Abstract:
This was a study on the existence of matriarchal culture in Barangay Daanghari, Navotas City and Barangay Maysilo, Malabon City and its effects on the practices of the members of the community during disasters such as typhoons. Perceptions of the members of the communities regarding government’s adherence to the United Nations mandate of gender mainstreaming into disaster risk reduction and the reliance of the people to the government for aid during typhoons are also gathered. Survey was conducted in both locations while interviews and discussions during conferences are collected to support quantitative data. Results show that both communities are still practicing patriarchy although there are some evidences that matriarchal culture is emerging. To add, the government is regarded to have a minimal effect on the communities during disaster aid and information dissemination regarding gender mainstreaming. One of the tenets of development is the balance of the roles of gender in the community starting in the household. Realization of matriarchal practices is a step to achieve such a goal. However, though prevailing in the general context of Philippine culture, matriarchy has not yet penetrated the practices in the household even during chaotic situations such as during typhoons. Poverty and the government’s lack of effective information regarding such issues may be attributed to the hindered emergence of matriarchy towards development.
