Vulnerability Capacity Assessment Report

Republic of the Philippines Province of Zambales

Municipality of San Felipe Barangay Sto. Niño

VULNERABILITY CAPACITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

Supported by: EPIC DRR project

“Empowering the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and their chapters, communities and government institutions to consolidate and replicate inclusive community based disaster risk reduction in seven provinces in the Philippines”

Philippine Red Cross – Zambales Chapter

November 2017

VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This document is developed with the efforts of the Philippine Red Cross and German Red Cross through the EPIC DRR BMZ II Project on “Empowering the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and their Chapters, Communities and Government Institutions to Consolidate and Replicate Inclusive Community – Based Disaster Risk Reduction in the Seven Provinces in the Philippines.”

First of all, the VCA Team would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the Almighty God for guiding us in the whole process of the Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment conducted at Barangay Sto. Niño, San Felipe, Zambales on November 2017.

To the whole community of Barangay Sto. Niño especially the Barangay Officials headed by the Barangay Captain Hon. Sir Alfred A. Abille, for their efforts in accomplishing the different VCA tools and in actively participating in all the given activities. For the time they spent for supporting the community in conducting the actual gathering and analysis of data, their expertise, sincere and valuable guidance and encouragement to the people of the barangay during the VCA process.

Further, to the Local Government Unit of the Municipality of San Felipe, especially Mayor Carolyn S. Fariñas for supporting the team and providing all the necessary data needed during the VCA process.

Lastly, to the Philippine Red Cross – Zambales Chapter headed by the Chapter Administrator, Ms. Maria Elizabeth J. Ednave -Tovera, the staffs, volunteers and the whole family of Zambales Chapter, sincerest thanks for providing the team with an unending love, support, understanding and your precious time to make activities and the project successful.

Sincerest thank you to all!

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GLOSSARY

BDRRM Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management BHW Barangay Health Worker BLGU Barangay Local Government Unit BNS Barangay Nutrition Scholar BPATS Barangay Police Action Team BRGY Barangay CAPACITY The combination of all the strengths, attributes and resources available within a community, society or organization that can be used to achieve agreed goals DSWD Department of Social Welfare & Development ELEMENTS AT RISK / EXPOSURE People, property, systems, or other elements present in hazard zones that are thereby subject to potential losses GOVERNANCE A VCA component which reflects the way in which power operates to determine how resources and income are allocated and whether a civil society exists and is active. HAZARD A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. LIVELIHOOD A VCA component which determines well-being and concerns in income generation MLGU Municipal Local Government Unit MSWDO Municipal Social Welfare & Development Office PDRRMO Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office PLGU Provincial Local Government Unit RISK Combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences SELF PROTECTION A VCA component which is linked to having an adequate livelihood as to afford protection of home and assets.

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SOCIAL PROTECTION A VCA component which is generally provided by local institutions and involves precautions that people cannot manage on their own. VCA Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment VULNERABILITY The conditions determined by physical, social, economic, environmental and political factors or processes, which increase risk and susceptibility of people to the impact of hazards. VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY A method of investigation into the risks that people face in ASSESSMENT their locality, their vulnerability to those risks and their capacity to cope with and recover from disasters WELL-BEING A VCA component which in concerns health and nutrition

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART TITLE PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………………………………….. i

GLOSSARY……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………………………. iv

1 INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE………………………………………………………………………………. 1

2 PLACE AND TIME OF THE VCA…………………………………………………………………………. 1

3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION / COMMUNITY PROFILE …………….………………….. 2

