Saving nature: Empowering the people's organization in waste management, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

• Main Authors: Gaut, Aleksander, SVD, Duaqui, Yellowbelle D., Tapay, Nenita E., Mijares, Pio, Padit, Rogelio
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal—Philippines—Los Baños; Community organization—Philippines—Los Baños; Civic and Community Engagement; Environmental Studies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/4866
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aims to analyze the empowerment process of people's organization specifically the Los Baños Solid Waste Association (LBSWA)-- an association of sporadic scavengers or "magbobote" of Los Baños. The analysis is based on the assumption that the sustainability of the waste management program and saving nature can be achieved through the linkage of two approaches: the fourfold dimensions of empowerment (access to information, inclusion and participation, accountability and local organizational capacity) and the elements of asset based community development. This qualitative study utilizes interview of key informants as its main method of gathering data. This is complemented by secondary data and related information to put the narratives of key informants in a wider contexts and to effect the empowerment of LBSWA. The unit of analysis evolves around the narratives of the four key informants. The results of the study show that all the key informants claimed the empowerment process was experienced in both individual and collective endeavor. The implementation of the program uses leadership at both levels in a participatory approach that builds upon mutual trusts. The narratives of the key informants strongly suggest that "incorporation and formation of the scavengers association as partner eco-waste management program of the municipality was a sign of LGUs trust and confidence to the Association. The sustainability of the program is ensured as attested by the key informants due to the awareness of the benefits and advantages and the provision of main livelihood subsistence of most of the members of the people's organization. The use of the "asset based community development" and linkage with the dimensions of community empowerment approach prove the need to empower the assets which include the organized community or the people and their organization in particular.