COMMUNICATION CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS

OF RA 9003 ENFORCERS IN LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA

Maria Angela A. Malihan

Thesis Student
College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Benjamina Paula G. Flor

Adviser and Assistant Professor
College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños

March 2007
 Abstract

This study determined the communication capacity building needs of Republic

Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) enforcers. Specifically, it: (1)

determined the enforcers’ knowledge regarding RA 9003, (2) determined the knowledge,

perception, and practices in communication desirable for their job, (3) sought which of

these knowledge, perception, and practices in communication did they posses, and (4)

identified the gaps which could be addressed by training in communication.

Through a community survey, self-administered questionnaires were distributed

to 32 RA 9003 enforcers consisting of 11 barangay captains, 23 barangay councilors,

and 2 barangay employees. Of these, majority (68.75%) had a knowledge level about

RA 9003. Majority noted that the best way to disseminate provisions of RA 9003 is

through interpersonal communication which runs counter to what the law prescribes of

broad-based or mediated communication. No wonder then that the law on solid waste

management has not been properly enforced.

Skills gaps identified were on writing, conceptualizing, and choosing the

appropriate mass media, nature of communication and communication

channels/strategies that they could use and more intensive seminars in communicating

RA 9003.

Key Words: capacity building needs, RA 9003, environmental law enforcers

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 List of Abbreviations

IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations

JHU/CCP John Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

KPP Knowledge, Perception, Practices

LGU Local Government Unit

P-Process Policy/Project/Program-Process

PMO Privatization and Management Office

RA Republic Act

SAQ Self-Administered Questionnaire

SWM Solid Waste Management

UNESCAP United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific

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INTRODUCTION

Environmental degradation is a serious and an increasing concern of the country

nowadays. The issue of solid waste is one of the top priorities of the government

(UPFD-DENR and PMO-Presidential Task Force on Waste Management).

In addressing the issue of solid waste problem, the government promulgated

laws, local ordinances and specific programs designed for solid waste management.

Some of these laws are Memorandum Circular no. 39A of 1993, Administrative Order

No. 93-90 of 1993, and the Presidential Decree 825 of 1975 (www.emb.gov.ph).

However, these were not successful. Thus, in the late 1990s, the government enacted

Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (referred

in this study as RA 9003). RA 9003 is “deemed to be a broad based and comprehensive

approach for solid waste management” (National Solid Waste Management

Commission, 2004, ¶ 1).

Since a broad-based approach is called for, Republic Act 7160 was promulgated

which mandated the Local Government Units (LGUs) to enforce these laws. It was

assumed that LGUs would have the proper knowledge, perception, and practices (KPP)

in communicating those inasmuch as environmental law enforcement entails

communication between the regulator and the regulated. There must be mutual

understanding between them which did not happen. According to Supetran (1993, p.15)

“the government has had a long history of failed programs and projects which could be

traced to ineffective communication with its recipient, the people.”

More so, Brillantes (1992, p.11) added that:

“There is a general concern among the various municipal and provincial

environmental and natural resources of the DENR about the general capabilities
and capacities of the LGUs to adequately perform the devolved functions. This is
primarily due to the perceived lack of technical capabilities at the local level.”

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 Since one of the technical capabilities is communication, hence, this study aimed

to determine the capacity building needs in communication of RA 9003 enforcers in Los

Baños in order to carry out their job effectively. Specifically, the study: (1) determined

the respondent’s knowledge level regarding RA 9003, (2) determined the knowledge,

perception, and practices in communication desirable for their job, (3) sought which of

these knowledge, perception, and practices in communication did they possess, and (4)

identified the gaps which could be addressed by training in communication.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study employed community survey research design. It sought to

describe the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of the RA 9003 enforcers regarding

communication. The study tried to generate data and information as bases for

formulating a training program in communication for environmental law enforcers in Los

Baños, Laguna.

Location of the Study

The community survey was conducted in Los Baños which is naturally endowed

and declared as a science and a nature city.

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Respondents

Thirty-two enforcers from Los Baños – 9 barangay captains, 20 barangay

councilors, and 3 barangay employees served as respondents of the study. They were

from Anos, Bagong Silang, Bambang, Batong Malake, Baybayin, Bayog, Lalakay,

Maahas, Malinta, Mayondon, Putho-Tuntungin, San Antonio, Tadlac, and Timugan.

Materials

A five-part Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ) was distributed to

respondents. The first part of the questionnaire determined the socio-demographic

characteristics (name, age, sex, educational attainment, etc.) of the respondents.

The second part determined the knowledge level of the respondents on RA 9003.

It was composed of ten questions.

The third, fourth, and fifth part sought the communication KPP of the RA 9003

enforcers respectively.

