Empirical-Paper-Final
Empirical-Paper-Final
Empirical-Paper-Final
By;
2024
I. Introduction
Waste is a natural part of the human life cycle and is produced in different
forms, such as bodily waste, solid waste, hazardous waste, and even e-waste (The
Environmental Literacy Council, 2015). Among these, solid waste is one of the most
voluminous types produced globally (Hoornweg & Bhada-Tata, 2012). Solid waste is
defined as the unwanted and discarded materials produced from day-to-day human
activities (Mishra et al., 2014). This includes “yard waste, food waste, plastics, wood,
metals, papers, rubbers, leather, batteries, inert materials, textiles, paint containers,
demolishing and construction materials as well as many others that would be difficult to
classify” (Abdel-Shafy & Mansour, 2018). At present, solid waste and its
management are considered to be global problems (Singh et al., 2014). According to the
World Bank (2020), about 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste is produced annually
and 33% of these wastes are disposed of improperly and eco-unfriendly while about
20% are recycled and composted .It was estimated that global solid waste generated
will increase up to 70% by 2050 (Industry Dive, 2020). In the Philippines, an
estimated amount of 35,580 tons of garbage per day is generated (Castillo & Otoma,
2013), or about 14.66 million tons annually in 2014 (Department of Environment and
Natural Resources [DENR], 2018). It has increased up to 16.6 million tons based on
the 2018 data making the Philippines the “third-largest generator of solid waste
among Southeast Asian countries” (Romero, 2020). The continuous rise in garbage
amount is brought about by increasing population, leveling up of living standards, and
urbanization also leading to problems associated with excessive waste (Senate
Economic Planning Office [SEPO], 2017). Thus, dictating the need for immediate
response on addressing the issues on solid waste management. Palayan City is a 5th-
class component city in the Philippines. It is the provincial capital of Nueva Ecija
in Central Luzon, located in Luzon. Palayan City was just a government stock farm
before it was named its present name. It was within Laur and Bongabon. The city was
one of the 6 cities of the Philippines (namely Manila, Baguio, Quezon City, Trece
Martires, Island Garden City of Samal, and Palayan) whose creation was specifically
planned by the local leaders and approved by the Congress. Palayan City has a
population of 45,383 as of the 2020 Census, and a land area of 101.40 square
kilometers. It consists of 19 barangays. Many of its residents are employed while
outside the urban area, people are engaging in agriculture and inland fishing. Its
land is mainly used for residential purposes.
Croplands with 1,894 hectares are used for pasture, forest, inland fisheries, and other
industries. There are also rolling hills, terrains, and mountains in the city, all used for
agriculture and other related industries.
The current waste management program in the City of Palayan clearly defines the
responsibilities of both the city and the barangays in promoting garbage diversion and
waste reduction. Citizens should learn about the five Rs of solid waste management
(reduce, reuse, recycle, dispose, and segregate) to achieve this goal. The goal of
segregation at source, a method of solid waste management, is to maximize recycling and
reusing of resources while decreasing the total amount of trash that needs to be collected
and disposed of (Article 2, Section 3, RA 9003). Reducing waste involves avoiding
purchases of high-waste products, as defined by Ambayic et al. (2013). Besides reducing
the amount of waste sent to landfills, recycling also prevents the consumption of raw
materials that would have been used to make a replacement item. It recycles things that
would otherwise be thrown away by transforming them into something useful, although
in the process, the original items may lose their integrity. Some of the residential areas in
Palayan City that have successfully adopted waste management strategies are San
Lorenzo and AKAP Village. The village adopted a community-based strategy for the
disposal and segregation of waste. By encouraging residents to separate biodegradable
from non- biodegradable waste at home, the amount of trash that is dumped in landfills is
significantly reduced. To ensure proper garbage collection and processing, San Lorenzo
and AKAP Village also work with the local governments. This collaboration raises the
community's awareness of environmental issues and improves the effectiveness of waste
management systems.
The "Basura, Bayad Renta" program, a cap-and-trade system implemented in
AKAP and San Lorenzo Village, presents a novel solution to this issue. It incentivizes
waste reduction by setting waste generation limits (caps) and allowing residents to trade
waste credits, effectively transforming waste management into an economically
rewarding and environmentally conscious activity. This approach aligns with global
trends in sustainable development and resource management, leveraging economic
principles to drive behavioral change and reduce environmental impact. However, while
the program is promising, its actual effectiveness and impact remain largely unassessed.
