Abstract
The coastal areas face imminent threats from rising sea levels, which are further exacerbated by storm surges, leading to the relocation of communities. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential hazards posed by sea level rise in Balanga City, Bataan, Philippines. A physical vulnerability index was developed considering factors such as geomorphology, elevation, and projected sea level rise. The socioeconomic vulnerability index assessed variables such as household density, education, household monthly income, and housing materials. The study employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Fuzzy Logic, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate socioeconomic, physical, and total vulnerability indices. The study used World Bank Group's projected sea level rise data for different scenarios, surveyed 321 households, obtained elevation data from the University of the Philippines-LiPad's Digital Terrain Model, and classified the area's geomorphology with Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS imagery. The PVI analysis indicated that in barangay Tortugas, around 20 % had very high vulnerability, and 19.9 % had very low vulnerability. In Puerto Rivas Ibaba, about 22 % displayed very high vulnerability, and approximately 34 % were classified as very low vulnerability. For SVI, Tortugas had roughly 20 % very high vulnerability and 20 % very low vulnerability. Puerto Rivas Ibaba showed about 20 % very high vulnerability and 19.9 % very low vulnerability. Regarding TVI, Tortugas had 20 % very high vulnerability and 19.9 % very low vulnerability, while Puerto Rivas Ibaba had 20 % very high vulnerability and 20% very low vulnerability. The analysis revealed varying levels of vulnerability in the barangays of Tortugas and Puerto Rivas Ibaba, ranging from very high vulnerability to very low vulnerability. This research serves as a valuable resource for informing and reforming future strategies and policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of sea level rise and safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities.
