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BarangayCivicVoice: Empowering Communities Through Active Participation

A Capstone Project Documentation

Presented to
The Institute of Information, Communication Technology
PATEROS TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(Group Member Names)

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Table Of Contents

Table Of Contents 2

List Of Tables 5

List Of Figures 6

Chapter 1 Background 7

Introduction 7

Project Context and It’s Background 7

Project Purpose and Description 7

Objectives of the Study 8

Scope and Limitations/Delimitations of the Project 8

Theoretical Framework or Conceptual Framework of the Study 9

Definition of Terms 9

Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature, Studies and Systems 10

Related Literature 10

Local Literature 10

Foreign Literature 10

Related Studies 10
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Local Studies 10

Foreign Studies 10

Synthesis 11

Chapter 3 Design and Methodology 12

Methodology 12

Requirement Analysis 12

Sampling Technique 13

Current Technical Situation 13

Requirement Documentation 13

Project In – Scope 14

Project Out – Scope 14

Design of Software, Systems, Product and/or Processes 14

Development and Testing 15

Data Analysis Plan 15

Implementation Plan 16

Chapter 4 Results and Discussion 17

Chapter 5 Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations 18

Summary of Findings 18
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Conclusions 18

Recommendations 18

References 19

Appendices 20
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List Of Tables

Table 1: Demographic Profile of Participants

- Provides an overview of the demographic characteristics of residents

participating in the BarangayCivicVoice initiative, including age groups,

occupations, and educational backgrounds.

Table 2: Community Participation Levels

- Illustrates the extent of community involvement through the

BarangayCivicVoice platform, categorizing residents based on their frequency of

engagement in decision-making processes and community discussions.

Table 3: Technology Access and Utilization

- Details the accessibility and utilization of technology among participants,

indicating the prevalence of internet access and the types of digital devices used

to engage with the BarangayCivicVoice platform.

Table 4: Communication Effectiveness Ratings

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- Presents residents' perceptions of the effectiveness of communication

channels facilitated by BarangayCivicVoice, assessing improvements in

information flow, transparency, and responsiveness.

Table 5: Trust and Accountability Perception

- Captures residents' perceptions of the development of trust and

accountability between the community and barangay officials, highlighting key

factors influencing this relationship.Table 6: Impact on Decision-Making

Instances

- Documents specific instances where resident participation through

BarangayCivicVoice has directly influenced decision-making processes within

the barangay, showcasing tangible outcomes.

Table 7: Representativeness Across Demographic

- Analyzes the representativeness of study findings across different

demographic groups, addressing potential variations in participation levels and

perspectives among diverse segments of the community.

Table 8: Subjective Perspectives on Community Development

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- Presents qualitative insights into residents' subjective perspectives on

community development, gathered through open-ended questions, highlighting

diverse viewpoints within the community.

Table 9: Short-Term Impact Assessment

- Summarizes the immediate impacts observed during the relatively short

study period, providing a snapshot of the initial effects of the

BarangayCivicVoice initiative.

Table 10: External Factors Influencing Finding

- Identifies and categorizes external factors that may have influenced research

outcomes, including socio-economic conditions or unexpected events, offering

context for the study's limitations.

Table 11: Platform Development Recommendations

- Compiles user feedback and recommendations for the improvement of the

BarangayCivicVoice platform, providing insights into areas for refinement and

enhancement based on participant experiences.

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These tables collectively contribute to a comprehensive presentation of the

research findings, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the impact and

dynamics of BarangayCivicVoice within the community.

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List Of Figures

1. Figure 1: Conceptual Framework of BarangayCivicVoice**

- Illustrates the conceptual model depicting the key components and

interactions within the BarangayCivicVoice initiative, highlighting the roles of

residents, technology, and community dynamics.

2. Figure 2: Evolution of Community Dynamics**

- Visualizes the shifting landscape of community engagement over time,

emphasizing the limitations of traditional methods and the need for adaptive

approaches, such as BarangayCivicVoice.

3. Figure 3: Communication Divide**

- Graphically represents the common challenges in communication between

residents and barangay officials, emphasizing the potential impact on decision-

making processes and community cohesion.

