A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS, ERIENCES, AND ADAPTIVE RESPONSES TO HEATWAVES AMONG OUTDOOR WORKERS, VULNERABLE GROUPS, AND HEALTH WORKERS IN DAVAO CITY (KEY IJP************817)

• Bacalso, Edwin Jr. G.,Gubalane, Marivic O.,Restauro, Elvielyn T.

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigates the awareness, experiences, and adaptive responses to heatwaves among vulnerable groups in Davao City, focusing on outdoor workers, health workers, and residents from other high-risk populations. As the effects of climate change intensify, the city has experienced prolonged periods of extreme heat, raising concerns about public health, particularly for groups most susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. The study explores how residents perceive the risks associated with heatwaves, their coping strategies, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with participants representing various vulnerable groups. Thematic analysis revealed several key themes: the recognition of heatwaves as a serious health threat, particularly due to the urban heat island effect; adaptive behaviors such as adjusting daily routines and using cooling devices; significant barriers to effective adaptation, including economic constraints and insufficient public infrastructure; and the gaps in the effectiveness of public health interventions, particularly in reaching underserved populations. Additionally, cultural beliefs and social norms influenced how residents responded to heatwaves, further complicating adaptation efforts. The findings suggest that while individual and community-level coping mechanisms exist, the lack of accessible public resources, such as cooling centers, and inadequate information dissemination were key barriers to reducing the health impacts of heatwaves. The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates improved public infrastructure, better-targeted public health interventions, and community-driven solutions to enhance resilience to extreme heat. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to develop more effective heatwave adaptation strategies, particularly in rapidly urbanizing and climate-vulnerable areas like Davao City.