Probing the Aftermath: The Perception of Super Typhoon Haiyan Survivors in Brgy.

97
Cabalawan, Tacloban City Regarding the Quality of the Government’s Aid

by

RHODA MAE P. CUBILLA

MA. PAULINE F. CUBILLA

SHANLEE MA. EDLOR V. ILAGAN

RUBELYN R. JANOLA

KATHLYN ROSE R. LUBIANO

NASHIELLA C. MIGUE

MARC ULYSES M. MIRANDA

EDEN FAITH P. MORALITA

CYBER B. PACOLI

VINCENT JOSHUA G. PUMANES

A research paper submitted to the

Senior High School Department

Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc.

Calanipawan Road, Tacloban City

As partial fulfilment of the requirements

For Practical Research 1

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our deepest and warmest gratitude to the following people
who, in one way or another, helped us accomplish this study:

Above all, to our Almighty God, for imparting us the wisdom, courage and patience to
finish this study. For giving us the strength to surpass all the challenges that we have
encountered and also for gracing us the teamwork that we needed.

To our parents, for their understanding in times when we needed to sacrifice important
events for group studies, for their steadfast support in terms of financial and emotional aspects
and for their unconditional love that helped and motivated us to continue this journey.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lubiano, for warmly accommodating us in their house and for always
providing us good food to eat which greatly contributed for us to finish our tasks. Also for
coming with us to ensure our safety during our data collection.

To Ms. Mary Grace Aruta, for sharing her knowledge to us and for giving us tips on
how to properly present during defense and on how to have a smooth flow during data
gathering.

To Mr. Joel Castillejos, for giving us helpful advices, his guidance and critically
examining our paper before we handed it to our research teacher.

To our classmate, Margaux Althea Sabangan, for helping us gather participants and for
guiding us during the duration of our data gathering in their housing community.

To our research adviser, Ms. Balvin Quillotes, for the wisdom that she has inculcated
us and for her inspiring words that made a big impact on our lives.

And to those whom we failed to mention, who also helped and became a part of the
success of this study, we give our warmest and sincerest gratitude from the bottom of our hearts.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………… i

List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………….. ii

List of Tables …………………………………………………………………………... iii

Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………………….... iv

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………….. 1

Literature Review ……………………………………………………………………..... 2

A Typhoon Vulnerable Philippines …………………………………………….. 2

Aid distributed to Haiyan Survivors …………………………………………….. 2

Housing Impediments ………………………………………………………….... 3

Immediate Government Response …….………………………………………… 4

Perception ……………………………………………………………………….. 5

Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs ………………………………………….. 6

Resilience in Calamity ……………….………………….………………………. 7

Typhoon Haiyan Shelter Response Outcome Assessment ……...………………. 8

Materials and Methods …………………………………………………………………. 10

Research Design ………………………………………………………………... 10

Research Locale ………………………………………………………………… 10

Participants ……………………………………………………………………... 10

Instrumentation …………………………………………………………………. 11

Data Collection Procedure ……………………………..……………………….. 11

Data Analysis …………………………………………………………………… 12

Results …………………………………………………………………………………... 13

Inconsistency of Aid Distribution ………………………………………………. 13

Medical Attention ……………………………………………………….. 14

Food Assistance …………………………………………………………. 15

Acquiring of Housing Units ……………………………………………... 15

Financial Aid …………………………………………………………….. 16

Livelihood Support ………………………………………………………. 17

Commodities Received …………………………………………………... 18

Insufficient Water Supply ……………………………………………………….. 18

Condition of Housing Units ……………………………………………………... 21

Informants’ Satisfaction of Aid Received ……………………………………….. 22

Synthesis …………………………………………………………………………. 23

Discussions ………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Aid Distribution ………………………………………………………………….. 25

Struggles …………………………………………………………………………. 26

Living Conditions ………………………………………………………………… 27

Perceptions towards the Aid Received …………………………………………… 28

Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………….... 30

Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………….. 31

Literature Cited ………………………………………………………………………….. 32

 ABSTRACT

Probing the Aftermath: The Perception of Super Typhoon Haiyan Survivors in Brgy.
97, Cabalawan, Tacloban City Regarding the Quality of the Government’s Aid

The Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Visayas region of the Philippines at dawn last
November 8, 2013, with an average winds of 295 kph and gusts as strong as 360 kph. The
disaster induced a large death toll, crisis, and structural damages which have left many people
homeless, putting the city under a state of calamity. The calamity has placed the survivors
under a great need of aid due to the unavailability of resources. As the government has
performed its responsibility in aiding the victims, this study aimed to identify the notions and
perceptions of Haiyan victims in the housing community at Ridge View Park, Brgy.
Cabalawan, Tacloban City regarding these government aid through a phenomenological
approach. The researchers intended to acquire knowledge of how the victims who were
provided with assistance view the quality and sufficiency of the provisions provided by the
government and how it has contributed to their current state. The data as concerned to their
insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews and were organized and classified
by means of thematic analysis. Results have shown that most of the informants are satisfied
with the aid they have received despite of two who have expressed dissatisfaction. It was also
observed that the participants have concerns in the inconsistency of the aid distribution and the
housing provisions which according to them were built through substandard materials and
construction. In consonance to this, there is also insufficiency with their water supply even
after 6 years of the aftermath which then has become a major problem in the community.
Nonetheless, the victims from the housing community have expressed satisfaction with the aid
they have received and have chosen to live on with what they have acquired.

Key words: Super Typhoon Haiyan, government aid, aid distribution, perception

i
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1 Conceptual Framework………………………………… iv

ii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1 Main themes and sub-themes of the informants’ experience and perception

towards the Government Aid ………………………………………………

iii
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Perception of
Haiyan
Survivors

Quality of
Government Aid

Actual Situation Aid Received by

in the Housing the Survivors
Communities

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the study.

Figure 1 shows the researchers’ Conceptual Framework of the study. Central to this
paper is the identification of the quality of the aid given by the government. It seeks to prove
around whether the help that the survivors of Haiyan received were of quality specifically the
housing unit in the permanent relocation site. The key topic shall be identified by three factors;
aid received by the survivors, the actual situation in the housing community and most
importantly, the perception of the Haiyan survivors.

iv
 INTRODUCTION

On the 8th of November 2013, super typhoon Yolanda internationally known as

typhoon Haiyan hit the Visayan region of the Philippines- the home to some of the poorest
provinces in the country, leaving more destitute people (Atienza et al., 2015). The damage
brought by the super-typhoon was catastrophic. Furthermore, the study of Dy and Stephens
(2016) states that the super typhoon devastated the central Philippines, claiming more than
6,000 lives and displacing more than 4 million people. It was reported that approximately 12.2
million people were affected by this catastrophe, leaving 489,613 houses completely destroyed
and 595,149 that are partially damaged (NDRRMC, 2014).

