Community Action Plan
A. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITIO
Basak San Nicolas is a place where residents reside because opportunities are not that far away. The Sitio is your typical Filipino barangay that is religious, celebrates fiestas, and has their own designated tasks given to their residents.
With all the plans and projects in mind, the sitio also has its dark side where drugs and illegal practices foster within the area. Despite the religious practices of the residents, some people have already dove into the depths of vice.
However, amidst these challenges, the community remains resilient, finding strength in their shared faith and commitment to God. Residents come together in prayer, seeking divine guidance to overcome the shadows that threaten their harmonious way of life. Residents believe that someday the biggest problem of their barangay will be over and the use of drugs will forever wither into a bad memory once and for all.
B. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION GATHERED.
In our interview, Ate Rashel Sostia, a resident for 14 years, initially moved to the sitio for employment from Camotes. She and her husband settled permanently, emphasizing the convenience of his work proximity. She noted infrastructure transformations with larger buildings and increased job opportunities. Addressing issues like drug problems and flooding, Ate Rashel stressed collective efforts and expressed a simple aspiration for her children: a peaceful environment. She urged collaboration to create a safe living space for everyone.
Nanay Felipa, a lifelong basakanon, settled in her birthplace due to family proximity and job convenience. She attributed community changes to modernization, appreciating job opportunities. Concerns included flooding and safety issues from drug use. She highlighted government inaction on home repairs and urged collective community efforts. Nanay Felipa expressed reluctance to personally address drug problems and hoped for divine intervention to resolve deep-seated community issues.
Ate Filomena and Ate Marcelina, residing in their sitios for around 20 years, explained that they chose to stay due to having everything they need—church, jobs, schools, and friends. Their lives have developed in the sitio, and they see no reason to move. When asked about changes in their community, they mentioned stability over the years, with consistent bonds and practices.
Regarding significant problems, they identified drugs as a constant issue in their barangay, with some areas facing flooding. They expressed skepticism about government officials addressing these problems, citing perceived inaction and corruption despite voting for the right candidates.
C. INTEGRATING THE EXPERIENCE WITH THE LESSONS IN PHILO 01
The immersive experience in our parish relates to the philosophical concept of intersubjectivity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human experiences. Through Philo 01, we engage with individuals in Sitio Basak, delving into their lives and perspectives. This interaction prompts us to envision life from their standpoint, fostering an awareness that our daily struggles are shared among diverse backgrounds.
This engagement is a manifestation of the Human Persons in Society branch of philosophy. By forming mutual understanding and genuine connections, we transcend individual boundaries and contribute to a collective understanding of shared challenges. The questions posed during our interaction, such as inquiries about their years in the community or perceptions of its issues, serve as catalysts for philosophical reflection, encouraging individuals to contemplate and share their insights.
Furthermore, our activity reflects the Human Person in his Environment branch of philosophy. Exploring the changes observed in Sitio Basak and discussing the problems within the community broadens our philosophical exploration beyond individual experiences. The exchange of thoughts, experiences, and feelings among group members, despite differences in age, highlights the interconnected nature of the human experience and exemplifies how philosophical inquiry can bridge diverse perspectives.
Allyza Kaye Buot
“The activity made me realize how different yet similar our lives are from other people living in other places - different lifestyles, hardships and journeys yet collectively going through the challenges of society and its environmental factors. The experience helped me empathize with them because of how they encounter problems within the society due to environmental factors such as flooding and the drug usage in the area. “
Dane Jenelle Lopez
"The interviews gave us a deep look into their lives in Basak San Nicolas. We talked about big issues which makes us think about our role in society, how our leaders act, and the tough balance between our own choices and bigger problems.
Basically, the interview went beyond just talking about Basak San Nicolas' issues. It made us think about personal identity, how communities work, and the bigger picture of society. It showed that life is a mix of things staying the same and things changing, and it's not always easy to figure out our place in it.”
Samantha Bayoco
"This parish immersion and interviews with the residents there has been an eye-opening experience. The firsthand experience and by hearing their experiences has deepened my understanding of the challenges and joys that shape the lives of the people in that community. This transformative journey not only extended my global perspective, but it also drove personal contemplation, to self-awareness and a revitalized feeling of purpose in constructively contributing to the world."
John Francis Dizon
“The experience was very fun not only because of my blockmates, the story and acting. But also because I saw people smiling, dancing and having fun. It helped the rainy situation brighten up more and made the activity fun and enjoyable. The questions answered made me realize that everyone also has problems and how they overcame their problems inspired me and paved the way for me to overcame my own personal struggles.”