The A2D Project-Research Group for Alternatives to Development, Inc. will organize a project from 2022 to 2025 entitled “Strengthening Climate and Disaster Resilience in Coastal Areas through Community-led Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)/Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Involving and Led by Persons with Disabilities.” This project received funding in the amount of EUR 435,655 from ASB and BMZ. A2D Project is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life through the promotion of evidence-based development practices. The organization is committed to finding innovative alternatives to address poverty, exclusion, and inequality in the Philippines.
The Philippines, as an island nation located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” is highly vulnerable to the negative impacts of natural disasters and climate change. According to research by the A2D Project in 2015, persons with disabilities in Tabogon City, Cebu Province, faced barriers related to accessibility (both physical and informational) during and after the Typhoon Haiyan disaster. These barriers resulted in their needs not being met during and after the disaster. Persons with disabilities in Cebu also encountered access barriers during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many feeling trapped by their environment. The local government was not sufficiently responsive to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, many people with disabilities lost their jobs due to lockdown.
The project aims to develop steps and strategies for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation that consistently consider the perspectives, needs, and capacities of vulnerable population groups such as persons with disabilities. The goal is to strengthen the resilience of selected coastal and island communities in Cebu Province, Philippines. This activity is planned to be carried out in 10 communities (referred to as barangays in Filipino), namely Caohagan, Pangan-an, Caubian, Gilutungan, Catarman, Hagdan, Kinatarkan, Langub, Esperanza (Tulang Diyot), and Sonog.
Based on the background and capacity of the A2D Project, interventions for the target group will be divided into three sub-goals. First, promoting the formal legality of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDis) and increasing institutional capacity and sustainable funding. This section also seeks to advocate for the involvement of persons with disabilities in DRR/CCA. This sub-goal is implemented through activities that provide support for the formal registration or accreditation of OPDis and their participation in government.
The project also involves the local government as a target. The local government is expected to understand the rights, needs, and abilities of persons with disabilities. Subsequently, the government is also expected to actively involve persons with disabilities in DRR and in planning and decision-making processes related to development.
The aim of this project is to increase knowledge, resources, and capacity for identifying and avoiding disaster and climate risks. This is targeted towards citizens in the 10 barangays, particularly persons with disabilities, their family members, and members of other vulnerable groups, as well as local decision-makers. The goals of this project are realized through various activities, such as training on disability rights, inclusive disaster risk reduction, financial management, and social enterprise development.
