ASSESSMENT IN THE CONDUCT OF PEACE AND ORDER PROGRAMS AT BARANGAY STA. LUCIA NOVALICHES QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Peace and order refer to the degree of comfort or security provided to a community. It does not only involve stopping and controlling crime but also creating a friendly and cooperative environment where people can live, work, and interact safely. Local government units directly maintain peace and order in the Philippines, with barangays serving as the frontline institutions that promote security and resolve community issues. Barangay Sta. Lucia has its own challenges in crime prevention and in strengthening community relations to ensure public safety. To assess the conduct of peace and order programs in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City, this study employed the descriptive research method, which focused on providing a detailed account of a particular phenomenon or situation. In the context of peace and order programs, the study aimed to explore outcomes, identify participants, and understand how these programs functioned. Purposive sampling was used, involving the deliberate selection of participants or cases based on specific characteristics or criteria that aligned with the research objectives. Respondents strongly agreed that mediation, conciliation, and arbitration processes in peace and order programs were effective in resolving conflicts. Mediation was rated as highly effective in addressing community disputes, conciliation received strong agreement regarding its role in peace and order programs, and arbitration was recognized as an essential service for conflict resolution. The problems encountered by the respondents in assessing the conduct of peace and order programs in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City, included the lack of awareness among residents about peace and order programs, which was the most frequently reported issue, with a frequency of 18 (18%), ranking first. This was followed by delayed responses from authorities when incidents or issues were reported, with a frequency of 14. The most frequently suggested measure was to conduct regular information campaigns to increase awareness about peace and order programs among residents, with a frequency of 20 (20%), ranking first. This was followed by organizing more community meetings and forums to engage residents, allowing them to discuss their concerns, and by increasing resources for peace and order programs to improve training and overall implementation.