Questions about its ability to reduce waste generation, encourage recycling, and foster
economic and social benefits among participants must be
answered. Moreover, understanding the challenges faced during its implementation—
such as participation barriers, monitoring issues, and resource constraints—will be crucial
for refining and scaling the initiative to other areas.
administrative hub, but its urbanization has led to a growing generation of waste from
management systems.
The AKAP Village in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, is part of a housing project
launched on December 21, 2022, by President Marcos. While San Lorenzo Village in
Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, was developed as a residential village started in the early
1990s. The AKAP and San Lorenzo Village in Palayan City is part of a government
families, the AKAP program is aligned with other social welfare programs like financial
assistance, skills training, and livelihood support, aiming to improve the living conditions
Research Design
This study adopts a mixed-methods research design to evaluate the effectiveness
of the "Basura, Bayad Renta" program as a cap-and-trade waste management initiative
in AKAP and San Lorenzo Village, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. A embedded sequential
approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the program's impacts, challenges, and sustainability.
The quantitative component of this study focuses on analyzing data related to
level of participation, benefits of the program to their family and to the environment. The
qualitative component explores the perceptions, experiences, and attitudes of residents
and stakeholders toward the program. This involves conducting semi-structured
interviews with program participants and local government officials
to understand their views on the program’s challenges and successes. Additionally, focus
group discussions with community members will be held to gather insights into
behavioral changes, barriers to compliance, and the social dynamics influencing
participation. Observational data will also be collected to document program operations,
including the waste collection process and community engagement activities, offering a
more comprehensive understanding of the program's implementation and impact.
Sampling Method
The researcher used purposive sampling method to identify the Key Informant
Interviewee in this study and also the residents in the San Lorenzo and AKAP Village.
The KII for this study were two of the officials of Palayan ENRO, ma’am Anelyn P.
Bongcawil, the Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) Designated
ENRO and sir Randy B. Gamboa, support staff and the head of the BBR Program and
The researcher managed to surveyed fifty (50) residents, twenty five (25) in San Lorenzo
and twenty five (25) in AKAP Village. The researcher now used a sample size formula to
compute the sample size for this study due to the lack of information of the total
population in the two village.
Data Analysis
The researcher used a survey questionnaire consisted of quantitative data. The
data obtained from the questionnaires answered by the respondents was consolidated and
analyzed using descriptive statistics utilized total frequency and weighted mean were
used to determined level of participation, benefits of the program to the residents and to
the environment.
The level of awareness and the sources of information of the respondents
regarding climate change were in a 4-point Likert scale. A 4-point Likert Scale based
on (Elliot 2021), when a researcher requires a responder to express a clear opinion, they
can utilize 4- point Likert scales that do not include a neutral choice.
The level of participation of the residents to the BBR program was in a four- point
Likert scale which was rated as:
The perceived benefits to the respondents and to the environment regarding of the
BBR program were assessed using a 4-Likert scale, which was rated as:
This part of the empirical paper contains the summary of all the data gathered by
the researcher from 50 respondents within AKAP and San Lorenzo village with a
specific and comprehensive explanation and summary of each.
Table 3 shows the different programs, projects, and activity on Solid Waste
Management in Palayan. Proper management of solid waste is a significant worldwide
concern, leading communities to take proactive steps to reduce its consequences and
strengthen their resilience. In Palayan City, Palayan ENRO take the initiative with
various sectors to combat Solid Waste Management and to promote sustainable
development.
To advocate for Solid Waste Management in Palayan City, a program named
“Eco Brick” has been introduced. Under this initiative, the personnel at the Material
Recovery Facility (MRF) gather delicate items such as glass, mirrors, or soft-drinks that
are deemed no longer useful by the residents. These items are then weighed, and the
residents are compensated either monetarily or through credits for their contributions.
Subsequently, the fragile items are processed in a machine that breaks them down into
smaller fragments, which are then utilized in the creation of bricks.
Another program entitled “Basura Kapalit Printa” is a commendable initiative
that focuses on promoting the recycling of materials, particularly plastic bottles. In this
program, students are encouraged to bring plastic bottles to the
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in exchange for free printing services. This
innovative idea was conceived by Ma’am Anelyn P. Bongcawil, the SEMS Designated
ENRO,
“Kesa mag bayad sila ng mahal sa mga computer shop, ehhh…… maaari nalang
nilang itabi yung pera na iyon at isa pa, ayyy….. nakakatulong den ito saamin upang
ipakalat yung awareness and knowledge ng kahalagaan ng pag recycle, lalo na sa mga
kabataan ngayon”
“Naisip din namin itong programa na ito, dahil….. sa mahal ng mga bilihin
ngayon, isa na din dito yung mga ginagamit sa kusina, hindi naman ito yung mga
material na bagay kase hindi naman din kayang iprovide ng ENRO yon,
hahahaha…… kaya naman naisip namin na bakit hindi nalang yung mga ginagamit nila
sa pang araw-araw, tulad nga niyan na essentials sa kusina na pang-luto nila.”
