PERCEPTIONS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES
ON THE RISING SEA LEVEL IN MARGOSATUBIG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR
CEEJAY DONICE L. MARTO
DIARY D. ANTHONY
IVANN AMBAIC
RYZA L. SAAVEDRA
JOVEL MAY C. LAURE
LAILANI MANGUDA
DARYL ASUNCION
THIS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL RESEARCH IS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL
FULLFILLEMNT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RESEARCH
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
TORIBIO MINOR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
MARGOSATUBIG, ZAMBOANG DEL SUR.
NOVEMBER 2023
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Coastal communities are of concern in the context of increasing vulnerability to
the impacts of sea level rise (Andres et al., 2017). Sea level rise is an increase in the mean
level of the surface of Earth's oceans from which heights and depths are considered
(Vadhel, 2020). It is caused mainly by global warming which leads to ocean thermal
expansion and increased glacial melting in high-latitude regions (Withey et al., 2016).
Looking into the impact of sea level rise, it could result to increased occurrence of
flooding to human settlements, land, infrastructure and coastal habitats, causing direct loss
of economic, ecological, cultural and subsistence values as well as other effects related to
changes in water management, salinity and biological activities (Klein & Nicholls, 1999).
These impacts are most felt by people who are living in coastal areas and experiencing high
tides (Paw & Eng, 2005; Bennet et al., 2020).
Based on the data reported by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), the rate of global mean sea level (GMSL) rise has increased in the late 19th to
early 20th century compared to the past 2,000 years (Stocker et al., 2013). Data shows that
from 1905 to 1945, the global sea level started to rise faster than the late Holocene
background rate (Gehrels & Woodworth, 2013). As a matter of fact, during the year 1993
to 2010, the sea level rose by around 3.2 millimeter (mm) per year (Ablain et al., 2009).
These changes imply accelerating rates of GMSL over time which is mainly attributed to
the ocean thermal expansion, melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, and
changes in land water storage and glaciers (IPCC, 2013).
Philippines records the highest average increase in sea level-rise at 60 centimeters
(cm) as compared to the global average of 19 cm since 1901. This threatens the 60%
populace of the country dwelling along the coastline which makes the country particularly
susceptible to coastal hazards induced or exacerbated by climate change (Taguiam &
Quiambao, 2021). In fact, Manila Bay, Cavite, Bulacan, Metro Manila impact coastal
resources due to accelerated increased sea level rise capitulate to one meter by 2100
affected by climate change vulnerability (Perez et al., 2021; Taguiam & Cecille, 2021).
Satellite observations from 1993 to 2015 show that the tropical Western Pacific
region, to the east of the Philippines, has experienced a sea level increase of five to seven
mm per year, about double of the global average. In addition, the satellite observations also
revealed that the south of Zamboanga in Mindanao Island has a sea level increase of 4.5 to
five mm per year, still higher from the global average (Kahana et al., 2016). With the sea
level increase in the south of Zamboanga, this would mean that the coastal areas of
Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga Peninsula are not exempted on the impact of sea level
rise (Bitantos et al., 2021).
Margosatubig, one of the coastal municipalities along the Dumanquillas Bay is
characterized by its low-lying coastal geography, thus making the municipality vulnerable
to sea level rise. However, despite of its vulnerability, there has been no proper assessment
conducted in the municipality related to the rising of sea level. In fact, to the best of the
researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study that was conducted in the municipality related
to the subject matter. Results obtained herein may provide relevant insights from the locals
especially their perception and strategies on addressing sea level rise in the locality which
calls for an urgent adaptation measures to mitigate the environmental risks.
While extensive research has been conducted on the impacts and drivers of sea
level rise, there remains a notable gap in understanding the subtle interactions between
rising sea levels and the locals who are living in coastal communities, hence the importance
of this study. Long-term implications of sea level rise on coastal communities are crucial
for local climate resilience planning. Therefore, additional research is needed to explore
innovative adaptation strategies tailored to the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of coastal
areas, particularly in areas where resources and capacity for resilience building are limited
such as in Margosatubig.
Understanding the perception and adaptation strategies of coastal population on
sea level rise is crucial in promoting awareness among locals and in formulating suitable
strategies to better adaptation. Implementing adaptation strategies to mitigate natural
hazard impacts such as that of in sea level rise, assessing the details about a community and
its level of perception is a prerequisite (Marshall et al. 2013). Yet, there is a lack of study
that explores how the locals of Margosatubig perceives, adapts to, and is affected by rising
sea levels, despite its potential importance for local climate resilience planning. Hence, this
study was conceptualized with a general aim of determining the level of perception and
adaptation strategies of locals on sea level rise in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur,
Philippines.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of this research delineates the interconnected elements
of Input, Process, and Output, providing a comprehensive structure to understand the
dynamics of the studied phenomenon as shown in Figure 1. At the input stage encompasses
a Socio-Demographic Profile such as Age, Sex, Occupation, and Educational Attainment.
