CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sustainable waste management is important for numerous reasons,

impacting environmental, social, economic, and health-related aspects

(Perkumienė et al., 2023). The Philippine law of Republic Act 9003, or known as

the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, addresses the country's

solid waste management problems or issues. Also, the law seeks to promote

environmental sustainability by having a proper disposal, handling, and recycling

of waste. The RA 9003 also strictly forbids open dumping and burning of solid

waste and the citizen who violates may receive penalties including fines,

imprisonment, or both depending on the severity of the violation. The local

government units (LGUs) play an important role in implementing the law of RA

9003 because they are responsible for making and implementing solid waste

management plans by having campaigns, policies, and other activities that

benefit the community to ensure the success of waste management initiatives.

However, regardless of the barangay level, implementing these policies has

never been easy (Camarillo et al., 2021).

The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) law is one of the essential parts of

waste management plans that are implemented in Pagadian City. As MRF helps

us in sorting, separating, and storing plastics, handling before further recycling,

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it plays a massive part in creating new recyclable products and materials. The

numerous benefits of MRFs in plastic waste management, such as increasing

plastic recycling rates, reducing resource needs and emissions, and creating jobs

and economic benefits. This law provides a proactive approach to decreasing the

environmental effects of trash (Seas, S. C. 2023). Complementing the MRF

ordinance is the implementation of a systematic schedule for the weekly pickup

of household trash. This schedule brings a sense of organization to waste

management efforts within the community, ensuring that residents have a

predictable routine for the removal of their waste. By establishing a regular

pickup schedule, the Pagadian City local government aims to enhance efficiency,

reduce the likelihood of illegal dumping, and foster a collective sense of

responsibility among community members.

The Philippines is one of the many developing nations still struggling

economically with waste management issues (Manas & Manas, (2023). The

situation researchers choose for this study is the problem of proper waste

management in Barangay Kawit because some of the residents in Pagadian City

throw their garbage everywhere in Barangay Kawit making it their dumping site

and lasts for days even though they are not residents in the barangay, that’s why

the researchers want to know the initiatives of the barangay and the willingness

of the members of the residents to cooperatively towards achieving more

sustainable waste management (Atienza & Vella, 2020).

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Consider instances where individuals burn or dispose of their waste

incorrectly. It doesn't just vanish. It causes illnesses by releasing unsavory

substances into the air we breathe, which can contribute to respiratory issues

and air pollution, which in turn causes diseases. The sea becomes more and

more contaminated which might lead to the poisoning of water supplies,

endangering both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Landfills, or areas

where waste is dumped, release contaminants into the earth, poisoning the soil

which can lead to soil degradation and the release of hazardous substances into

the ground, affecting the fertility of the soil. which causes long-term health issues.

It concerns not only the environment but also our well-being. Improper handling

of garbage could attract pests and disease-carrying insects, hence raising the

risk of illnesses like dengue and malaria. The most important purpose for proper

waste management is to protect the environment and the health and safety of the

population (Salonga, 2023). Inappropriate garbage and hazardous materials

disposal can negatively affect people's health, food and water safety, housing,

and general well-being (Kabagani, 2021). Appropriate waste management efforts

are significantly complicated by the rise in trash generation worldwide (Debrah et

al., 2021).

The researchers in this area not only aim to document the initiatives

undertaken by barangays but also seek to provide recommendations for

improvement and lessen generation and practice proper waste segregation and

disposalt. De Jesus et al., 2022).

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate and determine the

effectiveness of barangay initiatives for sustainable waste management that may

contribute to Barangay Kawit residents. Specifically, the study will address the

following questions:

1. How is the initiatives, activities, policies, and ordinances implemented in

Barangay Kawit?

2. How the sustainable awareness campaigns conducted on logos, seminars,

and workshops in promoting sustainable waste management practices?

3. How does the community respond to a sustainable awareness campaign for

waste management?

Assumptions

In conducting this study, the following assumptions were made. It will be

assumed that:

1. The participants will understand the purpose of the interview by the

researchers

2. The respondents will be genuine in their responses to the interview

3. The participants will result in an outcome providing a basis of knowledge

to the interview
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4. The researchers would be able to deeply explain the purpose of the study

to its participants

Theoretical Framework

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) was first introduced as a

theoretical framework of this theory in the context of initiatives for sustainable

waste management.