3.1. Geography & Topography……………………………………………………………… 2

3.2. History…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

3.3. Demography……….………………………………………………………………………… 2

4 GENERAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS ……………………………………………………………….….. 2

4.1 Present Climate……………………………………………………………………………… 2

4.2 Climate for the Past 30 years…………………………………………………………. 3

5 GENERAL SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE LAST 5 YEARS ……………… 3

5.1. Livelihood…………………………………………………………………………………… 3

5.2. Education…………………………………………………………………………………… 3

5.3. Health Care Situation…………………………………………………………………… 4

6 INFRASTRUCTURES, BASIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES………………………………………. 4

7 GOVERNANCE…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

8 OBJECTIVES OF VCA……………………………………………………………………………………..…. 5

9 VCA PROCESS…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

10 FINDINGS………………………………………………………….……………………………………………. 7

10.1. Hazard and Capacity Profile………………………………………………………. 7

10.2 Hazard-Risk-Vulnerability-Capacity Matrix……………………………….. 10

10.3. Hazard Prioritation………………………………………………………………….. 11

10.4. Problem & Solution regarding Prioritized Hazard……………………. 11

11 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS (BASED ON FINDINGS)………………………………….. 12

12 CHALLENGES LESSONS LEARNED AND BEST PRACTICES………………………………….. 13

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13 ANNEXURES……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

A. Copy of DRR Action Plan…………………………………………………………………………….. 15

B. Pictures of VCA Tools…………………………………………………………………………………. 16

C. Pictures (Action Photos of Different VCA Activities)…………………………………. 19

D. List Of Persons or Groups involved in the entire VCA process …………………. 20

E. Vulnerability and Capacity Condition…………………………………………………………. 21

F. . Relevant Secondary data: BDRRM Plans, AIP,Maps, CDP, Others.. …………… 23

G. Short Description of Each Tool Used…………………………………………………………. 57

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1. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

Vulnerability-Capacity Assessment (VCA) is a method of investigation into the risks that people face in their locality, their vulnerability to those risks and their capacity to cope with and recover from disasters. Its purpose is to increase community members’ awareness of risk and help them to plan activities for reducing vulnerability and increasing capacity before a disaster.

VCA is a tool that enables local priorities to be identified and leads to the design of actions that contribute to disaster reduction. Thus, VCA is an integral part (but not the only part) of disaster risk reduction that can contribute to the creation of Community-based disaster preparedness programmes. For this, VCA should result in actions that community members can undertake and lead themselves.

VCA is conducted using participatory approach, which facilitate to gather information and evaluate which can be used in decision making of the community to be able to respond or recover from disaster. This can also be used for recommendation purposes for the community to ask for assistance in small scale mitigation project for the barangay. It is expected the Government and non- government partners to use this to work together to strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction in every community.

This Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) was conducted in Barangay Sto. Niño, San Felipe, Zambales during the month of November. More than 44 people participated from the barangay. All those participants represent various groups including the barangay council, barangay health workers, and other community volunteers. They were able to identify their risks posed by various hazards and means of mitigating those risks.

This report presents the main outputs of the Vulnerability Capacity Assessment of the community, its possible solutions through action plan.

2. PLACE AND TIME OF THE VCA

Place

Region III – Central Luzon

Province Zambales

Municipality San Felipe

Barangay Sto. Niño

No. of sitios/puroks 12

Date

Data gathering: November 28 – 29, 2017

Report preparation: March – July 2018

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3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION / COMMUNITY PROFILE

3.1. Geography and Topography

Barangay Sto. Niño is one of the biggest barangays in the Municipality of San Felipe with a population of 4,236 and a land area of 160 hectares. It is situated in the western part of the municipality facing the West Philippine Sea. The barangay is a five-minute tricycle ride to the municipal market place and its main roads are either cemented or concrete. Almost two-thirds of the total lot area is a residential zone, while less one-third is a vacant sea shore.

Sto. Niño is a flat, sandy and elongated in shape, with only a small portion of the land is being used for agriculture.

3.2. History of the Community

Barangay Sto. Niño was founded by the Spanish Friars, businessmen and traders who landed on its seashore sometime in the year 1785.

It has its own origin as a group of unsteady dwellers who thrived on the abundance of the shores of the China Sea. The shoreline settlement remained to be called “Baybay” meaning the seashore. An image of Sto. Niño was sent to the brave couple of “Baybay” where it received a warm welcome. The image was the object of homage in the village and the neighboring settlements and became so popular that the residents came to agree in adopting the name of their village and their patron saint.

