Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of Secondary Schools in Indigenous Cultural Communities in Abra, Philippines

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP) are utilized by the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) to mitigate the impact of disasters. This study determined the IKSPs in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) of the secondary schools in the selected indigenous communities in Abra, Philippines. It employed a mixed-method explanatory sequential research design. Data were gathered using surveys and interviews. Findings showed that the schools in the ICCs utilized their IKSPs to manage disasters along the four thematic areas of DRRM: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. IKSPs, as part of disaster management, include utilizing local plants, observing the behaviors of some animals and insects, observing the colors of the clouds, and performing rituals by the elders in the community. Furthermore, the result of the study revealed these IKSPs emerged to be essential in the prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation during disasters such as; "Alluyon," "Ganap," "Komon," "Sagubay," Ubaya," " Senga," "Lapat System," "Agamang," "Bodong" and "Dap- Ay."