Finding Positive Peace in a Typhoon-Stricken Town of Hernani, Eastern Samar

Abstract

This research embarked on how a positive peace in a typhoon-stricken place is possibly experienced. The researchers conducted this study in the simple town of Hernani, Eastern Samar. The relevant question the researchers would like to answer is how the locals of that typhoon-stricken town absorb, adapt, and recover from the insidious effects brought about by the devastating typhoon. It focused specifically on the resiliency of the locals amid the difficulties and challenges caused by a natural calamity, and how this resiliency had helped them find peace in their lives. Using the methodology and processes of narrative analysis, the research results manifested the peace concept of the locals based on what they had experienced. It has shown also the factors that made the town a peaceful place to live in as expressed through relevant themes. Consequently, the themes were categorized by using the indicators of the pillars of positive peace. The possible manifestation of the positive peace as expressed in the initiatives done by the existing concerned institutions, shown through the attitudes of the locals, and the prevailing structures that operate within the town of Hernani, was seen as a contributor to nation-building. The resiliency shown by the locals amid natural calamity is an essential characteristic of positive peace. The same resiliency of the people, being supported appropriately by a well-performing local government, provided with a healthy business environment, when reinforced and replicated in other towns and provinces can result in a creation of a stronger and peaceful nation.