practical data for barangay-oriented resources and climate...

12th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City

October 1-2, 2013

PRACTICAL DATA FOR BARANGAY-ORIENTED RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY

by

Ben S. Malayang III

Roy Olsen D. De Leon

For additional information, please contact: Author’s name : Ben S. Malayang III Designation : President Affiliation : Silliman University Address : Dumaguete, Negros Oriental 6200 Philippines Tel. no. : 4226-002 local 210 E-mail : [email protected] Author’s name : Roy Olsen D. De Leon Designation : Assistant Professor Affiliation : College of Arts and Sciences, Silliman University Address : Dumaguete, Negros Oriental 6200 Philippines Tel. no. : 4226-002 local 314 E-mail : [email protected]

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PRACTICAL DATA FOR BARANGAY-ORIENTED RESOURCES AND CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

by

Roy Olsen D. de Leon and Ben S. Malayang III

Silliman University

ABSTRACT

Republic Act No. 10121 (the “Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act

of 2010”) provides for the establishment of a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC), which shall be responsible for setting direction, development, implementation and coordination of disaster risk management programs within their territorial jurisdiction. However, compliance to this provisions has been nil because of dearth, non-availability, inaccessibility, or incomprehensibility of basic data that might use to discharge this mandate.

This paper identifies the basic resource and environmental information that can

be generated locally and used by local stakeholders as has been learned from the community-based resource management studies and experiences of Silliman University. Further, this paper proposes the translation of the generated information intro practical indices that will aid local stakeholders in their resource prioritization and practice or community interventions to adapt to the impact of climate change.

Introduction

De Leon and White (2005) describe how biophysical studies and coastal databases enhance coastal management sustainability. It concluded that while biophysical data (technical) are needed and being generated, the information are underutilized and was attributed to the difficulty in accessing the information, lack of perceived need for the information and updating the information. Further, environmental profiling then cost about $500 USD (or about PhP 21,815 at the current exchange rate) per square kilometer of shoreline (Ablong et al., 2000).

In light of the climate change issue that affects country, there has been a high need for

data in aid of developing a disaster management program as mandated by Republic Act 10121. If ever data are available, most of them are too technical for the barangay officials to comprehend or in most cases have not reached them as these are generated by either national government agencies or technical persons at the provincial level. In effect compliance to the provisions of Republic Act 10121 by the barangays has been nil.

This paper attempts to provide a template for a climate change vulnerability assessment

at the barangay level, with local stakeholders providing the needed information. In 2009, Mantigue Island, 3.7 km southeast off Camiguin Island and under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Mahinog, Camiguin Province was assessed for its vulnerability to the effects of climate change (de Leon and Sienes, 2009). In 2012 and early 2013, selected barangays belonging to 3 municipalities (Binalbagan, Moises Padilla, Isabela) in Negros Occidental were also assessed for its vulnerability to climate change using the same template. The selected barangays in Negros Occidental are situated along river systems.

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Further, this paper advocates the importance of participatory governance wherein the response of the barangay is the key to coping and adapting to change. This has been shown by Berkes et al. (2005) in Canadian North wherein it was recognized that governance is an iterative process considering that information will always be incomplete given the uncertainties. For effective governance, the learning capability will have to be enhanced and this approach will provide the connection between higher levels of governance that will ultimately lend support to local community allowing for mutual learning and adaptation. Participatory disaster risk assessment (at the barangay level) is is being implemented in Ormoc City in aid of their annual budget preparation as well as in updating their City’s disaster risk reduction management plan (NCDRR, 2008).

This paper presents a template for Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Committee to use in assessing their community’s vulnerability to climate change with information that they can readily provide in aid of developing a proactive disaster risk management programs within their territorial jurisdiction. Vulnerability Assessment Framework

De Leon and Sienes (2009) uses the climate change vulnerability framework of Kelly and Adger (2000). Vulnerability is defined as a function of climate change risk less adaptation (Figure 1).

The determination of risk is based on exposure and sensitivity of an area to the effects of climate change (Adger et al., 2003). In the assessment, “exposure” is the extent to which the barangay was previously or currently subjected to the impacts of climate change and “sensitivity” refers to geographical features of the barangay that is prone to being affected by the effects of climate change. Further, health impacts like increase in the incidence of climate change related diseases (e.g. dengue) are included as this can also significantly increase the risk factor of an area to climate change.

“Adaptation” is viewed as a function of knowledge, attitude and adaptive practices of the barangay related to the pre-determined impacts of climate change. Adaptation to climate change impacts are evaluated based on the indicators in Tompkins et al. (2005) designed for small islands that are applicable to a locality (Figure 2). Data Generation

De Leon and Sienes (2009) uses data generated from survey questionnaires on pre-determined indicators of climate change impacts derived from previous studies. The questionnaires were administered to heads of key government agencies at the municipal level, barangay officials and some members of the community. These provided a triangulation of questionnaire responses. Actual feasible, actual inspection and measurements in the barangay were done for verification.

