“LIVING IN A WATERWORLD” A Descriptive Study of the Artex Compound Residents’ Problems, Coping Mechanisms and Reasons for Staying

Abstract

This study attempted to explore the life situation of the Artex Compound residents in Panghulo, Malabon City. In particular, the study attempted to explore the problems they encountered, the coping mechanisms they employ and the reason behind their decision to stay in the said place. The study also attempted to explore the relationship between the coping strategies used by the residents and the residents’ profile, as well as the coping strategies used by the residents and the problems they encounter. Eighty-five residents of Artex Compound were gathered, specifically members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Nanmirahan sa Artex Compound (PANAC), representing each of the households in the said compound. Upon obtaining an informed consent, the respondents completed a survey-interview questionnaire inquiring on their socio-demographic profile, the problems they encounter due to the flood situation, the coping mechanisms they utilize to deal with their situation and the reason behind their preference to continuously settle in the area amidst the perennial flood situation. The results of the study revealed the following findings: First, the physical, health and socio-emotional areas of the residents’ living had been perceived greatly affected by the flood situation. In particular, it brought them feelings of dissatisfaction in terms of their current health condition and the sanitation of their community. It also brought negative effects on the individual and family levels since it harbored feelings of anxiety in terms of the residents’ sense of safety and security. However, the flood situation also brought about positive effects among the residents as the results would assert that the flood situation in their community brought the residents’ family and community closer together. Second, the coping mechanisms the residents employ are more geared towards addressing the physical impacts of tire flood situation in their community. Third, findings would assert that the residents’ topmost reasons for staying in the community were because this is where they grew up and that they have nowhere else to go. Fourth, data gathered asserted that the residents of Artex Compound are believed to have a fair quality' of life. And lastly, there is a significant relationship between the residents’ coping strategy and the family size as well as the residents’ coping strategy and the socio-emotional impacts of flooding. To conclude, the study was able to provide a glimpse of the way of life of the Artex Compound residents and recommendations were also made to address policies, programs and further research on the impact of environment to the residents’ way of life.