The Summer Field Research class of the BA. in Peace Studies commenced last April 15, 2011. The theme for this year's field research is 'Building Disaster Resilient Communities". There were two classes for this summer. One class was assigned to conduct a case study of Amtic an upland village in Ligao, Albay. While the other class was assigned to do case study of Misibis a coastal and island village in Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay. The students conducted in-depth interviews, they did profiling of the barangay and they also conducted surveys. In general the objective of the studies were to identify the vulnerabilities and resiliency elements in these barangays. The bottom line is that both villages are confronted by seasonal typhoons and ensuing disasters. Hence it is important to identify their vulnerabilities as well as the factors that contribute for resiliency. Intervention activities to mitigate the risks and effects of disasters and improve the quality of life is anchored on how people recover from the impacts of disaster. The initial findings of the study showd that poverty and lack of education are the main factors that make these communities vulnerable to the effects of a disaster. Their faith in God and the spirit of "bayanihan" (the tagalog term for team spirit) are the factors that helped them overcome the tragedies of a disaster. Moreover, the extended family system also provided support in times of need.
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| The Team posed for a photo ops in one in-depth interview sessions |
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| Rain and winds did not deter the group from visiting with key informants |
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| The Research class in a photo session at the Barangay Hall of Amtic |
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| The Misibis Group |
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| On the way to Cagraray Island |
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| The Village Center of Missibis |
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