Empowering Three High-Risk Communities of Iligan City, Philippines in the Creation of Barangay Disaster Risk-Sensitive Shelter Plans

Barangays Hinaplanon, San Roque, and Santiago of Iligan City, Philippines, experienced the harsh tropical storm Washi, which claimed more than a thousand lives and rendered the people homeless. The three barangays were chosen to implement the Barangay Disaster Risk-Sensitive Shelter Plan (BDR-SSP) based on their exposure to hazards and a discernable significant number of high-risk households that needed priority interventions. Community volunteers did a participatory situational analysis on the area’s physical, cultural, environmental and socio-economic conditions. Findings showed that the households from the three high-risk barangays live in danger zones, which are vulnerable to disasters. They are living on unsecured land and in unsafe house structures. In addressing their shelter needs, livelihood needs, and basic needs, the three barangays prepared their disaster risk-sensitive shelter plans with support from their respective barangay councils. These councils endorsed their shelter plans for inclusion in the Annual Investment Program of Iligan City. At present, about 70% of households are relocated to safe settlements with access to livelihood opportunities and essential services. Some projects are still on-going. Local governments must adopt the BDR-SSP approach of empowering the poor by giving them a voice in planning for recovery from disasters for poverty reduction and sustainable development