Albay Gov. Joey S.Salceda said, “Albay is
ready and improving its Disaster Management Strategy to attain its Zero
Casualty Goal.” He further said that the PDCC is in the process of
updating population at risk and hazard assessment, conducting capacity
building evaluation at the Barangay and Municipal levels, and holding
awareness briefing in vil ages near the volcano to prepare for a possible
increase in Mayonvolcano's alert status.

The Province of Albay have been especial y exposed to various
climate risks such as tropical cyclones. These could worsen as a result of
climate change. The coastal areas must be protected also from sea level
rise and storm surges. Communities living along the coastline and in the
uplands must be prepared to meet these chal enges to the environment,
their livelihood and their homes. There is therefore a need to start
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discussions on how Philippines can best adapt to the changing climate
(National Conference on Climate Change, 2007).

Result of climate change in the Bicol areas, St. Bernard in the
Visayas, Palawan and Davao are now experiencing tremendous floods.
President Aquino said he is considering imposing a total log ban
throughout the country as a long-term measure to prevent floods.
(Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2011).The National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC) reported to the President the damages
to property, infrastructure and agriculture has been estimated at P1.2
Bil ion and the number of displaced families has already reached to
262,107, or more than 1.3 mil ion persons. “There must be a long-term
intervention to al this flooding disasters.”
Moreover, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
(PNA, 2010) hailed Albay's Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council
(PDCC) for its recent Mayon Volcano eruption Disaster Preparedness and
Zero casualty response strategy. Inter-agency like the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol has put in place a disaster
contingency plan in the event Mayon volcano erupts (PNA, 2009).
DaniloManalang, DPWH, Regional Director, said his agency has
prepared the Mayon Volcano Disaster Preparedness Program designed to
make available the much needed manpower, machine and resources
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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once this volcano erupts. He directed his three District Engineering Offices
in Albay to organize a DPWH Disaster Team to coordinate closely with the
Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) and the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). For Disaster
Management direction. He said “they have to make an effort to contribute
to a zero casualty in any eventualities that maybe brought by the eruption
of Mt. Mayon.” Furthermore, Governor Joey S. Salceda of Albay said “
the country’s first successful institutional Disaster Management Office,
APSEMO is Albay’s contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction strategies was
consistent with the United Nation’s Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).”
With its contribution, “ theGalingPook” award came at the heels of a
special citation given to Albay for its Local Capacity, Interventive
Mechanism (LCIM) for Good Governance conferred by the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP) and the Dutch Development Agency
(DDA).
Meanwhile in the Daily Inquirer, article written by Salazar(2010) on
key measures to prepare for floods stressed that Filipinos should start
getting familiar with terminologies like earthquake, tidal wave proof
embankments, riverbanks reconstruction and rainwater harvesting. It
might save their lives and property when the waters come rushing in.
Earthquakes can, and do, strike the country at any time. And can cause
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massive floods, as proven by the massive earthquake in Japan that
resulted in a monstrous tsunami and liquefaction in some areas. She
highlighted the comprehensive flood control measures suggested by
Urban planner and architect Felino A. Palafox Jr.that should be fol owed:
1. Step up improvement work of rivers, which enable them to take
in rainfal of high volume, and further devise measures to cope with
excessive rainfal .
2. Consolidate river water-control facilities such as a reservoir set in
a park as a scenic pond in order to check sudden and large flow of
rainwater into rivers, promote measures to store and filter water into the
ground.
3. To reduce flood damages in the lowlands: a) encourage proper
use of land through such measures as making past flood records known;
and, b) promote redevelopment by making use of high-floor buildings and
artificial foundations.
4. Build flood-control lakes when developing large tracts of land
5. Enable sewerage systems to store rainwater
6. Use pavements, which can filter water through.
7. Improve sewerage systems into those which have filtration boxes
to filter water into the ground.
To prevent flooding in lowlands, his recommendations include:
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1. Consolidate anti flood facilities such as quake- and tidal wave-
proof embankments.
2. For added protection against floods during severe earthquake,
reconstruct the riverbanks and other major rivers into ones with less slope
and approachable for the citizens to walk down to the water.
3. Consolidate drainage systems in low-lying urban areas.
While al these preventive measures are considered and wel
pondered upon, and in the event or occurrenceof natural disasters every
individual or grouphas to do its part to minimized the threat of these
catastrophes. The best way to realized an ideal preventive measures is
to be pro-active and anticipatory. The strength of al preventive efforts lies
in the participationofthe community special y the women who are at the
forefront of such environmental threat.

People Responsiveness on the Occurrence
of Natural Calamities and Disasters


Awareness is not only taught in formal seminars, conferences or
the classroom but is passed on informal y from generation to generation
and this knowledge, essential y local and traditional needs to be tapped as
wel . The case of the indigenous people of the Andaman Sea who cal
themselves the Moken provides a striking example. By reading the signs
of the sea, the Moken headed for high ground or to the deeper ocean
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

before the 2004 tsunami struck, and reportedly survived the disaster
without suffering a single casualty (UNESCO, 2005). In Cuba, disaster
preparedness begins in the classroom and is an integral part of the
country's civil defense system. Local involvement is a vital part not only of
being ready to confront natural hazards but also to recover if disaster
strikes. Smal island countries are at particular risk from a wide range of
natural hazards, including tropical storms, earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions. Island communities in the Pacific and the Caribbean have
adapted to these hazards and have built local y specific knowledge and
practices to minimize loss of life and livelihoods when disasters strike. A
number of col aborative activities have been undertaken on educational
and communication aspects of disaster mitigation, such as the preparation
of an information kit for the media, as wel as disaster preparedness
teaching materials through a joint initiative between UNESCO and the
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency.

There are many ways in implementing awareness building. It can
be through a dialogue, lectures, seminar workshops,conferences and
creative methods. In Nepal, most of the disaster awareness raising
education/training programs has been able to attract only educated and
leading people of the community. The implementation of Folk-Songs like
programs with disaster awareness theme were is useful in attracting the
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

children, women, minorities and other marginalized groups who general y
don’t take part in other such activities. Folk-Song program for disaster
awareness raising is simple to implement in practice. In addition, It is
inexpensive. Such method can be useful to various types of natural
disasters. Since the method is based on local language and culture, it can
effectively attract and make the rural uneducated, women, children,
minors etc., who general y do not participate in other community
awareness programs, understand the nature of disasters, their
tangible/intangible impacts and the importance of existing protective
measures.
While many know that human tragedies and losses, as a result of
a disaster, impede the economy, few know that the devastation of
disasters can be prevented by risk reduction and crisis management
initiatives. Raising awareness of risks and an understanding of the factors
which underlie them are critical to reducing vulnerability. Only by
understanding ful y the risks can people plan their response. Different
kinds of programs/training are found to be conducted for the disaster
awareness raising in the rural community. However, rural women, children
and minors, who are the most affected group by any natural disaster, are
unable to get attracted by the usual disaster awareness
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

trainings/programs because of il iteracy, poverty, religious/cultural
obligations etc.
Building awareness from the bottom up is as valuable as
transmitting information from the top down, the IFRC report says. Putting
it bluntly, timely information may be the only form of disaster preparedness
that the most vulnerable can afford. Cuba is often mentioned as a leader
in prevention strategy, because its methods demonstrably work. Six major
hurricanes that struck Cuba between 1996 and 2002 kil ed a reported 16
people compared with thousands elsewhere in the Caribbean. In
September 2004, Hurricane Ivan battered the western part of Cuba with
260-kilometer-an-hour winds. More than 1.5 mil ion people were
evacuated to higher ground ahead of the storm, which destroyed
thousands of houses. Of the 64 deaths caused by the storm throughout
the Caribbean, none was reported in Cuba. Compare that with what
happened in the Asian tsunami, where scientists with information about
the kil er waves had no way to communicate a warning to people in the
path of the disaster even with hours at their disposal (UNESCO, 2005).
Quite often the people who are affected by a disaster, and who are
sometimes themselves the cause of them, such as the inhabitants of
slums built on flood plains or on hil sides prone to mud slides, live on the
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

fringes of society and are uninvolved in risk-reduction measures, which
they may actual y regard as a threat.

The best science and technology in the world are of little value
unless they can be turned into effective disaster warnings that ordinary
people can understand. The International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that it is “striking” how many disasters
“could have been avoided with better information and communication.” But
for many, it says in its 2005 World Disasters Report, disaster arrives
“suddenly, unannounced.”

Raising awareness in disaster preparedness among the authorities
and among the target communities that you want to mobilize and
strengthen is important. Raising awareness means; explaining your goals,
strategy and convincing them that they can benefit from your success.
Remember that you may find resistance to change and often those with
most vested interests may be among this group. Awareness raising
means presenting opportunities to learn new skil s-such as planning,
defining clear demands, public speaking, Boost morale and give
constituents a sense of their col ective possibilities (Milinga, et al., 2005).