With the implementation of this program, the ENRO is assisting the residents of
Palayan in various ways, even though the contributions may seem minor, they hold
significant value to the people of Palayan City. Through this initiative, they are taking
small steps towards sustainable development, which carries immense importance.
Lastly, the primary focus of this empirical paper centers on the "Basura Bayad
Renta" initiative, which is dedicated to the two villages in Palayan, namely AKAP and
San Lorenzo village, comprising approximately 400 households. Initially conceived by
the Mayor of Palayan to bring happiness to those facing financial constraints in building
their homes, this program entails residents paying a monthly fee of 200 pesos for the
upkeep of their septage, water, and electricity bills. As articulated by Sir Randy B.
Gamboa, a dedicated support staff and the program's leader, this endeavor aims to
provide essential services and support to the community.
“Actually, bago palang den itong programa, mag-iisang taon palang ngayong
taon….. sa hirap kase ng buhay ngayon…… lalo na yung andon sa dalawang village na
yan…… hindi ren naman nila alam kung saan kukuha ng pera at mga street sweeper sila
at yung iba ay talagang malaki yung pamilya at kapos….. kaya naman naisip namin na
baket hindi nalang maging kapalit nung mga maiipon nilang basura sa village nila ay
maging dahilan upang hindi na nila maisip pa kung saan sila kukuha ng pambayad kahit
sabihing 200 pesos lang yan ay malaking halaga na sakanila yan.”
“Hindi lang naman den yan yon…… hahahahaha……. nag raise din yan ng
awareness sakanila at nagbigay ng knowledge paano mag segregate ng basura,
importante ng pag re-recyle, at yung kanila talagang participation sa programa ay
talagang makikita mo…… dahil dati makalat don pero ngayon hindi na at tinatangghal
pa silang “cleaniest village” nung nakaraang taon at “best in home design”
hahahahaha…… at dahil recycable materials ang pag-gawa nila sa mga kanilang
christmas designed”
- Ma’am Anelyn P. Bongcawil
Safety and Environmental Management Systems
Table 4 shows the five (5) statements regarding the participation on the BBR
program. As viewed in the table, a three (3) statement received a verbal interpretation of
Always (A), one (1) statement received a rating of Sometimes (S), and one (1) statement
received a rating of Never (N).
Statement 1 (I actively participate in segregating my household waste as required
by the program) obtained the highest average value of 3.68 verbally interpreted as
Always (A). Respondents exhibited a high level of participation on the BBR program. On
the other hand, Statement 3 (I regularly attend community meetings or activities related
to the program) obtained the lowest average value of
2.46 and verbally interpreted as low level of participation. Respondents showed a lesser
level of participation about the intended meeting or activities about the BBR program.
According to the respondents, the reason why there’s a times they don’t participate in the
meeting or activities about the BBR Program in their village due to their work and prior
agenda.
“May trabaho den kase kame pag-nagkakaroon ng mga meeting o activity na ganiyan
ehh….. kaya naman hindi kame nakakapunta, pwede naman yung ibang kasama sa
pamilya kaso naman may pasok yung mga anak ko, isang college na at hasykul diyan sa
atate at elj nag-aaral sila”
- Jane Dolores, one of the owner of the household and participant in
BBR Program in San Lorenzo Village
Table 5 shows the five (5) statements regarding the benefits of the BBR Program
to the residents. As viewed in the table, four (4) statement received verbal
interpretation of Strongly Agree (SA) and one (1) statement received an verbal
interpretation of Agree (A). Statement 4 (The program has provided financial or
material benefits (e.g., incentives, discounts, or rent deductions) to my family)
obtained the highest and perfect average value of 4.00 verbally interpreted as High (H)
agreement that the program benefits the respondents. While, Statement 1
(Participating in the program has reduced the amount of waste generated in my
household) obtained the lowest average value of 2.66 verbally interpreted as
Moderate (M) agreement that they’re household generation of waste is minimize.