The ISWM framework is a holistic and systematic approach to managing

solid waste throughout its entire life cycle (Velenturf, A. P., 2022). It emphasizes

the integration of various waste management practices to achieve sustainable

and environmentally responsible outcomes. The key components of ISWM

include source reduction, recycling, composting, and proper disposal. This

framework recognizes that effective waste management requires a

comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse aspects of waste generation

and disposal.

In the context of a barangay, implementing the ISWM framework involves

developing a comprehensive waste management plan that integrates these

principles. Community engagement is crucial to raising awareness and promoting

active participation in waste reduction and recycling programs. Collaboration with

local government, and community organizations is essential to ensure the

successful implementation of the ISWM framework (Rogers, J. (2020). A

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comprehensive and situation-specific strategy is needed to implement theoretical

frameworks for sustainable waste management programs in, stresses a

comprehensive strategy that encourages a combination of disposal, recycling,

and trash reduction techniques. This framework ensures a comprehensive

solution by acknowledging the interconnectivity of waste management

components. encourages the adoption of a circular strategy.

Environmental Theory by Nightingale defined as “the act of utilizing the

patient’s environment to assist him in his recovery”. We live in an era where the

environmental conditions we encounter go beyond what should be healthy and

natural. Among the current global environmental problems are pollution, human-

caused environmental disasters, and worldwide warming. These incidents

indicated that Nightingale's model was ideal (Riegel, 2021). The development of

this theory is necessary to prepare for the changes in the current environment, as

some of the concepts do not apply to specific situations today (Pramling, 2023).

To achieve the mission of providing nursing care, they needed to address

the environmental problems that existed, including the lack of sanitation and

improper waste disposal (Pfettscher, 2021). Separating and treating hazardous

waste can significantly reduce water and air pollution (De Menezes et al., 2020).

As a part of our lifestyle, it is necessary to raise awareness of their applications

and routine management (Niyitanga et al., 2021).

Nightingale’s Environmental Theory insights laid the groundwork for

understanding the relationship between the environment and human health,

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which aligns with principles found in environmental theory. By integrating

Nightingale’s environmental theory into sustainable waste practices, stakeholders

can develop more comprehensive and effective strategies for managing waste in

a manner that protects public health, preserves natural resources and promotes

environmental sustainability.

Significance of the Study

This study provides a brief description of the various significance of the

study given the initiatives of Barangay Kawit regarding sustainable waste

management.

To the community of Barangay Kawit. The proposed study serves the

Barangay workers as their guide in creating assessments for effectiveness with

waste management.

To the workers of Barangay Kawit. The proposed study will help the

workers of barangay to have a deeper understanding of the important ways of

waste management.

Scope and Delimitation

The researcher conducted this study entitled “Sustainable Waste

Management: A Qualitative Assessment on Initiatives for Effectiveness”. The

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target respondents were the barangay workers, and Purok leaders in Kawit

Pagadian City. The researchers made an interview guide that will be used to

gather information on each respondent. This study focuses on assessing the

initiatives of barangay workers at Kawit Pagadian City about sustainable waste

management and effectiveness. A qualitative study developed with the barangay

workers considered that would be beneficial since this would allow for a better

understanding of the condition of waste management in the community.

The study's focus is only restricted to barangay Kawit; it does not assess

waste management activities in other Pagadian City barangays. The study will

only concentrate on the qualitative data-gathering approach for this assessment,

it will not contain any quantitative measurements or surveys.

Definition of Terms

Initiatives- refers to efforts and actions taken by local community members, often

organized by barangay, to address various issues within their community

including sustainable waste management.

Solid Waste Management- a systematic and environmentally responsible

handling of the various types of solid waste throughout its life-cycle from

generation to disposal generated by the residents, businesses, and institutions

within a specific locality.

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Community- refers to a group of individuals actively participating in waste

management initiatives by segregating waste at the source, participating in

recycling programs and supporting local waste reduction efforts.

Barangay Workers- individuals who are employed or designated to carry out

specific tasks related to waste management within a barangay depending on

local policies, regulations and the level of community involvement.