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.
