Overview
This transcript highlights the vulnerabilities faced by communities in Metro Cebu, Philippines, due to frequent flooding, fires, and limited access to essential services. It underscores the importance of community-based organizations in building local resilience, advocating for better living conditions, and providing emergency response.
Climate Change and Disaster Vulnerability
- The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change impacts.
- Nearly half the population lives in cities, with a significant portion residing in overcrowded informal settlements prone to floods and fires.
- Frequent flooding, especially during the rainy season, affects Metro Cebu, causing extensive property damage.
Personal Experiences of Flooding
- Residents near the Mananga River face recurrent flooding, especially when it rains in the mountains.
- Typhoon Odette in December 2021 caused severe destruction, washing away homes and livelihoods.
- Communities rely on resources left by floods, such as sand and gravel, as sources of income.
- Flooding leads to labor-intensive clean-up and material losses.
Fire Hazards and Temporary Housing Issues
- Fires are common in densely populated, low-income neighborhoods due to poor housing materials and unsafe cooking practices.
- Many displaced families live temporarily in inadequate facilities like the Cebu International Convention Centre (CICC).
- Efforts are ongoing to relocate these families to safer, permanent housing, but progress is slow.
Challenges in Accessing Basic Services
- Residents in temporary sites face difficulties with electricity, often relying on unauthorized connections.
- Access to clean water is limited, with long lines and potential for waterborne diseases.
- Poor drainage leads to stagnant water and related health issues, including skin diseases and allergies.
Role of Community-Based Organizations
- Homeowner associations and local groups play a critical role in negotiating with authorities for land tenure and basic services.
- These organizations also form emergency response teams to assist during disasters.
- Financial limitations restrict their ability to fully equip and sustain response teams.
Decisons
- Advocate for improved housing and services: Community leaders and organizations prioritize advocating for better housing, water, and electricity solutions.
Action Items
- TBD – Community Leaders: Continue efforts to secure permanent relocation and improved infrastructure for displaced families.
- TBD – Emergency Response Teams: Seek additional funding and resources to sustain emergency operations.
- TBD – Community Members: Remain vigilant and engage with government agencies for health and safety concerns.