According to the Assessment Capacities Project (2014), on the 16 of December the

th

government launched the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY). Moreover, Bonifacio

(2015) states that two years after Tacloban City was struck by Super Typhoon Haiyan, the
National Housing Authority (NHA) and non-government organizations (NGOs) are planning
to construct 1,128 permanent houses within the city. In addition, a research study by Opdyk et
al. (2017) states that the National Housing Authority (NHA) currently plans to build 205,128
more housing units at a cost of P61.25 billion. However, in 2017, almost 4 years after Super
Typhoon Haiyan ravaged Eastern Visayas, around 2000 families are still in bunkhouses. This
is because of the slow construction of permanent houses. Issues have also arise that there are
houses made of substandard materials (Cupin, 2017).

This study aims to explore the perceptions of Super Typhoon Haiyan survivors
accommodated within the housing community in Brgy. Cabalawan, Bagacay, Tacloban City.
They will be interviewed regarding the quality and sufficiency of the aid provided by the
Philippine government days after the calamity up to the present. The result of the study will be
in reference to the perceptions and interpretations of the study’s respondents which in ethical
matters are ideas that cannot be manipulated by the researchers.

1
 LITERATURE REVIEW

A Typhoon Vulnerable Philippines

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration 3 Nock-Ten (Nina) (PAGASA, 2016), the Philippines is prone to tropical
cyclones due to its geographical location which generally produces heavy rains, flooding and
also strong winds which result in immense casualties to human life and destruction to crops
and properties. On average, the country is visited by 20 tropical cyclones annually, almost half
of which made landfall. In addition, as stated by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and
Recovery (2017), since 1990, the Philippines has been affected by 565 natural disaster events
that have claimed the lives of nearly 70,000 Filipinos and have cost an estimated amount of
$23 billion in damages. Typhoons making landfall over the last decade have become stronger
and more devastating. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon ever recorded at
landfall, caused over 6,000 reported fatalities and damaged 1.1 million homes in nine regions.
Moreover, the geographical location is not the only reason why Philippines is susceptible to
typhoons that causing terrible destructions, as specified by National Geographic (2013)
“coastal homes, reforestation and the underdevelopment” of the country are also affecting
factors.

Aid distributed to Haiyan Survivors

After the Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the City of Tacloban, several organizations
coming from both local and international organizations aided the survivors. According to Asia
Society (2019), over 27 local and international aid organizations reached out to the survivors
by sending monetary donations, deploying medical teams and volunteers, relief goods as well
as equipment for basic services.

Some of the countries who helped Tacloban were Belgium, Japan, Israel and United
States. Belgium supported by sending medical and search and rescue personnel, Germany
contributed 23 tons of relief goods, Japan sent an emergency relief medical team while Israel
dispatched a team of medical, trauma and relief professionals and United States donated an

2
initial cost of $100,000 for water and sanitation; Troops, emergency respondents,
transportation and equipment.

According to Dy and Stephens (2016), the national government established the Office
of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) to oversee Haiyan
specific recovery efforts on December 2013. In Tacloban, the City Administrator formed
taskforces for functional areas such as debris clearing. The local government fostered response
structures in the moment and largely bypassed the legally-established disaster management
councils. The committee and taskforce structures were found to be more flexible and
responsive to their unique needs.

According to the Commission of Audit (2014), existing process of the donations

received are all accounted were insufficient. Given the many sources of donations, majority of
which were not coursed through government agencies, there was no way to track the flow of
aid. Given the long queues for food packs, auditors could no longer require the presentation of
eligibility documents. While it is important to ensure that prices were fair and reasonable by
the extent damage caused by the super typhoon resulted to a high demand for basic relief goods.
Lapses were noted in the documentation and recording of donated cash/relief goods and
movement of supplies from warehouses were sometimes done without accompanying approved
supporting documents.

Furthermore, political party was of the factor of unequal distribution of aid given by
the government. This was supported by Fourie (2018) as he expressed that country states are
bound to offer guide to their exchange accomplices over their non-exchange accomplices. Also,
scientists have discovered signs that contributors are inclined to appropriate lopsided measures
of help to beneficiaries who have similar partners and opponents.

Housing Impediments

Included with the aid the government has provided are housing projects for the
relocation of the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The modified shelter assistance program
or MSAP was developed as the Department of Social Welfare and Development targeted 3,112
units to be built in Regions 4B, 6, 7 and 8 (Government of the Philippines, 2017). However,
these housing projects have encountered problems relating to electricity and the availability of

3
potable water. According to Rosario (2017), access to water and electrical services has been
pinpointed as among the factors that caused the delay in the implementation of housing
relocation and resettlement projects for victims of typhoon Yolanda four years ago in Leyte
and Samar. The chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development
Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez has stated that the indiscretions the activities wherein
the housing units were being constructed were degraded by the lack of access to water and
electrical facilities supposed for the use of typhoon victims in Eastern Samar and Leyte.

Sittler (2017), stated that on summer months, water use tends to increase as we seek to
meet water demands of the outdoors. However, the water use inside the house can also tend to
increase, such as more laundry and taking frequent showers. Thus, the water supply quickly
runs out. This challenge of lacking water supply has evidently affected the needs of relocated
Haiyan victims. The cause of the insufficiency of the water supply in the Philippines can cause
health problems (World Health Organization, 2019) hence, making this water crisis a crucial
difficulty. Unsanitary water from pumps is the final resort to this water crisis, as there is no
other available option for another source. Philippine Network of Rural Development Institutes
(PhilNet-RDI) Operations Manager Emynita Tapiru explained that the lack of water has
resulted to problems of malnutrition and poverty, inability of children to go to school, and
conflicts within families. CYSAT (Coalition of Yolanda Survivors Association of Tacloban)
and PhilNet-RDI have called on the National Housing Authority (NHA) and its developers to
improve the septic tanks for every household and to separate the storm drainage from the sewer
lines. They are also recommending that secondary wastewater treatment facilities be installed
and ensure that standard or stronger materials be used in the construction of houses (OXFAM,
2016).

Immediate Government Response

Haiyan turned out to be the strongest typhoon ever measured and the southern coastal
areas of Eastern Samar province, where Haiyan first hit, had been over rolled by a storm surge
of 10 meters height (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Philippines, 2013).
Tacloban City was one of the most destroyed urban centers and was heavily affected by the
typhoon with about 1.1 million houses destroyed (Duerr, 2014). Just a day after Typhoon
Haiyan struck, clearing the Tacloban City Airport’s runway allowed larger aircrafts to enter as

4
three C130 aircrafts landed on the first day together with personnel, relief goods, and a
communications van for restoring communications in the area (Official Gazette, 2014). An
additional patrol jeep, trucks and personnel were deployed from PNP, an army from Catbalogan
and an ambulance. The Department of Health sent three officials who conducted health
assessment in Tacloban. Personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Philippine Navy
arrived with relief items. The Department of Social Work and Development mobilized
volunteers for repackaging; DTI declared price freeze and a team from MMDA that helped
with rescue efforts also arrived (Official Gazette, 2014).

