02. February 2026

“Disaster recovery is not only about rebuilding physical infrastructure. It is also a question of whose identities, knowledge, and ways of being are recognized as legitimate” Gretchen Gonzaga defended her doctoral thesis on Post-disaster recovery in the Philippine periphery

Gretchen Gonzaga received her doctoral degree for research on Post-disaster recovery in the Philippine periphery

Gretchen Gonzaga (ZEF's research group on Cultural and Political Change, ZEF CPC) defended her doctoral thesis on “Post-Disaster Recovery in the Philippine Periphery: An Anthropological Approach to the Experiences of Sea-Oriented Indigenous Peoples”. Her doctoral degree was granted by the Faculty of Arts, Bonn University. 

Gretchen’s supervisor was Prof. Eva Youkhana (ZEF CPC), her advisor and reviewer was Prof. Christoph Antweiler, second reviewer was Prof. Kristina Großmann and additional member of the examination committee was Prof. Carmen Brandt.  Her tutor was Dr. Dennis Lucy Aviles Irahola (associated ZEF senior researcher)

Gretchen Gonzaga after her defense presentation and examination
Gretchen Gonzaga after her defense presentation and examination © Uni Bonn
Download all images in original size The impression in connection with the service is free, while the image specified author is mentioned.
Please fill out this field using the example format provided in the placeholder.
The phone number will be handled in accordance with GDPR.

Personal quote from Gretchen Gonzaga: 

“Disaster recovery is not only about rebuilding physical infrastructure. It is also a question of whose identities, knowledge, and ways of being are recognized as legitimate. 

I am deeply grateful to the Sama Badjao community for trusting me with their stories. This work is shaped by their lived experiences, care, and Indigenous and maritime perspectives".

EPOS Program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD-EPOS) and Bonn University's International Office

Social Capital and Prospects for Collaborative Governance: An Ethnographic Case Study of Sama-Bajaus' Post-Disaster Experiences.  
Gretchen L. Gonzaga, Arif Budy Pratama. First published: 03 March 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.2096

Wird geladen