by: For. Janiella A. Sandoval
The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UP RI) was thrilled to host University of Sydney (USyd) students Ms. Isabella Lynn, Ms. Lauren Hocking, and Ms. Molly Tuit from the Humanitarian Frontiers Lab, led by Dr. Aaron Opdyke. Over their two-month stay, the students conducted research on social infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and participatory processes in Tacloban City. This involved three weeks of interviews and open forums with community members and stakeholders across several barangays in Tacloban City. They concluded their visit by presenting their initial findings to UP RI Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay.
Ms. Hocking’s research aims to explore the relationship between social infrastructure, such as networking or common gathering places, and the community’s disaster response and recovery. Her hypothesis is that networks and relationships built and strengthened through bonding and interaction in common gathering places influence social capital, which in turn affects how people interact and assist one another during disasters. She conducted interviews with local government personnel and community residents. Her initial findings indicate that common spaces, including barangay or SK halls, basketball courts, gymnasiums, churches, markets, parks, and streets, are important in strengthening connections between members of the community and providing spaces to hold meetings and gatherings for recovery and relief operations.
Ms. Tuit’s research focuses on the perceptions of disaster-prone communities regarding nature-based solutions. Nature-based solutions have garnered support for their multiple benefits and sustainability, as they enhance nature and biodiversity while providing safety from hazards. To understand the communities’ views on nature-based solutions, she conducted surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory hazard mapping with the target communities, which frequently experience floods, storms and storm surges.
Ms. Lynn’s study investigates community involvement in disaster infrastructure planning. Engaging the community in the planning process enhances their ownership and support of the initiative. This increases the likelihood that the project specifically targets the community’s condition and problems, thus the project’s success. She conducted interviews, surveys, focus group discussions, and hazard mapping with selected communities. The Leyte Tide Embankment, currently under construction, has been a significant point of discussion within the community.
After organizing and analyzing the result of their data gathering, they had the opportunity to present their findings to Dr. Lagmay. During the presentation, they received valuable insights and feedback on their research which improved their understanding and analysis of the data they had gathered.
The USyd students were also given a tour by the UP RI staff to several cultural landmarks in Manila, including the historical sites of Intramuros, the diverse culinary scene in Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown), and the extensive collection of native flora and fauna displayed at the National Museum of Natural History. Additionally, the students explored the natural landscapes of Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynoba in Rizal Province.
The institute is always thrilled to host researchers from different countries through collaborative projects that give a look at climate change and its impacts on the region from different perspectives. By getting involved in hands-on research and using both local and international resources and expertise, researchers can deepen their understanding of the various effects of climate change and develop well-rounded approaches to resilience. We, in the institute, are dedicated to providing a supportive environment and eagerly anticipate the innovative insights that the researches of USyd students will bring.