Thus the perception and adaptation strategies on rising sea level profile that contains Level
of Perception and Level of Adaptation Strategies. Moving to the process stage which have
an Asking a permit, Profiling, Survey Questionnaire, Date gathering, and Data Analysis.
Lastly, follows by output stage focuses on Assessed the Perception and Adaptation
Strategies of local on rising sea level in Margosatubig Zamboanga del Sur.
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Socio-Demographic
Profile
1. Age Assessed the Perception
2. Sex 1. Getting a permit and adaptation
3. Occupation 2. Profiling strategies of locals on
4. Educational Attainment 3. Survey Questionnaire rising sea level in
Perception and Adaptation 4. Data Gathering Margosatubig,
strategies on rising sea 5. Data analysis Zamboanga del Sur
level profile;
1. Level of Perception
2. Level of Adaptation
Strategies
Figure 1. Input-Process-Output Model of the Study.
Statement of the Problem
Generally, the objective of this study is to determine the perception and adaptation
strategies on rising sea level among coastal communities in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del
Sur. Specifically, this study encompasses the following research question;
1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:
a. Age
b. Sex
c. Occupation
d. Educational Attainment
2. What is the level of perception of local on rising sea level in Margosatubig,
Zamboanga del Sur?
3. What is the level of adaptation strategies of local on rising sea level in
Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur?
4. Is there a significant relationship between the perception and adaptation strategies
of local in Margosatubig, Zamboang del Sur?
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (Ho): There is no significant relationship between perception and
adaptation strategies on Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur
Alternative Hyptothesis (Ha): There is a significant relationship between perception and
adaptation strategies on Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope of the study is limited to assesing the perception and adapation
strategies of coastal communities on the rising sea level in Margosatubig, Zamboang del
Sur. The scope of practices and adaptation was conducted in coastal communities within
Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur which are meant to give out information objectively
through their livelihood on rising sea level. There are structured questionnaires to be
adequately filled and returned by the target audience to ascertain some variables.
Significance of the Study
The researchers hoped that the result of this study could help the following
services to determine the status of coastal peoples and provide necessary direct action.
The results of this study could be help to The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR) since the information provided herein can be used as baseline
information such improvements, managements, and conservation to give the coastal people
a proper assistance in their livelihood. This study also assists by The Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as this provides the coastal and marine
ecosystem goods and services to improve the quality of life of the coastal population.
Therefore, the Local Government Unit (LGU) can benefit from this study as this
implements and monitoring the sustainable of coastal area with the objective of safeness in
their livelihood against coastal crisis Lastly, this study by Coastal Resources Management
(CRM) to support the replication and sustainability of the activities were directed at
enchanting the capability inform the national and local governments and the communities
themselves to develop and implements resources.
This study can inform the coastal peoples of their livelihood in the coastal areas.
Through this, coastal peoples are at one’s convenience are able to be surge by rising sea
level, and decreasing their homeland, which may causes of these coastal crisis. With the
help of the Municipality Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO)
tasked to manage and immediately supervise emergencies operation among people who
live nearby coastal areas.
Definition of Terms
1. Perception- The way individuals in Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur, interpret and
understand the phenomenon of rising sea level, encompassing their awareness, beliefs, and
attitudes towards this environmental challenges.
2. Coastal People- Inhabitants residing in the coastal areas of Margosatubig, Zamboanga
del Sur, whose lives and livelihoods are directly influenced by the geographical proximity
to the sea and its associated impacts.
3. Rising sea levels- The gradual increase in the average level of the sea, exploring both the
scientific understanding of this phenomenon and the tangible effects in has on coastal
communities in Margosatubig.
4. Assessment- A systematic evaluation of the currect state of perception and adaptation
strategies among coastal residents regarding rising sea levels.
5. Margosatubig- The specific geographical location under study, a municipality in
Zamboanga del Sur, where the research focuses on understanding the local dynamics of
how rising sea levels are percieved and manage.
6. Adaptation- refers to the adjustments and changes made by the coastal communities to
cope with or mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on their daily lives, ecosystems, and
infrastructure
7. Stategies- refers to the planned actions, measure, or approaches adopted by the coastal
communities to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
8. Vulnerability- pertains to the susceptibility of the coastal communities in Margosatubig
to the negative effects of rising seae levels of rising sea levels.
9. Infrastructure- refers to the physical and organizational structures in the coastal areas,
including buildings, roads, protective measures, that may be affected by or need
modification in response to rising sea levels.