3.3. Demography

Demography Barangay Sto. Niño, San Felipe, Zambales Number of Families 1,355 Number of Household 1,217 Population Total 4,364 Male 2331 Female 2033 Number of Children (below18 Total 465 Male 221 Female 214 years) Number of person with disability Total 47 Male 25 Female 22 Number of Elderly (above 60 Total 460 Male 217 Female 253 years) Ethnicity and Religion: Remarks Source: 2017 Barangay Sto. Niño BDRRM Plan / VCA Validation (August 2018)

4. GENERAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS

4.1. Present Climate

The climatic condition of Sto. Niño is characterized by a sunny weather starting February which gets hotter until early May. Extreme heat, however, being experienced in the month of April.

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By the month of May, rains begin to pour which are sometimes brought by typhoons. This is also accompanied by strong winds. However, most of the rain that lasts for weeks is brought by the monsoon rains.

4.2. Climate 30 years ago

Based on the statement of the senior citizens who were born and stayed in Sto. Niño, the weather before is not the same as today. The difference is evident because the extreme heat, stronger typhoons and long duration of rain being experienced today is not observed 30 years ago.

Dry of sunny weather starts in January until April, with heat not as hot as today Rainy season then starts in May and peaks in August.

5. GENERAL SOCIO- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE 5 YEARS

5.1. Livelihood Support Scheme

The source of income of the people in Sto. Niño comes from fishing, agriculture, small businesses and some are laborers.

All of the puroks in Sto. Niño except purok 2, has their own share of the coastal area, that is why at least one-third of the population are fishermen and fish vendors, though, some of the fishermen are employees of those who own several bancas. Large percentage of the catch fish is being bought and sold to the market by some individuals in the barangay. In times where fishing is not possible, livelihood in badly affected.

Due to the sandy characteristic of the soil, only a small portion of the area is being used for agriculture. Rice is the main crop being planted in the available lot which is also seasonal because they cannot plant during the dry season.

Small businesses like variety stores and rolling stores are also present. There are around fifty who using their tricycle for a living. While others are engaged in either part time labor works in rice field or in construction of houses, or full-time work in an office.

Livelihood in Sto. Niño is not only concentrated in one aspect but comes in varieties and different field.

5.2. Education Situation (Men / Women)

With its proximity to the town proper, paved road and availability of tricycles, access to education is not a major concern. Men and women enjoy an equal opportunity to choose which school they would want to enroll with.

Sto. Niño has two daycare centers and an elementary school where most of the pupils go. One daycare center is located in purok 5, near the barangay hall, while the other is in purok 8, where Sto. Niño Elementary School is also located.

There is no high school in the barangay and students go to the public high schools situated in the town proper. The high schools are Don Getulio Feria Arindaeng High School and San Rafael

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Technical – Vocational High School. For the residents who haven`t finished their high school, Alternative Learning System (ALS) is offered.

College students also have several options to enroll with. The municipality of San Felipe has one college which is the Technological College of San Felipe, but most of the students are enrolled in Pres. Ramon Magsaysay State University which has a campus in Botolan and Iba, a 30-minute to 1- hour bus or jeepney ride.

5.3. Health Care Situation (men/women)

There a health center in the barangay that is manned by 24 Barangay Health Workers, 2 Barangay Nutrition Service personnel, 1 nurse and a midwife. Though the center is open from Mondays to Fridays, to cater different health concerns, the facility lacks equipment and medical supplies to address the varies needs of the people. With this, referral to the Rural Health Unit is always a practice.

Most of the conditions being catered by the health center are sore eyes, flu and acute respiratory infections. These cases are prevalent during the hot season. While cough and colds and few cases of dengue is observed during rainy seasons.

The health center with its Barangay Health Workers is also active in implementing the Department of Health Programs like vaccination among children and operation timbang.