Right after the Great Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster in 2004,
officials met in Kobe, Japan for the Second World Conference on Disaster
Reduction. They agreed upon a framework for action which can be
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

adopted from 2005 to 2015. They cal ed this the HYOGO DECLARATION.
The framework includes five commitments which fol ows:
1. Make Disaster Reduction a Priority- government should integrate
Disaster Risk Reduction into their Laws, Programs and Plans and ensure
the participation of the local communities in planning.
2. Know the Risk and Take Action- countries should define and
understand potential risks so that they can prepare and develop early
warning devises to the needs of each communities.
3. Build Understanding and Awareness - government should include
information which include Disaster Risk Reduction in formal and informal
education and to ensure local indigenous knowledge and homegrown
technology which should be preserved and transmitted.
4. Reduce Risks - safety Codes are needed to ensure school,
hospitals, and homes does not col apse in case of earthquakes. Avoid
communities sitting in Disaster Prone Areas.
5. Be Prepared and Ready to Act - governments, regional/local/
national should conduct risk assessment, adopt contingency plans, test
preparedness by measures such as evacuation dril s, and ensure
emergency services, response agencies policy makers and development
organizations are properly coordinated. With this framework, Albay
APSEMO have claimed to have implemented various awareness building
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

programs and projects under the disaster management framework for
disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and rehabilitation.
This was best exemplified by the preemptive evacuation being undertaken
by the province and disaster risk reduction in the provincial
comprehensive land use plan. APSEMO had also taken a leading role in
coordinating with Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council warning
agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sectors and other
communities. It also conducted trainings, information campaigns, dril s and
capacity-building exercises.
Furthermore, in a primer of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (2007) identified one solution to lessen the possible tsunami
impacts, especial y loss of lives is to pre-determine high grounds where
people could go. It may also help if earthquake and tsunami dril s are
regularly conducted in threatened communities. Vigilance and sustained
community level public education on tsunami awareness, preparedness
and mitigation is very important. Since Barangay Padang is within the
coastal area. Coastal communities must be aware of Tsunami facts and
must react appropriately during an earthquake at any time. It is very
important that the people and the local leaders in the coastal areas are
aware on the basic things that they should know and do if they experience
a very strong earthquake.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Women are made more vulnerable to disasters through their
social y constructed roles. As Enarson (2009) stated “gender shapes the
social worlds within which natural events occur”. She further said, that
advocates have stressed that what is necessary to bring a gender
perspective to the study of natural disasters is research and analysis of
data disaggregated by sex, pilot projects during the reconstruction phase,
an open dialogue within communities and between communities and the
national government and capacity-building for women before, during and
after disasters have occurred. She stressed that an effective development
process must include both the needs and the potential contributions of
women as wel as men. A Community-Based Disaster Preparedness and
Response Plan that takes women’s physical, psychological, social and
economic vulnerabilities into account wil help to reduce women’s
vulnerability to overal disaster. A plan that goes even further to recognize
women’s abilities and include them in disaster relief efforts wil help to
change gendered beliefs about women. A gender-based approach to the
study and analysis of natural disasters is essential in accomplishing this
goal.

In order for individuals to be properly informed about disaster
preparedness they need to be aware and conscious of what the problem
is al about in order to solve that problem properly. In the context of
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

community based disaster preparedness awareness information,
education campaign is an important feature that lead women to be
equipped with CBDP knowledge and empowered.

Women Participation in Development Activities

Women play an important role in disaster preparedness. The
emerging issues related to women empowerment which made it
compulsory to put gender equality are the top priority towards National
Development and International Peace (Latha, 2007). Recognizing the
intensity of women empowerment and national development issues on
gender equality has taken the right dimensions in emphasizing more on
the security and development that stresses the reduction of poverty,
protecting human rights and investing in sustainable development. She
further stressed thatthere are many community development activities that
may interest the women of today. One such important area that needs for
immediate attention is the role of women in disaster preparedness
activities. Women had encountered many problems during disasters and
during the aftermath recovery measures. Few facts and cases have been
cited, so that we may be able to focus on the necessary action to be taken
to break the barriers and build bridges for a secured nation and sustained
economic growth of our country.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

By equipping communities with the knowledge and skil s, they need, in
order, to prepare for an emergency rather than reacting once a disaster
strikes. Communities are able to exercise some control over the scale of
their impact. Good preparation can prevent loss of lives and livelihoods,
reduce malnutrition and diseases, as wel as providing communities with
independence and autonomy (www.unicef.org.uk/).
According to Disaster Preparedness Plan for women when disaster
strikes, a person may not have much time to act (www.examiner.com,
2010). There are three (3) basic steps in disaster or emergency
preparedness. Always be Prepared for a sudden emergency in any
eventualities caused natural or man- made disasters. These wil help
protect families, communities to cope better if a disaster does occur:
1. KNOW- Every individual must know the different t natural or man-
made disasters that could occur in local areas and how to prepare for
them. Know what thelocal evacuation routes in order to act or evacuate
quickly in a specified area.
2. PLAN- Always make an emergency plan and provide each
family members a copy of the said plan. Talk with family members to know
the potential disasters or emergencies that could happen in the area and
explain how to respond to each of them. Select a meeting place, other
than your home, for loved ones to meet in case it is unsafe to return home.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Make sure to designate an "emergency check-in" contact and teach
children of contact phone number. This is important in case family
members get separated during a disaster.
3. PACK- It is advisable to pack emergency supplies to meet
individual needs for (3) three days. Always keep al important
documents together in one place, in case the individual have to "grab and
go" during an evacuation.
The three basic steps are now disaster guide which must be shared
to every individual especial y that today requires everyone to be conscious
on disaster preparedness. These are now translated in local dialects and
languages which radio and television networks use as constant reminders
to local people (www.igma.tv/iam. ad).
In 2003, during the First India Disaster Management
Congressparticipants scaled up women’s participation as the key to
sustainable disaster prevention and preparedness. Mainstream
intervention for disaster reduction should essential y build on existing
resilience demonstrated amply by women and poor communities. Besides
addressing practical aspects, strategical y involving women in relief phase
could reduce corruption, ensure information flow to affected citizens and
hold agenciespractical needs of women and girls which so often do not get
counted.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Institution-making decisions on climate change adaptation and
mitigation at al levels (international, national, community levels), and
disaster risk management policy, framework, and legislation are invariably
male-dominated according to the third global congress of women’s politics
and governance (Preuss, 2009). For example, during the 13th Annual
Conference of the Parties in Bali 2007, under the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change, women comprised only 28%
of delegation of parties and 12% of heads of delegation. This is very slow
progress from the 17% and 14%, respectively in 2001 when the
declaration was adopted for parties to increase the number of women
participants. Not only lawmakers and bureaucrats but also researchers
and experts are predominantly male. Gender diversity brings in more
diverse perspectives in decision- making, and yield better results.

Women’s vulnerability to disasters depends on the social, cultural,
economic and political environment (Bildan, 2003). The economic factor is
most apparent as many poor people are forced to live on marginal lands,
such as floodplains, coastal towns and unstable hil sides.

Disaster preparedness activities are measures taken to prepare for
and reduce the effects of disasters. It also predicts and wherever or
whenever possible to caution people and communities, mitigate impact
on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

disaster consequences. It is best viewed from a broad perspective and is
more appropriately conceived of as a goal rather than as a specialized
program or stage that immediately precedes disaster response. It is a
continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of activities
and resources rather than from a distinct sector activity by itself. It
requires the contributions of many different areas ranging from trainings,
logistics, to health care, and institutional development while increasing the
efficiency, effectiveness and impact of disaster emergency response
mechanisms at the community level. Disaster preparedness seeks to
prepare for and reduce these adverse effects (Red Cross, 2008).
More so, disaster preparedness is achieved partial y through
readiness measures that expedite emergency response, rehabilitation and
recovery and result in rapid, timely and targeted assistance. It is also
achieved through community-based approaches and activities that build
the capacities of people and communities to cope with and minimize the
effects of disasters on their lives. This way, disaster risk is reduced
because it limits the negative impacts.
Therefore, in communities where there is a transfer of knowledge
and coping mechanism, disaster risk reduction is eminent where a
systematic approach in identifying, assessing and reducing the risks of
disaster is a goal. Problems are properly addressed. Disaster risk
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

reduction aims to reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disasters as
wel as dealing with the environmental and other hazards that trigger
them. In many instances, women’s vulnerability in disaster situations is
often emphasized, but their contributions to the safety of their homes and
communities general y are unrecognized because it is seen only as an
innate responsibility. Women have distinct needs especial y in
emergencies and disaster situations which have to be addressed. They
also have unique talents and capacities to be leaders in their own
communities. Participating in community-based disaster preparedness is
an activity where women in communities can be strengthened and trained
to undertake any program towards disaster management and mitigation.
Being prepared in disasters provides opportunities and result for the
women to evaluate their own situation based on their own experiences.
By knowing their needs and problems they wil know what actions wil be
taken, they wil become part of creating plans and decisions. They wil be
the major players in the implementation of these plans with an end goal of
achieving capacities and transferring of resources to the community.