For the communication knowledge part, the respondents were asked to rate their

knowledge level in each communication concept using a four-point scale described as

follows: 1-No Knowledge, 2-Low Knowledge, 3-High Knowledge, 4-Expert.

The perception component of the questionnaire consisted of seven-item

statements about communication. Respondents were asked to rate how they perceived

the statements using this five-point scale: 1-Strongly Disagree, 2-Disagree, 3-Uncertain,

4-Agree, 5-Strongly Agree.

For the practice aspect, the respondents were asked to check the box

corresponding to communication channels/materials they were using in their in respect

to enforcing RA 9003 in their barangays.

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 Also, a key informant interview was conducted to enable the researcher to

understand better how RA 9003 is enforced in Los Baños.

Procedures

The following procedures were undertaken:

1. A letter addressed to Councilor Leozardo Pantua was first given so that the

researcher would be able to identify the proper respondents for the study. Data

gathering was conducted from February 14 to 19 at the different barangay halls

in Los Baños, Laguna; and

2. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed among the respondents;

however, there were instances when the researcher personally read the SAQ

upon their request.

Data Analysis

The data obtained were analyzed using frequency counts, mean, ranks, and

percentages. The knowledge level of respondents regarding RA 9003 was determined

using the scale: 0-4 points, low; 5-8 points, average; and 9-10 points, high.

On the other hand, in determining the general communication knowledge level

for each communication concept, responses to each item were summed up to produce a

total score for each communication concepts. The total score was divided by the

number of the respondents (32) to arrive at a mean score for each concept.

Furthermore, to arrive at the general knowledge level of the respondents in

communicating RA 9003, each of the respondent’s mean scores for all of the

communication concepts were derived. Data were analyzed through the following scale:

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No Knowledge=1.00, Low Knowledge=1.01– 2.50, High Knowledge=2.51– 3.99,

Expert=4.00.

As for the perception of the respondents, the same procedures were followed.

Responses to the seven statements were totaled and divided by the number of the

respondents. A scale was used to determine the perception level of the respondents

based on the mean score: Strongly Disagree=1.00-1.80, Disagree=1.81-2.60,

Uncertain=2.61-3.40, Agree=3.41-4.20, Strongly Agree=4.21-5.00.

The communication method/channels that were checked (ü) by the respondents

were counted and ranked from highest to lowest.

In finding out the gap of the communication knowledge, all communication

concepts with scores lower than 2.51, which was the base score for high knowledge

level, training for that communication concept was automatically recommended for the

respondents. Likewise, for the gap in communication perception, a desired perception

rate was assigned by the researcher for each statement. Failure to rate the desired

perception will automatically suggest that the respondents needed training on such

communication aspect.

Tables were used to present the information more meaningfully.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Knowledge regarding RA 9003

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 In terms of knowledge regarding RA 9003, 24 out of 32 respondents got an

average score, meaning a score between 5-8 on the knowledge test (see Table 1).

Seven respondents garnered high scores ranging from nine to ten. The mean score of

the respondents was 6.97.

Desired Communication KPP of RA 9003 Enforcers

The desired communication KPP of RA 9003 enforcers were based on John

Hopkins Center for Communication Programs’ (JHU/CCP) P-Process (1997). The P-

process was used to determine if the respondents have knowledge in communication.

And since it is knowledge alone that is being determined, only the first step (Analysis) in

the P-process was used. Furthermore, according to JHU/CCP, the rest of the steps

would be based from this step and if one did a good analysis, there is a great chance in

the success of the communication program.

Also, another basis for the desired KPP was the Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) of the RA 9003 (p.26) which states that “the education and public

information component shall describe how the LGU will educate and inform its citizens

about source reduction, recycling, and composting programs. This shall be undertaken

through the print and broadcast media…” Also, the LGUs, down to the barangay level,

shall allocate a portion of their funds to public education and information activities on

SWM particularly biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes, but not limited to,

installation of billboards on collection days for specific wastes, other outdoor signage,

stickers, flyers, conducting of seminars, and other effective non-traditional strategies.

Hence, respondents were asked to rate themselves in terms of their knowledge level in

various communication concepts.

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 The desired score for the knowledge level of the respondents is in the range of

2.51 to four (i.e. equivalent to high and expert knowledge level). If the respondent’s

score was below 2.5, he/she should automatically undergo training in that concept.

On the other hand, for the gap in communication perception, failure to rate the

desired perception will automatically suggest that the respondents needed training on

such communication aspect.

Lastly, based from the IRR of RA 9003, the Act should be communicated using

the multi-channel approach or a combination of interpersonal communication and mass

media (print, audio, audio visual).

Present Communication KPP of RA 9003 Enforcers

Generally, majority (68.75%) of the respondents have a low knowledge level in

communicating RA 9003 in Los Baños. Hence, the problems in communication

identified by Brillantes (1992) holds true in the case of Los Baños, Laguna. And as Flor

and Gomez (1993) mentioned, this might be attributed to lack of formal or non-formal

education in communication.

