Awareness of the Implementation of Juvenile Justice and

Welfare Act in Barangay Balele, Tanauan City

A Thesis Presented to the

Faculty of the College Department – College of Criminology
Tanauan Institute, Inc.
J. Gonzales, St., Barangay 4, Tanauan City
Batangas, Philippines 4232

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

By:

ANDAL, KATHLEEN MAY Q.

DE CASTRO, PATRICIA MAY C.

June 2024
i
 APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis entitled “AWARENESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF JUVENILE

JUSTICE WELFARE IN BRGY. BALELE, TANAUAN CITY” prepared and
submitted by ANDAL, KATHLEEN MAY Q. and DE CASTRO, PATRICIA MAY
C. in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Criminology has been examined and recommended for acceptance and research
presentation.

EDWIN NATANAUAN, RCRIM

Research Adviser

=============================================================

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Accepted by the Panel of Examiners with a grade of .

GAUDENCIO C. AGUILERA, RCrim, MPA

Chairman

JOY H. ABU, RCrim, MSCJ JAYSON S. SALAZAR, RCrim, MPA

Member Member

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of

Science in Criminology.

NELIA C. MANANGUIT, Ed.D

Dean of College

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to thank everyone who provided assistance in order to
make this work possible. Above all, they would want to express their gratitude to
Tanauan Institute Inc. for giving them this opportunity to study. It has given them
valuable life lessons about collaboration, tolerance, perseverance, teamwork, resilience,
and most significantly, the never-ending quest of knowledge.
Second, they would like to convey their sincere gratitude to Mr. Edwin
Natanauan for his invaluable advice, remarks, suggestions, and provisions that helped to
ensure the success of this study. It was an enormous honor and joy to be able to work
and learn under his guidance. They would also like to express their profound gratitude to
their parents and loved ones for their unwavering sacrifices, love, and support. This
would never have been possible without their unwavering, unselfish love and support.
They sincerely thank Almighty God for giving them the ability, wisdom, strength, and
opportunity to carry out this research study. Without His assistance and kindness, they
could not finish this research or any of their other routine responsibilities. All praise be to
God!
Lastly, they would like to thank everyone who provided them with direct or
indirect assistance in finishing the research.

The Researchers

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 DEDICATION

This work is the outcome of many challenging sacrifices. With great pleasure and pride,
the researchers dedicate their study to all the people who have inspired them. To all of
the teachers and employees at Tanauan Institute Inc., from guardians and parents to
classmates and girlfriends, who helped us out when we needed it for our study. Above all,
we are grateful to God Almighty for all of his blessings throughout our lives, especially
the courage, strength, insight, patience, and direction needed to finish our study.

Kaith
Pat

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page No.

Title Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ i
Approval Sheet ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ii
Acknowledgment --------------------------------------------------------------------- iii
Dedication ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ iv
Table of Contents --------------------------------------------------------------------- v
List of Tables --------------------------------------------------------------------------- vii
List of Figures -------------------------------------------------------------------------- viii
Abstract --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ix

Contents Page No.

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
Statement of the Problem
Null Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations
Definition of Terms
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Population and Sampling Techniques
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedures
Statistical Tools
Ethical Consideration

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES

APPENDICES
A. Letter Requests
B. Survey Questionnaire
C. Reliability Test Result
D. Documentation

Curriculum Vitae

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 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) was enacted in the Philippines in 2006

with the aim of protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law and promoting

their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The implementation of this law is crucial

in ensuring the proper treatment of juvenile offenders and the prevention of recidivism.

However, the effectiveness of the JJWA relies heavily on its implementation at the

grassroots level, particularly in the barangay level. This research will focus on the

awareness of the implementation of the JJWA in Barangay Balele, Tanauan City, and how

it affects the treatment and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders in the community. Juvenile

delinquency is a growing concern in many countries around the world, including the

Philippines. According to the Philippine National Police, there were 58,573 cases of

juvenile delinquency recorded in 2019, representing an increase of 3.43% from the

previous year (Philippine National Police, 2020). This alarming trend highlights the need

for effective measures to address the issue and protect the rights of children in conflict

with the law.

