Abstract
This chapter is based on a participatory community risk assessment (PCRA) of climate change-related effects (i.e., floods, increased number and intensity of typhoons and rains, storm surges, sea level rise) among marginal, riverine communities in Metro Manila, Philippines. Initiated by a university-based clinical sociology team, in partnership with women’s community based organizations (CBOs), this PCRA focused on assessing the flood impacts associated with tropical storms and typhoons from 2009 to 2012. The central goal of the collaboration was to produce a science-based assessment of climate change effects but anchored on participatory action research (PAR) principles. In this way, marginal groups will own and appreciate the data bases produced and their role in formulating more effective community-based risk reduction and management plans and programs.
Clinical analysis and interventions aimed to promote community adaptation and resilience among vulnerable groups maximize the intersections of insider and outsider knowledge/expertise and institutional resources of marginal communities, academia, civil society and the state. This study documents how community-driven interventions facilitated adaptation strategies among the urban- poor communities and increased their resilience to climate change-related effects such as floods, typhoons and sea level rise (SLR). The community- based risk reduction and management plan formulated and implemented by the Tanza Women’s Association was anchored on the principle that community-driven initiatives create sustainable research-action networks and produce more collaborative, effective engagements and solutions among different sectors.
This chapter is based on a presentation at the International Sociological Association (ISA), Buenos Aires Forum, Research Committee on Clinical Sociology (RC 46) session on Essentials of Community Intervention (August 1–5, 2012). The author acknowledges the support of the International Development Research Centre (“Coastal Cities at Risk” project) in conducting this research.
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Notes
- 1.
Participatory community risk assessment utilizes participatory methods/approaches in identifying or assessing risks posed by climate change effects like typhoons, floods, sea level rise and the like. For elaboration, please see van Aalst et al. (2008).
- 2.
Urban poor families without security of tenure to their home lots can be evicted from their places of residence any time the owner wants to use, sell or take possession of the property.
- 3.
For elaboration on the link between poverty and other climate-related hazards like typhoons, floods, sea level rise (SLR), storm surges, coastal inundation, please see Eliott (2000).
- 4.
In Asia, where large number of communities are settled along river systems like those in the Marikina-River System or the Navotas-Malabon River System are considered riverine communities.
- 5.
Acronym for the cities of Kaloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, four of the 17 municipalities and cities comprising Metro Manila.
- 6.
This quote is excerpted from the community leader’s speech (Malou Pescador) during the culmination activity of the project (held before the community general assembly on December 15, 2012).
- 7.
This is an excerpt from an in-depth interview with the community leader, Ana Maria Lampitoc,conducted by the author on November 28, 2012.
- 8.
Community mapping is a grassroots-led, community focused tool whereby grassroots women’s groups work to jointly analyze a specific situation or issue in their community and its direct effect on women. Community mapping is also a leadership tool because it positions individuals or marginalized groups, who are normally excluded from decision-making or research work, to lead the effort. A mapping involves community members methodically moving through an area, talking to other community members through one-on-one interviews or focus group discussions, listening to residents’ challenges and desires, and documenting the findings for future advocacy and lobbying campaigns. Community mappings have been used by grassroots women’s organizations and community-based organizations to enhance their activities. They can help organizations provide better services, create and improve linkages with government agencies and NGOs, and advocate on behalf of the community. Community mappings often lead to mobilizing community members and other stakeholders to address community needs (Huairou Commission 2007).
- 9.
Ketsana is the innternational name for typhoon Ondoy.
- 10.
Nesat is the international name for typhoon Pedring.
- 11.
These neighborhood groups are called purok. Several of these constitute a barangay (village), which is the lowest political-administrative unit of the government.
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Porio, E. (2014). Climate Change Adaptation in Metro Manila: Community Risk Assessment and Power in Community Interventions. In: Fritz, J., Rhéaume, J. (eds) Community Intervention. Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0998-8_10
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