Harmonized Perspectives - CDKN Global

The combination of indigenous andscientific knowledge in the Flood WarningSystem Dagupan, Dagupan City, Pangasinan,Philippines 187 .1. Community InvolvementSince the beginning of the project, the involvement of bases isdynamic and became a major consideration. A series ofconsultations between the city government and thecommunity took place to secure a place for exchanginginformation, sharing of ideas and reconciliation issues amongstakeholders. Each was given the opportunity to express theirviews and concerns about the project, putting into practicethe value of respect, responsibility and transparency. Apartfrom the consultation meetings, members of the communityalso found the opportunity to evaluate the real risk of thecommunity including the completion of its flood risk mapsthat highlighted the elements at risk in their respectivelocalities. Gender parity was encouraged from the outset. Thechildren also participated, not only in risk assessment, but alsoin other vital activities such as CBDRM action planningactivities, public and community awareness and responsesimulation in flooding across the city. The project alsoinvolved all sectors in planning and implementation ofdisaster risk reduction community-based plans, including earlywarning and evacuation plans. It discredited the traditionaltop-down management of disasters that the governmentconsidered is the top group and left the local population in asubordinate position. This material became a major vehicle forthe community to exercise their own abilities, develop selfsufficiencyand realize its potential as a catalyst fordevelopment.2. Partnerships between stakeholders,The project highlighted the importance of cooperation andcollaboration between government and local people indisaster risk management. These associations were evident inThe early warning system for floods in the city of Dagupan is acombination of indigenous and modern-scientificknowledge and is an effective response to the perennialproblem of flooding in the city. In designing the system,some important lessons to be realized are:1. The use of kanungkong has mobilized local capacity,while reviving and maintaining a local practice that is nowused in disaster preparedness.2. It is important to involve the community in risk assessment(ie, risk, vulnerability and capacity assessments) and thedesign of early warning system.3. It is important to test the warning system and evacuationprocedure through theoretical exercises and practicalexercises in the community.4. "Learning through good practices," with visits to communitiesinvolved in community disaster preparedness andmitigation encourages communitiesand local government officials to continue the good work. Studyvisits by local officials and community members pay for similarprojects critical reflection on how to improve theirown preparedness and mitigation.187 Combining Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge in the Dagupan City Flood Warning System. Lorna P. Victoria. In: Op. Cit. Pag. 52 – 54.53