4. Figure 4: BarangayCivicVoice Virtual Platform**

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- Provides a visual representation of the virtual platform, showcasing its key

features such as virtual town hall meetings, surveys, and community forums,

highlighting its role in enhancing accessibility.

5. Figure 5: Transparency and Trust Building**

- Diagrams the principles of transparency and trust at the core of

BarangayCivicVoice, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between residents

and barangay officials, emphasizing active listening and responsiveness.

6. Figure 6: One Year of Community Impact**

- Graphical representation of the positive impact of BarangayCivicVoice over

its inaugural year, showcasing key milestones, success stories, and community-

led projects that reflect the transformative development facilitated by active

citizen engagement.
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Chapter 1 Background

Introduction

Fostering a strong link between citizens and barangay officials is critical

for long-term community development in the shifting landscape of local

governance. As we mark the first anniversary of BarangayCivicVoice, we are

pleased to announce a breakthrough effort aimed at increasing citizen

engagement and redefining the relationship between communities and their

governing authorities.

In an era of technical breakthroughs and virtual connectedness,

BarangayCivicVoice stands out as a model for increasing citizen participation in

local governance and decision-making processes. This unique platform strives to

bridge the gap between citizens and barangay authorities by creating a forum

where residents' voices are not only heard but also play an important part in

molding their communities' future.

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Project Context and It’s Background

Born from an awareness of changing community dynamics, BarangayCivicVoice

aspires to transform citizen engagement in local administration. Traditional

techniques fall short, thus this initiative will provide a digital platform where

residents may actively participate in decision-making. It bridges the

communication gap between communities and barangay officials while

encouraging open discourse. It performs virtual engagements, overcoming

physical barriers, by leveraging technology. BarangayCivicVoice, founded on

transparency and trust, celebrates one year of effective community participation

by highlighting success stories. It serves as a model for community

empowerment, highlighting the value of active participation in creating barrio

success.

Project Purpose and Description

The purpose of BarangayCivicVoice is straightforward - to empower

every resident within our barangay by providing a platform where their voices

truly matter. We aim to break down the barriers that often make community

engagement feel distant and ineffective, creating a space where everyone feels
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not only heard but actively involved in decisions that impact their lives. The

project is all about rekindling a sense of community and fostering a genuine

connection between residents and barangay officials.

BarangayCivicVoice is more than just a digital platform; it's a collective

effort to strengthen the fabric of our barangay through active participation.

We've set out to redefine the way residents engage with local governance by

introducing a user-friendly space where opinions, suggestions, and concerns find

a meaningful place in decision-making.

This initiative recognizes the changing landscape of community dynamics

and seeks to bridge the communication gap between residents and barangay

officials. By leveraging the power of technology, we've made it easier than ever

for residents to contribute their insights and actively participate in shaping the

future of our barangay.

Through virtual town hall meetings, surveys, and community forums,

we're facilitating a two-way conversation that transcends physical boundaries.

This is about creating an inclusive environment where every resident, regardless

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of their schedule or location, can have a say in the matters that affect our

community.

Transparency and accountability are at the heart of BarangayCivicVoice.

We're working towards a scenario where barangay officials not only listen but

actively respond to the needs and suggestions of the community. By doing so, we

aim to build a foundation of trust that strengthens the collaboration between

residents and leaders, fostering a shared commitment to the growth and well-

being of our barangay.

As we celebrate our first year, BarangayCivicVoice stands as a testament

to the positive impact of community engagement. It's a journey where residents

have become active contributors to the development of our barangay, making

decisions collectively and initiating projects that truly reflect the aspirations of

our community. Join us as we continue this journey of empowerment, where

every voice counts, and together, we shape the vibrant future of our barangay.
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Objectives of the Study

1. Understanding Community Perspectives:**

Uncover the diverse perspectives within our barangay by providing a

platform for residents to express their opinions, allowing us to comprehend the

unique needs and aspirations of our community.

2. Facilitating Inclusive Decision-Making:**

Establish a more inclusive decision-making process by actively

involving residents in discussions through virtual town hall meetings, surveys,

and community forums, ensuring that a broad spectrum of voices shapes the

direction of our barangay.