Awareness Raising in Disaster Preparedness

Awareness is not only taught in formal seminars, conferences or
the classroom but is passed on informal y from generation to generation
and this knowledge, essential y local and traditional needs to be tapped as
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

wel . The case of the indigenous people of the Andaman Sea who cal
themselves the Moken provides a striking example. By reading the signs
of the sea, the Moken headed for high ground or to the deeper ocean
before the 2004 tsunami struck, and reportedly survived the disaster
without suffering a single casualty (UNESCO, 2005). In Cuba, disaster
preparedness begins in the classroom and is an integral part of the
country's civil defense system. Local involvement is a vital part not only of
being ready to confront natural hazardsbut also to recover if disaster
strikes. Smal island countries are at particular risk from a wide range of
natural hazards, including tropical storms, earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions. Island communities in the Pacific and the Caribbean have
adapted to these hazards and have built local y specific knowledge and
practices to minimize loss of life and livelihoods when disasters strike. A
number of col aborative activities have been undertaken on educational
and communication aspects of disaster mitigation, such as the preparation
of an information kit for the media, as wel as disaster preparedness
teaching materials through a joint initiative between UNESCO and the
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency.


There are many ways in implementing awareness building. It can
be through a dialogue, lectures, seminar workshops,conferences and
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

creative methods. In Nepal, most of the disaster awareness raising
education/training programs has been able to attract only educated and
leading people of the community. The implementation of Folk-Songs like
programs with disaster awareness theme were be useful in attracting the
children, women, minorities and other marginalized groups who general y
don’t take part in other such activities. Folk-song program for disaster
awareness raising is simple to implement in practice. In addition, It is
inexpensive. Such method can be useful to various types of natural
disasters. Since the method is based on local language and culture, it can
effectively attract and make the rural uneducated, women, children,
minors etc., who general y do not participate in other community
awareness programs, understand the nature of disasters, their
tangible/intangible impacts and the importance of existing protective
measures.
While many know that human tragedies and losses, as a result of
a disaster, impede the economy, few know that the devastation of
disasters can be prevented by risk reduction and crisis management
initiatives. Raising awareness of risks and an understanding of the factors
which underlie them are critical to reducing vulnerability. Only by
understanding ful y the risks can people plan their response. Different
kinds of programs/training are found to be conducted for the disaster
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

awareness raising in the rural community. However, rural women, children
and minors, who are the most affected group by any natural disaster, are
unable to get attracted by the usual disaster awareness
trainings/programs because of il iteracy, poverty, religious/cultural
obligations etc.
Building awareness from the bottom up is as valuable as
transmitting information from the top down, the IFRC report says. Putting it
bluntly, timely information may be the only form of disaster preparedness
that the most vulnerable can afford. Cuba is often mentioned as a leader
in prevention strategy, because its methods demonstrably work. Six major
hurricanes that struck Cuba between 1996 and 2002 kil ed a reported 16
people compared with thousands elsewhere in the Caribbean. In
September 2004, Hurricane Ivan battered the western part of Cuba with
260-kilometer-an-hour winds. More than 1.5 mil ion people were
evacuated to higher ground ahead of the storm, which destroyed
thousands of houses. Of the 64 deaths caused by the storm throughout
the Caribbean, none was reported in Cuba. Compare that with what
happened in the Asian tsunami, where scientists with information about
the kil er waves had no way to communicate a warning to people in the
path of the disaster even with hours at their disposal ( UNESCO, 2005).
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Quite often the people who are affected by a disaster, and who are
sometimes themselves the cause of them, such as the inhabitants of
slums built on flood plains or on hil sides prone to mud slides, live on the
fringes of society and are uninvolved in risk-reduction measures, which
they may actual y regard as a threat.

The best science and technology in the world are of little value
unless they can be turned into effective disaster warnings that ordinary
people can understand. The International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that it is “striking” how many disasters
“could have been avoided with better information and communication.” But
for many, it says in its 2005 World Disasters Report, disaster arrives
“suddenly, unannounced.”

Raising awareness in disaster preparedness among the authorities
and among the target communities that you want to mobilize and
strengthen is important. Raising awareness means; explaining your goals,
strategy and convincing them that they can benefit from your success.
Remember that you may find resistance to change and often those with
most vested interests may be among this group. Awareness raising
means presenting opportunities to learn new skil s-such as planning,
defining clear demands, public speaking, Boost morale and give
constituents a sense of their col ective possibilities (Milinga, et al., 2005).
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Right after the Great Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster in 2004,
officials met in Kobe, Japan for the Second World Conference on Disaster
Reduction. They agreed upon a framework for action which can be
adopted from 2005 to 2015. They cal ed this the HYOGO DECLARATION.
The framework includes five commitments which fol ows:
1. Make Disaster Reduction a Priority- government should integrate
Disaster Risk Reduction into their Laws, Programs and Plans and ensure
the participation of the local communities in planning.
2. Know the Risk and Take Action- countries should define and
understand potential risks so that they can prepare and develop early
warning devises to the needs of each communities.
3. Build Understanding and Awareness - government should include
information which include Disaster Risk Reduction in formal and informal
education and to ensure local indigenous knowledge and homegrown
technology which should be preserved and transmitted.
4. Reduce Risks - safety Codes are needed to ensure school,
hospitals, and homes does not col apse in case of earthquakes. Avoid
communities sitting in disaster prone areas.
5. Prepared and be Ready to Act -governments, regional/local/
national should conduct risk assessment, adopt contingency plans, test
preparedness by measures such as evacuation dril s, and ensure
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

emergency services, response agencies policy makers and development
organizations are properly coordinated. With this framework, Albay
APSEMO have claimed to have implemented various Awareness Building
Programs and Projects under the Disaster Management Framework for
Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, Recovery and
Rehabilitation. This was best exemplified by the Preemptive Evacuation
being undertaken by the Province and Disaster Risk Reduction in the
Provincial Comprehensive land use plan. APSEMO had also taken a
leading role in coordinating with Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council
warning agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sectors
and other communities. It also conducted trainings, information
campaigns, dril s and capacity-building exercises.
Furthermore, in a primer of The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (2007) identified one solution to lessen the possible tsunami
impacts, especial y loss of lives is to pre-determine high grounds where
people could go. It may also help if earthquake and tsunami dril s are
regularly conducted in threatened communities. Vigilance and sustained
community level public education on tsunami awareness, preparedness
and mitigation is very important. Since Barangay Padang is within the
coastal area. Coastal communities must be aware of Tsunami facts and
must react appropriately during an earthquake at any time. It is very
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

important that the people and the local leaders in the coastal areas are
aware on the basic things that they should know and do if they experience
a very strong earthquake.
Women are made more vulnerable to disasters through their
social y constructed roles. As Enarson,(2009) states “.gender shapes the
social worlds within which natural events occur .” She further said, that
advocates have stressed that what is necessary to bring a gender
perspective to the study of natural disasters is research and analysis of
data disaggregated by sex, pilot projects during the reconstruction phase,
an open dialogue within communities and between communities and the
national government and capacity-building for women before, during and
after disasters have occurred. She stressed that an effective development
process must include both the needs and the potential contributions of
women as wel as men. A Community-Based Disaster Preparedness and
Response Plan that takes women’s physical, psychological, social and
economic vulnerabilities into account wil help to reduce women’s
vulnerability to overal disaster. A plan that goes even further to recognize
women’s abilities and include them in disaster relief efforts wil help to
change gendered beliefs about women. A gender-based approach to the
study and analysis of natural disasters is essential in accomplishing this
goal.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

The importance of community based disaster preparedness is of vital
significance special y to women in the communities. If women are
informed they wil be educated, they wil have knowledge on what
appropriate actions wil they take. By giving them the knowhow, they wil
be empowered.

Participation a Key Factor inCommunity-Based
Disaster Preparedness Program



At the heart of Community-Based Disaster Preparedness and
Management is the principle of participation. Without participation there
can be no agreements in decision making and planning. Individualism
prevails which may cause conflicts according to Yodmani (www.adb.org/
documents/books/social_protection/chapter_13.pdf ).

A better understanding of disasters and losses reveals that the
increase in disaster occurrence and disaster related loss is due to the
exponential increase in the occurrence of smal and medium scale
disasters. As a result many feel it is important to adopt a new strategy,
which directly involves vulnerable people themselves in planning and
implementation of mitigation measures. This bottom’s -up approach has
received wide acceptance because communities are considered the best
judge to their own vulnerability or weaknesses and can make the best
decisions regarding their own wel -being.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Whether a disaster is major or minor, of national or local
proportion, it is the people at the community or vil age level who suffer
most its adverse effects. They use coping and survival strategies to face
and respond to the situation long before outside help from NGOs or the
government arrives. They are interested to protect themselves from the
damage and harm through community based disaster preparedness and
mitigation. According to Lorna P. Victoria the Director, Center for Disaster
Preparedness, Philippines said that Community participation has been
recognized as additional element in disaster management necessary to
reverse the worldwide trend of increasing frequency and loss from
disasters, build a culture of safety and disaster resilient communities, and
ensure sustainable development for al participatory process and content:.
Involvement of community members, particularly the most vulnerable
sectors and groups in the whole process of risk assessment, identification
of mitigation and preparedness measures, decision making,
implementation; the community directly benefits from the risk reduction
and development process people’s participation, It is community
members who are the main actors and propel ers; while sustaining the
CBDM process, they also directly share in the benefits of disaster
preparedness, mitigation and development.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Therefore, Participation of women in disaster preparedness is an
essential element in community development. it is the core strategy in
making communities aware of disasters and its effects and it is a strategy
in building community capacities, actively responding to emergencies
and providing them with more access and control over resources and
basic social services. Using a Community-Based approach to managing
disasters certainly has its advantages (Coupal, www.mosaic-net-intl.ca.).
Participation is the most common element in any community involvement
like disaster preparedness planning, risk assessment, mitigation, capacity
building, implementation of plans and projects and development of
systems for monitoring may help a community grow and be
empowered.Participation in CBDP increased women’s awareness towards
gender perspectivesthat wil raise the profile of women to sustainable
development, sharing concrete solutions, and inspiring more actions.
Women should not be seen only as victims of natural disasters and
climate change; they can also becommunicators of good practices and
active agents ofchange (https://www.gdnonline.org. ).
Participation is a development approach which recognizes the
need to involve disadvantaged segments of the population in the design
and implementation of policies concerning their wel being. The
strengthening of women’s participation in al spheres of life has become a
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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major issue in the development discourse. Socio-economic development
cannot be ful y achieved without the active participation of women at the
decision- making level in our society. Various scholars define
“Participation” in various ways. NormanUphoff, (cited in Khan1993)
identified (4) four main kinds of participation, which are distinct but
interrelated. They are as fol ows:
a. Participation in decision making in identifying problems,
formulating alternative planning activities, al ocating resources.
b. Participation in implementation in carrying out activities,
managing and operating programs.
c. Participation in economic, social, political or other individual or
col ectively benefits and
d. Participation in evaluation of activities and its outcome for
feedback and monitoring purposes.

