Depoliticisation is Disaster Risk Creation: Insights on Non-government Organisations’ Disaster Prevention and Humanitarian Response in the Philippines

In the Philippines, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) address disaster risk through disaster prevention and humanitarian response. NGOs, however, are subjected to political persecution and violence because of their critical stance on social issues and government policies and actions that contribute to disaster risk. They face a dilemma: Commit to their stance and be subjected to persecution and violence or depoliticise approach and be able to continue their services.

For the final talk in the Heo/Geo Lecture Series for 2024 and jointly presented by the Philippine Geographical Society (PGS) and the UP Department of Geography, Dr Jake Rom Cadag analyses the political persecution and violence among NGOs engaged in disaster prevention and humanitarian response in the country through 24 key-informant interviews and a review of secondary sources. Entitled Depoliticisation is disaster risk creation: insights on non-government organisations’ disaster prevention and humanitarian response in the Philippines, the lecture happens on Friday, 6 December 2024 at 5:30PM via Zoom.

In Dr Cadag’s research, the study finds that NGOs depoliticise their approach by focusing on hazard-centric programs, habitually forsaking humanitarian principles, and self-censoring and toning down public engagement. This study argues that depoliticisation is denying society safeguards against disasters associated with natural and social hazards, which lead to persistence and creation of disaster risks.

Jake Rom D. Cadag is Associate Professor of Geography at the University of the Philippines Diliman. His professional and research interests include disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, rural and urban studies, and participatory mapping. He is skilled in community work and the use of participatory methods and tools involving various stakeholders, including marginalized groups.

The Heo/Geo lecture is part of the ongoing 40th anniversary celebration of the UP Department of Geography (1983-2023) which simultaneously serves and provides a space where practical, discursive and embodied discussions and performativities from academic geographers, practitioners and civil society can come together and thrive. This talk is sponsored by the Geographies of Disasters and Hazards (G-DASH) research group of the UP Department of Geography in line with the sustainable development goals #10 (Reduced inequalities), #11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and #13 (Climate action).

To participate in the Zoom lecture, please click this link or just copy and paste this link in your browser: https://tinyurl.com/3948am3m

Source: UP Department of Geography Facebook