3. Bridging the Communication Gap:**

Address the existing communication gap between residents and

barangay officials by fostering open dialogue. The study aims to improve the

flow of information, enabling transparent and effective communication channels.

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4. Enhancing Accessibility to Governance:**

Utilize technology to break down physical barriers and enhance

accessibility to governance. By conducting virtual engagements, the study seeks

to create a more inclusive environment where all residents can actively

participate, regardless of their location or daily commitments.

5. Building Trust and Accountability:**

Foster a culture of trust and accountability between residents and

barangay officials. The study aims to establish mechanisms where the leadership

actively listens to the community's input, responding with transparency and

commitment to shared goals.

6. Measuring the Impact of Citizen Engagement:**

Evaluate the tangible impact of citizen engagement on local governance.

By tracking the outcomes of collaborative decision-making and community-led

initiatives, the study seeks to measure the effectiveness of active resident

participation in shaping the barangay's development.

7. **Celebrating and Sharing Success Stories:**

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Showcase and share success stories arising from the BarangayCivicVoice

initiative. Highlighting instances where community input has directly influenced

positive outcomes, the study aims to inspire further engagement and

community-driven initiatives.

8. Continuous Improvement of the Platform:**

Gather feedback on the BarangayCivicVoice platform and its processes

to ensure continuous improvement. The study seeks to refine the platform based

on user experiences, making it more user-friendly and responsive to the evolving

needs of the community.

9. Promoting Sustainable Community Development:**

Align the study objectives with the broader goal of promoting

sustainable community development. By empowering residents to actively

participate in decision-making, the study aims to contribute to the overall well-

being and resilience of our barangay.

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10. Encouraging Ongoing Community Involvement:**

Cultivate a culture of ongoing community involvement beyond the

study period. The objectives include encouraging residents to remain actively

engaged in shaping the future of our barangay, making citizen participation a

continuous and integral aspect of local governance.

Scope and Limitations/Delimitations of the Project

This research focuses on investigating the implementation and impact of

the BarangayCivicVoice initiative within our local community. It aims to

understand the dynamics of citizen engagement and assess the effectiveness of

the platform in facilitating active participation. The study will explore

community involvement, technology integration, communication effectiveness,

trust and accountability development, and the impact on decision-making.

However, certain limitations exist, such as potential constraints due to

technology access, representativeness challenges, reliance on subjective

perspectives, the short-term nature of the study, external factors beyond control,

and the exclusion of in-depth technical platform development analysis. Despite

these constraints, the research aims to offer valuable insights into the initiative's
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effectiveness, contributing to ongoing improvements and informing future

strategies for enhancing citizen engagement in local governance.

Theoretical Framework or Conceptual Framework of the Study

Theoretical framework is a symbolic construction which uses abstract

concept, facts or laws, variables and their relations that explains and predicts

how an observed phenomenon exists and operates. The researcher is required to

formulate exiting theories which link his study because theories are useful device

for interpreting, criticizing, and unifying established scientific laws or facts that

guide in discovering new generalizations.

Definition of Terms

1. BarangayCivicVoice - Refers to the digital platform designed to facilitate

active citizen participation in local governance. It serves as a space for residents

to voice opinions, suggestions, and concerns, fostering a transparent and

inclusive dialogue between the community and barangay officials.

2. Community Participation - Denotes the extent to which residents engage with

the BarangayCivicVoice platform, actively contributing to decision-making

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processes, discussions, and community initiatives that collectively shape the

development of the barangay.

3. Technology Integration - Encompasses the seamless incorporation of digital

tools and platforms within the BarangayCivicVoice initiative. This term explores

how technology, including virtual town hall meetings, surveys, and community

forums, enhances accessibility and usability for residents.

4. Communication Effectiveness - Refers to the impact of BarangayCivicVoice in

bridging the communication gap between residents and barangay officials. It

assesses improvements in the flow of information, transparency, and the overall

effectiveness of communication channels.

5. Trust and Accountability - Describes the evolving relationship between

residents and barangay officials as fostered by the BarangayCivicVoice initiative.

