• Related to the previous issue is the need to improve program systems that every senior citizen can avail, such as financial assistance which may be in the form of universal social pension. • Regarding RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, the government should create social safety nets for the Older Persons to prevent the impacts of disaster. This issue should be included in legislative discussions in addition to other benefits such as the 20% discount accorded to senior citizens. • Oftentimes, elder women’s capacities are not recognized, utilized and strengthened. They are perceived to be weak and lacking in capacity; thus, preventing them from being given opportunities to work or participate in livelihood projects. Ageism or discrimination against older persons is manifested in this issue. 3. Indigenous Peoples • IPs are mostly geographically isolated, living in places where the natural resources are located. Thus, they are more difficult to reach for the provision of relief goods and services. • In relation to the aforementioned issue, IPs suffer from lack of basic services and exclusion from government programs and projects which include assistance in times of natural disasters and/or armed conflict. • IPs are often affected by peace and security issues in their area. The influx of mining industries and commercial ventures has resulted in some incidents of harassment of the IP inhabitants. Some are said to be also subjected to false promises to allow such industries to operate in their ancestral domain. • Difficulty to express their needs in times of armed conflict and natural disasters is a challenge for IPs. Language barrier mostly contributes to this. • Due to their cultural practices, IPs are not able to access assistance during disaster response efforts. For instance, in the case of Mangyans from Mindoro, they are not comfortable in going to evacuation centers because they have their own indigenous houses made in times of typhoon/disaster. As a result, they are not provided relief packs. 4. Farmers and Fisherfolks • Rural women, including women farmers and fisherfolks, lack control over productive assets. These assets include land, boats, equipment, etc. • Rural farmers also suffer from lack of access to resilient crop varieties and livelihood. They also lack access and training on new and sustainable farming techniques/practices/methods and equipment. • Many women farmers and fisherfolk also do not have access to social services. POLICIES THAT SUPPORT RURAL WOMEN AMIDST DISASTERS AND CRISIS SITUATIONS The following international instruments recognize the rights of rural women amidst disasters and crisis situations: 25