Adaptation and Coping Strategies of the Mangyan in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines Towards Climate Change-Related Occurrences

Gil Andrie T. Valera; Emilia S. Visco; Ecosystems and Development Journal

Gil Andrie T. Valera College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
Emilia S. Visco Department of Social Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, UPLB, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Keywords: adaptation and coping strategies, Mangyan, resilient communities

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the adaptation and
coping strategies of the Mangyan in Oriental Mindoro,
Philippines towards climate change-related occurrences.
Specifically, it aimed to: 1. characterize the respondents; 2.
determine the respondents’ perceived effects of climate change-related occurrences to them and their families; 3. discuss the
internal and external factors affecting their resiliency to these
occurrences; and 4. formulate recommendations to address the
concerns of these occurrences to their communities. Adaptation
and coping strategies of the Mangyan, local government
interventions based on RA 9729 (Climate Change Act) and RA
1021 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan
Act), are considered internal and external factors that contribute to the Mangyan communities’ resiliency to the occurrences.

The Mangyan have developed internal adaptation and coping
strategies that would hopefully make them build resilient communities. This was evident in the way they wear their clothes, build their houses, find their source of livelihood, practice their ancestral faith and their decision to stay or not in their respective communities. However, some adaptation strategies became maladaptation since they resorted to logging, charcoal making and use of insecticides in their farms. While the efforts of the local governments units (LGUs) are commendable, more is expected of them especially, in arresting these maladaptation practices.

This is very important since these practices may lead to two possibilities. The Mangyan can either become resilient or vulnerable, depending on their future actions. The positive internal adaptations, coping strategies and support by the LGUs will continue to play a very crucial part in the Mangyan’s pursuit for more resilient communities.