The ethnic minority groups are among the sectors of the society who are permanently threatened by higher risk of disasters. The basis of such claim is the disproportionate negative impacts of both major and minor disasters. There is thus a pressing need to integrate ethnic minority groups in disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, within the scientific community, there are limited studies in the current literature of disaster that investigated the role of ethnicity in shaping the vulnerability and capacity of the ethnic groups. The authorities, non-government organizations (NGOs), and researchers have limited defined methods and tools to make such as objective operational in the field. Finally, plans, actions and policies to make such objective institutionalized are also limited. This study aimed to fulfill those gaps. The study has adapted an integrated DRR framework and a methodology that follows the ideals and principles of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR). The present study focuses on the multiethnic communities surrounding Mt. Kanlaon located in the island of Negros, Philippines. The study area is characterized by a great ethnic diversity composed of at least three major ethnic groups (Ilonggos, Cebuanos, and Bukidnons). The results of the study suggest that this ethnic mosaic constituted a major dimension of DRR because each ethnic group portrays different vulnerabilities and capacities in the face of volcanic hazards and other natural hazards. These ethnic minorities are among the most vulnerable sectors of the Philippine society due to their marginalized and minority status. In addition, the results of this study also suggest that each ethnic group possesses capacities derived from local resources that are useful for the purpose of DRR.
