Integrating the Local and Indigenous Knowledge (LiNK) of Barangays Dolo and Manzana in Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Planning

Philippines is known to be frequented by an average of 20 typhoons a year aside from being a host to other natural and human-induced hazards. This puts the country at great risk to myriad disasters, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities. Given the current imperative across all levels of advocacy and engagement to harness and build on local capacities, the need to integrate and mainstream local and indigenous knowledge or LInK gains more credence now more than ever. This study is primarily aimed to integrate the local and indigenous knowledge (LInK) of residents of two coastal barangays in San Jose, Camarines Sur in local disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation planning. The study made use of focus group discussions (FGDs) in Barangays Dolo and Manzana in San Jose, Camarines Sur to determine the LInK in their communities then documenting, validating, and integrating the latter with scientific data at the local level through a process termed “Local knowledge and practices Inventory, Validation, and Establishing Scientific Knowledge (LIVE Scientific Knowledge)” but with some modifications on it. The researchers found out that most LInK observed and documented by the community members have corresponding scientific explanations and can be considered as “precursory signs” of tropical cyclones. After the community validations, it was affirmed that the knowledge and practices handed down by their ancestors are credible and beneficent to them especially during disasters. Despite the presence of DRRM technology, these indigenous practices serve as a lasting legacy passed down from generation to generation.