12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
[P-22] Personal Networks Among Selected Elderly in Post-Disaster Community in Tacloban City
Keywords:Elderly, Haiyan disaster, personal networks
In recent years, we have witnessed the increase occurrence of natural disasters around the world. Flooding and monsoons, hurricanes and major earthquakes, landslides and drought and tsunami threats have been affecting individuals and communities in every part of the globe. This research looks into one of the most vulnerable sectors in communities affected by natural disasters - the elderly. With societies becoming aged, mature, and at risk, it is important that we take action in protecting as well as safeguarding their well-being. For these reasons, this study explores on the personal networks of selected elderly in a post-disaster community in Tacloban, a city ravaged by a super typhoon named Haiyan (locally dubbed as Yolanda) in 2013. This category five cyclone was the most destructive typhoon to hit the Philippines which caused thousands of people dead and loss of billions of dollars in agriculture and infrastructure. Findings revealed that the elderly remain steadfast and positive with the impacts of Haiyan because of their personal networks that include their families, relatives, the local community and city government, NGOs, and the church. These personal networks foster social networks and trust among the elderly which cultivated social capital and resilience amongts them. Some of the elderly have initiated projects suited for the welfare of their own communities. It is hoped that through this study, personal networks may well be capitalized in order to enable, engage, and empower the elderly in disaster situations.