On November 11, President Benigno Aquino III declared a national state of calamity
(Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Philippines, 2013) since the extent of the
crisis became visible. An action plan requiring USD 301 million, later raised to USD 348
million, was launched by the Humanitarian Country Team to assist the affected people.
International mobilization was high and in a few days, different funds were opened to collect
donations and humanitarian assistance: the Haiyan Action Plan (OCHA-Philippines, 2013) was
launched on 12 November almost half of it funded by 40 UN Member States as well as the
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), financed by public and private donors (IDMC,
2013).

Perception

Perceptions and sensing represent a unique source of how to experience something at

all (Demuth, 2013). It is a complex cognitive process and varies from person to person. The
people’s behavior is influenced by their perception of reality rather than the actual reality itself.
Survivors of typhoon Haiyan have received varieties of assistance from the government which
includes food, medicine, tents, and blankets to address the immediate needs of the survivors of
the typhoon (DFA, 2019). However, issues regarding the quality of these aid emerged.
According to Grewal and Brown (1994), perceived quality affects satisfaction. On the other
hand, Buetell (2006) stated that satisfaction is an overall assessment of feelings and attitudes
about one’s life at a particular point in time ranging from negative to positive. It is one of three
major indicators of well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect (Diener,
1984). Life satisfaction is characterized, in agreement with the cognitive theory, as
“individual’s cognitive judgement about comparisons based on the compatibility of their own
living conditions with the standards” (Diener et al., 1985). According to Scott (2019), the

5
discrepancy in the reality and expectation of the survivors also affects their level of satisfaction.
These expectations might even also create significant stress when they don’t match up with
reality.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs

The Strategic Response Plan is designed to support the Government of the Philippines’
response to the immediate humanitarian needs of the people affected by Typhoon Haiyan
(Yolanda), and complements the Government’s Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda.
International mobilization was high and in a few days different funds were opened to collect
donations and humanitarian assistance: the Haiyan Action Plan (Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs Philippines, 2013) was launched on 12 November almost half of it
funded by 40 UN Member States as well as the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF),
financed by public and private donors (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, 2013).
According to UNOCHA (2014) up to two months after the typhoon, many people were still
dependent on humanitarian assistance and only 52 percent of the needed funding had reached
the Philippines. The Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) was
created by virtue of Memorandum Order No. 62 issued on 06 December 2013. PARR was
mandated to put together an over-all strategic vision and integrated short-term, medium-term,
and long-term plans and programs for Yolanda-affected areas (Official Gazette, 2014). After
the resignation of the PARR, President Aquino issued Memorandum Order (MO) No. 79, on
22 April 2015, tasking the Director-General of the National Economic and Development
Authority, as the NDRRMC Vice-Chair for Rehabilitation and Recovery, to undertake the
coordination, monitoring and evaluation of all disaster-related programs, projects, and
activities (PPAs) for areas worst-affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Official Gazette, 2014).

The City of Tacloban, being a highly urbanized city, incurred the most damage to
housing among all affected cities and municipalities, with a total of 34,149 units damaged.
Based on Tacloban City report submitted on May 22, 2014, the total damages for Tacloban is
estimated at Php 7 billion with Php 2.50 billion for the Infrastructure Sector, Php 0.73 billion
for the Productive Sector, Php 3.40 billion for the Social Services Sector, and Php 0.36 billion
for other sectors. (NEDA, 2014). The typhoon has damaged about 1,140,332 houses, half of
which were totally destroyed (OCHA and UNEP 14.01.2014). Under PD 757 dated July 31,

6
1975. The National Housing Authority (NHA) was tasked to develop and implement a
comprehensive and integrated housing program which shall embrace, among others, housing
development and resettlement, sources and schemes of financing, and delineation of
government and private sector participation. The P9.8 billion funding support will also cover
the implementation of off-city row housing resettlements where in-city project plans are not
feasible. Out of the total target of 30,704 housing units, 8,084 off-city housing units from 9,882
developed lots will be completed before 2013 ends, the construction of which has already
started and currently on-going (NHA, 2015).

Resilience in Calamity

The disaster brought by super typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban City immensely tested the
country’s resiliency. Resilience here refers to the ability of human settlements to withstand and
to recover quickly from any hazard event. This does not only mean reducing risks and damage
from disasters (i.e. loss of lives and assets) but also the ability to quickly bounce back to a
stable state (UN-Habitat, 2016). International relief workers, who spend their lives visiting
disaster zones around the world, have expressed surprise and admiration at the outwardly jovial
determination of the survivors to "bangon," or rise, again (Malakunas, 2013). It became evident
that rebuilding storm-ravaged areas, while overwhelming and complicated, offered
Development and Peace and its partners the unique opportunity to redress some of the
conditions of poverty that made people so vulnerable in the first place, such as chronic poverty,
powerlessness, inequality, living on the margins and in hazardous areas and the fact that the
institutions that are supposed to assist them are generally weak. In addition, the magnitude of
a disaster like Haiyan, opens the door to corporations taking advantage of the chaotic situation
to push forward their own interests, which they would not be able do in normal times
(Development and Peace, 2017). However, according to Manyena (2006), it is important that
the process as well as the end point of resilience is context specific and informed by local
voices. There are dangers in resilience strategies that rely on ‘command and control styles that
risk preserving the status quo, and which might entrench exclusion, and take attention away
from the inequality, oppression and entitlement loss that results in cases of proneness to
insecurity and disaster.

7
Typhoon Haiyan Shelter Response Outcome Assessment

Shelter formed a significant part of the humanitarian response that followed. In the
Typhoon Haiyan Strategic Response, the shelter response was valued at USD 178,442,176,
accounting for 23% of all the requested funds and the second largest single component (Shelter
Cluster Strategy, March 2014). To inform the development of the shelter cluster strategy and
monitor changing needs over time. REACH conducted three assessments on behalf of the
shelter cluster. 1. Shelter and WASH in December 2013 (REACH, 2014), 2. A joint Shelter
and WASH monitoring assessment in April 2014, a monitoring assessment of the shelter
response in September 2014 (REACH, 2015).

Following deactivation of the Philippines Shelter Cluster (PSC) in October 2014,

Appraisal planned to evaluate the result of the enormous scale reaction by influenced
populations, administrative and non-legislative (NGO) organizations that followed Haiyan, and
focuses on shelter recuperation. The Global Shelter Cluster and operational shelter in the
Philippines planned and implemented a report which examines some of the characteristics
influencing shelter recovery (PSC, 2014).

When comparing the safety of different types of shelter assistance, the BBS standards
were observed in cases where complete permanent or transitional shelters had been constructed.
Families that received other types of recovery assistance, such as materials, cash support or
training, were not always found to prioritise during reconstructions. Community members that
did not receive assistance were frequently reported to have learned about BBS techniques by
watching people they saw as the most skilled local carpenters, while they worked on other
structure (HSWG, 2014).

