Hello! I am Aliza Arcilla and I have been residing at Bantayan 1st Bulihan, Malolos, Bulacan since 2018. I notice some problems in the community for the past four years, and as a citizen I believe that these issues should be addressed by the local government.
I conducted a qualitative study in Barangay Bulihan as requirement for Citizen Journalism class. I gathered information from selected ten citizens to identify the problems and concerns of the community. The method used is a semi-structured interview, following a guide questionnaire but also able to add relevant remarks when needed in the conversation.
Moreover, the researcher used a thematic analysis to find out the recurring themes in the data. At the end of the study, I was able to identify the main problem people experience throughout their residency in the said location.
Data Collection
Population and Sample of the Study
Bulihan is one of the barangays in Malolos, Bulacan. It has a population of 15,865 based on 2020 consensus representing 6.07% of the total population of Malolos. I selected ten participants, all residents of Barangay Bulihan for the interview.
Sampling Design
Due to the COVID restrictions and my safety, Convenience sampling is the best sampling method for this study. The researcher is able to get samples quickly near the area, through face-to-face interview and texting interview.
Research Instrument
For the semi-structured interview, the researcher prepares a constructed questionnaire for the data gathering. Here is the list of questions asked in the interview.
How many years have you been living in Bulihan?
llang taon na po kayong nakatira sa Bulihan?
What did you like about living here?
Ano-ano po ang nagustuhan niyo sa pagtira dito?
What is/are the problem/s you notice here in the community?
Ano-ano naman po ang mga problema na napapansin niyo sa komunidad?
What do you think is the root of this/these problem/s?
Ano po ang pinag-ugatan o pinagmulan ng problemang ito?
How does it affect you as a resident of Bulihan?
Ano po ang apekto nito sa inyo bilang nakatira sa Bulihan?
What do you think barangay officials should do to address this problem? Do you have any suggestions?
Ano po sa tingin niyo ang dapat gawin ng mga barangay officials para matugunan
ang problemang ito? Mayroon po ba kayong mamumungkahing solusyon?
What is the importance of the government’s help to the community and its constituents?
Ano po ang kahalagahan ng pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa komunidad at sa
kinasasakupan nito?
Participants’ Profile
Data Analysis
Table 1 Perception of the Barangay Bulihan citizen to their community
This refers how the citizens of Barangay Bulihan observed and described their community.
Theme 1: Progressive community
Barangay Bulihan has a large coverage in the Municipality of Malolos. The economic status and industrialized distinction of the area are the determiner of how the community is progressing.
Sub-theme 1: Economically developed
The Barangay Bulihan is not only a place to live in, but a place to work at. Several small and large businesses have emerge here including convenient stores, hardware store, water station, and the like.
“Nakakuha ako dito ng trabaho. Four years na akong delivery man sa Waterworks”
(Citizen 1)
“Maunlad ang Bulihan dahil marami ng naitayong apartment at establishments.”
(Citizen 2)
“Malaki naman ang Bulihan, kung tutuusin mayaman naman ang Barangay natin. Isa ito sa pinakamalaking barangay sa Malolos, sakop nito
hanggang sa Mc Arthur Highway. "
(Citizen 8)
Sub-theme 2: Industrialized
The huge amount of people occupying here demand to build housing, establishments such as malls, supermarket, and school. This gives the citizen convenience: an easy access to their basic needs in life.
“Malapit sa lahat: school, hospital, at palengke. Hindi nahuhuli sa kaunlaran.”
(Citizen 5)
“Dito kami nakakita ng binili naming lupa dahil may-asawa na ako. Nakabili kami dito sa Domsal noong nag-aabroad ako.”
(Citizen 7)
“Convenient kasi malapit sa supermarket, malls at palengke”
(Citizen 10)
Table 2: Community problems in Barangay Bulihan
This table refers to the existing community problems that citizen in Barangay Bulihan experienced.
Theme 1: Flood
Flood is the most relevant answer among the participants. It is the main problem that most people suffer from the past years. Until now, the flooding remains unresolved.
“Madalas na pagbaha kapag tag-ulan.”
(Citizen 10)
“Bumabaha dito lagi. Diyan sa kalsada at tapat ng barangay office pa.”
(Citizen 4)
“Kapag umulan at bumagyo, ay bumabaha talaga dito. Ang barrio na ito ay mababa.”
(Citizen 5)
“Yung baha naman ay matagal, halos kalahating buwan bago humupa. Noon pa mula noong tumira ako dito ay nararanasan ko na ang baha.”
(Citizen 7)
Subtheme 1: Poor Drainage
The unstable drainage system cause flood in the area during rainy seasons. The drainages are clogged by garbage preventing the water flow smoothly.
“Kapag umulan, walang drainage system.”
(Citizen 3)
“Mabagal po ang maintenance projects.”
(Citizen 6)
“Unang-una ay drainage. Isang side lang ang drainage niyan tapos maliit pa.
(Citizen 8)
Subtheme 2: Improper Waste Management
The unregulated waste collection causes the garbage to pile up. Citizens tend to dump it in the streets that clogged drainages.
