Philippine E-Journals

Attitude of Households Towards Climate Change Adaptation in Real, Quezon

Angelica Uy | Jorielle Dominiqu Manzanero | Tish Marthia Rebong

 

Abstract:

This study focused on the attitude of the households toward climate change adaptation. Specifically, it categorized the household’s climate change adaptation in terms of autonomous adaptation and planned adaptation; determined the attitude according to components such as affective, cognitive, and behavioral; determined the relationship between socio-demographic and economic characteristics and the attitude towards climate change adaptation; and developed SLE for the households. Data were collected through survey, key informant interview, review of documents, and observation and were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Further, the SLE was evaluated in terms of reaction and learning. Results revealed that the households in Real, Quezon apply the planned type of adaptation in their strategies to minimize the impacts of climate change in their community and that they effectively utilize long term preparation for climate change adaptation. The components of attitude are affective, cognitive, and behavioral. Majority of the respondents continuously worry for their community and family in the occurrence of a strong typhoon. Their knowledge about climate change adaptation influenced their attitude and perception on climate change; they have a positive attitude toward it. Fully aware of what to do during natural disasters, they immediately abide to the announcement of local officials concerning strong typhoons; they always stay alert and updated on weather news. The researchers developed for the households an SLE consisting of five (5) relevant validated activities of decision-making, teamwork, climate change awareness, smiling and hope to improve the attitude of the households and be able to adapt to climate change. The study concluded that since the local government helps prevent the drastic effects of climate change, the households obey the policies and, thus, aid the LGU to reinforce their adaptation strategies. Through television, radio and seminars, the households are fully aware of climate change adaptation strategies, yet as human beings, they panic and worry over the disasters brought by climate change. They store supplies to prepare for the disaster, participate in environmental projects, and resort to alternative livelihood since they cannot go fishing. Their emotional function can be influenced by the events in the environment and their adaptation strategy can be adjusted depending on the situation they encounter. A Structured Learning Experience should be developed for the respondents to improve their attitude and climate change adaptation. The researchers recommended that the local officials maintain the strict implementation of the adaptation strategies by using posters and seminars. The academe in the province of Real, Quezon, in partnership with the local government and the households, should conduct activities like Earth Hour to help reduce climate change, plant trees for carbon sequestration and prevention of flooding, and strictly apply the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in solid waste management. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Real, Quezon should adopt the validated Structured Learning Experience to all the households in the area since it was proven effective. With the difficulty in convening all the households, the SLE should be done by sitio after the occurrence of a natural disaster for the welfare of the vulnerable households in the community. Replication of the study was recommended in other neighboring barangays in Real which are adversely affected by climate change. Future researchers may collect data using focus group discussion and photovoice technique in their research methods; include other psychological concepts in their environmental psychology study such as resilience, coping mechanism, and stress management that do not form part in this study; to develop Information and Education and Communication (IEC) materials on climate change adaptation for the vulnerable coastal communities; to evaluate the developed Structured Learning Experience to determine its effectiveness and relevance to the participants.