Shelter agencies generally aimed to follow adequacy standards in line with those
outlines by the Humanitarian Shelter Working Group in all intervention (HSWG, 2014).
However, low awareness of these standards among beneficiaries, as well as their own
competing priorities often posed challenges to achieving them. For instance, shelter agencies
and affected households alike struggle to build shelters in line with adequate space standards
in heavily populated areas. Durability of materials used for construction, especially coco-
lumber, was a challenge with both shelter agency assisted and self-recovery rebuilding, due to
depleting stocks of coco lumber.

8
 Shelter agencies and communities alike explained the requirements for safety and
access are often inherently conflicting. Finding a safe which simultaneously challenges, leaving
many communities in no build zone (NBZ) with nowhere to go. Some relocated households
were said to use their shelters at relocation sites when they needed to evacuate in the face of
typhoons, while returning to live on the coast, closer to livelihoods and services (HSWG,
2014).

According to the Council of Yolanda Survivors Association of Tacloban, flooding

remains to be a concern for the resettled families. Amid solid downpours, floodwater enters
their house it was a consistent sentiment that the quality of housing units was made of
substandard materials. In the midst of quake, there are breaks that are found along the walls
and floors (CYSAT, 2016)

Lack of access to key infrastructure and services was a key issue at relocation sites,
often due to lack of available facilities or livelihoods but sometimes also due to lack of
integration of the relocated population, which prompted people to return to their barangay of
origin to access services that were otherwise not available at the new location.

9
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research Design

The researchers used a phenomenological approach in this study. It aims to have the
respondents’ perspectives on the quality of the housing projects, a part of the Haiyan
rehabilitation program of the government. In accordance with this objective, a qualitative type
of research was used and a semi-structured interview was conducted with the informants.
Through an in-depth interview, we were able to disclose the participants’ perception on the
quality of the housing project provided by the government considering that the participants had
already experienced and occupied the houses for years.

Research Locale

This study was conducted in the area of Tacloban City, where the super typhoon Haiyan
caused major destruction. The selected locale of the study is a housing project of the
government, specifically in Barangay 97, Ridge View Park, Cabalawan, Tacloban City. The
location was chosen for the convenience of the researchers to gather information that are
needed for this study.

Participants

The researchers chose participants through a convenience sampling in Barangay 97

Ridge View Park, Cabalawan, Tacloban City. The respondents were chosen with consideration
to its accessibility to the researchers for the gathering of data to be placed in the study. There
were 10 participants involved in the study who were to give their perceptions regarding the
government aid and the housing project which the government distributed. Through this, the
researchers were able to identify the matters which are in need of reconsideration towards the
conduct of this study.

10
Instrumentation

The researchers designed an interview guide as one of the data collection instruments
for this study. This study applied a semi-structured interview in inquiring the victims with the
interview guide containing five main questions. The questions were aimed at eliciting relevant
information regarding the perspective of the survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan concerning
the government's aid. The initial queries were demographic questions which aimed to ease the
atmosphere and fabricate rapport between the researchers and the respondents. Questions like
what were the benefits they received before and after being relocated to the housing
community, if they were satisfied with the government’s help, and if their situation was
different from before and up to the present, were asked to the victims as these questions were
essential to the study.

Data Collection Procedure

The researchers found possible participants in our study through the help of our peer,
which is currently situated in the locality where we conducted our interview. This network
helped us find respondents who agreed for an interview.

Prior to the procedure, we provided a letter of consent for the participants and briefly
explained the background of our study. To avoid inconvenience to the respondents, the
researchers personally went to their houses to supervise the interview. In preparation for the
interrogation, we asked permission from the participant if we could use a recorder or a device
to record the data that will be gathered. As the interview then began, and the prepared interview
questions were asked, followed by additional inquisitive questions when the researchers saw it
needed, to describe their real experience that answers the question. To express our gratitude to
the participants for granting us the privilege to perform an interview, the prepared incentives
were given to them afterwards.

Thereafter, the researchers collected all of the transcribed and the important details from
the informants and recorded, analysed and interpreted the data.

11
Data Analysis

A phenomenological approach was used to collect and evaluate the data collected. It
unified the survivors’ different perception regarding the quality of the government’s aid. A
thematic analysis was used in identifying meaningful patterns and themes found in the
information gathered. According to the University of Auckland (2017), thematic analysis is
one of the group of methods that concentrates on identifying patterned meaning across a
dataset. Its objective is to provide an answer to the research question being addressed. Patterns
are identified through a rigorous process of data familiarization, data coding, and theme
development and revision. This analysis has been effective on the conduct of the study.

The researchers listened to the voice recordings repeatedly, to acquaint and understand
the different perceptions of the informants subsequent to the interview. The data were encoded
and transcribed, as accurate as possible. The coded transcriptions were read, reread, and
constantly checked in order to classify them correctly according to the themes recognized.
Important statements were annotated to inhibit disregarding possible ideas used in the study.
The records’ similarities and differences were identified. Statements with the same themes
were grouped, described and named. Preceding the classified themes are the informants’
statements from which such concepts were based. Thematic analysis forged a more
comprehensive interpretation of the views and opinions of survivors.

12
 RESULTS

This chapter discusses the themes, clusters of meaning, and values extracted from the
narratives. The gatekeepers’ accounts were treated through Thematic Analysis of Data. The
chapter further provides explanations interwoven through a careful dissection of the narratives.

Table 1. Main themes and sub-themes of the informants’ experience and perception towards
the Government Aid

Main Theme Sub-Theme

Inconsistency of Aid Distribution - Medical Attention

- Food Assistance
- Acquiring of Housing Units
- Financial Aid
- Livelihood Support
- Commodities Received

Insufficient Water Supply

Condition of Housing Units

Informants’ Satisfaction of Aid Received

Inconsistency of Aid Distribution

After an intensive assessment and examination of the narratives, it has been identified
that the informants have received varying amounts of relief and types of goods. In spite of the
fact that some of the informants came from the same bunkhouse community before displacing
and on the permanent relocation sites.

13
 Medical Attention. Informant Number 1 narrated that she has not received any
medicines and other health care services during their stay in the bunkhouse community. She
further explained that only those who have been caught in an accident were the only ones who
obtained medical attention, as stated,

“Waray kami. An nakakakuan la hito an sugad na…. naaaksidente. Naaksidente an

nasamaran.” (We did not have. The ones who got, are those involved in accidents, the
wounded)

Informant Number 2 had the same experience with informant number 1 and did not
receive any health treatment. Furthermore, when she was asked in an interview if they were
given the medical attention needed or medicines at times when a family member gets sick in
the temporary shelter, she replied,

“Waray, waray” (Nothing, nothing)

Unlike the first two informants, Informant Number 3 have obtained the medical care
needed at times when they get ill. She further explained,

“Mayda kasi ngadto kuan bagat station ba na kanan kuan red cross” (There was like
a station there from Red Cross)

She added to her statement that the Red Cross station remains in a particular area in the
temporary shelter site, where they were situated. There was an office that manages and an
office specifically for check-ups.

