People's Risk Perceptions and Responses to Climate Change and Natural Disasters in BASECO Compound, Manila, Philippines

The research probed the residents’ awareness of climate change, perception of risk and their preparedness for natural disasters in the urban poor community of BASECO in Manila, Philippines. Using a structural equation model (SEM) for predicting building resilience and increasing adaptive capacity validates the hypothesis for risk perception in the context of the urban poor and the structural constraints that subjugates the high level of risk perception. The study highlights the importance of understanding the risk perceptions and responses to climate change and natural disasters with social, economic, political and cultural perspectives to ensure participation in building resilience and increasing adaptive capacity.