Based on the follow up question of the researcher to the respondents, the
respondents strongly agree to the benefits they received by the Basura Bayad Renta of
ENRO.
“Malaking tulong po yung programa nila dahil….. imbis na isipin pa namin kung saan
kukunin yung pangbayad buwan-buwan ay mag-iipon nalang kaming mga taga dito ng
mga recycable materials hahahaha….. para naman may kwenta o halaga yung basura
na iniipon namin at mapapalitan naman ito ng pera upang pang bayad ng renta”
- Resyha Mercado Mendoza, one of the owner of household and
participant of BBR Program in AKAP Village
Table 6 shows the five (5) statements regarding the benefits of the BBR Program
to the environment within the community. As viewed in the table, three (3) statements
received a verbal interpretation of Strongly Agree and two (2) statements received a
verbal interpretation of Agree (A). Statement 3 (Participating in the program has helped
improve the cleanliness of the surrounding environment) obtained the highest average
value of 3.72 verbally interpreted High (H) benefits to the environment within the
community in terms of the cleanliness. While statement 1 (The program has contributed
to a decrease in littering within the community) obtained the lowest average value of
3.02 verbally interpreted as Moderate (M) agreement of the respondents that the
program decrease the littering in their village. According to the respondents,
“Hindi naman po kase sir maiiwan na yung mga bata ay itinatapon yung mga
pinagkainan nilang mga plastic…… hahahahaha…… pero kame po, syempre pag
nakikita namin yang, pinagbalatan ng candy o yung mga basura ay pinupulot nanamin at
itinatapon den sa tamang tapunan”
- Theodora Ramos, one of the owner of household and
participants to the BBR Program in San Lorenzo Village
Another statement from the respondents caught the attention of the researcher as
Mrs. Dionisia Asuncion, the leader of the community in AKAP Village share of her
experience and satisfaction on how their village maintain the cleanliness.
“Sa totoo lang mga anak, hano….. hahahaha….. limang taon nakong nakatira dito at
masasabe ko na makalat dito noon dahil nga yung ibang bahay dito at inaabandona na
at kung saan-saan nalang nagtatapon ng basura mga tao dito. Pero nung nag start yung
Basura Bayad Renta nung nakaraan taon ay talaga namang napalinis ang village namin
at nakatulong ito upang mas ma appreciate namin yung community namin”
As she continue her thought about their achievements in last year christmas best
in household design.
“Nung nakaraang taon, ang village namin yung nanalo ng best christmas designed…..
dahil yung mga gamit namin ay talagang gawa sa mga recycable materials iyon lahat at
bilang premyo naman non ay binigyan kame ng mga solar panels”
Challenges
No records on volume of recycable collected
The researchers finds out that this would be the biggest challenge of the Basura
Bayad Renta Program of ENRO because they will not justify whether this program is
successful or this implementation of the program totally minimize the volume of waste
and recycling rate in the two (2) village, AKAP and San Lorenzo. Based on the statement
given by sir Randy B. Gamboa, support staff and head of the said program, they only
focused on the sales of the recycable materials that the village submitted.
No trace of the recyclables collected by the residents if they are only present in the
village.
Figure 2 shows the recycable materials collected on one of the households in San
Lorenzo Village, the researcher saw this tricycle full of recycable materials that belong to
the one of the households owner while roaming the village and represents their caps to
trade for the upcoming collection by the MRF stuff. The researcher took the chance to
interview on the spot the owner of the household.
“Hindi naman po lahat yan ay galing po saamin sir…… hahahahaha…… yung iba po
diyan ay galing po sa night market ng Palayan dahil street sweeper po kameng mag- asa,
kaya po hinihiwalay po namin at kinukuha yung pwede po naming ipagpalit pag po
nangulekta na sila Sir Randy”
The respondents decided to remain anonymous, and the researcher respectfully
respected the residents' decision. Collecting recyclable materials outside the village posed
a challenge for the BBR Program by ENRO, as the program primarily aims to minimize
waste generation and increase recycling rates in the two villages, rather than
encompassing the entirety of Palayan or other areas within Palayan City.
CONCLUSION
The "Basura, Bayad Renta" (BBR) program in AKAP and San Lorenzo
Village, despite being in operation for only one year, has demonstrated promising
potential as a community-based waste management initiative. While the program's
limited duration and current sales records may not yet provide sufficient data to justify
its overall success or scalability, its initial outcomes suggest tangible benefits for the
residents. These include increased awareness and participation in sustainable waste
management practices, cleaner living environments, and incentives that support
household economic conditions.
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