Effectiveness of Barangayanihan in Marikina City: Promoting a Safer Environment to Live, Work, and Do Business

Abstract

Barangayanihan is a pormanteu of two Tagalog words Barangay and Bayanihan or Bayanihan sa Barangay, was conceptualized in order to revitalize the involvement of the community through voluntary cooperation in providing security and public safety services. It is the off shoot of the Bayanihan Program, established in 2009. Bayanihan in Barangay is a well-known Filipino tradition. Through the spirit of voluntarism, the PNP hopes to emulate and adopt such practice in the implementation of home-grown community-oriented policing concept in providing public safety services in the barangay. The study sought to assess the effectiveness of Barangayanihan in terms of community patrol and emergency response in Marikina City. Specifically, it soughtto answer the demographic profile of respondents in terms of gender, age and educational attainment. It also sought to assess the problems encountered and the proposed measures. The sources of data were gathered from personnel of Marikina City Police, Barangay Chiefs and Executive Officers and BPAT Leaders, who were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Primary data were gathered through a survey questionnaire and interview. The data obtained were analyzed and evaluated using the following statistical data: percentage technique, weighted mean, ANOVA single variance and the Five Point Likert Scale. The following conclusions were drawn. Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members lack training and lack of capable police personnel are factors that affect the effectiveness of BPAT. Absence of BPAT Patrol Program; Limited police officers to lead in the joint patrol operation; and Limited funds in medical service are serious problems that needs to be given appropriate action. The suggested actions are mere proposals and must be reviewed to come up with the best solution on how to sustain the program. Relevant training in patrol operation, intelligence analysis and detection, crime scene protection, traffic management, event security, first aid and proper rescue technique. Assign capable police personnel and continuous ugnayan. Local Chief Executive must provide funds and equipment. The problems noted must be given priority especially in knowledge enrichment of BPATs members; supervision of police personnel and lack of fund and equipment. Institutionalization of Barangayanihan Program.