Written by Darlene M. Reble
A joint needs assessment conducted in Barangay Don Pedro has revealed pressing challenges faced by the community, particularly in the areas of economic stability, disaster preparedness, and gender dynamics. The initiative, titled “Gender Needs Assessment in Vulnerable Barangays of Naawan,” was spearheaded by the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Gender and Development (GAD) Office in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) and the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRM) Office on March 12, 2024.
The assessment focused on Barangay Don Pedro, a low-lying agricultural community dependent primarily on rice farming. This reliance on agriculture, combined with exposure to natural hazards, has left many residents facing significant financial strain. Findings show that a majority of households (52.17%) earn less than Php 9,100 per month, with informal business (26.09%) and fishing (17.39%) serving as their primary sources of income. Despite most residents having basic utilities such as toilets (95.7%) and electricity (91.3%), a large portion of the community (65.2%) continues to use firewood as their primary cooking fuel. Meanwhile, educational attainment data revealed that the largest group of respondents (34.78%) reached college level, though not all completed their degree.
The study also highlighted notable gender dynamics within the barangay. Traditional gender roles remain prominent, with 56.52% of respondents believing that men should be the heads of households and 47.83% stating that males should be responsible for making major family decisions. While reported incidents of physical and psychological violence were low, economic violence emerged as the most prevalent, affecting 9 out of 23 respondents. Awareness of legal protections such as RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act) was limited, with the majority (56.52%) indicating they were only “somewhat knowledgeable” about the law.
In addition, the community showed low disaster preparedness despite its vulnerability to natural hazards. Most respondents reported they had not attended any emergency response training. Health-related concerns were also noted, with 56.52% of participants reporting disabilities, particularly visual impairments, and 52.17% indicating they experienced stress in the past year. The assessment included barangay frontliners, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and youth, reflecting a wide range of community experiences and needs.
The data gathered from this assessment will guide MSUN GAD, IPDM, and the CDRRM Office in crafting evidence-based programs aimed at strengthening economic resilience, enhancing disaster preparedness, and promoting gender equity in Barangay Don Pedro. This initiative underscores MSU at Naawan’s commitment to advancing community-centered development and inclusive governance through informed and targeted interventions.
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