In response to this challenge, the Philippine government passed the Juvenile Justice

and Welfare Act in 2006, also known as Republic Act No. 9344. The law aims to promote

the rights and welfare of children in conflict with the law by establishing a comprehensive

system of juvenile justice in the country. It recognizes the unique needs and vulnerabilities

of children and provides for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

One of the key provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act is the

establishment of a local juvenile justice and welfare council in every barangay or

1
community. This council is responsible for implementing the law at the grassroots level

and ensuring the rights of children in conflict with the law are protected. This thesis will

focus on the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act in Barangay Balele,

Tanauan City, and examine the awareness and effectiveness of the local juvenile justice

and welfare council in the barangay.

Background of the Study

Barangay Balele is one of the 48 barangays in the city of Tanauan, located in the

province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, the barangay has a

population of 7,692 people, with 1,474 households (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2015).

The majority of the population belongs to the Tagalog ethnic group and are Roman

Catholic.

Barangay Balele is a primarily rural community, with agriculture and fishery as the

main sources of livelihood. However, there has been a recent increase in the number of

urban developments, leading to a more diverse population and economic activities in the

barangay. Despite its small size, Barangay Balele has its own elementary and high

schools, health center, and barangay hall.

The barangay is also home to several informal settlers, and poverty remains a

prevalent issue among its residents. This socio-economic condition can often contribute to

juvenile delinquency, as children are more vulnerable to engage in criminal activities due

to their lack of access to education and basic needs.

Theoretical Framework

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 The theoretical framework for this thesis will be based on the Ecological System

Model (ESM) proposed by Bronfenbrenner (1979). This model views individuals as being

influenced by multiple interacting systems, from the microsystem (immediate

environment) to the chronosystem (broader cultural context). The ESM provides a

comprehensive framework for understanding the various factors that influence an

individual's behavior and development.

In the context of the implementation of JJWA in Barangay Balele, the ESM will be

used to analyze the different levels of influence at play. At the microsystem level, the

focus will be on the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of the individuals involved in the

implementation of JJWA, including barangay officials, law enforcers, and community

members. This level also includes the interactions between these individuals and the

juvenile offenders.

The next level, the mesosystem, refers to the relationships and interactions between

the different microsystems. In the context of JJWA implementation, this level will look at

the coordination and collaboration between the barangay officials, law enforcers, and the

local government unit in implementing the provisions of the law. It will also examine the

communication and cooperation between these different stakeholders in addressing the

needs of children in conflict with the law.

At the exosystem level, the focus will be on the external factors that may influence

the implementation of JJWA in Brgy. Balele. This includes the policies and resources
3
provided by the national and local government, as well as the support and involvement of

non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other community-based organizations in

promoting the rights of children in conflict with the law.

Finally, the macrosystem, which refers to the broader cultural context, will be

considered in analyzing the implementation of JJWA in Barangay Balele. This level

includes the cultural values, beliefs, and norms that may influence the attitudes and

behaviors of the individuals involved in the implementation of the law. It also includes the

overall societal attitudes towards children in conflict with the law and the criminal justice

system.

Paradigm of the Study

The Paradigm of the Study is used by the researcher to describe the relationship

between the different variables was IPO Framework wherein there must be an Input,

Process, and Output to determine the needs of problems of the study and its process to

identify the results from the problem. Since this study is in the descriptive method a

conceptual framework was useful to guide the research toward realizing the objectives or

intent of the study. The Input, Process, Output (IPO) model is composed of three

important steps:

INPUT, is the initial step, includes the demographic profile of the respondents, and

the Level of Awareness to Ecological System of the youth in the Barangay of Balele.