Informants Number 4, 6 and 7 has received medicines and even got health assessments
during their settlement in the provisional shelters. As stated in the interview,

“dati nanhahatag hira hin medisina, hin mga sugad, mga kuan pati hin mga check—libre
check-up.” and “Mayda gad gihap, nakakakuwan gihap hiran kuwan check-up didto”. (Back
then, they give out medicine, like that, also check – free check-up and there was also, they can
get check-up there.)

Similarly, Informant Number 8 acquired medicine and free check-ups but from
International Organization for Migration (IOM) not from the national government.

In relation to the abovementioned situations, Informant Number 9 also affirmed that

she received medicines when unwell.

14
 The records gathered demonstrates the discrepancy of aid distribution, some gatekeeper
have gained the medical attention and assessments needed in the transient shelters, and some
did not.

Food Assistance. Informants Number 1,2,3,4,5,7,8, and 9 stated that they have
received relief goods like coffee, canned goods, noodles and rice during their stay in temporary
shelters until they had been transferred to their permanent relocation sites.

In relation to the abovementioned situation, Informant Number 9 added that when they
moved to the permanent shelter they were given half sack of rice.

Unlike the specified gatekeepers, Informant Number 6 claimed that they were only
able to receive relief goods during their stay in the temporary shelters but when they moved to
the permanent shelters there were no food assistance given. As she claims,

‘’Waray na, an pagabot nam nganhi’’ and ‘’ Waray na, stop na nga tanan nam kuan’’.
(There was none, when we came here and there was nothing, it all stopped.)

Informant number 10 affirmed about getting food assistance from Duterte which is the
mayor of Davao during that time. In which, he gave relief to the workers in LTO.

‘’ahh mga 1 week after the Yolanda si Duterte ang nagdeliver sa amon sa LTO didto sa among
opisina’’. (One week after Yolanda, it was Duterte who delivered it for us in LTO, in our
office)

Acquiring of Housing Units. Informants procured housing units of different

construction materials. Some informants’ shelter’s wall was made of hardiflex and some were
of concrete. The majority of gatekeepers secured a residence through a raffle, as mentioned by
Informants Number 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, when asked how they got a hold of a shelter,

“Oo, ginraffle”. (Yes, it was raffled),

Informant Number 1 stated that they attained a residence because while they were
staying at the temporary shelter community, they were listed as one of the recipients for a
permanent unit.

Informant Number 3 presented a certificate of housing unit allocation as an indication

that they have availed a permanent shelter in the community. She further explained,

15
 “kasi gin raffle gin raffle ngadto gin bunot bunot sugad kuan ton mabunot ka ngadto
tapos may gin kita kasi ngadto han masterlist tapos pagkadto gin bunot bunot kun ano
ka nga block or lot mangangadto, so asya ito nanganhi kami” (because it was a raffle,
there we had a draw then there was a master list that they referred to then you will be
residing according to what you got from the draw, that was how we got here)

She also added, that they were that told after 5 years they will start paying a total of
P200.00 per month for their residency. Which were supported by statements from Informants
2,4 and 7. However, the gatekeepers stated different details regarding this, and was not even
sure with the information as stated by Informant Number 4 ,

“napulo ka tuig nga libre tapos sunod nga kuan na, baydan na namon ini. (It will be
free for 10 years but then after that we will pay for this.)

In relation to the aforementioned situation, Informants Number 2 and 7 were not even
sure with this information, as mentioned by the participants,

“damo giyap it nagawas nga rumors nasering nga babayaaran namon an monthly,
mayada liwat nasering nga waray.” and “an ira siring babayaran ini namon, siring
liwat it iba baga waray man kuno bayad”(there were also a lot of rumors coming out,
saying that we will pay monthly, there were also gossips that we will not and they said
that we will pay – housing unit – but others stated that we don’t have to pay)

Informant Number 2 added to her statement that the housing unit was not even complete
the first time they arrived there, the building did not even have a door but they immediately
took action regarding the condition.

Informant Number 9 narrated that she attended meetings before participating in a raffle
draw for the unit.

The informants have disclosed how they came into possession of housing units, which
was constructed of different types of building materials. Additionally, there were rumors that
circulated around the community regarding the monthly payment for the residence.

Financial Aid. Conforming to the data gathered from our 2nd ,3rd ,4th ,5th ,8th and
9th informants they were unable to avail any amount of cash benefits coming from the
government or any organizations.

16
 “han adto na time waray man may nakuan hin kuan nahatag hin cash”. (at that time,
they did not give cash)

Informant Number 5 further explained that there were people who were given monetary
help of Php 10,000.00 to Php 12,000 but she was not one of the beneficiary.

Informant Number 1 specified that there were financial benefits given to those who
were in the temporary shelter community that was still relocated to permanent housing units.
However, despite being in the same area the respondent was unable to receive that assistance,
as she stated,

“An iba natagan. An nakadto ha community natagan hira pero narelocate man la gihap
hira nganhi. Hi kami waray kami hit makakuan” (the others received. The people who
were in the community were given but they were still relocated. Then we, we weren’t
given those)

Informant Number 6 narrated that there were no cash assistance given to them by any
financial aid provider or agency. The gatekeeper added that the only monetary support they
obtained was from Tzu Chi Foundation.

Relative to the abovementioned situation, Informant Number 7 disclosed that she

obtained assistance from Yeda, with an amount of Php 10,000.00. In addition, the informant
receives a daily payment coming from their livelihood training.

Informant Number 10 stated when asked whether they were given a monetary
assistance,

“didto sa LTO nakakuha me hin PMS nga kuan ano adto 30,000.” (We got a (financial
assistance from) PMS in LTO, around Php 30,000.00)

Livelihood Support. Informant Number 1 stated that she received an aid intended for
a living. Moreover, Informant Number 5 had obtained assistance, as she affirmed,

“oo naka-kuan ak hito nga DTI.” (Yes, I availed at DTI)

In addition, she specified that she was given equipment like puller and weighing scale
(timbangan).

Informant Number 7 narrated that she secured a livelihood program, she added,

17
 “naghtag hiran kuwan training mayda sewing, mayda cooking sugad iton” (they gave
training, like sewing, like cooking, like those.)

She furthermore explained that there were a lot who availed the training, only those
who were interested. Individuals enlist to training according to their inclination on specific
fields like cooking or sewing.

However, unlike the abovementioned informants, Informant Number 6 was unable to

avail any assistance or programs for livelihood from the government.

Commodities Received. Corresponding to the records, Informants Number 1 stated

that she received relief goods from the government. She added that, Catholic Relief Services
(CRS) also gave out supplies in the evacuation center but she failed to obtain those.

