THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PRESERVATION OF PADRE PIO IN SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN: A PROPOSED SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Abstract

The study investigated the preservation of Padre Pio in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, a site of deep religious and cultural value. It emphasized the importance of community involvement in safeguarding heritage and proposed a sustainability plan to empower residents. Triggered by issues such as insufficient funding and lack of structured preservation efforts, the research highlighted the need for community-driven strategies to ensure the long-term protection and legacy of the site. This study used a quantitative descriptive research design to assess community views on the preservation of Padre Pio in San Jose Del Monte. A purposive sample of 50 local residents responded to a validated survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, weighted means, and ranking methods, allowing for a detailed interpretation of community involvement and attitudes toward heritage conservation. The study found strong community engagement in preserving Padre Pio, with participants recognizing its positive influence on their personal growth and empowerment. However, the research also uncovered key challenges such as limited awareness of Padre Pio's historical value, resource shortages, and inadequate infrastructure. These findings emphasize the need for sustainable preservation efforts and increased community education to protect the site's legacy. The research emphasized the crucial role of community involvement in preserving cultural heritage, aligning with global trends that prioritize local engagement. It identified pressing challenges such as low public awareness, lack of funding, and the need for empowered, collaborative efforts. The study recommends that future research expand in scope and develop innovative, actionable strategies while examining the cultural dynamics that shape community participation in heritage preservation.