Abstract / Excerpt:

Older persons are among the most vulnerable group in times of disaster. When typhoon Bopha, more locally known as Pablo, hit the region of Compostela Valley on December 2012, they were severely affected as their old age made coping up and conbatting risks more difficult. However, in those times, they were not given much attention and focus. This study was, therefore, aimed at looking into the risks, needs, and coping mechanisms of older persons in the midst of disaster, specifically during typhoon Pablo. A focus group discussion, key informant interview, and in-depth interview were employed in the municipalities of New Bataan, Compostela, and Monkayo. While every focus group discussion was divided to cater males and females, key informant interview and in-depth interview were conducted for Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) senior citizen focal persons and leaders of older persons from 3 different municipality federations, respectively. Results showed that older persons faced different risks, such as health risks, death, financial risks, violence or abuses, and multiple burdens, as a result of a combination of high vulnerability and low capacity. Moreover, their health and financial needs increased after the typhoon, and coping up to the post-disaster situation meant self-support. This suggests poor implementation of disaster preparedness, response, rehabilitation and recovery. With the findings, researchers recommend that exclusive activities for women be implemented to ensure gender equality, older persons be included in disaster preparation trainings and workshops, and jobs be generated solely for older persons.

Info

Source Institution	Ateneo de Davao University
Unit	Social Science and Education
Authors	Garingalao, Vanessa A., Sinsano, Carla Mae B., Ungab, Michelle Marie B.
Page Count	119
Place of Publication	Davao City
Original Publication Date	March 1, 2014
Tags	Disaster in old Age, Feasibility Study, Older People

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