Finding Positive Peace in a Typhoon-Stricken Town of Hernani, Eastern Samar

Abstract

This research embarked on how a positive peace in a typhoon-stricken place is possibly experienced. The researchers conducted this study in the simple town of Hernani, Eastern Samar. The relevant question the researchers would like to answer is how the locals of that typhoon-stricken town absorb, adapt, and recover from the insidious effects brought about by the devastating typhoon. It focused specifically on the resiliency of the locals amid the difficulties and challenges caused by a natural calamity, and how this resiliency had helped them find peace in their lives. Using the methodology and processes of narrative analysis, the research results manifested the peace concept of the locals based on what they had experienced. It has shown also the factors that made the town a peaceful place to live in as expressed through relevant themes. Consequently, the themes were categorized by using the indicators of the pillars of positive peace. The possible manifestation of the positive peace as expressed in the initiatives done by the existing concerned institutions, shown through the attitudes of the locals, and the prevailing structures that operate within the town of Hernani, was seen as a contributor to nation-building. The resiliency shown by the locals amid natural calamity is an essential characteristic of positive peace. The same resiliency of the people, being supported appropriately by a well-performing local government, provided with a healthy business environment, when reinforced and replicated in other towns and provinces can result in a creation of a stronger and peaceful nation.ReferencesBurck, C. (2005). Comparing qualitative research methodologies for systemic research: The use of grounded theory, discourse analysis, and narrative analysis. Journal of family therapy, 27(3), 237-262.Clandinin, D. J. and Murphy, S. (2007). Looking ahead: Conversations with Elliot Mishler, Don Polkinghorne, and Amia Lieblich. In D. J. Clandinin, (ed.) Handbook of narrative inquiry: Mapping a methodology. (pp 632-650). Sage Publications.Craine, R. (1997). Hildegard, Prophet of the Cosmic Christ. The Crossroad Publishing Company.Fernandez, R. (2016). Eastern Visayas is the Philippines' poorest region. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/04/07/1570460 /easternvisayas-philippiness-poorest-region.Garcia, L., Lapa, Ma.M.I., Palompon, D. (2016 November). Surviving Typhoon Yolanda: Experiences of older adults in a rural area in the Philippines. International Journal of Sciences. https://www.researchgate .net/publication/321965863_Surviving_Typhoon_Yolanda_Haijan_ Experiences_of_Older_Adults_in_a_Rural_Area_in_the_Philippines.Galtung, J. (1996). Peace by peaceful means: Peace and conflict, development and civilization. SAGE Publications Inc.Galtung, J. (1964). An Editorial. Journal of Peace Research. 1(1), 1-4. Google Images of Hernani, Eastern Samar and on the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.Grewal, B. (2003). Johan Galtung: Positive and negative peace. School of Social Science, Auckland University of Technology.Institute for Economics & Peace. (2018). Positive peace report 2018. Sydney, Australia.Kyrou, C. N. (2007). Peace ecology: An emerging paradigm in peace studies. The International Journal of Peace Studies, 12(2), 73–92.Putra, N.A. & Han, E. (2014). Governments’ responses to climate change: Selected examples from Asia Pacific. SpringerBriefs in Environment, Security, Development and Springer-Verlag Singapur.Robredillo, L. (2014). Eastern Samar history and culture. https://www.facebook.com/ 136451346410559/photos/hernanithestorm-surge-that-wrecked-havoc-on-nag-as-in-1897-yolanda-wasnot-the-/766223456766675/.Sarbin, T. R. (Ed.). (1986). Narrative psychology: The storied nature of human conduct. Praeger Publishers; Greenwood Publishing Group.The New American Bible: St. Joseph personal size edition (2004). Catholic Book Publishing Co.Tipson, F. (2011). Natural disasters as threats to peace. (Special Report). https://www file:///C:/Users/titus/Downloads/SR324-atural%20Disasters%20as%20Threats%20to%20 Peace.pdf.Villanueva, F., et.al. (2017). Why, O, God? Disaster resiliency, and the people of God. OMF Literature Inc.