1. Natural Hazards and Climate Change Impacts

Like the Philippines, my country also faces recurring natural hazards, although the type and intensity may differ. Common hazards include:

• floods, droughts, cyclones, wildfires, heatwaves, landslides

• Climate change has increased their frequency, unpredictability, and severity. For example:

• rising temperatures, heavier rainfall, stronger storms, longer drought periods.

Similarity: Both countries are experiencing climate-exacerbated hazards that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Difference: The Philippines faces more coastal storm surges and typhoons, while my country may deal more.

2. Areas Facing the Greatest Impacts

In the Philippines, coastal provinces like Leyte and Samar suffered extreme devastation due to storm surges. In contrast, in my country:

• The most affected areas include Feni, Rangamati, Khulna, Panchagar and coastal, rural, mountainous, or urban flood zones.

• These areas often have fragile ecosystems or inadequate infrastructure.

Similarity: Highly exposed regions tend to be where people rely heavily on natural resources. Difference: While the Philippines’ risk is largely coastal, my country’s risk may be more inland / riverine / drought-prone.

3. Communities Most Affected — How and Why?

In both the Philippines and my own country, the most affected communities tend to be:

• Low-income households

• Rural communities

• Women and children

• Indigenous or marginalized groups

They are vulnerable because:

• They depend on natural resources for livelihoods (farming, fishing, pastoralism).

• They have limited access to emergency services, infrastructure, or insurance.

• They often live in high-risk areas due to economic constraints.

Similarity: Poverty and marginalization increase vulnerability in both contexts. Difference: In my country, the most affected groups are farming families, informal settlers, pastoral communities, whereas in the Philippines it is primarily coastal fishing communities.

4. Local Methods Used to Overcome or Cope With These Challenges

In the Philippines, communities turned to ecosystem restoration, specifically mangrove planting, as both protection and livelihood diversification.

In my country, local coping strategies include:

• Traditional methods: terracing, rainwater harvesting, community seed banks, dune restoration, river embankments, forest conservation, etc.

• Early warning systems or community rescue groups

• Income diversification strategies: small businesses, seasonal migration, handicrafts, etc.

Similarity: Community-led solutions form the backbone of resilience. Difference: My country may rely more on [agricultural adaptation / water management / wildfire prevention / reforestation], rather than mangroves.

5. Support From Institutions — Government, NGOs, External Stakeholders

In the Philippines, universities, NGOs, and local governments played major roles in supporting restoration.

In my country:

• Government agencies provide [disaster relief, climate programs, infrastructure upgrades].

• NGOs support [capacity-building, environmental conservation, livelihood programs].

• International organizations (e.g., UNDP, Red Cross, World Bank) often help with:

  • Funding

  • Training

  • Climate resilience projects

  • Community-based adaptation

Similarity: Multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential. Difference: Support in my country may be more focused on drought relief, agricultural resilience, wildfire prevention, river management rather than coastal restoration.