Matungao is a barangay in the municipality of Bulakan, in the province of Bulacan. Matungao is considered to be one of the biggest barangay in the municipality— area and population size. According to the 2020 Census, the population was 12,950 representing 15.94% of the total population of Bulakan.
My family and I have been residents of the said barangay for about 16 years now. Growing up, I’ve seen how our barangay grow. From it being surrounded with fields and greenery to the development of different infrastructures surrounding us. As the population grows, numerous community problems occur.
Considering that Matungao is one of the biggest barangay in Bulakan, this means that it also became hard for the local officials of the municipality to manage it. The citizens of the community can attest to that. I decided to roam around our street to have a short conversation with my neighbors. Honestly, even when I don't talk to them, I sometimes hear their murmur. The voice of a citizen who experiences these problems firsthand is powerful.
I conducted a survey regarding the community problems that constituents of barangay Matungao face in their everyday lives. I was able to gather information from 9 people. These 9 people came from different areas or streets of Matungao. One of the reasons why I picked them is that they have been staying in this barangay for more than 10 years now. They were able to experience and witness everything that happened in Matungao throughout the years. They were also able to see different ways of governance or leadership from different barangay officials.
I prepared a set of questions to be able to know their sentiments about the problems that exist in our barangay. I’ve come up to a series of questions, not only to know the community problem they would like to address but also to know if barangay officials or the community and even the whole municipality is acting upon it. To be completely honest, I’ve never seen or heard from anyone from the barangay’s office that they conducted a survey to know the public's opinion or I am just not well aware of it. I just usually saw my neighbors releasing their rants, disappointment and anger online which also brings no good when it reaches barangay officials.
Results and Discussion
Table 1: Survey Result
The table 1 above shows the summary of information I've gathered when I conducted the survey. These answers came from 9 different people who saw and experienced the problems that occur in barangay Matungao, themselves. Especially during this pandemic that almost or more than half of the population stays at home. As a result, we’ve been more familiar with the community we are in and who we are living with.
Graph 1: Result of Q1
Based on the graph above (Graph 1) representing the respondent’s answer to question number 1, the problem regarding Waste disposal, trash, littering on empty slots and streets occurred most often (8/9) while none of them chose Homelessness, Vandalism and Out-of-school youth or problem in education. I decided to provide a list of community problems which I think frequently occur to a community in a country like the Philippines.
Graph 2: Result of Q2
Graph 2 shows that there are two most concerning problems in the community based on the respondents. These are Poverty and Abuse of authority from barangay officials. It is clear that even though they picked 8 out of the 10 problems I’ve provided as their choice for question no. 1, their answer to question no. 2 only revolves around 4 of the 8 problems. This proves that some of them agreed to one another’s opinion unkowingly.
Graph 3: Result of Q3
Based on the graph above (Graph 3), most of the respondents answered that they are not familiar with the existing policies or programs that seek to address the given problems in the barangay. We can simply assume that there is a lack of information dissemination and awareness regarding this matter leaving the citizens uninformed.
Respondent’s answers on question no. 4 vary depending on their chosen community problem. When you look at their answer, there is a common goal and that is towards the goods and the basic rights that a citizen should have (for reference, see Table 1 ).
Graph 4: Result of Q5
Graph 4 above shows how the respondents rate the overall community response of the local officials and the citizens. Based on the previous question number 3, most of them answered that they are not familiar with the projects that seek to address it and we can conclude that this affects how one views barangay management.
As a resident of barangay Matungao, myself, the problems with Poverty and Abuse of authority from barangay officials appear to be the most concerning isn’t surprising at all. I am aware that these two are long-term problems that until now haven't been answered at all.
The Philippines has a fairly high poverty rate. It remains a challenge for every Filipino. Bulakenyos remain struggling to work all-day long just to earn barely enough. It’s good that people gained support through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) but still this is not enough. The system doesn’t work equally for all. Poverty is a national issue and this cannot be addressed by a barangay alone. We really need a nationwide effort from the citizens and of course, the national government. On the other hand, abuse of authority from barangay officials also appears to be one of the problems that concern most of us. Having or gaining power to lead a group of people makes one forget their real duty and responsibility to the nation. I believe that one factor that allows those who are in position to overboard is political dynasties. Political dynasties continue to exist in our municipality, even in little barangays. As a result, excessive use of power or authority affects the welfare of the people. I am aware that there is a certain order or punishment when there is an abuse of authority but not everyone is held accountable. Even the justice system on a smaller unit like barangays, fails at times and that’s the reality.
Throughout the process of conducting the survey, I have realized that it is important to be aware of what's happening to the people on every side of an area. Living in this barangay for so many years, made me realize that we still can't hear or see everyone. We are far from being called united.
Some are left uninformed, some are really unaware and some choose not to be involved.
The respondent's answers proved that the right of a citizen to civic participation allows them to feel a sense of belonging. I think it is good that these people who experienced these problems firsthand will be able to raise their voice and concern without them feeling that they don’t matter or their opinions don’t matter.
People's suggestions are good. They have a lot in mind. I wonder, what will it look like if we can actually let everyone be involved in our fight for change? Who knows if this will be the real game-changer to every community?
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