People's response to disasters: vulnerability, capacities and resilience in Philippine context

This book provides a critical perspective on people’s response to disasters in the Philippines. It shows that disasters are neither natural nor the fault of vulnerable and helpless people. It asserts that those who suffer from disasters are made vulnerable by the larger society which deprives them of access to means of protection which are available to others with more power, yet that those marginalized people display a large array of knowledge, skills and resources which constitute useful capacities in time of hardship. It continues with stating that people are often resilient and able to overcome the havoc of disasters should recovery policies consider their needs and contributions.

Case studies in this book cover a large range of contexts and address a diversity of hazards to illustrate vulnerability, capacities and resilience in Philippine context. They offer some insights upon issues which warrant particular attention for whom is interested in understanding how people respond to disasters.

The book is intended to be used as a tool for practitioners, policy makers and critics, students at all levels in the Philippines and around the world, as well as everyone who is interested in understanding why disaster occurs and for those who wants to contribute to alleviate the current suffering, resulting from not being able to prevent, mitigate and prepare for disasters.

This book can be purchased from the publisher at: [email protected]