For the perception aspect, majority of the respondents viewed or perceived

interpersonal communication as the most effective method in communicating the Act

(refer to Table 4). Some of their answers were quite confusing because they agreed that

mass media and interpersonal communication were both effective. Maybe this was due

to their perception that in communicating the Act, one can communicate it effectively

regardless of the media used. Thus, the respondents should be trained or be informed

about this matter.

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 As for their practice, majority of the respondents used interpersonal

communication (refer to Table 5). Printed material are the most popularly used in terms

of mass media, followed by the audio visual media. They did not use radio as medium

for communicating the Act. Therefore, it can be deduced that there is a possibility that

the enforcers were not able to inform all the people in their community about RA 9003

since the extent of interpersonal communication is very limited.

Communication Gap that could be Addressed by Training

Based on the data gathered, respondents should undergo training programs in

writing and in conceptualizing for mass media writing, as well as in choosing the

appropriate channel to be used in communicating RA 9003 (refer to Table 6). Likewise,

the respondents should also be given lectures on the true nature of communication and

various communication channels/strategies/tools that they could use in communicating

RA 9003 or any of the government's policies.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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Conclusions

Majority of the respondents have a low knowledge level in communicating RA

9003 in Los Baños. Hence, the gap between the current capacity and the desired level

has to be bridged through training programs in mediated communication.

Recommendations

The results may have to be validated with a larger sample in cognizance of the

perceived gap in the ability of LGUs to implement RA 9003. The notion that the LGUs

lack the ability to communicate the law has great implications to the practice of solid

waste management. This will not only be detrimental to the devolution process but will

cast doubt on the ability of enforcers to ensure sustainability of natural resources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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 The author gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance provided by the

faculties and staff of the UPLB College of Development Communication, specially to Dr.

Flor, Councilor Leozardo Pantua of Los Baños , Ma’am Violy of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources, Laguna Office, and Ms. Joan-Aika Elbo.

LITERATURE CITED

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Brillantes, Alex B. Jr. (1992). Local Government and the Environmental Sector: Focus on
the Implications of the 1991 Local Government Code. A discussion paper during
the 8th EENP National Conference, Batac, Ilocos Norte, December 11, 1992

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2001). The Implementing Rules

and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9003. Diliman, Quezon City: DENR
Management Bureau

Environmental Law Enforcement of Massachusetts. (2005). A report submitted to

Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder. Retrieved August 10, 2006, from
http://www.massaudubon.org/PDF/advocacy/Finalreport.

Environmental Management Bureau. (n.d.) Laws and Policies - Solid Waste

Management. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from
http://www.emb.gov.ph/laws-swm.htm.

Estrada, Joseph E. (1999). PJEE’S Speech During the Southeast Asia Chief Justice
Symposium on Environmental Law. Retrieved August 10, 2006, from
http://www.opnet.ops.gov.ph/speech.1999mar02.htm.

Flor, Alexander G. (2004). Environmental Communication: Principles, Approaches, and

Strategies of Communication Applied to Environmental Management. Diliman,
Quezon City: UP Open University

Flor, Alexander G. and Ely D. Gomez (Ed.). (1993). Environmental Communication:

Considerations in Curriculum and Delivery Systems Development. UPLB:
Institute of Development Communication

National Solid Waste Management Commission. (2004). National Solid Waste

Management Framework 2004. Diliman, Quezon City: National Solid Waste
Management Commission, DENR

Supetran, Amelia Dulce D. (1993). The Practitioner in Government. In: Flor, Alexander
G. and Ely D. Gomez (Ed.,) Environmental Communication: Considerations in
Curriculum and Delivery Systems Development. (pp.15) UPLB: Institute of
Development Communication

UPFD-DENR and PMO-Presidential Task Force on Waste Management. (n.d.). Policy

Brief on Integrated Solid Waste Management System. Presidential Task Force
on Waste Management

Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. (2007). Los Baños, Laguna. Retrieved January 24,
2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Ba%C3%B1os,_Laguna.

TABLES

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Table 1. Respondents’ knowledge level in RA 9003, Los Baños, 2007.
Frequency
Knowledge Level
N=32
0 – 4 (Low) 1
5 – 8 (Average) 24
9 – 10 (High) 7
Total 32

Table 2. General knowledge level in each communication concept, Los Baños, 2007.
Communication Concepts Mean Score
Communication Planning 2.69
Problem Analysis 2.44
Program Analysis 2.59
Audience Analysis 2.59
Situational Analysis 2.63
Approaching the Community 2.81
Mass Lecture 2.69
Small Group Discussion 2.69
House-to-House 2.84
Seminar 2.66
Writing for Print Media 1.84
Writing for Audio Media 1.84
Writing for Audio Visual Media 1.72
Conceptualizing for Print Media 1.97
Conceptualizing for Audio Media 1.72
Conceptualizing for Audio Visual Media 1.75
Choosing Appropriate Print Media 2.28
Choosing Appropriate Audio Media 2.06
Choosing Appropriate Audio Visual Media 2.06
Wherein: 1.00=No Knowledge; 1.01-2.50= Low Knowledge; 2.51-3.99= High Knowledge;
and 4.00= Expert.

