Lessons learned in rehabilitation/resettlement of populations displaced by disasters and policy implications of these lessons for programs to assist the Mt. Pinatubo victims

(1) Most people displaced by disasters can achieve their own resettlement without external help; thus, those who need assistance are usually the people who have extremely limited capacities of their own. (2) Resettlement programs have built-in characteristics which tend to increase dependency on outside assistance on the part of the people being resettled rather than supporting their achievement of self-sufficiency. These arise from the fact that resettlement communities are large, complex, costly to program, and require the involvement of multiple layers of government so that top-down decision-making and planning usually prevail, as well as the fact that the staff who work on resettlement often have more incentives to perpetuate their dependency than to work for their independence. (3) The most important factor for recovery from a disaster is the reestablishment of a secure source of livelihood. Thus, any resettlement must provide jobs or it will inevitably fail. Opportunities for employment in settlements are found in construction of new facilities and in the development of myriad small businesses. The creation of new jobs in a settlement cannot be separated from the macroeconomic environment; if an economy is suffering a general slow-down, a settlement program will seldom be able to provide jobs. In addition, the creation of new employment in the industrial sphere is one of the most costly options for helping disaster victims. (4) The physical arrangement of a settlement is the second most important factor in determining its effectiveness. (5) The roles and responsibilities of men and women very often change under the circumstances of resettlement. This can result in difficulties or opportunities for either or both men and women. (6) Integration of the economy and infrastructure of a new settlement into the economic and social systems of neighboring communities affects the success of any settlement. (7) Settlements always have an impact on the environment of the areas in which they are placed, often increasing their disaster vulnerability. In the case of the Mt. Pinatubo victims, the goal of rehabilitation is to ensure their achievement of self-sufficiency and independence from external assistance. To support independence, minimal, short-term assistance is always preferable to maximal, multi-faceted assistance over a long period of time. The type of aid that is most appropriate varies according to who is the recipient of the aid -- individuals, family groups, other societal sub-groups such as business people, or entire communities. Includes policy and Mt. Pinatubo program recommendations. (Author abstract, modified)