6. INFRASTRUCTURES, BASIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES

Description Number Location 1. Sto. Niño Elementary School 1 Purok 8 2. Day Care Center 2 Purok 5 and Purok 8 3. Bridge 3 Purok 5 and Purok 11 4. Cemented Barangay Road 95 % 5. Basketball Court 5 Purok 5,6,8 and Sitio Liwliwa 6. Playground 2 Purok 5 7. Barangay Hall 1 Purok 6 8. Barangay Health Center 1 Purok 5 9. Barangay Outpost 2 Purok 5 10. Catholic Church 1 Purok 5 11. Aglipay Church 1 Purok 5 12. Multipurpose Hall 1 Purok 5

As seen in the table above, most of the facilities and services are situated in Purok 5, the center of the barangay.

7. GOVERNANCE

The Local Government of the community was chosen and elected last election 2013 up to the date of the VCA process.

1. BARANGAY OFFICIALS Name of Officials Position/Committee on:

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SIR ALFRED A. ABILLE Punong Barangay MARITES FRANCIA Kagawad / Committee on Disaster Relief NELLY A. BALEIN Kagawad / Committee on Medical RAYMOND BALADAD Kagawad / Committee on Warning and Communication JOSELIN ABLAIN Kagawad / Committee on Evacuation EMIL JAMES REQUINDIN Kagawad / Committee on Fire Brigade and Supply JOVENCIO RABACA Kagawad / Committee on Damage Control ROGELIO ALFRESO Kagawad / Committee on Security

8. OBJECTIVES OF THE VCA

8.1. Primary Objectives

The purpose of this assessment is to identify and address the objectives of Disaster Risk Reduction Management promoting a Disaster Resilient Community by increasing Disaster Risk awareness within the community of Sto. Niño.

The purpose is to increase community members’ awareness of risk and help them to plan activities for reducing vulnerability and increasing capacity before a disaster or to cope with or recover from disaster.

8.2. Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of this activity are that at the end of the VCA activity: a. To identify the different capacities of the communities and subject to improved, hazards and risk factors identified for them to minimize, mitigate or prevent; b. The disaster risk awareness of the community in Barangay Sto. Niño is increased and able to aware of the health problems that may arise during disaster; c. To use participatory approach in the process of conducting VCA (Includes persons with disabilities, children, gender sensitivity, and advocacy on Climate Change Adaptation in all assessment activity/exercises.) d. To clearly define the roles and responsibilities of communities to prepare for, managing and respond to disasters by establishing BDRRM Committee/Council and formulating BDRRM Plan; e. The partnership between and among the LGUs, CSOs and PRC is strengthened; f. To enhance the level of awareness of the residents about the experiencing risk and challenges brought about different hazards, obstacles, needs and issues in the community. g. To come up with the inclusive study of the community situation. h. To help the residents produce a better development plan.

9. VCA PROCESS

9.1. Methodology

The following steps were followed in the implementation of the actual Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment in the Barangay:

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Step 4 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 5 Participatory Preparatory Analysis Reporting Data Gathering planning

Different tools and method were used in specific activities following the 5 steps (for further detail on the tools used please refer to Annex). Below table summarizes the whole process.

Stages in the VCA Activities Tools used process Preparatory Stage • Community visits to understand - Direct Observation To generate support and the context for planning - Baseline Orientation commitment from • Review of secondary data and Survey community stakeholders • Conduct of stakeholders’ meeting for the VCA process, and • Conduct of meetings within the to prepare the work plan. Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chapters Data Gathering • Community meetings and - Baseline Survey To collect needed workshops - Direct Observation information from the • Collection of secondary data from - Transect Walk community and the local government unit (LGU) - Hazard and Resource secondary sources for and government offices such as Mapping VCA analysis. the Philippines - Historical Timeline • Philippine Atmospheric, - Seasonal Calendar Geophysical, Astronomical - Venn Diagram Services, Administration - Focus Group Discussions (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of - Interviews Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Data Analysis Community meetings for presentation - Hazard, Risk, To interpret the data and validation Vulnerability, and gathered to come up with Capacity Matrix conclusions pertaining to - Pair-Wise Ranking the vulnerability and - Risk Matrix capacity of the - Problem Tree Analysis community. - Objective Tree Analysis Planning Meetings of the Barangay Disaster Risk - Pair-Wise Ranking To translate the findings Reduction and Management - HRVC Matrix of the VCA into actionable Committee (BDRRMC) and community - Problem Tree Analysis plans of the community to representatives - Objective Tree Analysis reduce their risks and - Venn Diagram vulnerabilities. Report Writing • PRC chapter meetings - VCA Report Template To generate a • Writing comprehensive documentation of the VCA process for submission to stakeholders.

