DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Pacifico, Eunice G.
Abstract/Executive Summary
Every year, the Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces devastating weather-related calamities that greatly affect vulnerable communities. One of the most affected by these are the contractual workers, who face several challenges due to the absence of paid leave, health benefits, and stable income. Contractual workers are financially vulnerable, making it harder for them to recover from disasters. This study explores how typhoons may impact the daily lives and productivity of contractual workers at Miriam College High School (MCHS), identifies the natural disaster assistance they receive, understands the physiological and financial vulnerabilities they become exposed to during typhoons, and the perceived disadvantages and advantages of contractual work in disaster resilience, and explores how contractual work influences their recovery. This qualitative study employs a narrative research design, using open-ended, semi-structured interviews with seven auxiliary staff members at MCHS. The findings indicate that typhoons significantly reduce the productivity of contractual workers, thus affecting their capacity to fulfill financial obligations and provide for their families’ needs, especially when these calamities can affect their physical and mental health. Additionally, the findings showcase that there are several coping methods that they use (i.e., borrowing money, saving, or having alternative jobs), but it still shows that these are not enough to support their necessities. This study highlights the need for better systems that can boost economic benefits and improve disaster prevention strategies to reduce human vulnerability.
Keywords
productivity; preparedness; typhoon; recovery; contractual workers