According to Mishra (1984), “participation means col ective and
continuous efforts by the people themselves in setting goals, pooling
resources together and taking actions which aims at improving their living
conditions”.

Rahman (1991) has stated that al forms of actions through which
citizens take part in the operation of administration may be termed as
“‘participation”. Here, “‘taking part” refers to any level from macro to micro
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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region or it may be of any type, e.g. advisory or in decision-making or
implementation.
Mil ennium declaration (UNDP, 2000) had sets forth a road map for
human development supported by 191 nations. One among the
mil ennium development goalsis facilitating the participation of women
and girls in the development process, including efforts to reduce Disaster
Risk, is a key priority. Women across the world play critical roles in the
shaping of risks in development. In some contexts, women may be more
exposed to and vulnerable to hazards. For example, those with
responsibilities in the household may be more exposed to risk due to
unsafe building and from local hazards stemming from inadequate basic
services or exposure to smoke from cooking fuel. At the same time,
women are often more likely than men to participate in communal actions
to reduce risk and enhance development. Orienting disaster risk policy so
that it builds on the social capital represented by women can enable a
more informed development policy. As criticisms of participatory
development indicate, achieving such model wil not be easy, but best
practices does exist to point the way.
When women face barriers in participating at higher levels of
decision-making,
these
factors
severely
limit
the
skil s and knowledge available for Sustainable Development and Risk
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
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Reduction. Overcoming disparities like access to education is a
fundamental component of the Disaster Risk Reduction Agenda.

Disaster Rehabilitation


There are many ways by which Disaster Rehabilitation can be
provided or extended to disaster victims. One that can be done to early
rehabilitate these victims is the provision of temporary shelter for them
after they have been accommodated from evacuation centers or if there
have been no available evacuation centers or rehabilitation areas being
provided by government agencies.
In the case of Typhoon Reming in 2006, temporary shelter units
were provided by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Center in
coordination with international organizations like UNESCO, PLAN, the
Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba, (PCCM) Inc. and the Bicol
Association of Manitoba, Inc. (BAMI) have succeeded in developing a
model of cooperation for carrying out fundraising projects for disaster
victims in the Philippines. The model can be easily applied to other
organizations in the community in the near future.
Disaster rehabilitation is indeed the most significant and it is the last
phase of disaster management because victims need early recovery of
these traumatic events or circumstances that they experienced. Part of
disaster rehabilitation is contingency planning for emergencies. As the
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
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saying goes, “Many heads are better than one,” this proverb underlines
the importance of col ective and coordinated efforts within the
community. It must include the local people responsible for the ultimate
response to any kind of emergencies. This process may include
government, non- government agencies and other concern groups to
facilitate a common understanding (NDCC,2003).



METHODOLOGY

Time and Locale of the Study
Barangay Padang is one of the barangays of Legazpi City in the
province of Albay, Bicol Region. It is located in the northern part of
Legazpi City directly at the foot of Mount Mayon Volcano, on the western
side is the Albay Gulf.

It has a total land area of 511.7 hectares with a total population of
3,071 from 550 households. Ninety-eight (98%) percent of the population
are Roman Catholic. Barangay Padang has a distance of 7.5 km from
the city proper and can be reached in 20 minutes by jeepney or by bus.
It is also one of the rural communities of the City located at the permanent
danger zone at the foot of the Majestic Mayon Volcano. It is located in a
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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coastal area where marine resources abound. Fishing is the main source
of livelihood of the local residents.
Despite itslocation in a permanent danger zone, beautiful beaches are
found in the area. At sunrise, the majestic Mayon with white clouds that
serves as its veil changes its aura depending on the cloud formation.
Because of the beauty of this vil age and friendly people, the area
transform into a concern of disaster reality. This prompted the research to
consider the area for women’s involvement in disaster-stricken research
undertaking.
In 2006, Barangay Padang was terribly devastated by typhoon
Reming aggravated by flush flood of lahar. Half of the barangay was
covered with mud coming from the lahar deposits during volcanic
eruptions. Rice fields and other farms were total y damaged brought about
by continuous landslides, mud flows and flooding. Also, there are lots of
Il egal slash and burn practices “kaingins” including cutting of trees at the
designated protected areas of Mt. Mayon. The source of potable water is a
problem observed by the local residents. This is brought about by
damages caused during volcanic destructions and strong rains.

Figure 2 map of showing the location of the study.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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The study was conducted on September 6, 2010 to February 15,
2011 covering the second semester of School Year 2010 – 2011.


A- Bicol Region B- Province of Albay

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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C - Padang, Legazpi City
Figure 2. Map of the study area
Respondents of the Study

Basical y, the research participants are local women in Barangay
Padang. They were selected in a random manner based on degree of
involvement of community activities and knowledge about the conditions
and events related to natural calamities especial y the eruption and
disaster caused by Mayon Volcano.
The identified respondents provide testimonies and experiences
through narrations on individual or col ective involvement on community-
based disaster preparedness activities. Also, these women represent the
sentiments of women in the barangay.
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Age. The largest number of respondents ranges from ages 41 to
60 yrs old. Majority of the respondents are married which implies that
most of them either stay home or they do not have jobs and or they are
self employed. On the other hand, women younger seem not to stay at
home during day time unless they are nursing mothers.
Occupation. In the evening most of the women prepare food for
their husband who normal y go out fishing to sea. At daybreak, the
fishermen comes home where their wives wait for them at the seashore to
Help them pul the fish nets and sort out the fishes that they catch for them
to sel . After the fish are sold, they do their house hold chores.
Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PROFILE
FREQUENCY
PERCENT
Age


below 30 yrs old
5
12.50
31-35 yrs old
4
10.00
36-40 yrs old
3
7.50
41-45 yrs old
6
15.00
46-50 yrs old
11
27.50
above 50 yrs old
9
22.50
Civil Status


Single
3
7.50
Married
32
80
Widowed
4
18
Separated
1
2.50
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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Occupation


Employed
6
15
Self-employed
18
45
Not employed
16
40
Level in Education


Elementary
15
37.50
High School
19
47.50
Col ege
6
15
Religion


Roman Catholic
38
95
Others
2
5

Like Aling Rosa (2010), one of the elders in the community, as
early as 3:00 in the morning she goes to the sea shore with her lamp to
wait for her husband from his fish hunt. She waits until the net are pul ed
to the sea shore and help sort out the catch and sel them according to the
kind and sizes. In the afternoon she sel s banana cues. Other woman sel s
vegetables, and fruits, root crops and bananas, and rice cakes to augment
household income.
The younger respondents with ages 21 to 35 have work outside the
community during day time. In the evening, they are around to share
household activities but during weekends, they help their parents on
household chores. As observed during the interview, most of the
respondents were home based. Most of them were not salary-based or
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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have stable income. They are not employed neither in the offices or in
factories. Instead, they have their own business activities to attend which
are considered self-employment.
Education. It is also observed that most of the respondents reached only
elementary grades (15 or 37.505) and high school level (19 or 47.50%).
Based on observation, this condition is translated into poor economic
condition because of the realities of poor conditions and community
situations, thus limiting them from pursuing higher education. Only six
respondents attained col ege levels.
Religion. History shows that Bicol region is one of the Spanish
dominated areas in the country. Old Roman Catholic churches and
religious practices are found. One of the famous ruins that defines and
identifies the area is the Church of Cagsawa ruined by rock boulders
during the eruption of Mayon in 1814. The strong influence of the Roman
Catholic tradition exist as seen during holy week procession and
observance of the feast of saints. Based on this, majority of the
respondents belong to the Roman Catholic faith and practice its teachings
and practices.
On the other hand, only three respondents or 7.5 percent are
affiliated to other religion. It is noted that these individuals are not
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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influenced or affected by religious affiliations with regards to community
activities. Furthermore, people cooperate in community activities and
religion is not a hindrance to community action.
Research Methods Used
The study used three research methods in obtaining pertinent
research data, namely: key informant interview, focus group discussions,
case analysis complemented with observations anddocument analysis
from primary and secondary sources.
The study was facilitated through a request letter addressed to the
City Mayor seeking permission to conduct interviews and focused group
discussions with the women in Barangay Padang. The Barangay Captain
was also furnished with an introductory research letter for the conduct of
the research. The letter served as basis to encourage local women to be
involved in the research process and provide honest and direct responses.
The guide questions were formulated and prepared by the
researcher based on the problems and objectives of the study. Guide
questions were written in English and were asked in Tagalog.
The researcher introduced herself and gave them orientation about the
study before the interview session. Specifical y, the individual interviews
were conducted at the respondent’s home. A checklist of interview guide
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questions was used to guide the flow of ideas. Responses and narratives
were recorded and further integrated to answer the research problem.
In order to validate and seek further data and information on the
experiences of the local women in the area, two focus group discussions
were conducted in separate occasions. The first FGD was conducted on
September 15, 2010 together with the barangay captain of which five
women were present. The second group discussion wasconducted
inNovember 2010 with the women teachers of Padang Elementary
School. The researcher introduced herself after which she oriented the
group about the purpose of the study. The discussion was guided by the
interview schedule. Their responses were recorded by the researcher. The
researcher facilitated the discussion where everyone had shared.

