Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in the Philippines - a Case Study within the Leyte Region

Abstract: In light of the most recent devastating natural disaster event of the Philippines brought upon by Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) on November 8, 2013 that displaced and affected millions in its wake, this thesis attempts to look into the country’s status of preparedness and response to climate-related disasters. Amidst the socio-economic challenges facing this impoverished country are the environmental challenges and proneness to natural hazards that problematize adaptation, recovery, and redevelopment efforts for the country. With a focus on the Leyte region of the Philippines as a local case of exploration, the study seeks to explore the role of institutions and actors who are involved, to identify the challenges experienced in the adopting and implementing process, with the hope to illuminate from the data as to why these challenges exist. The research also touches upon a larger discussion beyond what adaptation strategies can contribute, specifically in framing sustainable development for the country. Using a case study research design, qualitative research methods were employed and interviews conducted with various actors to achieve the aims of the study. A theoretical and conceptual framework was used on the paradigms of natural hazards and vulnerability, the three components of adaptation, and the role of actors and institutions. The results showed that institutions play important roles and hold responsibilities in communicating the main objective of adaptation strategies, but is lost among participating actors. In terms of knowledge and involvement with climate-related adaptation, it is an emerging aspect set within the larger disaster risk reduction context. Identified challenges in educating and communicating the strategies often emerge at the government and community-levels, potentially drawing from bureaucratic challenges funneling down to local government units, which are exacerbated by feelings of distrust and strained relations of communities toward the government. Finally, few themes were found from the data in connecting climate change adaptation strategies to a greater role in framing sustainable development in the Philippines. However, alleviation of impoverished conditions and education were two critical aspects for cultivating knowledge needed to promote long-term efforts toward resilience, and thus sustainability of the local people during disaster events.