Jasmine G. Martinez
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
(jgmartinez3@up.edu.ph)
Kathleen Lourdes B. Obille
University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
(kate@slis.upd.edu.ph)
Background. This is a study of information access of internally displaced persons (IDPs) resettled by the Philippine government into their new homes in San Jose Del Monte Heights, located in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Central Luzon.
Objectives. The study aimed to identify the barriers to information access of the internally displaced persons during their resettlement, that hindered them from fully integrating into their new community.
Methods. Semi-structured qualitative interviews of 14 respondents, consisting of an information provider, team leaders, and the general populace, were employed. A comparative analysis of their narratives revealed how similar or different their experiences and perceptions in information access were in their community.
Results. It was found that inconsistencies in information provided, lack of reliable accessible information sources, insufficient amount of time for dissemination, and complex community relations were barriers to information access of the IDP community. These information barriers kept them from knowing the things they needed to integrate into their new community.
Contributions. This study contributes to the general understanding of the information needs, behaviors, and practices of the IDPs, and identifies policies that can be implemented to facilitate information access in marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Cite: Martinez, J. G., & Obille, K. L. B. (2022). In it but not yet of it: Barriers in accessing information that hinder the settlement of internally displaced persons. LIBRES, 32(1), 16-32. https://doi.org/10.32655/LIBRES.2022.1.2