www.gi.sanu.ac.rs, www.doiserbia.nb.rs J. Geogr. Inst. Cvijic. 2021, 71(2), pp. 115–133 Original scientific paper UDC: 911.2:551.58(914) https://doi.org/10.2298/IJGI2102115P Received: February 18, 2021 Reviewed: March 25, 2021 Accepted: May 24, 2021 CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: THE CASE OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES Ericson H. Peñalba1, Albert Patrick J. David 2*, Michael John D. Mabanta 2, Chaddlyn Rose C. Samaniego1, 2 Sheryl D. S. Ellamil 1Bulacan State University, Education Department, Meneses Campus, Bulacan, Philippines; e-mails:
[email protected];
[email protected] 2Bulacan State University, Information Technology Department, Meneses Campus, Bulacan, Philippines; e-mails:
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected] Abstract: Climate change poses challenges and risks to coastal communities, and the adaptation of local residents is a critically relevant issue that needs to be addressed in the policymaking process. The main purpose of this paper is to determine the perceptions and experiences of climate change among coastal community residents in the Philippines. This study used a combination of methods, such as participatory mapping exercises, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document analyses. The data, which were primarily collected from three coastal villages in the province of Bulacan, were subjected to a thematic network analysis. The findings revealed four dominant themes pertaining to climate change adaptation in a coastal community setting: vulnerability conditions, risk awareness, risk perceptions, and climate change awareness and perceptions. In particular, it was found out that the communities were exposed to the threats of natural hazards like flood and storm surge.