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With the cooperation from the Barangay Sto. Niño Officials and participation of the community residents, the Philippine Red Cross in cooperation with German Red Cross (GRC) and German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through its EPIC DRR Community- based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Project entitled “Empowering the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and their chapters, communities and government Institutions to consolidate and replicate inclusive community based disaster risk reduction in five provinces in the Philippines,” the following steps were conducted in the implementation of the actual Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment in the Barangay from 3rd week of October to 2nd week of November 2017:

a) Coordination to the Local Government Unit of San Felipe, Zambales on the 3rd week of October. b) Coordination and meeting to the Barangay Officials on last week of October. c) Actual field data gathering using different tools on November 28 – 29, 2017 d) Validation from the field and related LGU offices on July 2018. e) Presentation of the findings and planning to the community on July to November 2018.

9.2. Team Composition

Sl. No Name Designation Responsibility in VCA exercise

Chapter Service Representative – Safety 1. Vanessa Ann Dial Overall Team Leader Service / Disaster Management Service Assisted as Documentor / Facilitator Chapter Service 2. Imarie De Guzman during the Historical Timeline and Representative Seasonal Calendar Assisted as Documentor / Facilitator 3. Emily Dorig Chapter Volunteer during the Semi-Structured Interview & Venn Diagram Assisted as Documentor / Facilitator 4. Thelma Pudol Chapter Volunteer during the Transect Walk & Direct Observation

10. FINDINGS

10.1 HAZARD and CAPACITY PROFILE

A. Risk/Hazard

Sto. Niño is situated near the center of the municipality of San Felipe with a 5-minute tricycle ride to the market. Almost all of its road is cemented except for the road going to Sitio Liwliwa, which is a tourist area and many resorts are present.

In the western part of the barangay is the West Philippine Sea where most of the puroks are exposed. In the east is a river separating Sto. Niño from Brgy. San Rafael, which are connected by a concrete bridge.

With its proximity to bodies of water, typhoon is the main hazard present in the area. Strong winds, can cause damage to shelters made with light materials, while damage caused by storm surges is not common since the residential area is more or less 200 meters away from the

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shore. Flooding may also be a threat due to the river which is near the rice field. However, in an event of continuous heavy rains, there is also a possibility of overflowing from the river that might affect Sitio Liwliwa in the southern part of the barangay.

B. Historical Timeline

Historical Timeline Effect/Damages and losses to Responding human life, Results / Lesson Year Event/Calamities Activities- property, Learnt Organization economy, environment 1972 Tidal Wave Loss of properties Local Government and livelihood of San Felipe; Brgy. Council 1991 Pinatubo Eruption Loss of ABS-CBN, GMA, Red Properties; loss of Cross, Brgy. Council, lives; damage to OFWs, Zambales school LGU 2005 Typhoon Milenyo Damage to Brgy. Council houses; damage Zambales LGU electrical posts

A. CAPACITY

CAPACITY LEVEL SCOPE / FUNCTION Multi-purpose Plaza Low Can be used as Evacuation Center Barangay Hall and Covered Court High Center of Government Services, Can be used as Evacuation Center Church Low Can be used as Evacuation Center School High Can be used as Evacuation Center Fish Landing Low Source of livelihood Hatcheries Low Source of livelihood Resorts High Source of livelihood

B. Historical Timeline

Historical Timeline Effect/Damages and losses to Responding human life, Results / Lesson Year Event/Calamities Activities- property, Learnt Organization economy, environment

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1995 Transfer of Barangay Better access to Brgy. Council Hall and renovation of government Former Gov. Vic Chiosko road along services Magsaysay Fuentecilla

C. Venn Diagram

The Diagram of Brgy. Sto. Niño shows all the government institutions, organizations, sectors and volunteer group that helped them in times of emergencies (disaster or disease outbreak) --- before, during and after. The organizations that have offices located inside of the community are placed in the inner surface of the circle and offices located outside of the community are placed in the outside surface of the circle.

