Pagtagam: A Narrative on the Traditional Knowledge and Practices on Disaster Risk Reduction of the Local Folks at Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines

Abstract

This study explored on Pagtagam: A Narrative on the Traditional Knowledge and Practices on Disaster Risk Reduction of the Local Folks at Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines. Using the qualitative research design, five (5) informants were purposively chosen. Data was collected using fieldwork, observations, interviews with key informants, and analysis of documents and photographs. Verbatim data transcripts were analyzed using the approach by Flick (2018).

This study aimed to document and record the local folks’ traditional knowledge on disaster risk reduction in Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines. This study also imparted the narratives of the local folks specifically living in disaster prone areas such as San Nicolas, Candelaria, Santa Petronila, Daan Banwa, and Salong, so we may learn something from them. These narratives consist of the traditional practices and techniques they employ for disaster risk reduction, the application of traditional knowledge and practices during times of hazards, and the effective measures of protection against natural disasters. These practices include using environmental cues such as coconut leaves, mushrooms, tadpoles, chickens, and ants to predict and prepare for storms, typhoons, and floods. Building of kurob and lantay, planting of trees and bamboos, fortifying their homes and finding higher areas, storing food and necessities and evacuating as early as possible are some practices they have been doing to cope and protect themselves during natural disasters.

Such traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, not only enhances community resilience but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their environment.