Authors: GBrithney Shane Q. Oquete1, Bryan L. Bitantos1, Salia T. Tugon1, Mark Roel Q. Auguis1, and Jungie S. Bongcawil1
College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Mindanao State University – Buug Campus, Datu Panas, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay
Email: brithneyshaneoquete@msubuug.edu.ph1 bryan.bitantos@msubuug.edu.ph.1
ABSTRACT
The Philippines ranked third among sixty-seven countries as the most vulnerable to climate change. 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 5-7 mm/yr, about twice the
global average. With the archipelagic characteristics of the Philippines and its vulnerability to the effects of climate change, in particular sea
level rise (SLR), this study was conducted to determine the vulnerability of the coastal communities to sea level rise in Malangas, Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines based on three aspects, the numerical vulnerability on hazard, sensitivity to sea-level rise, and
adaptive capacity. The study utilized projections from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) to estimate future sea-level rise scenarios. Based on the simulation, the findings showed that all barangays had a numerical vulnerability score of 1, indicating that they were exposed to potential sea-level
change at the same rate. Barangay Poblacion has the highest level of sensitivity, with a score of 0.261, indicating higher sensitivity to sea
level rise. Barangay Sinusayan has the highest adaptive capacity with a score of 0.304, while Barangay Dansulao faced the highest vulnerability to potential sea-level rise with the value 1.053.Variations in sensitivity and adaptive capacity among the barangays highlighted the need
for targeted interventions and strategies to enhance resilience and mitigate vulnerability contributing insights for effective coastal management and adaptation measures to prevent loss of life and properties as well as to ensure the sustainability of coastal communities in the face
of rising sea levels.
Keywords: vulnerability, coastal communities, adaptive capacity, sensitivity, Dumanquillas Bay