Introduction
Floods are a perennial challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical regions like the Philippines, where torrential rains and typhoons are a regular occurrence. As a child growing up in a flood-prone “eskinita” (alley), I often wondered why my parents insisted on placing my toys atop our double-deck bed, only to realise later that it was a precaution against inevitable flooding. This personal experience ignited a lingering curiosity: why must we constantly prepare for such disasters instead of seeking a safer home? However, the harsh reality of economic constraints made this aspiration unattainable for my family, as it does for countless others. This essay explores the intersection of frequent flooding, economic hardship, and cultural resiliency in the Philippines, arguing that while resilience is a commendable trait among Filipinos, it has been over-romanticised, often masking the need for systemic accountability. Drawing on personal narrative and broader socio-economic analysis, I will discuss the plight of children and families in similar situations, advocating for a shift in perspective to address generational trauma caused by recurring natural disasters.
Personal Experience: The Burden of Flood Preparedness
Growing up in an alley prone to flooding, I vividly recall the dread that accompanied the first signs of rain. The urgency to elevate belongings, secure furniture, and brace for potential loss became a ritual. As a child, I lacked the cognitive framework to fully grasp the implications of these actions, yet the lingering question of why we could not simply move to a safer place persisted. This curiosity was dampened by the stark reality of poverty; relocating was not a feasible option for a family like mine, where daily survival often took precedence over long-term solutions. Indeed, my experience is not unique. Many Filipino families, especially those in urban slums or rural lowlands, face similar predicaments during the rainy season, compelled to adapt to circumstances beyond their control.
This personal narrative underscores a broader issue: flooding is not merely a natural disaster but a lived experience that shapes childhoods and family dynamics. The emotional toll of constant vigilance and the fear of loss linger, embedding a sense of insecurity in young minds. While I eventually adapted to this way of life, the longing for a safe home—a space free from the threat of water invading every corner—remains a poignant memory, reflecting a universal desire among vulnerable communities.
Floods and Economic Disasters: A Vicious Cycle
Flooding in the Philippines is not an isolated phenomenon but a recurring crisis exacerbated by economic disparities. The country is among the most vulnerable to climate change, facing an average of 20 typhoons annually, many of which result in severe flooding (World Bank, 2021). For low-income families, the economic fallout of such disasters is catastrophic. A single flood can destroy homes, livelihoods, and savings, trapping communities in a cycle of poverty. According to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), natural disasters like floods cost the Philippine economy approximately $1.6 billion annually, disproportionately affecting the poorest households who lack the resources to recover (ADB, 2019).
This economic burden is particularly harsh on families in informal settlements like the “eskinita” I grew up in, where infrastructure is often inadequate. Poor drainage systems, combined with urban overcrowding, amplify flood risks, leaving residents with little protection. Furthermore, the financial inability to relocate to safer areas perpetuates vulnerability. As noted by scholars, economic inequality often dictates disaster preparedness, with wealthier households having access to better housing and resources, while the poor bear the brunt of environmental hazards (Hallegatte et al., 2017). Thus, flooding becomes not just a natural event but an economic disaster, deepening existing social divides.
Resiliency Culture: A Double-Edged Sword
Filipino culture is often celebrated for its resilience, a trait lauded as “bayanihan”—a communal spirit of helping one another in times of crisis. While this resilience is evident in the way communities rebuild after disasters, it can also be a barrier to progress when it is romanticised to the point of tolerating systemic failures. The narrative of Filipinos as inherently resilient, constantly bouncing back from adversity, risks normalising suffering and deflecting accountability from authorities tasked with disaster prevention and mitigation.
For instance, despite the frequency of floods, government initiatives for sustainable urban planning and robust infrastructure remain inconsistent. A study by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) highlights that while the Philippines has disaster risk reduction policies in place, implementation at the local level is often hampered by corruption, lack of funding, and poor coordination (UNDRR, 2020). Rather than addressing these root causes, the emphasis on resiliency shifts the burden onto individuals and communities, expecting them to adapt endlessly. This cultural mindset needs reevaluation; accountability must take precedence over mere survival. Filipinos should not have to endure the same cycles of loss and recovery with every typhoon season. Instead, there must be a concerted effort to demand systemic solutions, such as improved flood control systems and affordable housing in safer areas.
Generational Impact: Children and Families in Flood-Prone Areas
The experiences I had as a child are mirrored in countless Filipino households today. The anxiety of an impending storm, the labour of safeguarding possessions, and the unspoken fear of loss are shared burdens for many families. Children, in particular, bear a psychological cost, growing up with an ingrained sense of instability. Research indicates that exposure to repeated natural disasters can lead to chronic stress and trauma in young individuals, affecting their mental health and academic performance (Fussell and Lowe, 2014). Yet, these impacts are often overlooked in national discussions on disaster response, which prioritise immediate relief over long-term psychosocial support.
Moreover, this generational cycle of vulnerability persists due to economic constraints and inadequate policy responses. Families like mine, unable to afford relocation, remain trapped in high-risk areas, passing down the same fears and coping mechanisms to the next generation. Breaking this cycle requires not only economic empowerment but also government intervention to ensure safe, affordable housing options. The question I asked as a child—why can we not have a safe home?—remains relevant, echoing the silent plea of many who dread the arrival of rain.
Conclusion
In reflecting on my childhood experiences with flooding, it becomes clear that the desire for a safe home is not just a personal longing but a collective aspiration for countless Filipino families. Floods, intertwined with economic disasters, perpetuate cycles of poverty and vulnerability, disproportionately affecting the poorest communities. While the Filipino spirit of resiliency is admirable, it should not be a substitute for systemic accountability. Governments and policymakers must prioritise sustainable solutions—improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and affordable housing—to break the generational trauma caused by recurring natural disasters. The lingering question of my childhood persists in the minds of many children today, who, like me, yearn for a home free from the threat of floodwaters. Addressing this issue is not merely about mitigating disasters but ensuring that future generations grow up with security rather than fear. Ultimately, the shift from resiliency to accountability offers a pathway to a safer, more equitable society, where no child has to wonder why safety remains out of reach.
References
- Asian Development Bank (ADB). (2019) Asian Development Outlook 2019: Strengthening Disaster Resilience. ADB.
- Fussell, E. and Lowe, S. R. (2014) The impact of housing displacement on the mental health of low-income parents after Hurricane Katrina. Social Science & Medicine, 113, pp. 137-144.
- Hallegatte, S., Vogt-Schilb, A., Bangalore, M. and Rozenberg, J. (2017) Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters. World Bank Publications.
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2020) Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines: Status Report 2020. UNDRR.
- World Bank. (2021) Climate Risk Profile: Philippines. World Bank Group.