“Madaming basura, na nagbabara sa mga ilog at sapa.”
(Citizen 4)
“Napipick up naman ang mga basura pero minsan hindi naman agad-agad nakukuha. Katulad ng nakatambak sa may eskwelahaan doon. Hindi na nakukuha, ang babaho na. Weekly naman ang pagkuha ng basura pero malawak ang Bulihan”
(Citizen 7)
"Kasi ang basura ay pangunahing problema ng mamamayan. Minsan dito sa kalsada naiipon ang basura. Dito na nga ang tapunan nila e. Hinahagis na lang kaya kami rin ang naapektuhan."
(Citizen 7)
Subtheme 3: Subdivision construction
There are several subdivisions in Barangay Bulihan such as Grande Royale, Woodlands of Grande Royale, New Hope Subdivision, Malolos Heights (Alido) Subdivisions and many more. The construction of subdivisions includes demolishing trees and fish ponds that help in preventing flood.
“Mas mababa ang lugar. Siguro ay nakukulong ang tubig, gawa ng mga subdivision, wala ng madaanan sa drainage. Dito kasi ang punuan ng tubig.”
(Citizen 2)
“Dati kasi walang mga subdivisions. Ngayon, konting kibot ay bumabaha.”
(Citizen 3)
“Sa dami siguro ng bahay at wala ng daluyan ng tubig. Tinabunan at binahayan. Wala ng lagusan yung drainage kaya nagkaganon.”
(Citizen 7)
“Siguro dahil na rin sa ilog na bumabara dahil sa mga basura na galing sa mga subdivision.”
(Citizen 10)
Theme 2: Undeveloped streets
As the Barangay became more urbanized, transportation is a necessity to travel from one place to another. The street of Bantayan 1st and 2nd is connected to Longos, Catmon and Caingin. Many people use this route to travel so the street is never empty of vehicles. Narrow streets and broken street lights are two problems that people complain about.
Subtheme 1: Broken street lights
The broken street lights keep the citizens worried about their safety at night. It is dangerous to travel and walk at night when the streets are dark. Moreover, crimes tend to happen at dark areas and these makes the citizens feel anxious.
“Yung kalsada ay maliit, walang streetlights. Yung mga parting madidilim… Dito lang sa tapat namin ay may napatay, ilang taon na ang nakararan siguro, noong uso pa ang tokhang.” (Citizen 8)
“Hanggang ngayon ay walang ilaw ang mga poste.”
(Citizen 8)
Subtheme 2: Narrow streets
The streets of Bantayan 1st and 2nd seem to be narrow for large vehicle like trucks. It also causes traffic, because some vehicle owners have no garage and they use the side of the street to park on.
“Yung kalsada ay maliit, walang streetlights…”
(Citizen 8)
“Traffic. Mga walang sariling parking lot.”
(Citizen 9)
Table 3: The effect of community problems to the citizens of Brgy. Bulihan
Theme 1: Obstacle at work
Five of the participants runs a business and three are drivers. Flooding affects their occupation as it impedes growth resulting to low income.
Subtheme 1: Slow the business
The business owners lose customers especially when their street is flooded. Four of the participants runs a store that sells food. As the flood covered their streets, the food they are selling can be contaminated if not secured properly. This issue causes customer mistrust, resulting to low income of business owners.
“Patay ang business.”
(Citizen 6)
“Syempre naapektuhan ang pagtinda ko. Yung iba ay ayaw lumusong.”
(Citizen 3)
“Hindi nakakarating ang ibang mga mamimili dito.”
(Citizen 8)
Subtheme 2: Difficulty at driving
Tricycle drivers and delivery men struggle to travel in flooded street. It is difficult to reach possible passengers. Tricycle drivers need to exert effort to dive in the flood with the risk of getting sick and damaging their vehicle.
“Nahihirapan ako pumasok sa trabaho.”
(Citizen 1)
“Kapag bumabaha ay hindi kami makapaghanap buhay.”
(Citizen 4)
“Kahit motor ay tumitirik kapag dumadaan.”
(Citizen 6)
“Malaki ang epekto dahil hindi sila makapamasada.”
(Citizen 8)
Theme 2: Struggle at home
Flood also reach houses making the citizens troubling their personal life. It also destructs their appliances, and furniture at home. Thus, they tried to make temporary solutions to ease the damages the flood brings.
“Umaabot yung baha sa loob ng bahay.”
(Citizen 10)
“Pinapasok ang bahay namin ng baha. Tinaasan na nga namin, binabaha pa rin.”
(Citizen 4)
Subtheme 1: Temporary solution
Citizens make their own temporary solution to minimize the effect of flooding to their home. Some made their house flooring higher to prevent the flood from entering their home.
“Dati ay pinapasok ang bahay naming ng baha. Tinaasan ko ang mga gamit ko.”
