Empowering the youth in times of crisis: Analyzing crisis-related activities among the youth of Muntinlupa City, Philippines during typhoons

Abstract

This study attempts to analyze the crisis-related activities among the youth of Muntinlupa City as the basis for a crisis communication management plan which is imperative to minimize the typhoon's impact. The researchers selected six youth representatives from different parts of Muntinlupa City to participate in the conduct of a focused-group discussion. Several themes have emerged before, during and after the typhoon based on their experiences and perspectives of crisis-related activities in the City. For instance, information dissemination on typhoon preparedness, coordination with different local agencies and behavior change communication strategies are the crisis-related activities before the typhoon. Meanwhile, close monitoring of evacuees with the help of local agencies, roving of barangay emergency response team, distribution of relief goods and hot meals, regular information dissemination, provision of informal learning to children and provision of breastfeeding stations are among the crisis-related activities during the typhoon. On the other hand, the crisis-related activities after the typhoon include assessment of devasted areas giving assistance, seeking psychological help, coordination with the health center and post-typhoon information dissemination. These crisis-related activities are good indicators that the youth involvement and participation in Muntinlupa City are active to ensure the safety of their communities during the disaster.