Author : Bornales, Romeo G. Jr.

Summary : The study was conducted in Brgy. Lake Duminagat, which is located within Mt. Malindang National Park, of Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. It sought to examine the adaptive mechanisms and assess the vulnerability conditions of the Subanen community to the adverse environmental conditions in the area. Data were gathered in April and May 2003 through a combination of various research techniques such as the use of key informants, focus group discussions, survey of thirty heads of the family, transect walk and participatory mapping. Eight residents who have been in the barangay for a long time and are mostly local officials/leaders served as key informants. Secondary data were used to supplement the primary data collected. These were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Vulnerability ranking among respondents was done using the average rank of dependency ratio, capital and income. Relationship between selected variables and the vulnerability rank was established using the Spearman Rank Correlation and Regression analysis. Findings revealed that the combined effect of continuous and heavy rain, strong winds, pests and diseases, and soil degradation caused a significant decline in agricultural production which resulted to low income. In response, the people employed several adaptive strategies such as shift in agricultural crops, land and crop rotation, expansion of area of cultivation, out-migration, family planning, formation of organization, and change in food consumption from rice and corn to rootcrops. Despite the adaptive strategies employed by the Subanen people, they remained vulnerable to the impacts of environmental conditions in the area. Their vulnerability is indicated by their low income, low and declining agricultural productions, low educational attainment, lack of skills to shift to other livelihood activities, and the lack of internal and external institutions to assist them.