Rehabilitation Program for Typhoon Pablo Victims: A Case of the Province of Davao del Norte

Abstract

This case study aimed to determine the rehabilitation program for typhoon Pablo victims in the province of Davao del Norte. Using the purposive sampling technique, twelve (12) informants were interviewed in three (3) municipalities, namely the municipality of Kapalong, San Isidro, and Talaingod, Davao del Norte covering three (3) commodities such as; banana, cacao, and coffee rehabilitation program. A qualitative research instrument was used to capture all data relevant to their experiences, challenges, and overcoming strategies. Thematic analysis by Creswell (2009) was employed to analyze the data. Under the experiences, the result revealed the following themes; living comfortably after the typhoon, damaged farmlands and crops, income loss in agriculture, generation of alternative income and employment, the existence of disaster resiliency and management, provision of inputs, and cash assistance and implementation of the rehabilitation program. Furthermore, the challenges experienced by the victims are climate change, market instability, financial incapacity, lack of information and education, low-quality seedlings and high cost of production, lack of crop insurance, and delayed distribution of seedlings. The overcoming strategies they identified were as follows; develop a positive attitude toward family welfare, develop ways for sustainable farming, availing of the loan program, and intensify coordination for assistance. Finally, the success stories revealed the following cluster; development of self-reliance and perseverance, recovery as a result of hard work and assistance, development of a positive outlook for the future, and government response helped to expedite rehabilitation. The implementation of the typhoon Pablo rehabilitation program must couple with appropriate policy frameworks and political and financial support for the farmers to bridge the gap. Thus, creating a sustainable agricultural program and planning a disaster response will benefit the farmers in the long term. Farmers, scientists, and institutions continually aim to uncover techniques that boost crop yields, improve agricultural productivity, minimize loss due to disease, insects, and disasters, create more efficient equipment, and improve food quality overall. Lastly, the Department of Agriculture, Local Government Units, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Non-government Organizations, and other concerned agencies can help the farmers live a decent life by providing appropriate intervention and assistance that promote the interests and needs of the agricultural sector.