PHOTOVOICE #1: SMOG from factories

On their way to school children’s studying at Don Mariano Elementary School often run into
black smoke coming from the manufacturer of “taho”. Aside from smog from automobiles, smog
from taho factories in the community add to the problem, so control is difficult. Residents from
the community specifically the neighboring houses surrounding the factory raise their
complaints. The massive air pollution coming from the factories inflict harm to the environment
but also to health. The massive air pollution coming from the factories inflict harm to the
environment but also to health. Taho which is conceded as one of the sources of income for
some laborers in the community ironically cause serious problem. Regarding this, the occurrence
of the problem arises in a day-to-day basis during 7 AM where the production of taho takes
place. According to an interview, not only is it harmful for their health but it also contributes to
the depletion of the ozone layer which can result to environmental damage. Hard Choice Faces
the Community. And, because corrective measures are not strictly implemented years may pass
before the factory stops spouting black smoke. If the factory will continually pollute the air for
years, and is operating on a close budget—can the residents, in good conscience, make demands
that will drive it into bankruptcy? On the other hand, can these residents afford to risk their
health by continuing to breathe the smoke? But everyone has inalienable right to live in an
environment free of pollution and contaminations and a statute to force stricter standards for
control of pollutants from factories and motor vehicles. The factories can also be controlled with
end-of-the-pipe devices that capture pollutants created and by limiting the quantity of pollutants
produced in the first place. In a catalytic converter, exhaust gases pass over small beads coated
with metals that promote reactions changing harmful substances into less harmful ones. When
end-of-the-pipe device will be use, then it can dramatically reduced pollution at a relatively low
cost. As air pollution standards become stricter, it becomes more and more expensive to further
clean the air. In order to lower pollution overall, industrial polluters are sometimes allowed to
make cooperative deals. For instance, the said factories may fulfill its pollution control
requirements by investing in pollution control at another factory, where more effective pollution
control can be accomplished at a lower cost. End-of-the-pipe controls, however sophisticated,
can do so much to lessen the smog. Given the propose solutions however the long-term goal for
this concern is to forge a coalition that allows the residents of Barangay Brookside to exchange
their ideas in improving and building a stronger commitment for their community. The residents
in the community must work together to ensure a better, more stable future by following the
motto Community voices, community action.

12

PHOTOVOICE #2: VANDALISM

 The problem of preventing and curbing adolescent delinquency and vandalism received
much attention for Brookside Barangay. In an effort to enforce standards and regulations such as
curfew hours for minors from 5 to 7 PM. Still this demand continuously strikes. Disruptive
behavior and gang membership of youths from the community and neighboring barangays
characterize which results to multiple vandalism and violence around the area. The group was
able to see vandalisms in houses, the waiting shed and even cars. Social factor which refers to
one’s environment and community was identified by some residents as a contributor to the
problem. This factor includes the influence of home, school, friends and the community on the
individual. Most communities today are ill equipped to monitor the behavior and actions of the
young ones who are now involved in violence. Vandalism has been causing problems throughout
a person’s property in the society wherein teenagers from different communities visiting the
society have been one of the factor of the problem. According to the barangay chairman, a
report from the peace keeping team stated that teenagers (drunk) has visited to the community
had vandalized a person’s property at upper Brookside through the use of spray paints. The
problem has been linked to alcoholism and drunkenness as stated by the chairman.
The barangay should impose stricter implementation of ordinances to treat and rehabilitate
youngsters who become involved in vandalism delinquency. The treatment for this concern can
be categorized as community treatment. In some instances community treatment can be applied
in Brookside as a form of restitution, in which the child or group involve in vandalism reimburses
the house which is vandalized either through direct payment or if monetary solution will not be
afford then another way to impose punishment is through some form of work or community
service. Coordinated community treatments is suggested in the Barangay which will guarantee
the certainty of detection and punishment and also to infuse in the hearts and minds of its
citizenry the necessity for proper respect for law will be instrumental in protecting citizens
against the onslaughts of vandalism as a form of violence. The foremost way to solve this
problem is through home influence. The home is a focal point in the prevention of vandalism and
unwanted behavior. Homes where training and family ties are weak, home life is disintegrating,
immorality and drunkenness are prevailing, and where religious influences are lacking are forces
having a definite relationship to violent behavior. Moreover, a strong front against vandalism
necessarily means united community action in Brookside Barangay. The police, schools, church
groups, community, welfare, social and other organizations should at all times unite against the
criminal and those influences which lure victims on the road to violence specifically vandalism.

13