(Citizen 7)
“Dati pinapasok ang bahay ng baha ngayon ay hindi na. Ngunit yung bakuran naming ay pinapasok pa rin.” (Citizen 8)
"Inaabot ng baha ang labas ng bahay… Hinihintay nalang naming humupa."
(Citizen 6)
Table 4: The opinion of citizens towards the Barangay Officials role
Theme 1: Project Proposal
The participants were asked what are their suggested solutions to address the problem in the community. They come up with lists of solutions. Some are aware of how local government works, they mentioned about passing a project proposal at the municipal office.
"Magpropose sila ng project. May mga komite naman sila, magpropose sila ng project sa munisipyo." (Citizen 8)
“Usually kailangan muna makipag-coordinate ng barangay sa munisipyo bago national. Isurvey muna nila to.” (Citizen 9)
Subtheme 1: Drainage System
The citizens express how the officials should prioritize fixing the drainage system. Declogging, and arranging the collapse drainage can be effective to avoid flooding. Some suggested installing a huge drainage as the housing continues to expand. Clean up drives on flood-risk areas can also minimize clogging the drainage.
“Pwede nila tugunan. Kagaya noon, tinatanggalan ang kanal ng basura.”
(Citizen 2)
“Kailangan magkaroon sila ng aksyon kung saan dapat dumaloy ang tubig, yung drainage system dahil parang nai-stuck yung tubig dito. Parang walang outlet.”
(Citizen 6)
“Lakihan ang drainage, taasan ang kalsada. Bigyan ng budget, bigyan pang-ayos ang kalsada.”
(Citizen 4)
Subtheme 1 Waste Management
Proper waste management is one of the suggested solutions. The regularization of garbage collection is important because the population of the barangay is huge and waste multiply day by day. Having a dump site in the barangay is also raised by one participant, however landfills can emit carbon dioxide, methane, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous pollutants into the air (Cho, 2016). It is only a temporary solution that will lessen garbage at home but will worsen the pollution in the community.
“Dapat sa basura ay maging regular ang pagkuha ng basura. Minsan pinipili lang ang winawalisan” (Citizen 8)
“Sa basura naman ay dapat magkaroon sila ng imbakan ng basura. Bumili sila ng lote na pagbabagsakan. Kung hindi nila mahakot ay doon nila ilalagay sa binili nilang lote.”
(Citizen 7)
Subtheme 3: Street Development
Main streets like Bantayan 1st and 2nd should be expanded, as large vehicles using the road. The barangay officials should also make an action about illegal parking in the streets to avoid traffic and crowding the road. Citizens should follow the “no garage, no car policy”. This is also to protect the citizens from road accidents.
“Ayusin muna nila yung mga sasakyan na walang paradahan, para walang kaso yung mga dumadaan dito na malalaking truck lalo na kapag bawal.
(Citizen 9)
Theme 2: Role of Barangay Officials
Citizens recognizes the huge role of barangay officials in serving the community. The barangay officials have the power to enact projects and raise the community concerns to the municipal level. They have the responsibility to address the problems in their area.
Subtheme 1: Helpers
The barangay officials have an obligation to its citizen to protect their welfare. They are the helpers of the community as they are the only one, we can go to whenever there are calamities and disasters. They have the responsibility to take measures, when people call for help.
“Syempre kailangan natin ng alalay ng pamahalaan,… kinakailangan din ay may suporta tayong nakukuha kahit papaano. Saka kung may problema sana ay magkaroon ng rigid action. Sa tingin ko sa oras ng may baha ay wala rin silang magawa, kahit yung barangay office natin ay binabaha.”
(Citizen 7)
“Napakalaki kasi tax payer tayo, dapat nababalik sa atin ng maayos. Sa mga batayang serbisyo, hindi lamang sa daan, kundi sa mga serbisyo na dapat nating matamo.”
(Citizen 8)
“Ang kahalagahan ng pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa komunidad ay napapanatiling ligtas ang mga taong sakop nito, sa gayon ay napupunan din nila ang kakulangan at nagagamit ng mga tao ang dapat na budget para sa kanila.”
(Citizen 10)
Summary of Findings
The following are my findings in this study:
1. The two major problems that Barangay Bulihan faces are flood and improper waste management. These are caused by uncontrollable phenomena of construction of subdivisions, and increasing amount of garbage.
2. The personal life and occupation of the citizens are mostly affected of the flooding.
3. The citizens believes that the local government should take action to solve the issues mentioned.
Conclusion
Even if the Barangay Bulihan is progressing in terms of industrialization, environmental problems will continue to ruin the quality of life of the citizens. The local government should coordinate with the planning of drainage system including the subdivisions. Aside from creating a wider drainage and declogging it, the barangay officials should create local drive for citizens to participate in cleaning the streets. It is important that residence of subdivisions to participate because they are also part of the Barangay.
Elevating the road may not help because the flood will flow into the houses and establishment that has a low flooring. It will not solve the problem for everyone. Hence, the best solution is to fix and maintain the drainage system of Barangay.
Overall, the interview with the citizens is participatory. I saw how they hope for a change and their expectation to resolve these issues within the community.
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