CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY OF THE PALA’WANS IN BUNOG, RIZAL, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The study aims to assess the current situation and vulnerability rate of the Pala‟wans, one of the major indigenous peoples in Palawan, to climate change in terms of agricultural yield, common plant diseases, water availability, and collected forest products per unit effort. It also seeks to describe the livelihood activities of Pala‟wans, patterns of change in planting and harvesting schedules, and determine the adaptation strategies to changes by applying indigenous knowledge and the influences of migrants. Triangulation method was used to assess the vulnerability rate of the Pala‟wans which involved ocular inspection of the site; interviews using questionnaires that were validated in other areas; and key informant interviews among chieftains/elders. Thirty-five household respondents were interviewed which comprised one hundred percent of the total community. The findings revealed that Pala‟wans have different livelihoods but kaingin or slash and burn farming was their main source of income. Others work as laborers or make woodcrafts for a living, among others. There were no changes in the planting and harvesting schedules. The observed effects were the decreased harvest from kaingin by approximately ninety percent, rapid increase of pests that damage crops, and unpredictable weather conditions. As a response to the changes, strategies were developed and practiced like burning of roots of “Peperason tree” to drive away pests. However, the Pala‟wans in the area are highly vulnerable to climate change.