Lubi habitat disaster-resilient socialized housing : an application of a safety perception assessment on the UN-habitat for humanity program in Barangay Lower Glad, Midsayap

Abstract

Due to its geographical location, the Philippines has constantly been exposed to various disasters. As a result, people's lives have been continuously disrupted, and the number one property most damaged is people's homes, leading to rising poverty and other social difficulties in the country. Thus, this study assessed the residents' perceptions of safety in future disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes in the UN-Habitat for Humanity Program housing units in Barangay Lower Glad, Midsayap, and the factors that influence the residents' perceptions of safety in these two disasters. Prior information, program experiences, hazard exposure, and expected damage to housing components were all found to impact housing safety perception. The study found that residents perceived their homes are more vulnerable during typhoons than earthquakes, with the foundation being the most damaged housing component in both calamities. Prior program experiences heavily influence perceptions of housing safety during typhoons, whereas prior knowledge of design, construction, safety measures, and expected damage to house components heavily influence perceptions of housing safety during earthquakes. These findings recommend how different sectors, whether public or private, government or non-government, can intervene in how programs are implemented and housing is developed in the Philippines to improve residents' perceptions of housing safety and mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.