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Figure 1. Vulnerability assessment framework (modified Suarez, 2008).

Health Impact

• Increase in the incidence of diseases (e.g. dengue, leptospirosis)

ADAPTATION

• Knowledge • Attitude • Practices

VULNERABILITY

Sensitivity

• geographical features of the area (e.g. low lying area, proximity to rivers)

Biophysical Impacts

• Inundation/flooding • Drought • Sea water intrusion • Erosion

Exposure

• previously or currently affected by climate change

RISK

CLIMATE CHANGE

• Sea Level Rise • Increase in Sea Surface

Temperature • Increase in the magnitude of

weather disturbances

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Figure 2. Essential elements of an adaptation strategy (Tompkins et al., 2005). Risks

Risks to climate change impacts were assessed based on secondary information (historical documents from the municipality and accounts of barangay officials and the community at large. This include topographic maps of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and landslide susceptibility maps of the Mines and Geosciences bureau. These the pre-determined impacts used to assess the risk of barangays to the effects of climate change:

Table 1. Pre-determined climate change impacts.

Coastal Communities Upland/River Communities 5m sea level rise Flood Tidal inundation Drought Seawater intrusion Landslide/erosion Coral Bleaching/Seagrass erosion

Pests

Climate change related disease: e.g. dengue

Climate change related diseases: e.g. leptospirosis

The predetermined climate change impact list can be augmented by the local

communities through a focused group discussion and as well as participatory risk mapping

Risk

management plans

The eight elements of an

adaptation strategy

Financing adaptation

Legislation and

enforcement

Education and communication

Support

Networks

Linking with other

planning processes

Responsibility for

development

Information and good science

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activity where the community can plot areas affected by climate change related impact and its severity, as well on a prepared map. Adaptation

Data on the adaptation were generated through structured focused group discussions with barangay officials and survey/interview of representative households using a questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was developed based on the essential adaptation elements as suggested by Tompkins et al. (2005). Table 2. Shows the specific variables considered and its importance. A sample questionnaire is provided at the appendix.

Local communities were also asked about their indigenous adaptation practices that have allowed for them to adapt and be resilient to the impacts of climate change. Table 3 shows some of the adaptation measures by a local community. Table 2. Adaptation variables considered in the assessment. Variable Importance 1. Risk perception and awareness • The perception and understanding of key

barangay officials and the community to the threats of climate change is important in making steps for planned adaptation.

• The extent to which barangay and the community is willing to spend resources to cushion the effects of climate change will depend in part on its perceptions of the risks posed by climate change.

• Increasing public awareness and knowledge is an essential component that empowers individuals and barangay leaders to develop and implement appropriate adaptation measures.

2. Institutional capacity • Institutional capacity in particular that of key government agencies and local government units is an important indicator of leadership that will encourage and influence the community to adapt

• Institutional frameworks from the community to the national level that manage climate change risks and other hazards are important that in their absence, communities will have less ability to adapt.

3. Warning System • Access early warning systems and information distribution systems that helps to anticipate and provide measures to prepare for disasters preventing more importantly the loss of lives and property.

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Table 2. Continued . . . Variable Importance 4. Legal Framework/Policy Options • Legal framework is necessary to ensure that

government policy and programs do have legal basis for implementation. For example the amending of setback policies and infrastructure regulations to be implemented will need the backing of a law.

• Legal authorities are needed to enforce restrictions or conditions in coastal and upland developments.

5. Protective Measures • Activities that are deemed to protect the coastal and river banks should be in place (e.g. Mangroves and tree planting activities, solid and sewage waste management).

• Protecting coastal and river communities by building sea walls and revetments and strengthening existing infrastructure can minimize damage from extreme weather disturbances.

6. Coastal and Upland Management Plan

• The development of a coastal and upland zone management plan that integrates setback mechanisms, construction standards will reduce the risk of those living in high risk areas.

• Land use planning reduces vulnerability of a particular sector.

• Further, the incorporation of programs that will minimize anthropogenic induced damaged to the coastal and upland resources will give the resources a better chance of withstanding effects of climate change that cannot be prevented from happening.

7. Funding • Funding is an important indicator of adaptive capacity as the adaptive implements will cost some capital outlay. As the availability of funds increases for both government and private individuals, the potential for preparation, recovery and adaptation will also increase

• Financial limitation, among others, may restrict the communities’ ability to implement adaptation measures.

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Table 3. Some of the adaptation measures of the local community in Mantigue Island, Camiguin Province (de Leon and Sienes, 2009).

Emergency Response

1) Monitor weather through news from television and radio, and through hand held radios.

