Critical Point: An investigative study of the inclusiveness of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs of Marikina City for persons with disabilities (PWDs)

Critical Point: An investigative study of the inclusiveness of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) programs of Marikina City for persons with disabilities (PWDs)

This undergraduate thesis looks into the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the four phases of disaster management in Marikina City, particularly in the three most vulnerable barangays: Malanday, Nangka and Tumana.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs assures the protection and safety of the sector in humanitarian emergencies. Also, Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, aims to develop the capacity of vulnerable groups to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from the disasters.

The international and local PWD-inclusive guidelines used in the study are still working documents. Using John Rawls’ Theory of Justice as Fairness and Amartya Sen’s Capabilities Approach, the study proved that while Marikina and the three barangays are taking steps toward inclusion, they still lag behind the ideal set by international guidelines. Inclusion, for the most part, is limited to prioritization in rescue operations. The lack of a comprehensive PWD registry, as well as consultation, emerged as a factor behind the city’s inability to address the needs of PWDs, such as accessible early warning devices and evacuation centers.

The results are presented in a four-part journalistic output with sidebars. A website, along with interactive maps and tables, are also utilized to present data.

Keywords: University of the Philippines, Journalism, Investigative Journalism, PWDs, Persons with Disabilities, Disaster, DRRM, Marikina

View Thesis: https://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/viewer/?fb=2012-05252-merged_d