Assessing the Flood Gates: Utilization of Social Capital as Adaptation to Flooding of Selected Households in Two Barangays in Bay, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

 The persistent climate crisis has directly affected the social system. In response to environmental changes, communities reconfigure their abilities by reshaping their everyday lives for sustainability and survival. This study’s main objective is to examine how social capital was utilized by selected community members of Brgy. San Antonio and Brgy. Tagumpay in Bay, Laguna, Philippines as a form of adaptation to flooding. Households from Purok 6 of Brgy. San Antonio and Brgy. Tagumpay were selected through purposive sampling and complete enumeration, respectively. Utilization of the means of association at 0.05% level of significance showed that specific socio-demographic variables had a direct association with social capital resources within the community. The adaptive capacity of the participants was strengthened through relationships with their support system and their active participation in group/association activities. For attachment to neighborhood, the variable that had the most significant relationship with most of the socio-demographic characteristics was the strengthening of the spirit of collective community through the existence of formal and informal organizations. Access to resources and services helped to enhance the adaptive capacity of the community members. Adaptability became more apparent when financial and social services were within one’s reach. The closeness of relationships between neighbors helped to strengthen their adaptive capacity. In community relationships, trustworthiness was considered as the most significant value. It is recommended that social capital be strengthened to enhance adaptive capacity.

Keywords: social capital, adaptive capacity, vulnerability