THE ENVIRONMENTAL REALITY OF THE NAGA RIVER IN CAMARINES SUR, PHILIPPINES: THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE RIVERSIDE HOUSEHOLDS

Abstract

The present study documented the early and current state of the Naga river by categorizing it in four decades of development. The timeline helped the respondents visualize the ideal state of the river which for them is worth conserving for the future generations. The study also identified the perceptions and experiences of the riverside households on the stresses and shocks, fears and anxiety, and benefits derived. The identification of environmental stresses and shocks constructed a reality map or a perception of environmental reality based on their experiences. Focus Group Discussion was conducted with 79 respondents in 5 of the 11 riverside barangays. These represented the upstream ,midstream, and downstream barangays. Key Informant Interview was done with 19 key people of the study. Results of the FGD show that flood brought about by the typhoons and the heavy rains are their biggest shocks and stresses. As to fears and anxiety, the fear of floods had the highest and the least was the loss of a religious tradition. This concurs on the findings that floods are the primary environmental shock as perceived by the respondents. The identification of benefits determined the reasons on what holds the community to the river despite the threats. Topmost among the benefits was the river as source of livelihood and the least benefit was for recreation. KEYWORDS: Naga River, environmental reality, environmental stresses and shocks, fears and anxiety of the river, benefits of riverside households