2) Evacuate the island early when it is possible. 3) Alert everyone in the house especially the children during night

time and making ready the pumpboat. 4) If it is not safe to stay in the houses, ride the pumpboat then

escape the onslaught by finding calmer areas around the island if going to the mainland is no longer possible.

5) Coordinate with neighbors regarding action to be taken. Weather disturbances

1) Made improvised seawall; sandbags and logs as barriers to prevent water coming in sand being eroded.

2) For those houses near the water, leaves are buried in the sand to elevate the area preventing water from coming in.

3) Plant trees (beach species). 4) If there will be house renovation, use G.I. sheets, cement, and

other strong materials. Vulnerability Index Kelly and Adger’s (2000) definition of climate change vulnerability was used as follows: Vulnerability Index = Risk Index – Adaptation Index where the indices are expressed in percentages. In interpreting the derived vulnerability index, the following scale was used: Low: 0 to 25%, Moderate: 26-50%, High: 51-75%, and Very High: 76-100% Risk Index

The risk index is determined by the occurrence of the predetermined impacts for a particular area and expressed as percent occurrence of the predetermined impacts. The determined risk index is most useful in the determining prioritizing areas of concern.

However, in the computation of the vulnerability index, if any of the pre-determined impact is evident, risk is assumed to be 100% considering that in practice, it is always prudent to prepare for the worst case scenario. Adaptation Index

Depending on the specific item asked in the questionnaire, each item is given a corresponding score depending on it being the desired answer. Desirable responses are given higher score.

Knowledge, attitude and practices scores are presented as percentage score (total score/highest possible score).

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The adaptation index is the average of the knowledge, attitude and practices percentage scores. Summary and Conclusion

Our experience in Silliman University has shown that except for the preparation of the questionnaire and the conduct of the survey and interviews, climate change risk and vulnerability data can be generated by the barangay officials and community members. With a template available, barangay leaders and community members can conduct a climate change vulnerability assessment for their barangay in order for them to develope an evidence based proactive disaster risk management programs within their territorial jurisdiction. With community participating in the generation of important data and information, the cost of the the assessment can be kept on the minimum and the already meager funds be spent for the adaptation measures.

Other than the climate change vulnerability index derived for the barangay, the data when stratified and analyzed per pre-determined impact or adaptive strategy, can also identify impacts that will need more adaptive measures as well as assess whether the suggested adaptive strategies are fully implemented.

Since the impact of climate change impact is still on the rise increasing the risk, vulnerability assessment should not be a one-time activity. The information will never be complete and will need to be periodically updated and adaptation strategies improved to keep up with the increasing risk. An iterative process of assessment, planning, monitoring and evaluation as suggested by Berkes et al. (2005) is highly recommended.

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REFERENCES Ablong, W.R., de Leon, R.O.D., Fontelo, C.Y., Montebon, R.D. 2000. Estimating the incremental

cost of CRM as basic service of local government units in the Philippines. Seventh program and policy advocacy group forum. Silliman University.

Adger, W. N., S. Huq, K. Brown, D. Conwat and M. Hulme. 2003. Adaptation to Climate Change

in the Developing World. Progress in Development Studies (3)3: 179–195. Berkes, F., N. Bankes, M. Marschke, D. Armitage and D. Clark 2005. Cross-scale institutions

and building resilience in the Canadian North. In: Breaking Ice: Renewable Resource and Ocean Management in the Canadian North (F. Berkes, R. Huebert, H. Fast, M. Manseau and A. Diduck, eds.) University of Calgary Press, Calgary, pp. 225-247.

de Leon, R.O.D. and Sienes, P.M.Q. 2009. Mantigue Island, Province of Camiguin Climate

Change Vulnerability Assessment: Final Report. Camiguin Coastal Resource Managemnt Project – Year 2, Tetra Tech EM Inc.

de Leon, R.O.D. and White, A.T. 2005. Do biophysical studies and coastal databases enhance

coastal management sustainability? Several Philippine cases. Ocean and Coastal Management, 48: 411-426.

Kelly, P.M and Adger W.N., 2000. Theory and Practice in Assessing Vulnerability to Climate Change and Facilitating Adaptation. Climatic Change 47: 325–352

NCDRR, 2008. Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in Local Governance. Proceedings of

the National Conference on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in Local Governance. Makati, Philippines.

Suarez, H.N. 2008. Climate change vulnerability assessment of the coastal tourism sector in Panlao Island, Bohol, Philippines. Unpublished Thesis (Master of Science in Coastal Resource Management), Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, Silliman University, Dumaguete City Philippines.

Tompkins, E.L., Nicholson-Cole, S.A., Hurlston, L.A., Boyd, E, Hodge, G.B., Clarke, J, Gray, G.,

Trotz, N and L. Varlack, 2005. Surviving climate change in small islands: A guidebook. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK. 122 p.

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Appendix Sample Questionnaire

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