Analysis of Data

Pertinent data weregathered based on testimonies and narrative
experiences. These were analyzed and interpreted according to the
research problem and objective of the study with emphasis on women’s
participation.
Data obtained during key informant interviews were consolidated
and further validated through focus group discussion with the local
residents supplemented by document analysis of historical events and
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observations through cross data verification of results from other
sources.Data gathered were classified, tal ied, grouped, summarized
andanalyzed according to interview guide questions supplemented by
fol ow up questions based on the data provided by the respondents. This
led to further analysis on the research credibility and validity.

Further, the needs of women which reflect the level of participation
in the different activities in disaster preparedness were determined and
interpreted to address the factors presented in the conceptual framework
of the research.

In view of the process and result, the data gathered was translated
into information which can be transformed into a concept that can support
a model community-based disaster preparedness project on a vil age-
level.





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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
At this point, disaster preparedness is no longer just an option that can be
shelved. It is now a matter of vital importance. The Province of Albay has
been exposed to various climate risks such as tropical cyclones, volcanic
eruption and flood. These could worsen as a result of Climate Change.
The coastal areas must be protected also from sea level rise and storm
surges. Communities living along the coastline and in the uplands must be
prepared to meet these chal enges to the environment, their livelihood and
their homes.
The disaster coordinating center of both provincial and the City must
look on how Albay can best adapt to the changing climate in the vil age
level. Despite the many experiences of past calamities, disaster
preparedness, risk reduction, mitigation is stil a limited concern especial y
among the women in Padang.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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While Padang is one among the rural communities located on a
permanent danger zone at the foot of the Majestic Mayon Volcano, it is
also located in a coastal area where tsunami could also occur during
earthquake caused by the eruption of Mayon Volcanothat liesin one of the
geological faults of the rings of fire. Despite of the danger Padang is stil a
home to al its residents.
Level of Women’s Participation in Community-
BasedDisaster Preparedness


Table 2 present the level of Women’s Participation in Community-
Based Disaster Preparedness Activities in Barangay Padang.
Decision making and community mobilization are moderately participated
in community based disaster Preparedness. Likewise their participation in
development planning was not participated by women. They claimed they
were not informed of such activity and that there were no such activity
implemented in their community.

Table 2. Level of women’s participation in CBDP activities
ACTIVITIES
MEAN
DESCRIPTION
Decision making
1.78
Moderately participated
Development planning
1.48
Not participated
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
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Community mobilization
1.70
Moderately participated
Legend:

2.51 _ 3.00 Highlyparticipated

1.51 – 2.50 Moderatelyparticipated

1.00 – 1.50 Not participated


Many factors can be considered. According to Marcelina (2010), she was
notaware of the existence of a community based disaster preparedness
program. This is due to lack of information and education on community
based disaster preparedness among women in the community level.
“Mas magandasana kung ang CBDP program nayan
aymagbibigaykaalamantungkolsapagumpisangmalili tnanegosyoo
kaya
pangkabuhayanparamakaahonsakahirapan”.It
would
bebetter if the CBDP program would include information about
puttingup smal scale business or livelihood program to al eviate
us from poverty.”

Motivating factors may include addressing women’s extreme poverty. It
may need to delve into sustain women’s sustaining development by
improving their environmental understanding and management which is
integral to eradicate poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability. It
may also need to suggest local governance to create and implement
CBDP programs addressing poverty and environmental concerns with
particular attention to the needs of women and children. From the
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teachers of Padang Elementary school, they look at non participation of
women in CBDP as a result of their poor condition. Inasmuch as the
women wanted to join community activities they have to attend to the
needs of their families. This factors suggest the creation of sustainable
livelihood opportunities that wil lead to reducing vulnerability of women to
environmental hazards. Al these factors make the level of participation in
CBDP decision making, planning and mobilization very low inrating.
Despite of this situation, information and education regarding disaster
preparedness, It is scarcely disseminated.It is becauseit lacks the
resources appropriation.
Needs of Women to Encourageand
Strengthen Participation in CDBP



The series of calamities that hit Barangay Padang had
aggravated the poor economic condition of the women. Poverty is
worsened by the fact that women in the area are not productive because
they are primarily responsible for domestic duties, childcare and care for
the elderly or the disabled. Women’s visibility in the community remains
low, and attention to their needs is badly inadequate.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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Food on the table.When the respondents were asked about their needs
that can be addressed for them to participate in CBDP activities, their
responses were simple and practical. As Edna explicitly answered
“Di
akomakadalosamgaaktibidadessa
barangay.Kailanganmagbentsaakingmali tnatindahanmaskipapa
ano may pagkainsa la mesa. At mgabata din kailanganalagaan”.“
I cannot attend to barangay activities I needs to sel in my little
store to in order to have food in the table.The children needs to
be taken cared of”.


Her husband is a fisherman and not al the time he has a catch
from his fishing activities. Her time is devoted to her income generating
activity which supplement to her husband’s income to sustain the family
needs. According to Maria, she needs to prepare, cook her banana ques
and sel it from house to house. She said, she cannot afford to attend a
meeting of CBDP activities.
Jobs. From the observation of the researcher, most of the women in
Barangay Padang stays at home. They do not have job. Most of them rely
on their husbands income which is not enough for their daily needs.
Education of the children. According to Adelina, her three children are
stil in the elementary grades at a public school. At the present situation
they cannot afford to send their children to school. She worries that her
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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children cannot reach high school or col ege. Her husband’s income is not
sufficient for their living.
Health care. Is one among the needs of women in barangay Padang. As
the economic recession continues to impact throughout the country, health
care costs are also rising. Its access are fal ing out from the reach of many
women in Barangay Padang. They are highly vulnerable to basic health
care costs. The lack of proper food intake aggravate the general health
situation in the community most especial y the women.
Housing. The need for a decent shelter to house their family is also an
important facet to live comfortably and decently.
According to Enarson (2009),it is the economic conditions that pervade
women to bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s poverty. Statistics
indicate that women are more likely to be poor and at risk of hunger
because of the systematic discrimination they face in education, health
care, employment and control of assets. Poverty implications are
widespread for women, leaving many without the basic rights such as
access to clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care and decent
employment. Being poor can also mean they have little protection from
violence and have no role in decision making.
Activities Needed toDevelop Community- Based
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Disaster Preparedness Program of Women
in Barangay Padang

Table 3 Present activities needed in CBDP of women in Barangay
Padang. As shown in the table, al activities were rated highly needed by
women.

Table 3. Activities needed to develop community- based disaster
Preparedness program of women in Barangay Padang

ACTIVITIES
MEAN
DESCRIPTION
Education in disaster
2.60
Highly Needed
preparedness

Coordination and linkages
2.68
Highly Needed

Dril on disaster evacuation
2.65
Highly Needed
search and rescue

Tree planting
2.73
Highly Needed

Lahar and flood buffering
3.00
Highly Needed

Legend:

2.51 - 3.00highly needed

1.51 – 2.50 moderately needed

1.00 – 1.50 not needed



Maria said, “ Lahatngmganabanggitnaactibidadesng CBDP
gayangEdukasyonparasapagpapa-angatngkamalayan

at
kaalaman,
pagtatanimngkahoy
ay
mahalagaparasapaghahandasamgadaratingnasakuna. Noon,
makapalanggubatsabundokngMayon,
ngayonpawalanayongmgamalalakingkahoy. Dapatmagtanimpara
may sasalosamgabato at putiknagalingsabulkan”. “Al mentioned
CBDP activities like the education and awareness building and
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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planting trees are important in disaster preparedness. Before, the
forest was thick on the mountains of Mayon, it is getting scarce.
There should be tree planting so that it can serve as buffer to
stone and mud coming from the volcano.”

