CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS OF THE BARANGAY OFFICIALS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAINT BERNARD, SOUTHERN LEYTE

Abstract

Eastern Visayas has been experiencing a series of calamities since the tragic mudslide in barangay Guinsaugon, Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte in 2006. As a result, a state of calamity was declared in almost every part the country due to heavy rains that devastated agriculture, livestock and properties. This study was conducted to assess the level of the barangay officials’ related awareness on climate change, more particularly on its cause and effect, thought and belief, and the course of action through barangay ordinances related to climate change. The study utilized the descriptive survey method of research. Data were analyzed and interpreted using weighted mean and percentages to describe the level of awareness of the elected officials towards climate change. Majority agreed that climate change is happening and presently affecting the people in the barangays. The thought of respondents towards climate change is highly coupled with religious thinking. The actual state of affairs (situation) is the priority of the barangay officials leading to the inaccurate expectation of the long term effect of climate change. Barangay officials’ awareness on the causes and effect of climate change is observable but limited on vulnerability and adaptation. Thus, additional exposure and in-depth understanding on climate change is recommended.