This term emphasizes the development of trust, open dialogue, and a sense of

accountability among leaders towards the community's needs and concerns.

6. Impact on Decision-Making - Signifies the tangible influence of resident

participation through BarangayCivicVoice on the decision-making processes

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within the barangay. It examines instances where community input directly

shapes decisions and subsequent outcomes.

7. Technology Access - Pertains to the availability and ability of residents to

utilize digital tools, including internet access and digital devices, which may

influence the effectiveness of their participation in BarangayCivicVoice activities.

8. Representativeness - Denotes the degree to which the study's findings

accurately reflect the diverse demographics and perspectives within the entire

community. It considers potential variations in participation levels among

different groups.

9. Subjective Perspectives - Involves the reliance on self-reported data and

individual viewpoints of residents within the study. Acknowledging the

subjective nature of these perspectives, the term highlights the need for a diverse

range of input to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

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10. Short-Term Impact - Indicates the immediate effects of the

BarangayCivicVoice initiative within the relatively brief period covered by the

study. It recognizes that the study may not capture the full scope of long-term

impacts that could unfold over an extended timeframe.

11. External Factors - Encompasses unforeseen circumstances, such as socio-

economic conditions or external events, that may influence the research

outcomes but are beyond the control and scope of the study.

12. Platform Development Constraints - Refers to the limitations in examining

the technical intricacies of the BarangayCivicVoice platform's development.

While user feedback is considered, the in-depth analysis of platform

development falls outside the study's focus.

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Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature, Studies and Systems

This chapter presents the review of related literatures and studies in which includes foreign

and local literatures and studies that will provide a better understanding regarding to the

BBarangayCivicVoice: Empowering Communities Through Active Participation

Related Literature

Local Literature

White (1981)[3] identified that empowerment grows out of involvement in thinking,

planning, deciding, acting and evaluating. Because empowerment refers to control, words

commonly found in definitions include access, control, entitlement, deciding, enabling, acting,

awareness, and participation (Holcombe 1995).

Foreign Literature

Empowerment is an emotive word that appeals to some people. The term empowerment

contains a power that is believed by some people to be able to change conditions for the better.

People are drawn to it because it seems to offer something that doesn’t exist at the moment but is

capable of changing their lives. This word conveys the idea that people are in control of themselves
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and their environment, which expands their abilities and insights and evaluates themselves to a

greater degree of achievement and satisfaction (Ye & Yang, 2020).

The concept of empowerment aims to find new alternatives in community

development. The process of empowerment thus constitutes the empowerment of an absolute

system of power. The concept of empowerment replaces it with a new system, which gives

important attention to the idea of man and humanity (humanism) (Ward et al., 2022).

Within the framework of empowerment, as outlined by Prijono and Pranarka,

individuals stand as the focal subjects. The empowerment process centers on furnishing

the community with the capacity for self-empowerment, concurrently fostering and

motivating individuals to cultivate the competence or empowerment necessary for

making pivotal life decisions (Utami & Godjali, 2020).

Related Studies

Local Studies
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Foreign Studies

While community empowerment is the premise and guarantee of community participation.

Without empowerment, community participation loses its support and significance (Tang and

Wang, 2017).

The participation of local residents in heritage sites improves residents’ sense of belonging,

facilitates the development of social networks, makes a positive contribution to the quality of life of

local residents and makes heritage site conservation programs more sustainable (Gursoy et al.,

2002; Nicholas et al., 2009; Sirisrisak, 2009; Rasoolimanesh et al., 2017).

Especially after the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) recommendation on the world heritage convention, community

participation is recognized as a fundamental tool in heritage management practices, which may

enhance the quality of life and well-being of communities concerned (UNESCO, 2019).

For the review of related literature, make sure to touch on the most

important aspects of your study. Use a topical outline. In your style of

discussion, be sure to adopt a storyline. Do not forget to cite all statements of

facts, main ideas/trends, equations, findings, etc. Use APA format for the
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citation. As much as possible, use most recent journal articles. Use books

sparingly. And no Wikipedia, please!

