In our first blog, in which we were tasked with asking residents what issues they see and have been bothering them within our community—two of my nine respondents brought up the ten-peso fee that delivery personnel are required to pay prior to entering Rocka Village II. In light of this, I have chosen it as the subject of my final report and investigated the motivations behind the policy’s implementation in greater depth.
As a lifelong resident of the aforementioned community, I have also encountered a number of occasions in which delivery personnel have requested an additional ten pesos to compensate for their loss. Initially, I was perplexed as to why such a policy is necessary; however, I later became negligent, resulting in continuous payment without knowing where the money went.
This final report aims to shed additional light on why this is being conducted, to determine if it is truly necessary, and if the money is being allocated for legitimate reasons—for residents like me, who have grown accustomed to paying without being given adequate justification, and for those who are still confused about the policy.
PART 1: Acquiring new perspectives
For the purpose of finding new interviewees, I have created a Google form and distributed it virtually to the residents of Rocka Village II so that they can access it easily. I have received a total of six responses as a result. There were only two questions on the form: one closed question and one open-ended question (See Figures 1 and 2.).
Figure 1. Demonstrates that all six respondents have been asked to pay ten pesos by the delivery personnel when receiving a package.
Figure 2. Depicts the perspectives of all six respondents concerning the ten-peso policy.
As evidenced by the figures presented in the preceding section, all respondents share the sentiments and are dissatisfied with the policy implemented by the Homeowners Association of Rocka Village II. By conducting this virtual survey, I was able to gain the necessary perspective for the next step, which is to meet with the local officials.
PART 2: Every coin has two sides
Prior to the meeting with the local officials from the Homeowners Association, I drafted a letter requesting permission to interview someone who could present the officials’ perspective. However, when I went to their office, it was empty. There was no one available to speak with, only a woman who appeared to be the caretaker, who informed me that the person I needed to speak with rarely visits the office.
This brings me to Plan B: going directly to the guard house (See Figure 3.).
Figure 3. Depicts the actual guard house of Rocka Village II, where delivery riders are charged a ten-peso fee.
In the guard house, Jayson (the man depicted in Figure 3 wearing yellow), a Rocka Village II guard who was also on duty for collecting ten-peso fees from delivery personnel that day, agreed to answer a few questions.
Sir Jayson asserts that a ten-peso fee is required for the ‘toll fee’ because the Homeowners Association and the board of directors have stated this as their policy and order. Moreover, he stated that the fee is only applicable to delivery riders and not pickups. When I inquired as to why this policy only applies to deliveries, he reiterated that it was stated in the policy itself. In addition, he shared that he is uncertain when the policy or ‘toll fee’ was implemented, but he is certain that it occurred prior to the pandemic.
According to Sir Jayson and based on the extent of his knowledge, the ‘toll fee’ funds are used to pay the guards and fund projects in NHARVI. On the other hand, when I asked why the rates are higher for larger vehicles, he pointed to a tarpaulin with the rates that was affixed to the guard house (See Figure 4.).
Figure 4. Displays the fee that delivery drivers must pay before entering the village.
This conversation I had with Sir Jayson has ensured that the system under which the citizens of Rocka Village II live is unknown to the majority of people. Despite the fact that all residents ought to be aware of the implementation’s rationales, my respondents claim otherwise.
One of my respondents has provided me with this piece of paper (See Figure 5.) that serves as the toll pass. This was given to her by the delivery rider, and when I asked about its purpose, she stated that it may serve as evidence that the riders are not asking for an additional ten peso fee requested of them simply because they want to, but because it is truly necessary or else they will lose ten pesos to their already little salary.
Figure 5. Displays the actual delivery ticket.
If we were to examine the section in Figure 4 stating that pedicab drivers are required to pay 3 pesos per day, this would leave them with a savings of 93 pesos if we were to add it up over a period of just 31 days. Even though 3 pesos may seem like a small amount, 93 pesos would be of great assistance to them in their lives if they saved them every day. This demonstrates that it is incongruous to have a system that requires individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet to pay for admission and perform their work.
Final Reflection
This final report has answered the primary question and clarified a few points regarding where the collected funds are used: for guard salaries and village projects. However, it is truly unfortunate that the lack of proper information dissemination regarding the implementation of the ten-peso fee charge places the blame on the guards, who are merely performing their assigned duties, and causes inconveniences for the delivery riders.
As I have delved a bit deeper into this topic, it has also sparked some questions. What if, for instance, the restrictions were to become even more stringent and delivery riders were prohibited from making deliveries once more? It will automatically result in no collection of the ten-peso fee; will this result in the guards receiving no pay?
It is a great pity that I was unable to discuss this matter with the individuals responsible for implementing the policy in question; however, it did bring to light individuals like Sir Jayson who are willing to answer questions about the problems in the village.
This final report has also enlightened me, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge from others and the situation itself. And, through this experience, I hope to have done justice by taking the lead on this community issue.
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