Dee on human ecology and geography ⋆ Page 3 of 3 ⋆ TUDLA

Dee on human ecology and geography

You publish some papers about flood hazards and the urban poor in Metro Manila. Can you give us a brief summary of what is that research about? What are the positive points that come out of that research?
I published articles on the flood experiences of the urban poor, street children and some marginal groups (like the kasambahays) in wealthy neighborhoods in Metro Manila. I explored spaces of vulnerability and adaptation that defined the three marginal groups’ encounters with many flood-related hazards. I looked and probed at the intersections of circumstances that were being faced by the young, female, poor, and other underrepresented groups in flooding situations. I explored some spaces that elaborated on how these issues were addressed by various policy and decision-making groups at different time periods and scales. Positive points that came out of this research? I am not sure as to how my research findings were received by different groups who came across them. Sana, people found something useful and relevant about what I wrote about those issues, and applied them in addressing some vulnerabilities that face the three different groups that I did my research on. I learned a lot from this research. I use my research findings as case materials for my classroom teaching– to orient my students to various realities that confront diverse groups of people in different places.

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Doracie (seating in front center) with other Varrons.

Dee (seating in front center) with other Varrons.

Objectively speaking, who are more environment-friendly – people in UP Diliman or in UP Los Banos? And why?
I guess I am not in a good position to make this comparison. I have been living in UP Diliman for so many years already. I am more familiar with how we address environmental issues here in than in LB. You need to invite me to live in UPLB again so that I can make a good comparison. One thing sure however is, we would find many encouraging initiatives on improving the conditions of the environment in both places.

What lessons have you learned from being a member of the UP Varrons?
Looking at the stars, and making sense of it. The stars above us are just like any other places here on earth. They become more beautiful when we continue to give them our undivided attention.