The PROCESS, this second step makes a process from information to data and

ultimately facts. It includes the procedures undertaken by the researcher such as the

gathering of information related to the study, utilization of survey questionnaires

4
 disseminated to the respondents of this study, analysis of documents, and interpretation of

the data gathered.

Finally, the OUTPUT, which will give an outcome of the input, and the process, will

focus on the proposing of programs that related to youth.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. The demographic
profile of the respondents
in terms of: Data Gathering
1.1. Age; Procedures Implementation of
1.2. Sex programs for Awareness
1.3. Civil Status Survey Questionnaires
1.4. Educational about Juvenile Justice
Attainment Documentary Analysis Welfare Act for youth in
1.5 Occupation and
2. Level of Awareness to Barangay Balele
Ecological System of the Interpretation of data
youth in Barangay Balele. gathered
2.1. Microsystem
2.2. Mesosystem
2.3. Exosystem
2.4. Macrosystem

FEEDBACK

Statement of the Problem

The JJWA aims to provide a restorative and child-friendly justice system for

children in conflict with the law. However, there is limited research on the awareness and

understanding of this law in the barangay level, particularly in rural areas like Barangay

Balele. This research aims to address the following questions:

1. The demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Age;
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 1.2. Sex

1.3. Civil Status

1.4 Educational Attainment

1.5 Occupation

2. Level of Awareness to Ecological System of the youth in Barangay Balele.

2.1. Microsystem

2.2. Mesosystem

2.3. Exosystem

2.4. Macrosystem

3. Is there a significant relationship between the demographic profile of the respondents

and the Level of Awareness to Ecological System of the youth in Barangay Balele?

4. What programs can be proposed to address the problems encountered by the Juvenile

Delinquent?

Hypotheses

Ha: There is significant relationship between the demographic profile of the respondents

to Level of Awareness to Ecological System of youth in Barangay Balele

Scope and Limitations

This study focused on the Awareness of the Implementation of Juvenile Justice of

Welfare Act in Barangay Balele. The subjects of this research study would consist of

randomly selected Youth, Citizens, and Government Workers of the Barangay Balele. The

respondents would be limited to fifty (50) randomly selected people of Barangay Balele,

twenty (20) randomly selected youth of Barangay Balele and fifteen (15) randomly normal

6
citizen of the Barangay, and fifteen (15) government workers, with the total of fifty

respondents for this study.

The setting of the study was especially focused on Barangay Balele of Tanauan City

where the respondents was located then researchers would randomly select respondents in

the said area. Each respondent would receive the same questionnaires to answer

completely.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are herein defined operationally and conceptually to facilitate

the readers clearer understanding of this study.

Delinquent - showing or characterized by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor

crime.

Ecological - relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another

and to their physical surroundings.

Exosystem - refers to one or more settings that do not involve the developing person as an

active participant, but in which events occur that affect/affected by what happens in the

setting containing the developing person.

Juvenile - an individual who is under an age fixed by law at which he or she would be

charged as an adult for a criminal act.

Macrosystem - the broad all-encompassing influences that impact the child and all the

systems that surround the child.

Mesosystem - encompasses the values, traditions, and sociocultural characteristics of the

broad cultural components that influence a developing child's identity, values, and

perceptions.

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Microsystem - a setting with particular physical characteristics, resources, patterns of

activities, roles, and interpersonal relations experienced by the developing person.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

(INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL)

Several studies have been conducted on the implementation of the JJWA in the

Philippines. A study by Cruz (2014) focused on the awareness and understanding of the

JJWA among barangay officials in Quezon City. The results showed that while there is a

high level of awareness of the JJWA, there is still a lack of understanding of its provisions

and processes. Another study by Lopez (2018) explored the implementation of the JJWA

in the municipality of Calamba, Laguna and found that there are challenges in the

coordination and cooperation among the different agencies involved in its implementation.

These studies highlight the importance of understanding the implementation of the JJWA

at the grassroots level.