The majority of the informant have procured the same set of items from the government
when they first moved to the permanent relocation site. The 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 procured
nd th th th th th th

commodities like banig (woven mats), mosquitero (mosquito net), kaldero (pots) and taklap
(blankets).

Furthermore, Informants Number 9 and 5 added that they also received a hygiene kit
through their stay in the transient shelters. Additionally, Gatekeepers Number 8 and 3 acquired
clothes from the government, as narrated by them,

“pati an amon bado” and “Mayda”. (even our clothes and there was)

Insufficient Water Supply

Based on the data collected, residents are having problems towards their water supply
in the housing community. Informants shared their experience and comments regarding the
issue.

Informant number 2 claimed that they do not have direct access of water in their housing
units. As a result, the residents of the housing community lack the source in their
homes. Furthermore, regarding the installment for the supply, informant number 7 said,

“Amo ito it am ginhuhulat hiton nga makuwanan kamin. kada tagsa haamon nakuwan
gud dinhi… mayada gad inayad dida nga kuruwanan hin tubig, pero gin stop man.”

18
 (That is what we are waiting for, that each of us will have direct supply. They were
fixing something here, but it was postponed.)

This infers that the people in-charge with the water connections have paused the plan
of installing water pipes directly to the housing units. Though the plan being set aside,
informant number 7 still anticipates this plan to resume.

However, informants number 9 and 10’s statements contradicted the abovementioned

claim. They narrated that the process for the installment for direct water supply is on-going. In
addition, engineers have already surveyed the housing units. Informant number 10 said,

“may nag survey dinhi nga mga engineer sa tubig, nga magkuan na hira hin tubo ngadi
para balay.” (There were engineers who surveyed the area for water connection, that
they’ll fix pipes for each housing units.)

Same with informant number 7, the informants hope that the plan will succeed, so that
the accessibility to the water supply will not be difficult.

Informant number 2 narrated her struggle with the water supply being inadequate. She
said,

“… it tubig amo it makuri kay sugad ngani yana waray kami tubig kay tag pira ka
adlaw bago dumiliber amo gud tam problema ngadi tubig… waray kami tubig pa dinhi
ito la nga tanke deleber pero ha balay mismo waray pa.” (…The water is what’s
difficult since currently, we’re out of water supply because it takes how many days
before they (contractors) deliver. That is our problem here, water… We don’t have
direct supply of water here (housing units) yet. There are those tanks that deliver the
supply)

She added to her statement that the community has tanks that contractors fill with water
every day. Moreover, Informant number 5 narrated that there is a fee for every jug filled with
water. Informant number 3 added,

“mag titiis ka pag alog amo ito. Mag titiis ka pag alog mag titiis ka pag pinila kuan
adto kasi didto iba la kasi kun didto han mayda kasi nganhi mayda deliver na tag lima
singko lima piso tas may ada liwat piso tag dos kun diri mo gusto mag hulat bagat
sugad ba hito pero okay man.” (You’ll have to endure to get water, that’s it. You’ll
have to endure to get water, you’ll have to endure falling in line because in that area,

19
 someone delivers water which costs 1 peso per 5 jugs and there’s also that costs 2 pesos
if you don’t like to wait or something like that, but it’s okay.)

Although there are contractors that deliver water every day, the informants shared that
these suppliers have been inconsistent with their delivery in the later weeks. Hence, the
residents have limited water supply.

Informant number 1 shared that since it is summer, water is scarce since people are in
need of the supply. Thus, the water from the tank is quickly consumed. Informant number 4
stated that right after Holy Week, delivery of water supply has slowed down. She said that,

“Han kuan adto, nag tulo or upat ka days tapos yana… pera anay ka adlaw nga waray Waray
liwat kakulop. Kasang kulop la nag deliver tapos yana waray.” (It took 3 to 4 days for them to
deliver. Nobody delivered yesterday. They delivered the day before yesterday and now, no
one.)

This means that there is no clear schedule as to when the water supply will be
distributed. She mentioned that if contractors failed to deliver the supply, the residents in the
housing community fetch water from the pumps and wells.

Informant number 3 and 8 stated that the water from both pumps and wells are not
hygienic. Thus, the housing community lacks water sanitation. Nonetheless, the residents still
use that supply since they are no other water source. In addition, Informant number 3 said that
water from the resources is limited. She further replied that,

“kun waray.. waray tubig an bomba, waray liwat kami tubig.” (If water from the pumps run
out, then we don’t have water.)

The statements imply that the aforementioned suppliers of water are the only sources
they can gather water from. Since, water supply has not been connected to the housing units
yet. In addition, the water from the pumps and wells are not sanitary for the residents for every
day use. Furthermore, delivery of the supply became inconsistent. Thus, the residents are
having difficulties in their daily lives due to the insufficient water supply.

20
Condition of Housing Units
One of the assistance the survivors received from the government is the permanent
housing units. However, during their stay in the housing community, majority of the informants
were unsatisfied towards the construction and condition of the shelters. The informants shared
that these shelters were made of substandard materials. Informant number 6 stated,

“Ay diri gud kay diri man kami natapod gud kun ano an ira kahimo inin, kay waray man kami
hini kumita.” (Not really, we do not trust its quality because we have not seen it while it is
being constructed.)

Furthermore, the informants shared that the materials that were utilized in the
construction were not the same. Informant number 3 claimed that their shelter was made of
concrete cement unlike the other housing units that utilized hard flex.

On the other hand, informant number 4 said that the housing unit was well-constructed.
She stated,

“Pero okay gad, maupay an ira ka ano… Maupay an ira pag-ano han mga balay” (But it was
good, they built the houses well)

This shows that not all the housing units have similar construction quality and material.
According to informant number 6, their shelter is not safe in the midst of crisis. There were
cracks that was caused by an earthquake. She added that there will be an increase of cracks if
the seismic tremor will happen once more since the quality of the unit is not sturdy enough to
withstand it.

“Siguro kun bumalik ito nga linog, bangin ini baga kumuwan na magkadagdag”
(Maybe if the earthquake happens again, the cracks might even expand)

Aside from the earthquake, flooding is also one of the issues in the relocation site. There
are informants who shared their experiences in the midst of heavy rains that results to flooding.
Certain areas within the housing community encounter shallow flooding. In regards with this
issue,

21
 Informant number 7 shared that in their area, it barely floods. However, when it rains
vigorously, a shallow flood enters their house. They feel perilous with the danger that could be
brought by the electricity since all of their appliances are generated with it.

“Basta makusog it uran na tuhom ini nga tubig nganhi ngan nalasaw didi’t ubos, salit
naninilikado kami’t kuryente kay mga puro man inin di-kuryente nga ak mga gamit,
salit amo gud akon prinoproblema kun nag-uuran” (When heavy rain falls, water enters
the house further making the floor wet which made us vulnerable to electric shocks
since we own a lot of electricity-generated supplies, that is my utmost concern
whenever it constantly rains.)

Additionally, some of the informants expressed that, in their general vicinity they do
not experience flooding. In addition, informant number 6 said that they do not experience
flooding in their area.