Within the locality it is a sad thing to find the trees are being replaced
by coconuts at the foot of Mayon volcano. The few remaining trees are
also endangered for fuel consumption and commercial logging purposes.
Though the existence of the no logging policy in the area is applied, but
there are always these il egal loggers that cuts these trees. A tree is a
very significant part of our ecosystem. It produces oxygen, sequesters
carbon, fixes nitrogen, distil s water, provides habitat for hundreds of
species. Trees can control erosions. It can intercept rainfal and lessens
the impact of precipitation on the ground by stabilizing the soil with their
roots. Programs and activities should include detailed requirements on the
maintenance and restoration of vegetation in areas prone to landslides.
One of the striking weaknesses identified in most local communities
is the non-implementation of disaster preparedness program. Awareness,
education and management capacity is needed to respond to the threat of
disasters. Because of these weaknesses, The respondents cannot assess
the damages in their own localities because they have inadequacy of
knowledge and information. An Environmental Scan in the community
wil help women understand their community’s internal needs and assets.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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It also provide them a better concept of disaster management which
includes analysis of eco hazards. It wil provide them the right approach
and proper solution to these disaster problems.
The importance of coordination and linkages wil help
localorganizations in developing contingency plans like conducting
capacity and vulnerability analyses in their local areas involving al
stakeholders. Properly coordinated development of a contingency plan
and involvement and active participation of the women wil make disaster
response efficient and effective, greater involvement of women in disaster
reduction, prevention and preparedness and improved risk management.
“It is important to have an organization says Maria, it wil become
the focal point of advocacy to mobilize local resources and facilitate better
coordination among the women in our community and other
communities”.
Addressing the lack of knowledge in terms of dril s on evacuation,
search and rescue trainings is one of these activities that is needed by
women in the communities.


“Mgabatasaeskwelahanlangnamanang
may
dril
exercises. Dapatmayroon din sakomunidadparamatuto
dinanglahat, .says Maria”it is only the children in school who
have dril exercises. There should also be dril s in the
community so everyone can learn says Maria.


Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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They need to be equipped with actual training exercises. Activities
should real y be an enticingone so as to encourage the participation of
women in the locality. Activities may include procedures of search and
rescueproviding each role of the stakeholders. Location identification or
ocular inspection for evacuation within the locality or other alternative sites
for shelter areas as wel as location of highly disaster prone areas could
be conducted in an artistic/ creative fun workshop which women can
real y enjoy. Search and rescue operations need assistance in terms of
medical services. Does the local community have medical services
available? Coordination of relief activities among local organizations,
government and NGO’s should be wel considered so as to avoid
duplication of efforts. There must be logical framework in making designs
and management programs done in a consistent manner always involving
the women in al these processes.
Respondents recal ed that in 2006, the occurrences of successive super
typhoons Milenyo and Reming kil ed about 2,000 people and destroyed
bil ions of pesos worth of agricultural crops, properties and government
infrastructures. They would not want those tragic disasters to be repeated.
While the province of Albay wil be implementing construction of a multi-
mil ion flood control structure along critical flood paths down the slope of
Mayon Volcano as an ease to the destruction caused by lahar during rainy
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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seasons, it wil be constructing dam structures as spur dikes and
embarkment along gul ies on the slopes of Mayon that serves as a route
of avalanches of huge volume of volcanic debris to the rivers.
The proposed projects were based on the necessity of putting in place the
structures that would mitigate the danger of more avalanches of lahar and
flashfloods threatening residential areas, farms and properties below
Mayon volcano. In terms of women’s participation in such big projects, the
local level would at least do the information dissemination to its local
residents including women sector so that they wil not be left behind. They
wil not just be the recipients only. There must be an integrated approach
linking action at the grass root level. This can help enhance participation
of women in Padang.
Strategies to Increased Women’s
Participation in Community
Based Disaster Preparedness



Table 4 shows that education campaign, skil s building, exposures
and linkages are strategieshighly rated by respondents joining
andwomen’s organization was rated moderately suggested.

Education and campaign. The effects of disasters is intensified by
the fact that the women do not often have appropriate knowledge in
disaster preparedness.The significant role of education in improving the
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
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In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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capacity of women and communities to reduce the risk of disasters is by
anticipating, educating and informing the stakeholders who are one of the
main keys to reduce the deadly effect of such natural disaster.


Table 4. Strategies to increased women’s participation in CBDP
STRATEGIES
MEAN
DESCRIPTION
Education and campaign
2.76
Highly Suggested
Skil s building
2.76
Highly Suggested
Women’s organization
1.75
Moderately Suggested
Linkages
2.50
Highly Suggested
Exposures
2.56
Highly Suggested
Legend:

2.51 – 3.00 Highly suggested

1.51 – 2.50 Moderatelysuggested

1.00 – 1.50 Notsuggested


A project approach can be developed to inform, educate
communities which highlights the women’s participation on disaster
prevention/preparedness education as an environmental initiative. The
project may develop and adapt educational materials that wil be published
and disseminated. This wil be understood by women who are of low
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
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education. The final materials wil be translated and adapted to ensure
that they are cultural y appropriate and local y relevant. Theater
developmental education can also be organized. This creative activity wil
include women in projectingor animating disaster preparedness and
mitigation which is one of the core environmental issues in the locality.
This framework emphasizesthe importance of education and learning in its
priorities for action. The use the knowledge, innovation and education to
build a culture of safety and resilience in the community for al levels.
Strengthening of human resources, capabilities and capacities of research
and development institutions for disaster reduction and mitigation in the
area is also of greatimportance. This wil minimize traditional approach to
disasters adopted by the government as wel as NGOs that have created
a dole-out mentality among the poor. As a result, the vulnerabilities of the
women have increased because they always expect outside assistance
instead of developing their individual capacitiesand creativities. It is for the
sake of their own survival strategies which can eventual y minimize the
effects ofsuch disasters. Such strategies need to expand to protect life
and properties during major disasters. Education and training programs
plus the improvement of facilities for women professional y involved with
CBDP should be sufficiently enhanced. It must focus on ways and means
to reduce disasters. The advantages of training local practitioners
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

special y the women is that they can re- echo knowledge learned by their
own families and from other women in the locality.
Skil s building. Community development strategies do not only stress
leadership training and providing residents with access to skil s,
knowledge, and resources, but also strategies that emphasize teaching on
how to apply skil s and knowledge to the resolution of problems during a
crisis situation. Skil in Emergency Management is another important
aspect wherein strategic process should be implemented, not a tactical
process that usual y resides at the executive level in an organization.The
expected outcome of these efforts is to build more awareness, support
responsible, connected, and trusted women communities which wil work
in tandem with, not in opposition to the authorities or private institutions
during an extreme event. These wil also enhance their ability to respond
effectively during a crisis, minimize recovery problems, and reduce the
time needed to normalize and rebuild communities.
Women’s organization.Establishing or joining women’s organization that
can create venue for sharing ideas, easy mobilization and action to solve
problems is an essential concept which can increase participation.
Creating and strengthening of linkages and networking for partnership,
exchanges of information, skil s and knowledge and strengthening
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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support for action so as to enhance disaster prevention, reduction and
mitigation is indeed an essential need. The potential of the information
media, and the private sector at large must besufficiently
mobilized.People’s Organizations often times viewedonly as end
beneficiaries of projects. People’s Organizations have evolved into a
major stakeholder, not just as recipient but as implementers ful y involved
in the project cycle.
Aspects in Community-Based Disaster Preparedness
of Women in Barangay Padang

Disasters that Affect the Respondents
As shown in Table 5 al disasters like volcanic eruptions, flood, storms
and earthquakes tremendously affected the women and their
particular communities.
The erratic eruptions ofMayon volcano put the residents of
Barangay Padang in an unstable and insecure situation which prevents
the respondents to improve their economic condition.
Lilia recal ed her recent experience in December 2009 where they
were forced to evacuate.
“The explosion was loud especial y at dawn in
December 18, 2009, when it explodes the ground shakes”.
The smoke was verythick. If the ashes continue to fal al our
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

plants wil die. There wil be food shortage especial y our rice
and vegetables”.

We had to evacuate. Some of the residents did not
like to evacuate for fear that their houses wil be looted and
their animals has to be fed but a military dam truck came to
fetch us, an order from the Provincial Government had
ordered al residents living within the radius of 4 kms.has to
move out as soon as possible. Danger zone was extended
up to eight kilometers radius later.
Table 5.Disasters that affects the respondent

KIND OF DISASTER
NUMBER
PERCENT
Volcano eruption
40
100
Lahar/mud flow
40
100
Typhoon
40
100
Flood
40
100

When they returned home some of their pigs, chickens and dogs
were dead. Their plants were covered with ashes.
Back in 2006 mud from Mayon volcano was flushed by heavy rain
brought by typhoon Reming where 430 individuals were buried and
washed away to the sea by the rampaging flushflood. It resulted in a
catastrophe that had total y disrupted their normal life in its established
social, traditional and economic life systems. There was no exception in
experiencing the effects of eruption disasters that compel ed the residents
to bear the loss of lives as wel as properties in Padang.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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“It was 3:00 in the afternoon when we heard the sound
of a roaring water. I was curious to see why the neighbors
were shouting”, says Myrna. I saw my neighbors drowned
from the dark body of water rampaging down to the sea. I
took my two (2) kids and run to the comfort room at the
back of our house. I embraced my kids as we prayed and
prayed. We were al crying. The situation was very fearful.
The water was already passing near our house. It was
getting dark and there was silence in the neighborhood. our
neighbors’ houses were al buried. Some were flushed to the
sea.
They were al gone.”