At the Barangay level, the Council is mainly the overall responsible for providing the community of health-related, safety and other programs for the welfare of the population with the support of the Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Tanod.

The Provincial Government are very generous of having available financial, educational and medical assistance to almost all the barangays.

Other Private Sectors and Organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, Senior Citizen, Tricycle Driver Association, Fisher folks, Zambaleña, OFW, & Agri Party List are also aiding the barangay by providing relief goods and capacity building.

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10.2 HAZARD-RISK-VULNERABILITY-CAPACITY MATRIX

Hazard Risks Elements at Risk Component Vulnerability Capacity Cessation/lack of Crops (farmers), Livelihood - lack of financial - Access to lending livelihood due to fishermen, Well-being reserves companies, typhoon Fish vendors - Fish vendors acquire fish from adjacent barangays

Typhoon Properties due to Houses and Appliances Self-protection - Houses are made of - Beneficiaries have their typhoon light materials and low- own mitigating measures lying are like tying their securing their Hunger Fishermen Well-being - lack of financial - Presence of alternative reserves livelihoods loss of Livelihood due to Crops (farmers) Livelihood - Rice fields are situated - Access to lending flood Well-being in a low-lying area companies, - Presence of alternative livelihoods (e.g. part time construction) Flood Loss of properties due Appliances Livelihood - 8 out of 12 puroks are - Sand bagging initiatives of to Flood Well-being near a liver and are low- the barangay council and lying areas residents Hunger farmers - lack of financial - Presence of alternative reserves livelihoods

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10.3 HAZARD PRIORITIZATION

• Pair-Wise Ranking Results

Criteria 1: No. Criteria 2: Criteria 3: Criteria 4: of People Geographical Hazard Severity of Frequency Total Rank likely to be area likely to be Impact of Hazard affected affected Typhoon 1 1 1 1 4 1 Flood 2 2 2 2 8 2

• Risk Matrix

LEAST MINOR MODERATE SEVERE CRITICAL

Loss/ cessation of CERTAIN livelihood due to typhoon loss of HIGHLY Livelihood due LIKELY to flood Loss and damage of Properties due to typhoon LIKELY

Loss of properties due to Flood POSSIBLE UNLIKELY

10.4 PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS OF PRIORITIZED HAZARD

A. Problem Tree Analysis

Being a coastal area, the main source of income of the people in Sto. Niño comes from fishing. Caught fish are being sold to some people who then sell it within the barangay or in the municipal market. The main hazard that affects this type of livelihood is typhoon, which brings strong winds and big waves. This situation doesn`t only bring less catch but fishing itself becomes dangerous. Aside from that, there are also some reports of damaged fishing boats. Thus, the main problem being encountered loss or cessation of livelihood among the fishermen and fish vendors brought about by typhoon.

The community stresses that they are aware of the effects of typhoon and monitors its path through television, radio and even social media. However, they sight that climate change increases

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their vulnerability since typhoons become stronger and its effect is being experienced in a longer duration. As a consequence, two things commonly happen – less income for the people or no income at all. This results to lack of food for the families and students cannot go to school due to lack of allowance. With this, most of the affected families resort to lending companies which provide high interest. There are also some fisherfolks who use their remaining money in gambling and alcoholism.

This scenario adds up to the poverty being experienced by the people and the cycle continuous to happen each year.

B. Objective Tree Analysis

Upon analyzing the problem, the community came up of a possible solution, that is, provision of alternative source of living for fishermen and fish vendors during typhoon season for the following year.

