This paper / case study by Lorna P. Victoria and Jesusa Grace Molina of the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) Philippines and in partnership with Buklod Tao Inc. is part of the UNISDR publication “Linking Disaster Risk Reduction and Poverty Reduction: Good Practices and Lessons Learned” which was developed by the Global Network of NGOs for Disaster Risk Reduction. The publication features cases of good practices of communities’ disaster risk reduction efforts in mitigation, preparedness, networking, local level insurance, shelter protection and water provision, that contributes to poverty reduction.

The case study talks about Banaba, a village of the urban poor in the outskirts of Manila that is plagued by flooding,improper waste disposal, poor sanitation and hygiene, unemployment, and high population growth. Poverty has driven many residents and ‘informal settlers’ to live by an increasingly eroded riverbank and in flood-prone areas. In 2007, Buklod Tao (BT), a local environmental community organisation, embarked on an initiative that linked livelihoods, environmental care and disaster preparedness. BT is involved in disaster preparedness and mitigation in Banaba, as well as in the income-earning production of ‘Go Bags’ (disaster evacuation bags) and life vests for children at risk.

The case study can be found on page 66 of the publication.

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