“ I saw a private dam truck ful of people trying to get
away from the flush flood but they were al flushed to the
sea. Says another respondent. I knew my house was taken
by the water. I was in the farm. Isaw the big boulders of water
from Mayon. It was fast and strong. I could not move my feet
then. It was the day of armagedon Our vil age became very
clear., no more roads, no more trees, no more houses.
It became a muddy vil age. I could not find my
neighbors and my family. Because of the strong typhoon,
heavy rain poured and lahar flowed its way to Padang.”
Responses to Disasters
Table 6 presents the responses of the respondents to disasters. It
was noted that an innate role of a mother has to always see to it that the
family is safe, ready for her families food, clothing and other things that
the family needed.
“ At the evacuation center food has to be readied for
the family because ration is not always prepared if there are
ration it is alwaysnoodles and sardines. no vegetables or
meat. Everyone has to bringenough clothes and beddings
and also kitchen utensils to avoid sickness. Sickness is
inevitable at the evacuation centers because of many people.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

Medicine is therefore needed usual y is veryimportant to
every one”

Table 6. Response to disasters
RESPONSE TO DISASTERS
IMPORTANT
NOT IMPORTANT
Prepare food, money,
40
0
medicine, clothing flashlight,
water, beddings and etc.

Evacuate as needed by
40
0
situation

Prayer
40
0
Wait for order of LGU officials
25
15
to evacuate

In many instances residents along the creek side were always alert.
When rain continuously fal , river becomes bigger and higher, residents
has to evacuate to save their lives even without any local orders to tel
them to evacuate. They claimed they have also practical senses. They
can also read the weather. They don’t only save their lives but also their
animals like cows, carabaos and pigs in a safer place before they
evacuate.

Praying is also an important aspect that the respondents do when
calamities come. They believe in the intercession of the Divine God to
save them from being harmed during calamities. One among the stories
that proved prayer as the saver of life is through an old woman
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

experience, she lives alone in a hut. When lahar was flushed by typhoon
Durian in 2006 half of Barangay Padang was flushed to the sea. The
smal hut where the old woman lived was not hit by the rampaging flood by
the volcano. As if the flood had made its way not to flush the old woman’s
hut.. When asked how come she was alive; she merely answered them , “I
prayed”. On the other hand being so fanatic to a religion is also a factor
that hinders the respondents to act or to move out of their home to a safer
place or to actively participate in CBDP activities because they tend to
rely on God’s grace to save them and if they become victims because of
their negligence or lack of knowledge they wil say “It is God’ s wil ” or it is
their fate.

It is also noted that it is important to wait for the order of the local
government to evacuate. It is for their safety because they can use
government facilities like trucks that haul them and the evacuation centers
that the government provides them. Rations are also provided. With the
Zero- Casualty policy of the Government of Albay, no one is spared to be
left when order is disseminated. Everyone has to be lifted out of their
homes.
“It is not easy just to evacuate,” says Maria. “It is tiring,
timeconsuming and expensive. It disrupts our activities in the
farm”.

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Participation from the residents especial y the women is
automatical y responded when an order is from the Provincial level.
In the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano, the government
issued an order for al residents living within 4 kilometers radius to
evacuate.Because it was an order of the government, every resident has
to cooperate and leave their homes to the evacuation center.

“The importance of being cooperative to orders of the local
government is that everyone is being saved”, said one respondent.
“No casualty was counted”.


The effects of disasters are tremendous by the fact that the poor do
not often have appropriate knowledge ofthese preparedness activities. On
the other hand, the traditional approach to disasters adopted government
and NGO’s where people are evacuated, fed in the evacuation centers,
sent home when normal situation returns. It has created a relief mentality
among the poor rather than building their capacity to cope with disasters.
As a result, the vulnerabilities of the communities have increased, as
individuals were left to develop their own survival strategies for minimizing
the effects of disasters. Such strategies are far from adequate to protect
their property or possessions during major disasters. For example, the
PRA study revealed, that many of the poor do not know the meaning of
warning signals, preservation of dry foods, where to get credible forecast
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

informations, or where to take shelter. Thus education and trainings in
disaster preparedness is a must.

CBDP Activities Attended by Respondents

As gleaned in Table 7 the level of participation of the women in
Barangay Padang during disaster activities shows that activities is
moderately participated in coordination and linkages, tree planting and
education in disaster preparedness. Activities like dril on disaster
evacuation search and rescue, lahar and flood buffering are not
participated. It means that heavy activities are part of the male
counterpart.
Table 7. CBDP activities attended by respondents
ACTIVITIES
MEAN
DESCRIPTION
Education in disaster
1.53
Moderately
preparedness
Participated

Coordination and linkages
1.75
Moderately

Participated

Dril on disaster evacuation
1.10
Not Participated
search and rescue

Tree planting
1.65
Moderately

Participated

Lahar and flood buffering
1.0
Not Participated

Legend:
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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2.51 – 3.00 Highly Participated

1.51 – 2.50 Moderately Participated

1.00 – 1.50 Not Participated

It is noted that education in disaster preparedness activities is not
wel attended by the respondents. As mentioned in the respondents’
occupation, most of the women are self employed and house wives who
are pre-occupied with their income generating activities and household
activities. Most of the respondents claimed that they did not know of such
disaster preparedness trainings or activities. They were not informed or
invited. The level of consciousness in CBDP does not show their
activeness and participation. Unlike in the church cooperative program,
women are actively participating in discussion and planning of their
activities. Their activities and programs are successful because the
women themselves made it happen. When women work they worked with
enthusiasm.
In terms of coordination and linkages less participation of respondents
can be attributed to their non participation in the different activities of
CBDP. What do they need to coordinate and link with when they do not
have activities or program to implement? It was not much of a felt need.
Sometime in rainy November of 2010, there was a guy riding a motor
cycle. Nobody knows who he was and where he came from. He went
around the City declaring of a strong tsunami that was coming. He told
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

people that part of the city was already eaten by big waves and that they
have to move as soon as possible.
Healarmed the whole City of Legazpi. News spread like fire and a
lot of people near the sea side evacuated to a safer ground. Fortunately
there was no tsunami happened during that day. The authorities in
Legazpi tried to find who that guy was for giving false alarm but never
found who he was. On the other hand it served a real dril for people in the
communities because they never had dril s for earthquake or tsunami
disaster. The women in the community has no experience on dril s. It is
only the school children who had experiences on earthquake dril .
Dril therefore includes implementing mitigation techniques to carry
out basic intensity, zoning mapping and risk assessment. This al ows any
selected area to be delineated into high, medium and low seismic hazard
zones, and to assessits vulnerability.
Another significant activity that has a great factor in disaster
preparedness is planting trees which can help soil erosion also serves as
a natural buffer to calamities. Trees and forests are closely linked with
weather patterns and also the maintenance of a crucial balance in nature.
It is noted that it is extremely important for the women in Padang not only
take a keen interest in the cause of environmental protection, but also to
implement this ideals in action by planting new trees. In this way, they
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

---

wil be making an important gesture to the community in demonstrating
their concern and at the same time making their own little but significant,
contribution. Some of the respondents said they saw the local
Government officials did a tree planting. Most of the seedlings were not
cared for and it eventual y dried up. There is a need of close monitoring
and scientific approach to such meaningful activities.
Another significant activity in disaster preparedness is the lahar and
flood buffering. It is time for the women to participate in flood control
planning to save their children and their homes. They can help propose
for a project focused on the creation of a simple lahar pathway
identification model for Mayonvolcano that can be readily reproduced
using publicly available data. This project can be done through a
workshop facilitated by an expert.. A survey of volcanic hazard zones with
in the vicinity to determine potential lahar pathways that include low-lying
areas near the seashore is muchneeded. Simplistic lahar models could
provide useful information for the community for further data col ection
efforts enabling the development of more precise lahar models.







Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Significance of Women’s Participation
in Community-BasedDisaster Preparedness

In terms of significance women’s participation in community- based
disaster preparedness, a very low degree of respondents seeing
themselves not important in CBDP because they are not of practical use
(Table 8). They have nothing to do with community decision because it is
the local government who decides anyway. They are ordered to
fol ow.They are not tapped as partners in community based disaster
preparedness development efforts of LGU’s and NGO’sto improve the
environmental problems that can contribute to sustainable growth and
poverty reduction. This does not reflect the needs and priorities that
enhance the realization of women’s significance.
To enhance the realization of women’s significance in participating
in CDBP program is supporting their practical coping strategies which
facilitates their understanding and feeling of their capacities and
capabilities.
Harnessing the capacities of women’s perspective in CBDP should
integrate decision making, disaster risk management and risk
assessment, information and education to help address vulnerable
conditions that wil help protect themselves and their families including
their communities against disasters. In such manner, it seeks to contribute
to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Table 8. Significance of women’s participation in CBDP
ACTIVITIES
MEAN
DESCRIPTION
Decision making
1.18
Not Significant
Development planning
1.20
Not Significant
Community mobilization
1.13
Not Significant
Legend:

2.51 – 3.00 Highly significant

1.51 – 2.50 Less significant

1.00 – 1.50 Not significant












Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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FEEDBACK MECHANISM

THROUGH

PARTICIPATORY
MONITORING

AND
EVALUATION


Community- Based

Disaster

Preparedness
STRATEGIES
Output
ORGANIZED

WOMEN OF
Through:
*Sustained CBDP

BARANGAY
Programs and
PADANG
* Creative education
activities

& Information
*Aware and
Campaign
*Strengthened
conscious in CBDP
partnerships and
* Skil s Building
linkages
*Self confidence to
participate in CBDP
* Linkaging
*Enhanced women

CBDP capability
* Skil ed women in
* Exposures
and capacity
CBDP
* Women’s
organization
* Sustained CBDP


Resources




Figure 3. Improved Framework in Community-Based Disaster
Preparedness Program

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

This study was conducted to determine the level of women’s
participation in the different activities of community based disaster
preparedness program in Barangay Padang.
A better understanding of the study looks into the realm of Participatory
approach which is basical y to recognize women’s capacity and capability
in Community -Based Disaster Preparedness.
Involving womenin community-based disaster preparedness decision
making, Planning and Mobilization develop a sense of responsibility
needed to maintain a good balance between women and their community.
Providing women a space and a voice to actively participate in community
based disaster preparedness is essential.
Women’s non participation in any community development is not a
development. It creates divisiveness. Participation depends on the
awareness, encouragement, strategies and programs that are within their
community. Being awareof their needs and problems in CBDP wil direct
appropriate actions with an end goal of achieving capabilities and able to
transfer knowledge and resources to the community.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Findings

The findings of the study are as fol ows:
1. There is no existing local government or Non government
programsand activities in the vil age that can facilitate women’s education,
information and awareness in community -based disasterpreparedness.
2. Women see themselves as less important in CBDP
decisionmaking, community planning and community mobilization
indisaster preparedness.
3. There are no income generating activities/projects that can help
al eviate women’s poor economic condition to encourage participation in
Community- based disaster preparedness.

Conclusions
1. Community- based disaster preparedness programs are not yet
in place in barangay Padang.
2. Women see themselves as less important in CBDP decision
making, community planning and community mobilization.
3. There are no programs/ activities that can help al eviate
women’s
poor
economic
condition
to
encourage
CBDP
participation.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Recommendations
In view of the findings and conclusions the fol owing
recommendations are presented for adoption:
1. Establish a project approach that wil develop and implement
disaster prevention/preparedness education and informationprogrammes
aimed at generating general public awareness oncommunity- based
disaster preparedness and strengthening women’s capacity to assist in
the reduction of losses from natural disasters.
2. Involved the women throughout the process ofdecision
making,planning and mobilizing to recognize their capacities
andcapabilities.
3. Encourage continued mobilization of local resources for disaster
reduction activities and develop economic programs focusing on disaster
preparedness, response and mitigation for women in a community level.





LITERATURE CITED

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AHMAD, R. AND WEISER, E. 2006. Fostering Public Participation in
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ALBAY BAGS, 2008, Management.Positive News Media.“GalingPook”
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award-for-disaster.

ARGUILLES. 2009. Article on PDCC. Balita.

BILDAN, L. 2003. Disaster Management in South East Asia, “An
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Participants Workbook, Partnerships for Disaster Reduction South
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BYRNE, B. AND S. BADEN. 1995. “Gender, Emergencies and
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Report
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CALUB, B. 2004. . Participatory Rural Appraisal “ Guidebook”:
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CASTILLO, ET. AL. 1980. How participatory is participatory development?
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CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES (NDCC,2003). “ A
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DISASTER MANAGEMENT, 2010.http://www.wisegeek.com
DISASTER OR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN FOR WOMEN.
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ENARSON. E. 2009. Gender and Natural Disasters “Gender Perspective
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DPM/GPP/GH/genderdisasters.

FILIPINO JOURNAL, 2007.www.filipinojournal.com. Vol. 21. No.10. Phil.
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IGAD, 2002. Disaster Risk Management Program in the IGAD Region,
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JAMES, B. 2007. Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, “Unesco’s Role”.
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LAGUERTA, E. 2000.Volcanologist of PHILVOCS.

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LOGUE, J. N. 1996. Disasters: Environmental and Public Health,
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MANALAY, D. DPWH. Regional Director, Albay.

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APPENDICES
Appendix A. Interview Guide Questions
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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In the process of analysis the fol owing factors wil be looked into
from the inquiries or questions listed below:
1. What is the profile of the women who participated in Padang
Community- Based Disaster Preparedness activities in terms of :
1.1 . Age
1.2 . Civil Status
1.3 . Educational Attainment
1.4 . Religious Affiliation
1.5 . Occupation

2. What disaster had affected you most?

3. What do you do when Disaster arises?

4. Have you attended any Barangay Disaster Preparedness Activities
like:
4.1. Education in Disaster Preparedness
4.2. Coordination and linkages on Disaster Preparedness
4.3. Dril on Disaster Evacuation and Search and Rescue
4.4. Tree Planting
4.5. Lahar and Flood Buffering
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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5. What is the significance of women’s participation in Padang
CBDP in terms of:
5.1. Decision Making

5.2. Development Planning

5.3 Community Mobilization


6. What is the level of participation of women in terms of CBDP
6.1 Decision making
6.2 Development planning
6.3 Community mobilization


7. What are the needs of women that can be addressed to
encourage andstrengthen their participation in Community-Base Disaster
Preparedness ?

8. What strategies can be used to increase participation of women
in CBDP?

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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9. What activities are needed to develop women CBDP programs
in Barangay Padang?

















B. Request Letter to Conduct Study

Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET State University
La Trinidad Benguet

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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September 06,2010

Hon. Geraldine B. Rosal
City Mayor
Legazpi city


Dear Madam:


Greetings!

The undersign is conducting a research entitled “WOMEN’S
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY-BASED DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
IN BARANGAY PADANG, LEGAZPI CITY” in partial fulfil ment of the
requirements of her studies in masters degree in Community Development
at the Benguet State University, La Trinidad Benguet. The study offers
concrete ideas and issues that practitioners and planners may incorporate
in their work. It wil offer new perspective on women’s experiences, needs
and interests in disaster preparedness that wil contribute to program
planning, decision making and program implementation which can ensure
meaningful participation of women equipped with information in disaster
preparedness.

In this regard, may I request your good office to al ow me conduct
interviews and group discussions to the residents and officials of
Barangay Padang especial y the women which is the focus of the study.

Thank you very much and Mabuhay!
Respectful y yours,

(sgd) Jocelyn B. Kapuno
Photos in Barangay Padang
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Plate 1.Padang memorial cross was put up in
memory of those who passed away during
the2006 flashed Flood.
Photo by J.Kapuno(2009)









Plate 2.Improved Barangay hal of Padang
destroyed by typhoon Reming in 2006.
Photo by J. Kapuno, 2009

Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Plate 3. First meeting with the Barangay Captain
in Barangay Padang. Nov. 06, 2009
Photo by J. Kapuno, 2009



Plate 4.Group discussion with the teachers of Padang
Elementary School. Nov, 2009
Photo by J. Kapuno




INTERVIEW SCENES
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Plate 5.Pictures of some respondents during the interviews in
Barangay Padang. Photo by J.Kapuno 2009
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Plate 6. Children’s theater workshop at the Evacuation Center
atRizal Elementary School, Legazpi City
Photo by J. Kapuno, 2009



Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH


The author traced her roots from the
tribe
of
the
Kalingas.

Jocelyn
BanasanKapuno finished her social work
studies at the Asian Social Institute in Malate,
Manila.

She worked with different non-
government organizations since 1986. One of the early NGO’s where she
worked with was the Social Action church-based organization concerned
with displaced communities in the Cordil era. One of the communities is
Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet. The community was displaced by the
development of the Marcos Park with during the President Marcos
administration. As a result, the residents were relocated to Nueva Vizcaya
and Palawan.
Through social action, the displaced residents regained their land
and were returned to its rightful owners. During those times, Ms. Kapuno
was the social worker who supported the cause of the local residents.
Further, she initiated and started the Cordil era Green Network, an
environmental non-government organization (NGO) in the Cordil era
dealing with the protection, conservation and proper management of
natural resources and its inhabitants.
Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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The researcher was not only interested in community work. She got
interested in making video films. Her first film won the grand prize in the
1988 International Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan. She thought her winning
was only accidental so she joined another festival also in Japan. She won
a special award for the second time in 1992. Her continued passion on
films led to another until she has the eye for documentaries of local
people, culture, events and practices. .

The researcher is now based in Legazpi City where she is starting
to orchestrate another NGO that can help protect and conserve the
environment for the future generation.












Women’s Particpation In Community- Based
Disaster Preparedness Activities
In Barangay Padang, Legazpi City/Jocelyn B. Kapuno

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Document Outline

• Women�sParticipation in Community-Based Disaster Preparedness Activities inBarangay Padang, Legazpi City
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY
  • ABSTRACT
  • INTRODUCTION
  • REVIEW OF LITERATURE
  • METHODOLOGY
  • RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
  • SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  • LITERATURE CITED
  • APPENDICES

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