In order to achieve this objective, several capacities have been identified. First, they recognized the need to train the wife of fishermen and even the fish vendors. The training will include sewing, food processing and other applicable skills that these people need and can be an alternative source of income. So that, when typhoon brew, and fishing is not possible, there will still be income for these families. Second, the existing organization of the fisherfolks must be strengthened. Sto. Niño already have an existing fisherman`s organization, however, it is not active. The people realized that if the association will be strong enough, they will be able to encourage agencies that have the capacity to help them improve their source of livelihood or aid them in looking for other source of income. For these capacities to achieve, coordination is essential. The need to coordinate with the Local Government Unit of San Felipe is deemed important. The people stressed that they have to have a conversation with their Mayor and convey their concern in order to gain suggestions or even solutions, especially when it comes to financing the trainings for the fisherfolks. Also, activities like meeting with community of fishermen and emphasizing the main problem and possible solution is part of the plan.

Once the objective is met, lack of income from fishing will not be a big problem because there will be other income source. Meaning, indebtedness will be minimized or prevented. Schooling of the children will not be affected. And more importantly, resorting to gambling and alcoholism will be reduced to a minimum.

11. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS (BASED ON FINDINGS)

• TYPHOON o Purchase of additional rescue equipment o Purchase of additional early warning device o More intensified forums regarding what to do before during, and after a typhoon. o Additional training regarding search and rescue, first aid, and other alternative livelihood. o Provision of alternative livelihood when typhoon strikes. o Sand bagging o Retrofitting of houses made of light materials

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• FLOOD o Desilting of floodways o Additional training regarding search and rescue, first aid, and other alternative livelihood. o Enhancement of their early warning system in terms of flood o More intensified forums regarding what to do before during, and after a flood. o Sand bagging o Retrofitting of houses made of light materials

The following are the recommendations to increase the capacity of the barangay: 1. Review and updating of the demographic information of the barangay, including livelihood, list of PWDs and other related data. 2. Engaging the fishermen in the DRR initiatives of the barangay especially in the information dissemination.

12. CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNED, AND BEST PRACTICES

Lessons Learnt:

In every assessment, the presence of barangay officials is vital especially in gaining the commitments of the people. Because it is observed that the community is more engaged when they see that the council is participating. For them, their efforts will be useless when they are by themselves planning for solutions. Authority and power of the council in implementing activities is highly recognized.

Challenge:

a. Diversity of participants.

The schedule of VCA sessions is always coordinated with the barangay in order to ensure participation of the council and other sectors present in the barangay. Yet, it is still a challenge to make the group as represented as possible because even though they committed to participate, there are some who will not appear during the activity.

b. Gaining information.

The quality of assessment can be based on the how the facilitator gathers the information and manages it. However, it is also imperative to consider where the information is coming from. Gathering and analyzing of information became a challenge during the VCA sessions because most of the participants came from one group of BHWs whose awareness on some issued in the barangay is limited.

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ANNEX A. – Copy of DRR Action Plan

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ANNEX B. - Pictures of VCA Tools 1. VCA DATA GATHERING TOOLS

Picture A. Direct Observation

Picture B-1. Transect Walk

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Picture B-2. Transect Walk

Picture C. Historical Timeline

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Picture D. Venn Diagram

Picture E. Risk & Resource Map

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ANNEX C - Pictures based on VCA steps (action photos of different VCA Activities)

Brgy. Kagawad Nelly Balein, describing one Respondents filling up the matrix their finding of the area as vulnerability of the barangay during the Direct Observation during Transect Walk

Respondents discussing on their Seasonal Brgy. Kagawad Rogelio Alfreso, discussing Calendar the present & past season of the the Risk & Resource Map barangay

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ANNEX D - List of persons or groups involved in the entire VCA process

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ANNEX E

Vulnerability Conditions

PREVALENT RISKS AND HAZARDS PER COMPONENTS

VCA Component Risks Elements at Risk Vulnerabilities

Loss/ cessation of Crops (farmers), lack of financial reserves livelihood due to fishermen typhoon 1. Livelihood loss of Livelihood Crops (farmers), Rice fields are situated in due to flood a low-lying area