The JJWA, also known as Republic Act 9344, is a comprehensive law that aims to

promote and protect the rights of children in conflict with the law. It provides for a

restorative justice approach, which focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegration of CICL

into society. The law also mandates the establishment of a Juvenile Justice and Welfare

Council (JJWC) in every province, city, and municipality to oversee the implementation

of the law.

8
 Several studies have been conducted on the JJWA, highlighting its impact on the

rehabilitation and reintegration of CICL. For instance, a study by Asis and Cabanilla

(2014) found that the implementation of the JJWA has contributed to the decrease in the

number of CICL in the Philippines. However, there are still challenges in its

implementation, particularly in the grassroots level. A study by Andres and Reyes (2016)

revealed that there is a lack of understanding and awareness of the JJWA among

community members, including children and youth.

There are also studies that have examined the factors that influence the

implementation of the JJWA. For instance, a study by Ong (2017) found that the lack of

resources and support from the government and the community hinder the effective

implementation of the law. Another study by Dela Cruz and Ramos (2019) identified the

lack of coordination and collaboration among agencies involved in the implementation of

the JJWA as a major challenge.

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 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHOD AND PROCEDURES

Research Design

The researcher utilized a descriptive method of research. The descriptive method of

research was conducted through the descriptive survey by utilizing the survey-

questionnaire scale method to the target respondents of the research provided online or

offline. Since the data collected was quantitative, it gave a holistic understanding of a

research topic. The information was varied, diverse, and thorough. For further

information, Descriptive research involved gathering data that described events and then

organizing, tabulating, depicting, and describing the data collection (Glass & Hopkins,

1984). According to Dr. YP Aggarwal (2008), the descriptive method of research was

devoted to gathering information about prevailing conditions or situations for description

and interpretation. This type of research method was not simply amazing and tabulating

facts but included proper analyses, interpretation, comparison, and identification of trends

and relationships. It often used visual aids such as graphs and charts to aid the reader in

understanding the data distribution. The primary aim of the study was to determine the

Level of Awareness of the Implementation of Awareness of Juvenile Justice and Welfare

Act.

Respondents of the Study

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 The respondents of the study were the Youth, Normal Citizen and Government

Workers of the Barangay Balele of Tanauan Batangas. The locale of the study would be

located at one of the Barangay of Tanauan City Batangas in Balele. The researchers chose

them because they were the ones who fitted enough to answer our survey questionnaire in

this study.

Data Gathering Tools/Procedures

The researchers did several procedures to obtain the data needed study such as the

following:

1. The researchers secured a permit from the research adviser to inform them

regarding objectives of the study.

2. The researchers asked permission through a letter to the to the Chairman of

Barangay Balele MR. ARTHUR S. LIRIO, to obtain records and statistical data

reports that were useful enough for the needed data on the list of respondents of

the study.

3. The researchers collected the data using a survey questionnaire that comprises the

Respondents' data.

4. After obtaining all the data needed, the researchers had formulated a survey

questionnaire according to the final approval.

5. The researchers asked the chosen respondents to participate in the survey.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The quantitative data was obtained through the conduct of a survey which was

analyzed and evaluated using the following statistical treatments:

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 1. Frequency was utilized to determine the actual number of responses to specific

questions or items in the questionnaire.

2. Percentage was used to analyze and evaluate the data on the profile of the

respondents according to each description.

Following is the percentage formula:

F
P =____ x 100
N
Where:

F = number of responses under a particular category

N = number of respondents

100 = constant factor

P = Percentage

3. Average Weighted Mean (WM) was used to determine the central tendency in

relation to the assessment of the respondents on issues that are focused on in the study.

The AMW refers to the accumulated responses which determined the corresponding

weight using the formula below:

WM = ∑ fx
N

Where:

WM = weighted mean

∑ = summation of all scores

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 f = frequency obtained from the number of responses

x = weight of each value scale

N = total number of respondents

4. Four-Point Rating Scale. The researchers used the mathematical formula in rating

the responses of the groups of respondents.

13