She further replied when asked in an interview,

“Ngadto la nga side,ha ira.” (Just there, in that area)

This implies that there are only areas in the relocation site that are prone to flooding in
times of heavy rains.

From the short review above, 8 out of 10 informants affirmed the poor condition of the
housing units which the government provided. Such as, the materials that were utilized in
constructing the housing units and the simultaneousness of flooding in the midst of substantial
downpours.

Informants’ Satisfaction of Aid Received

Amidst the verge of crisis brought about by Super Typhoon Haiyan, it was the
responsibility of the government to aid the needs and welfare of the survivors in terms of food,
shelter, and clothing. As these were provided accordingly, 8 out of 10 informants in majority
have affirmed satisfaction with the aid provided by the government. Informant number 4 stated:

22
 “Oo, satisfied talaga kami kay sugad ini waray na kami ginbabaydan tapos safe pa
kami” (Yes, we are satisfied because now we do not have to pay anything and we are
safe”)

The informant has expressed absolute satisfaction with the government’s aid whilst
explaining that they have been provided safety in their shelter.

Informant number 8, however, as one of the 2 non-affirming informants, has stated

when asked about the notion of satisfaction in an interview that:

“Waray, dire, nagpatapod la kami” (Nothing, no, we were just promised and received
nothing)

“Syempre hatag, syempre kuan gud ito, blessing mo ito nga maka karawat ka hito
talaga, ngan accepted ko ito, satisfied ako it ira mga bulig ha amon” (Of course, it was
given to us, of course it is, it is your blessing to have received those (aid), and I accepted
them, I am satisfied with their help to us)

This was the statement of informant no. 7 when asked in the interview as an expression
of satisfaction to help that was provided for them.

Synthesis

The catastrophe left many people, homeless, hopeless and in great need of help. As the
ones with great responsibility, the government provided the survivors with assistance.
However, as researchers conducted this, study the perception of the survivors revealed that,
majority showed of them showed a negative response.

The informants claimed that the government was inconsistent in providing them aids
like medical attention, food and financial assistance, acquisition of housing units and livelihood
support. Although foreign and local agencies already have worked together to provide health
assistance for the survivors, only informants 3, 4,6, and 7 claimed that they have received
medical attention when ill (F. Guerrero, 2014). Food assistance was sent immediately to the
survivors, 8 out of 10 informants shared that they have received food supplies such as canned
goods, coffee, noodles and rice during their stay in their temporary shelters until they were
displaced in their permanent homes in the relocation site (Official Gazette, 2014). Regarding

23
the acquisition of the housing units, 6 out of 10 survivors have acquired a housing unit through
a raffle draw. It took them months or even years to be displaced in the relocation site because
of issues regarding the reconstruction of housing units including insufficient and poorly
implemented assistance schemes as well as prolonged land acquisition and subcontracting
issues (Ong et al., 2016).

According to Reyes (2017), financial assistance was also given to the survivors
however it was only Informant number 1 and 10 who was able to attain such aid.Informant
number 1 was able to receive financial assistance during his stay in the temporary shelters while
Informant number 10 in his previous agency of work. It was only informant numbers 1, 5 and
7 were given livelihood support by the government, however, they continue to struggle as the
relocation sites are inaccessible and located away from employment opportunities (Ong et al.,
2016).

Almost 6 years after the calamity, water scarcity is still a top concern of residents in the
relocation site. All of the informants shared that even though they are being provided by the
government with water trucks twice a week, the informants commented that still, it is not
enough. Out of the 10 informants, 8 of them expressed their dismay regarding the poor
condition of housing units wherein they claimed that the construction of housing units utilized
substandard materials (Villanueva, 2017). Non-food items were also distributed, 9 of the
informants have received commodities like clothes, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen
utensils (Relief Web, 2014). Even though the informants stated a negative response regarding
the aids in which the government has provided, 8 out of 10 still expressed satisfaction regarding
the overall aid provided to them by the government.

24
 DISCUSSIONS

Aid Distribution

The results of this study has revealed that different assistances were distributed to the
survivors. They were categorized as livelihood, medical, housing units, food, commodities and
financial aid. According to Asia Society (2019), over 27 local and international aid
organizations reached out to the survivors by sending monetary donations, deploying medical
teams and volunteers, relief goods as well as equipment for basic services.

The survivors received numerous benefits before and after being relocated to their
permanent shelters. However, it was reported that they did not receive fair share of assistance.
It was stated that survivors were discouraged to go and line-up for the relief due to the hot
weather and lack of interest. Thus, resulting to the survivors not receiving the aid.

Moreover, there were reliefs obtained by some of the recipients that others did not. One
of them stated that sometimes they do not receive assistance due to the fact of being on the
opposing political party. This was supported by Fourie (2018), as he stated that nation states
are more likely to give aid to their trade partners over their non-trade partners. Additionally,
researchers have found indications that donors are prone to distribute disproportionate amounts
of aid to recipients who have the same allies and rivals.

In accordance with this, a similar case happened during Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon
Pepeng wherein according to the study of Porio (2011), the research team found some instances
where the distribution of assistance in the recovery phase could be linked to electoral bids by
local politicians. The legislator would offer a housing unit to the survivors in exchange of their
vote. If in case he loses, the unit would be forfeited and would be given to another person.
Furthermore, personalized grant of recovery assistance were also observed such as direct cash
or in kind assistance given by local government officials.

Therefore, inconsistency of aid distribution is not solely based on the government’s

action, but also with the attitude and behavior of the survivors. Political sides of the survivors
were also one of the factors that contributed to the unfair distribution of assistance.

25
Struggles

The survivors who have been relocated to the permanent housing location were only
given the housing units alone, excluding electricity and water connections. The survivors
reported that it was the owner’s choice if he/she wanted electricity and water connected to their
housing unit. Regarding the electricity connection, it was not guaranteed that all the survivors
can get the supply since it was noted that the relocated survivors have different initial expenses.
Thus, only a few have electricity in their housing units.

However, the major struggle between the two is that the relocated survivors were facing
was the insufficient water supply within their housing community. The survivors were
struggling with the limited water supply. This was due to the fact that their housing units lack
direct water connection. The survivors gather their supply from reservoirs such as the tanks,
pumps and wells. Due to contractors being inconsistent with the delivery of water supply, the
supply is also not consistent. Moreover, survivors reported that during summer, the water
consumption increases. As supported by Sittler (2017), she states that on summer months,
water use tends to increase as we seek to meet water demands of the outdoors. However, the
water use inside the house can also tend to increase, such as more laundry and taking frequent
showers. Thus, the water supply quickly runs out.

Which is why, if the supply from the tanks run out, the survivors resort to use the water
from the pumps and wells. However, water from the two sources are unsanitary, but due to the
unavailability of the sanitized water supply, survivors chose to fetch water there.

