Integrating indigenous people's rights and development -oriented goals and interests in DRRM-CCA program: a case study of the Aeta community in Brgy.Mabuyong , Anini-y , Antique

Abstract

This study is about indigenous people's (IPs) rights and development-oriented goals. Specifically, it tackles on how their rights and goals are incorporated into Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA) plans and programs. The researchers chose the Aeta community of Barangay Mabuyong, Anini- y, Antique as research participants because it was able to fulfill the criteria of inclusion set by the researchers. They were also selected because they were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The study used Mixed Methods to gather data. These consisted of keyinformant interviews, focused group discussions, secondary data analysis, surveys and transect walk. All these were deployed to gather data on the situation of the IPs in Mabuyong before and after Typhoon Yolanda in the following aspects: physico- environmental; econo-human; politico- institutional and;socio-cultural. The researchers also gathered information about the incorporation of IP interests, and the level of intervention of the LGUs in local DRR initiatives and development plans. Lastly, the researchers looked into the lessons learned after Typhoon Yolanda and surveyed the level of the community resilience, awareness, and response towards disaster.The findings revealed that: (a) the physico- environmental, econo-human, politico-institutional and socio-cultural contexts of the IP community are faced with a high level of vulnerability and risk exposure; (b) The incorporation of IP interests in the DRR and development programs revealed two contradicting views: The LGU's assessment was positive, and the incorporation of IP interests in policy and plans were present while the NGO and the IP community perceived such incorporation to be absent, insufficient and largely incompatible towards the IP needs; (c) Lastly, community awareness, resilience, and response of the IPs of Mabuyong were significantly low according to the survey. The study also found that the establishment of linkages among sectors and the active participation as well as reconciliation of the IPs in planning are necessary. The Typhoon Yolanda experience served as one proof that the IPs of Mabuyong needs more attention and assistance from the municipality.