The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a… More

The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a women’s association in a disadvantaged upland community in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines, for inclusive development. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the livelihood intervention in changing income, knowledge about farming, social capital, and food security amidst the pandemic. The project implemented facilitated extension activities and surveys considering the health protocols imposed by the government. The technical training has resulted in a positive change in the knowledge level, promoted the production of vegetables in the households which generated additional income vital during the pandemic. Besides, there was a significant increase in the social capital of rural women during the last two years. Though not statistically significant, the project has caused an increase in food availability, accessibility, and utilization in the household during the pandemic. The findings indicated that a livelihood intervention can effect changes in the social and economic situation of the rural women even during the pandemic which could be promoted to other members of the community. Less

Disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) has become a national and global concern due to the impacts of climate change that increase exposure to disaster risks. The Philippines anchored its DRRM actions on RA 10121 enacted in 2010. This study… More

Disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) has become a national and global concern due to the impacts of climate change that increase exposure to disaster risks. The Philippines anchored its DRRM actions on RA 10121 enacted in 2010. This study looks into the capacities, needs, and constraints of local DRRM Councils (DRRMC) in Bukidnon, with priority to four municipalities, one city and eleven barangays with high vulnerability to climate change impacts. The data were then evaluated in terms of compliance with Hyogo and Sendai frameworks of action. Findings of this study revealed that DRRMCs have “moderate” to “high” need for institutional capacity for DRRM; “moderate” for IEC/ advocacy capacity and “moderate” to “low” for financial capacity. DRRMCs have effective and func- tional resources and programs for DRRM. However, barangay DRRMC has no or lacking emergency/ rescue equipment and facilities and less access to basic services. Compliance with Hyogo and Sendai frameworks are constrained due to budget, technical capacity, tasks of DRRMC members and political support. The findings of this study are crucial entry points and inputs to extension programs of agencies and scientific/technical communities needed to build resilience to disaster risks. Less

Filipino values and traditions say that the family’s elderly have to be taken-cared of at home, be loved, respected, and valued. But modernization tends to over-run this ideal way. In fact, the Filipino elderly has become one of the most… More

Filipino values and traditions say that the family’s elderly have to be taken-cared of at home, be loved, respected, and valued. But modernization tends to over-run this ideal way. In fact, the Filipino elderly has become one of the most marginalized sectors. This study was conducted to describe the life, problems, challenges, and pressing issues of the Filipino elderly. Three groups of the elderly of Maramag, Bukidnon were considered: An Indigenous People’s (IP) Community, a group of retired government employees, and a community of farmers. The study focused on financial and physical dependency, disengagement, life satisfaction, challenges, and on issues confronting the elderly. The study is descriptive using survey, indepth interview, and a key informant interview. This study revealed that the Filipino elderly are confronted with poverty and other pressing issues. Nevertheless, they are happy. It is also revealed that intermarriages have altered the once strong kinship of the indigenous peoples (IP) community. Likewise, is apparent that among the three sectors (IPs, farmers, and retirees), the IPs are the most marginalized. Less