In a community where relationships were formed and each resident living harmoniously, there would still be issues that need to be addressed for the community to thrive even more. Fluttering with the wind it goes, those are the voices waiting to be heard, yearning for a change.
One of the 9 barangays in Balagtas, Bulacan, the community that I have chosen is the Brgy. Longos where I also grew up.
The survey is done through answering a form for the respondents’ convenience. The ages of respondents were in the range of 18-44 years old, making the demographic in the range of teenagers to middle aged residents of the barangay. The majority of the respondents were younger as the nature of the survey itself was more familiar to use by the younger generation. The survey amplified the voices of the residents, especially the younger ones, showing their active participation in the situation of the community.
Figure 1: The table of the profiles of the residents of Longos, Balagtas, Bulacan. Their names and addresses were not included to protect their privacy.
Among the 8 respondents from the survey conducted, the common issue they have is about the garbage disposal or the waste collection in the barangay. The problem with it is that there is no proper schedule when it comes to collecting waste. To quote one of the respondents, "Yung pag hakot ng barangay sa basura need nila adjust ang araw at oras nila." This reflects the need of the citizens to have a proper schedule in garbage disposal because not having one meant the waste piling up for days without proper management that poses a problem with the people.
Figure 2.1: The table of the summarized issues answered by the respondents, along with the direct answers written by them in the survey form.
Figure 2.2: The continuation of the summarized issues answered by the respondents.
The supposed proper schedule for the collection of waste is every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6-7 AM. However, instead of having three days allocated for the collecting waste, it was reduced to having it once every week. This change in the schedule posed an inconvenience to the citizens because as mentioned earlier, it brought the problem of piled up waste in each household. This problem in the schedule was allegedly caused by a political motive. It is said that this kind of problem in the garbage disposal arose during the days wherein candidates for the upcoming election started to make their appearance known. With this, what does it have to do with the problem at hand? The Barangay Captain here in Longos is a supporter of the opposition team of the current mayor of the municipality of Balagtas, who is also running again this election. Allegedly, the reason why the schedule became once a week is because the permit for the ones who are collecting the waste to take it to Barangay Dalig, where it is processed, were not given by the mayor due to the stance of the barangay captain leaning in favor to the other party. If this is really the reason behind this problem, this is really concerning as it shows the willingness of someone who has the power to deprive the needs of its constituents all because something does not go in the way they want. In the end, this is truly a problem that should be addressed, regardless if this is because of a political dispute or mismanagement of the barangay official, because the collection of waste is something that is necessary in the daily lives in each home and is concerned with the state and hygiene of the barangay.
It is important to note that this issue isn’t something to be addressed just because the cause may be a political dispute or irresponsibility of the barangay officials, but rather if left unattended is concerning for the environment and the people. According to the Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. the practice of bad waste management could lead to land and air pollution. Which in return could bring serious medical conditions in humans, animals and plants. That is why it is important for this problem to be paid attention to because it concerns public health. With our health being a top priority nowadays because of the pandemic, this is an issue that really needs to be addressed to secure the safety and good health of the people.
Next to this common problem stated by the correspondents is the lack of barangay tanod making rounds in the streets and not doing their duties properly. This is an issue that should also be addressed because it shows unwillingness of the barangay officials to take responsibility for their jobs. Which is concerning as it is about the safety of the citizens especially at nights considering that there are not many lamp posts in the streets. Other issues mentioned by the respondents are the livelihood and lack of assistance to the residents, pathways to be fixed, large trucks that cause disturbance and clogged drains.
The unheard voices fluttered in the wind but once given a chance to be heard it became steadfast on its own. The residents may be the ones that should be served by the officials but they are not mere bystanders on the sidelines in each community. It is important to hear their concerns as they are also part of the foundations of what makes a community strong on its own.
Reference
Why is waste management important? Science Park. (2020, June 15). Retrieved March 27, 2022, from https://sciencepark.com.ph/blog/waste-management-important/
Commenti