BARANGAY BUGA, SAN MIGUEL, BULACAN
(c) Wikimedia Commons
MAP OF BARANGAY BUGA, SAN MIGUEL BULACAN (c) Google Maps
KWENTUHAN WITH KAGAWAD ALEXANDER P. SANTOS
There are a lot of problems our community has faced throughout the years, however, there are those that seem to be more alarming than the others, namely: improper waste disposal and uneven roads. And it seems that these problems do root from negligence and lack of knowledge among the locals that reside in my community, Barangay Buga.
In terms of solutions that our local government could offer I'd say that proper intervention would suit the situation best. They, the local government, need to educate everyone on what and what not to do when it comes to waste disposal. Moreover, seminars or even regular clean up drives could also be sufficient.
When it comes to uneven roads, I'd say that temporarily closing routes that need attention would help, since maintenance among the mentioned problems is needed. The fact that the abundance of trucks crossing the roads is one of the causes of the problem, the local government should limit the access of trucks on the roads because even if they’ll keep on repairing it again and again, the heavy load of the trucks will always affect the smooth of the road.
All in all, these are just solutions that, I, a student could only think of. I'm pretty sure that if the government were to assess the inside and outside factors of the said problems they'll be able to think of a much effective and better answer to my community's dilemma.
The disaster situation in my community and our country may be different in terms of intensity and what not, but, both did stem from a sole point: negligence; both its local government and the people that resides in it. Ideally, these people should meet halfway if they want to put an end to their small-scale problems that leads to way larger problems.
Most of the time, we, citizens of the Philippines tend to show little to no care and compassion to our surroundings and also to other people. As I've mentioned earlier, one of the problems my community faces is improper waste disposal. And again, it did stem from the lack of knowledge. These days, proper intervention seems to lack when it comes to these types of problems. And I'd say that no matter how small the situation may be, now is the time to take responsibility and act.
I did learn a lot of things during my time wandering around my community, and also talking to one of our town's local officials. I'd say that one of the most memorable lessons I've learned was that no matter how much you remind people or educate them on what and what not to do, there'll still be a time where they will forget what they have learned which in my community's case was proper waste disposal. And it is right and just that every now and then, officials remind them or give them pointers on what to do.
Moreover, I've also learned that there are problems that seem to be really inevitable which, again, in my community's case were uneven roads. During the time that I was able to converse with one of the local officials, they said that no matter how much effort and time they spend on fixing the said problem it really is unavoidable since, there are dozens of trucks that pass by that specific route every day.
In addition, I did also realize that there really are problems that tend to get little to no attention in our community, and also others, and if no one would speak about it, it'll be ignored and worse neglected. At the end of the day, people wouldn’t take action about something if they don’t recognize it as a problem. That’s why, awareness plays pivotal role in community development plans and actions.
Addressing our country's and community's issue is one thing, however, doing something about it is also another. Amplifying each issue and problem would bring light to whatever needs to be solved, and if lucky, through time with persuasion, unnoticed issues would be solved.
I'd say, by simply, raising awareness and even helping people around your community would be enough in addressing issues even doing something about it. Calling the attention of whoever public official is responsible in your community could also help.
As a student and also a member of this community, I'd say that the only concrete solution that I can offer was to provide attention, as well as, bring light to the vulnerabilities my community faces.
Moreover, as an active social media user and being part of a well-known dance group in the university I can disseminate information as well as inform people regarding my community's situation through the use of my connections. In addition, I could also call or even seek help from public and local officials that'll be willing to help. All in all, no matter how big or small my actions were going to be I'd make sure that I will do whatever I can to help my community.