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Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study is a descriptive-mixed methods research design. Descriptive

research also known as statistical research describes data and characteristics about the

population or phenomenon being studied (Paguio 2012). Mixed methods research on the

other hand involves both collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data

(Creswell, 2006). Qualitative research is the method of choice when the research question

requires an understanding of processes, events and relation in the context of the social

and cultural situation (Trochim, 2006) while quantitative data includes closed-ended

information gather through survey questionnaire (Creswell, 2006).

In this study the researchers described the status of the Iloko Code with regards to

how the Municipal Governments in the first district of La Union complies with its

implementing rules specifically, sections 10, 11, 12, and 15.6 as well as to determine if

there are problems encountered in their compliance to the Iloko Code.

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Data Sources

This study covered the municipal governments of Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar,

Luna, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santol and Sudipen, La Union.

There were 112 respondents of the study which included the chairman of the
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Education Committee (1), secretaries of the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan (1) and the

Office of the Municipal Mayor (1), and heads of the Office of the Municipal Planning

and Development Coordinator (1),Office of the Human Resource Development and

Management (1), Office of the Municipal Engineer (1), Office of the Municipal Budget

Officer (1), Office of the Municipal Health Officer (1), Office of the Municipal

Information and Tourism Officer (1), Office of the Municipal Social Welfare and

Development Officer (1),Office of the Municipal Accountant (1), Office of the Municipal

Treasurer (1), Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar (1), and Office of the Municipal

Assessor (1) in each of the eight (8) respondent municipalities.

In addition, this study included one (1) staff in each department/unit and the five

(5) Public Schools District Supervisors to validate the data gathered.

The respondent offices were grouped based on the roles and responsibilities

assigned to them as provided in the Iloko Code.

Instrumentation and Data Collection

The researchers made use of survey questionnaire, document review, observation

guide and interview guide as means to gather data. The survey questionnaire was the

main instrument in data collection. There were four (4) sets of questionnaire

corresponding to the groups of respondent offices to which the provisions were

applicable.
The first set of questionnaire was answered by the secretary of the Office of the

Sangguniang Bayan. It comprised four (4) parts which included the profile of the

respondent, publication of ordinances, resolution and regulations, administration and

public service, and the problems encountered in their compliance to the Iloko Code.
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The second set of questionnaire, on the other hand, was answered by the heads of

the Office of the Municipal Engineer, Office of the Municipal Health Officer, Office of

the Municipal Information and Tourism Officer, Office of the Municipal Social Welfare

and Development Officer, Office of the Municipal Accountant, Office of the Municipal

Treasurer, Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar and Office of the Municipal Assessor

in every municipality. It comprised three (3) parts including the profile of the respondent,

administration and public service and the problems encountered during the compliance of

the Code.
The third set of questionnaire was filled in by the head of the Human Resource

Development and Management. It composed of the profile of the respondent,

administration and public service, linguistic ability of staff and the problems encountered

in their compliance to the Iloko Code.

Lastly, the fourth set of questionnaire was answered by the secretary of the Office

of the Municipal Mayor, Heads of the Office of the Municipal Budget Officer and Office

of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, and the chairman of the

Education Committee of the Sangguniang Bayan. It consisted four (4) parts which

encompassed the profile of the respondent, administration and public service, support to

MTB-MLE and the problems encountered in their compliance to the Iloko Code.
To validate the responses gathered through questionnaire, the researchers

employed document review to Section 10 and Section 11 Chapter 6 of the Iloko Code

specifically on samples of ordinances and resolutions, and on normal written

communications, publications, forms, news articles, programs, hymns, signages, and

websites, respectively. The same validating tool is used on Section 12 of the same code

particularly on action and investment plans.

The researchers also utilized non-participatory observation to Section 11 mainly

on telephone recordings and services, ceremonies, celebrations and other public events,
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and office practices which involved face-to-face interaction among staff/employees and

between clients and staff.

Finally, a structured interview was conducted to Section 15.6 to determine the

existence and nature of support provided by the LGUs to Mother-Tongue-Based

Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) to the (5) public schools district supervisors

including Mr. Reed Delea (Bacnotan and San Juan), Ms. Remedios Pamaqued (San

Gabriel), Mr. Mario Pascua (Bangar and Luna 1), Mr. Mariano Orpiano (Luna 2 and

Santol), Mr. Adelino Urbano Jr. (Balaoan and Sudipen).

The researchers personally conducted the data gathering after a prior permission

from the Office of the Municipal Mayor was secured.

Data Analysis

Data gathered through questionnaire was treated using frequency counts and

percentage. This study also applied document review and narrative analysis to

observation notes and transcript of interviews respectively.