Based on the results, the water supply is limited which is a hindrance that could affect
the survivors’ daily lives. The article of World Health Organization (2019) states that the cause
of the insufficiency of the water supply in the Philippines can cause health problems. Moreover,
people are often forced to use water that may be harmful since they lack the sanitized water to
use for their daily consumption.

This infers that the survivors in the housing community may have been infected because
of unsanitized water consumption. In addition, there have been cases when the residents in the
housing community were contaminated. In line with this, there also other places where there
are similar cases. After the earthquake in Haiti on 2010, a cholera epidemic broke out and has

26
cost more than 8,700 lives due to the low access to clean water. Improved sanitation make it
easier for certain diseases to spread, the average number of cases has decreased since 2010, but
has spiked during the first months of 2015 partly due to heavy rains. Conversely, because of
more efficient health responses, the mortality rate has decreased to less than one percent (The
World Bank, 2015). People’s lives are put to risk due to low access of sanitary water, thus
forced to use contaminated water.

Henceforth, in the construction of the housing units, electrical and water lines should
be installed to avoid inconvenience to the survivors. Also, in conclusion with two of the
struggles that the residents are facing, the insufficiency of the water supply caused problems
towards the survivors’ stay in the housing units. Furthermore, the inaccessibility of sanitary
water made the survivors resolve in obtaining unhygienic water which can result to severe
diseases

Living Conditions

The results of this study have revealed that the relocated Haiyan Survivors in Brgy. 97
Cabalawan Ridge View, Tacloban City have reported to have safer living conditions. This was
due to the fact that they were now living in a more stable house compared to when they were
in temporary relocation homes. However, this did not mean that they were living in a perfect
home. Although their living conditions improved, there were still a couple of problems
involved. The relocated survivors reported their houses to be built with substandard materials.
It was reported to be safer, but still insufficient.

This scenario is not new however. In 2004, when a tsunami struck Sri-Lanka, relocation
sites were also found out to be built with substandard materials, poor quality timber, roofing
material, doors and windows, poor quality finishes and inferior quality fixtures and fillings
were noted at almost all the houses (Manatunge and Abeysinghe, 2017). According to the
community leaders, the reason was the lack of funds allocated for construction, probably due
to the escalation of costs with time.

There were also economic difficulties that the survivors experienced due to the
geographical relocation. The survivors experienced hardships in their livelihood due to a couple
of factors. One of the reasons is that they were now further away from their clients or

27
workplace. Working under such conditions have been found to give an additional amount of
stress to the worker. The locations selected to build the housing units were too far from the city
centre and the sources of livelihood. The accessibility of the relocation site describes the
difficulty of reaching certain activities and opportunities both for the survivors and response
services, basic needs, economical, and social opportunities at practical cost, ease and time
(Lucas et al., 2016)

This form of economic struggles however does not stop there. We can also infer that
these survivors experience a degree of psychological distress as a results of economic
difficulty. Flooding remains to be a concern for the resettled families, during strong rains, flood
water enters their houses through their toilets, sinks, doors and even walls. Indeed, it was a
consistent sentiment that the quality of the houses was poor condition. There are cracks and
holes that create openings, along these flood waters to enter their houses. Likewise, the resettled
families are complaining about the faulty drainage and sewer systems that were put in place
(CYSAT, 2016).

Therefore, living conditions are not solely based on having a materially better house,
but also with the geographical and economic considerations that come along with it. Although
we can conclude that they have better housing, the same cannot be automatically said about
their overall living conditions. Safety does not equate with security.

Perceptions towards the Aid Received

The study aimed to find out the views of the survivors situated at the permanent
relocation site in Cabalawan, Tacloban City regarding the aids that have been given to them.
In which, results have revealed that survivors have felt the satisfaction and some were
discontented with the specified assistances. The survivors have expressed their dissatisfaction
on the aid they have received, specifically because of the struggles they are experiencing in the
permanent housing community. In line with this, a case study by Manatunge and Abeysinghe,
(2017) in Sri Lanka, depicts the same scenario where almost all the resettlers were dissatisfied
with the housing units. Despite the issues and conflicts, survivors expressed sense of
satisfaction, because of the fact that at least they were given something rather than to have
nothing at all.

28
 According to Buetell (2006), satisfaction is an overall assessment of feelings and
attitudes about one’s life at a particular point in time ranging from negative to positive. It is
one of three major indicators of well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect
(Diener, 1984). In that, we can infer that due to the recent circumstances, survivors are
encountering difficulties and it is affecting their well-being and contentment.

Additionally, life satisfaction is characterized, in agreement with the cognitive theory,

as “individual’s cognitive judgment about comparisons based on the compatibility of their own
living conditions with the standards” (Diener et al., 1985). In conclusion, since people
frequently compare their situations to other people and the standards that the society has set.
Which furthermore leads to a discrepancy in their reality and expectations then people are often
left dissatisfied, and in this case it is the inconsistency of the aid provided for them.

29
 CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that the informants were satisfied with the aid given by
the government. It helped them start anew and bounce back after the devastating calamity
struck the region. One of them was able to make a living out of the livelihood programs that
were conducted. However, due to its locality, gaining customers and earning money was hard.

They are residing peacefully inside the housing community because there are barangay
officials that are patrolling. Conversely, they feel unsafe within their units because it is not
sturdy enough to withstand a calamity as it was only made of substandard materials as they
have concluded in the interviews. They are also having major problems in terms of their water
consumption since they don’t have their own direct water supply and the delivery of water is
inconsistent, which is the main problem that the informants have stated. In the study, it was
also concluded that the victims of the typhoon have encountered an inconsistency with the aid
distribution as some have received a larger amount and varieties of aid while some have
acquitted less. The survivors have received sufficient in terms of basic necessities, relief, and
shelter however, according to the informants, there is a lacking amount of provision in terms
of livelihood which is important so that they will acquire a source of income. Lastly, the
participants from the locality where the research was conducted have expressed contentment
whilst stating that with the aid they have received their current disposition is fair enough for
living.

30
 RECOMMENDATIONS

After interpreting the data collected, the researchers have come up with several
recommendations.

Ethnographic study is highly recommended to enable the researchers to further gain

knowledge and test if the housing unit provided by the government is sturdy enough to
withstand a calamity. The study was conducted within the city to ensure that the survivors from
the housing community will receive sufficient amount of aid. Conducting this study on remote
areas is greatly advised by the researchers to assess if the government’s response actually
reached the survivors.

The findings of the study were gathered from the perception of the survivors residing
in Brgy. 97 Cabalawan Ridge View Park. Performing a study to garner the insights of
Government Employees responsible for the aid distribution is also suggested by the researchers
to discern whether or not the statements from both survivors and accountable authorities match.

Problems regarding the informants’ water consumption must be taken into

consideration. To resolve the interminable crisis, Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD)
should install a direct water supply to each of the residents’ houses to avoid fetching water
from afar. Thus, reducing the hassle and ensuring the water consumed is sanitary.

31
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