Information Poverty, Risk Communication, and COVID-19 Information Access: A Case in Cavite, Philippines

Inner-city dwellers are affected by risk information constraints. Studies show that existing communication strategies are designed to inform the general population, but there are still gaps. This paper examines the information poverty existing in the inner-city community of a Barangay in Cavite, Philippines, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We present in this research the results of the interviews conducted among the inner-city community members. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show that they were aware of the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of COVID-19. The challenges they faced included access to digital technology and infrastructure, which is an additional cost for the community members. Their sources of information are interpersonal channels and media sources. However, they mostly rely on what their neighbors say, shaping how they receive and accept information. The information poverty existing in Barangay Maliksi is characterized by a lack of information and misinformation. We suggest that the information dissemination approach should consider the information sources that the community tends to seek out more.