Flood Coping Mechanisms in Marikina City’s Catch Basin: How Far Have Households Dealt With This Ecology?

Abstract

This study looked into the ethno-ecological coping mechanisms of households in Tumana, Marikina City, a catch basin. Households were interviewed based on their flooding experiences, how they have coped and what emergency preparedness they adopt when flooding is seen to occur due to typhoon, storm surge or high tide. The study found that the community-based approach has been quite useful as a tool for reducing disaster risks brought about by flooding. Such approach has also enabled the households to conserve their assets/property in the light of repetitive flooding. As physical infrastructures in poor communities are quite limited with respect to protecting the households from a high water level rise, community-based approaches and social capital can be useful tools for mitigating disaster risks. The study could be used for more effective land use plans. It could also serve to improve state-based policies by integrating the community-based risk management approach, a cost-effective and sustainable mechanism in strengthening the resiliency of communities. Keywords - Ethno-ecological, coping mechanisms, community-based, case study, Philippines