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Table 3. General knowledge level in communicating RA 9003 enforcers

Frequency Percentage
Knowledge Level
N=32 (%)
1.00 = No Knowledge 0 0
1.01 – 2.50 = Low Knowledge 22 68.75
2.51 – 3.99 = High Knowledge 10 31.25
4.00 = Expert 0 0
TOTAL 32 100.0

Table 4. Respondents’ perception regarding the communication of RA 9003.

Statements SD D UC A SA T

1. Communication is important to be able to enforce the RA

9003 or any program and project of the government 0 1 2 10 19 32
effectively.
2. Conducting an audience analysis to your target audience is
important to be able to determine what are communication 0 1 6 12 13 32
materials appropriate for them.
3. In making the communication materials, it is better to
produce one material only and put it to places wherein a lot 0 2 2 11 17 32
of people can see and/or hear it.
4. In making the communication materials, it is better to
produce different materials that are suitable for different 0 2 4 13 13 32
audience segments.
5. The use of mass media (radio, newspaper, television) is the
0 2 5 9 16 32
best channel to use in informing the people about RA 9003.
6. The use of interpersonal media is the best channel to use in
0 1 3 4 24 32
informing the people about RA 9003.
7. It is important to do a pre-test of your communication
materials before mass producing it to ensure its 0 1 5 12 14 32
effectiveness.
Wherein: SD=Strongly Disagree; D=Disagree; UC=Uncertain; A=Agree;
SA=Strongly Agree; T=Total

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Table 5. Communication methods used by the respondents.
Communication Method Frequency* Percentage
Radio Drama 0 0.00
Jingle 0 0.00
Radio Plug 0 0.00
Radio Documentary 0 0.00
Radio News 0 0.00
TV Commercial 0 0.00
Comics 2 6.25
Instructional film 2 6.25
Newspaper 3 9.38
Flip Charts 3 9.38
Sound Slide 3 9.38
Newsletter 4 12.50
Symposium 12 37.50
Exhibit 12 37.50
Mass Lecture 20 62.50
Poster 22 68.75
Seminars 23 71.88
Leaflets 26 81.25
Bulletin Board 26 81.25
Information Campaign 26 81.25
Small Group Discussion 27 84.38
Field Announcement 30 93.75
House-to-House 31 96.88
* Multiple Answers

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 Table 6. Communication concepts that the respondents needed training to.
Current Mean
Communication Concepts Desired
Score *
Communication Planning 2.51 – 4.00 2.69
Problem Analysis -do- 2.44
Program Analysis -do- 2.59
Audience Analysis -do- 2.59
Situational Analysis -do- 2.63
Approaching the Community -do- 2.81
Mass Lecture -do- 2.69
Small Group Discussion -do- 2.69
House-to-House -do- 2.84
Seminar -do- 2.66
Writing Print Media -do- 1.84
Writing Audio Media -do- 1.84
Writing Audio Visual Media -do- 1.72
Conceptualizing Print Media -do- 1.97
Conceptualizing Audio Media -do- 1.72
Conceptualizing Audio Visual Media -do- 1.75
Choosing Print Media -do- 2.28
Choosing Audio Media -do- 2.06
Choosing Audio Visual Media -do- 2.06
*scores of lower than 2.51 means respondents have to undergo training.

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Table 7. Desired and current perception of RA 9003 enforcers.
Present
Statement Desired
(Mean)
1. Communication is important to be able to enforce the RA 9003
4–5 4.47
or any programs and projects of the government effectively.
2. Conducting an audience analysis to your target audience is
important to be able to determine what communication 4–5 4.16
materials are appropriate for them.
3. In preparing the communication materials, it is better to
produce one material only and put it at places wherein a lot of 1–2 4.34
people can see and/or hear it.
4. In preparing the communication materials, it is better to
produce different materials that are suitable for different 4–5 4.16
audience segments.
5. The use of mass media (radio, newspaper, television) is the
4–5 4.22
best channel to use in informing the people about RA 9003.
6. The use of interpersonal media is the best channel to use in
1–2 4.59
informing the people about RA 9003.
7. It is important to do a pre-test of your communication materials
4–5 4.22
before mass producing it to ensure its effectiveness.
Wherein: 1=Strongly Disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Uncertain, 4=Agree, and 5= Strongly
Agree

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