Loss and damage of Houses and Houses are made of light Properties due to Appliances materials and low-lying typhoon are 2. Self-protection Loss of properties Appliances 8 out of 12 puroks are due to Flood near a liver and are low- lying areas 3. Social-protection Hunger Fishermen and lack of income during 4. Well-being farmers typhoon and flooding incidents 5. Governance - - -

Capacities and Coping Mechanism

EXISTING CAPACITIES AND COPING MECHANISM TO PREPARE FOR, RESPONSE TO, AND RECOVER FROM DISASTER IMPACT

VCA Component Risks Elements at Risk Capacities

Crops (farmers), cessation of fishermen, Access to lending companies, livelihood due to Fish vendors Fish vendors acquire fish from typhoon adjacent barangays 1. Livelihood Access to lending companies, loss of Livelihood Crops (farmers), Presence of alternative due to flood livelihoods (e.g. part time

construction)

VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

Loss and damage of Beneficiaries have their own Houses and Properties due to mitigating measures like tying Appliances typhoon their securing their house with

2. Self-protection a rope

Loss of properties Sand bagging initiatives of the Appliances due to Flood barangay council and residents

3. Social-protection 4. Well-being 5. Governance - - -

VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

ANNEX F – Relevant Secondary data: BDRRM Plans, AIP,Maps, CDP, Others..

VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

ANNEX G - Short description of each tool used

1. Direct Observation This tool is essential to provide as much detail as possible and to describe the circumstances and the context that lead to certain observations. This will allow others to assess the reliability of the information. When carrying out direct observation, you need to confirm that you have properly understood what you observe as it is easy to misinterpret what you are seeing.

2. Transect Walk This tool gathers first-hand information on the characteristics of different land types therefore providing opportunity for further inspection of the area. It creates the awareness of the presence of PRC to the community. It also identifies problems and opportunities that are applicable to the area. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

3. Historical Timeline This tool will help us identify all the events and activities that left significant marks on the growth and development of the community. It will give insights into the past events and an understanding of the present situation in the community relative to the past events in terms of the health issues, hazards and vulnerabilities. Moreover, a perception of how things may continue to change in the future and to serve as a basis for discussions on future programmes or projects within the community. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

4. Seasonal Calendar This tool will identify the activities that take place in different seasons and the workload of the people at different times of the year. Variations in availability of resources such as food, water and income will be compared. Seasonal calendar aids in examining the local relationship between climate, natural disasters and health problems. It also provides a holistic view of situation and activities in the community per month which is vital for the community’s understanding of its periodic exposure to risk and available resource therefore assisting in the planning and timely implementation of DRR activities. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

5. Risk and Resource Mapping This will provide an overview of the main features of the community and will indicate their existing natural and anthropogenic resources. It will also allow visual comparison of information and understand the complex relationship of community condition. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

6. Venn Diagram This tool aids in understanding of the perception about the role and significance of the local people. It stimulates the discussion which may lead to the identification of the role of each organization in time of emergency. The various type and kind of organizational support individuals or group needs in order to address problems and risks and progressively build-up its management capacity will be determined. It will also clarify the different interest groups, institutions and decision-making patterns. Additionally, it identifies the government institutions, organizations, sectors and other volunteer groups affiliated with the community with the capacity to contribute to the implementation of DRR or health programs. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

7. Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability Capacity Matrix Summarizes in a matrix form all information collected during gathering. This will initiate and facilitate the pre-analysis of data gathered by the VCA team prior to the actual analysis with the

VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

community. It will also enable the VCA team to crosscheck the data gathered regarding the information collected for secondary data review. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

8. Pair-Wise Ranking It creates an overview of the scope and impact of issues (hazard, health problems or social issues) through comparison. Furthermore, issues that the community may want to address due to its high exposure will be prioritized. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

9. Problem Tree Analysis This will display the underlying causes of risks and its impact. Community’s exposure and vulnerability will be analyzed and the community will be able to address the priority risk. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).

10. Objective Tree Analysis Strategies for solutions in response to the problem tree analysis and the specific activities that will contribute to the lessening of vulnerabilities of the community will be identified. Additionally, it will provide motivation by showing the pathway to a resilient community. (Philippine Red Cross DMS Guidelines).