Final Citizen Journalism Report
Tiny Nicole H. Bartolome
Posted on June 7, 2022
Photo by: Tiny Nicole H. Bartolome
MALOLOS, BULACAN, Philippines- The barangay councilor and secretary of Barangay Caingin and its residents raised their concerns about the community's noise pollution problem.
Back in 2015, House Bill 1035, “An Act Prohibiting the use of Videoke/Karaoke systems and Other Sound Amplifying Equipment that Cause Unnecessary Disturbance to the Public within the Residential Areas, and Providing Penalties Therefor,” was filed with Congress to regulate the use of such videoke/karaoke systems.
The bill proposed that such equipment be used only from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only. Moreover, there shall be prima facie proof of a violation if it can be heard at a distance of at least 50 feet from the site where it is located, and the individual or business running it shall be fined P1,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
There are currently civil remedies available under the law for noise disturbances, pending the bill's passage into law. These aren't always restricted to loud singing or the use of videoke/karaoke.
Barangay Caingin Multi-Purpose Hall | Photo by: Tiny Nicole H. Bartolome
According to Mr. Cesar Arellano, Caingin’s Barangay Konsehal, the local officials of Barangay Caingin are receiving many complaints from the residents, especially from the month of January to April. However, last month was different because they only received five (5) complaints.
Mr. Cesar Arellano is currently living his 55th year in Barangay Caingin and his 9th year of being in the position of Barangay Konsehal. “Dito talaga ako lumaki. At dati pa man, ganyan na talaga ang ating Barangay, kaliwa’t kanan ang reklamo tuwing hatinggabi, dahil sa mga taong naka-tambay sa kalsada na nag iinuman, nag-vivideoke at nag-kukwentuhan nang malakas pero ang nakakatuwa rito ay unti unti namang nagbabago ang sitwasyon ng ating Barangay, dahil kumokonti nalang ang bilang ng mga reklamo tungkol sa ingay at istorbo na nararanasan ng mga taong nakatira rito.” Mr. Arellano added.
Photo: Tiny Nicole H. Bartolome
In addition, four (4) citizens of Barangay Caingin expressed their opinions and concerns regarding the community problem of "Noise Pollution."
Teofila Hernandez, a senior citizen resident of Caingin for 53 years, stated “Sa totoo lang noong kabataan ko mas magulo at maingay pa ang Caingin kaysa sa ngayon pero nasasaway naman. Para sa akin mas umayos at tumino na ang mga sitwasyon ngayon tungkol sa ganitong bagaykung ikukumpara mo noon ngunit hindi talaga maiiwasan na mayroon pa ring talagang mga taong tambay sa gabi na kung mag kwentuhan at mag karaoke ay akala mo walang kapit-bahay na natutulog at nagpapahinga.”
Ronalyn Paraiso, a Senior High School student from Barangay Caingin, said via online interview, “I know that it is their rights to have freedom in chikahan and anything, pero kasi, most of the houses here ay may online classes or wfh (work from home), so medyo disturbing ang kwentuhan pag medyo malakas, and especially kapag may nagpapatugtog pa. Example po, sa school, need mag video for requirements, but cannot be done because of their loud noise.”
Bea Bartolome, a college student from Barangay Caingin, said via face-to-face interview, “Isa po talaga yan sa reklamo ko sa aming Barangay ang Noise Pollution dahil bilang isang estudyante po na nag-oonline class, nahihirapan po akong mag-aral dahil sa ingay ng paligid. Una rito ay ang construction, ingay at sigawan ng mga kapit-bahay, pati na rin po ang karaoke tuwing hatinggabi.”
“Yes, I can say na approachable naman ang officials tungkol dito dahil na-try na namin ng asawa ko na magreklamo once, tungkol sa ingay ng aming kapit-bahay tuwing madaling araw. Kami kasi ay sa gabi nag-tatrabaho at kailangan namin ng tahimik at maayos na lugar para sa work namin kaya ni-report namin at na-resolve naman agad ang problema dahil kinausap ng aming barangay tanod ang aming kapit-bahay,” Giselle Pascual, a work from home (WFH) resident said after being asked if the barangay officials are approachable in terms of noise pollution and addressing the concerns being raised by the residents.
Photo: Tiny Nicole H. Bartolome
“We will be asking the barangay to have a resolution regarding the use of this noisy equipment [karaoke]. Barangay ordinances will be in place and we will coordinate with them,” Mr. Earl Ramos, a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Caingin, said in a face-to-face interview.
“Everything will be coordinated with Barangay Officials. Kung may problema sa community maliit man o malaki, ang mga opisyal ay nandito palagi para tulungan at pakinggan sila sa kanilang mga opinyon at problema” Ramos said.
According to PNP chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan, the Philippine National Police will ask barangay officials to issue ordinances against noisy activities such as karaoke singing as this could distract those who are trying to study and work at home.
“The police force would coordinate with barangays in maintaining peace and quiet in their areas as many are forced to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic,” Cascolan added.
In addition, Barangay Captain, Mr. Tom Reyes said that “Bilang isang lider, naka-upo sa posisyon, at may malasakit na mamamayan ng Barangay Caingin, ako ho ay nangangako na tutuparin ko ang aking mga pangako. Kasama na rito ang mapabuti ang aking nasasakupan, at palaging siguraduhin na mapakinggan ang hinanaing ng aking mga ka-baranggay.”
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