For tables, use the following format:

Table 0-1. From "References" > Insert Caption > Table

Indent the Table label to Only the table number is

start of table capitalized., the label is not.

The List of Tables should The Chapter number is

be automatically included in the table number
generated

Synthesis

Summary of the Chapter 2 documentation.

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Chapter 3 Design and Methodology

Methodology

A research methodology outlines what research is, how it is conducted,

how progress is measured, and what constitutes success.

Requirement Analysis

The proponents must first determine the information requirements with

regard to the specific organization under study. At this phase, the proponents or

researchers needs to know the details of the current system function: WHO (the

people who are involved, WHAT (business activities), WHERE (the environment

in which the work takes), WHEN (the timing), and HOW (how the current

procedures are performed) of the business or organization under study. The

proponent must know and analyze why the business uses the current system.

There may be good reasons why the organization is using the current methods,

and these should be considered when designing the proposed system.

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Sampling Technique

The term sampling refers to the method of choosing subjects in a particular

study. A sample is selected from a group which is called a population. The

sample and its population determine which generalizations may be made from

the findings.

Current Technical Situation

The programmer, system analyst or software engineer, no matter how

brilliant they are, they cannot design the software which will serve as computing

solutions addressing the needs of a particular organization unless they

familiarized themselves how such organization perform their business.

Requirement Documentation

Under this section, all software features are enumerated in detail or for the

proposed system or software what it does. Therefore, the requirement

documentation does not include database schemas, normalization of tables,

system architecture, description of communication layers, in short, no statement

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of design in any sort. It only answers to the question “HOW the software will

do” or statement of design shall be addressed.

Project In – Scope

Project Out – Scope

Design of Software, Systems, Product and/or Processes

The focus on this section is to give the technical aspect of the software to

be developed in a way that demonstrate comprehension of the tradeoffs involved

in design choices. For design of software, systems, product and/or processes

should be given on how the requirements analysis and documentation have been

complied with especially those possible tradeoffs presented within the given

requirements under various constraints. It makes the users interface could see

the development and run all the processes to contain information from the

system and processes in research are crucial as they provide a structured

framework for planning, executing, and evaluating studies. They ensure

methodological rigor, consistency, and reliability of results, contributing to the

overall quality and validity of research outcomes.

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Figure should be centered. The List of Figures must be

aromatically generated.

Figure 3-1. From "References" > Insert caption > Figure

Development and Testing

The development started while planning and wireframing is being

completed. The initial draft was used as a reference for the front-end

development. The majority of the development of the subject reservation

system was spent coding the system.

While refinement and development of the system is being completed

testing was done alongside it. This made sure that all modules of the system

are completed functioning before moving on the integrating the next.

Data Analysis Plan

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After gathering data, the statistical tools that will be used in the analysis of

data are the weighted arithmetic mean, standard deviation, analysis of variance,

and the person product-moment coefficient of correlation. The weighted

arithmetic mean will be used to determine the average responses for item of the

five (5) options in each item in the questionnaire namely, 5 (Strongly Agree /

Very Good / Very Willing / Very High), 4 (Agree / Good / Willing / High), 3

(Undecided / Fair), 2 (Disagree / Hesitant / Low / Poor), and 1 (Strongly

Disagree / Very Hesitant / Very Low / Very Poor). The Likert scale can be

generated by means of the respondents’ replication on the survey.

Implementation Plan

The implementation plan describes how the information system will be

deployed, installed and transitioned into an operational system. Clearly outline

the goals and objectives of the implementation. List and prioritize the individuals

or groups who will be impacted by or involved in the implementation. Create a

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detailed timeline with specific milestones and deadlines. Identify and allocate the

necessary resources (human, financial, technological) for each phase of the

implementation. Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in future

implementations.

Table 3-1. Implementation Plan

STRATEGY ACTIVITIES PERSON DURATION

INVOLVED
Title Proposal
Letters for the Proponents and 1 day
Administrator Administrator
Installation of the
System’s system and Proponents and 5 Hours
installations required Administrator
hardware and
software
Administrator and
Flyers Students
Information Administrator and 1 day
Distribution Posters Students
Administrator and
Manuals Students
3 Day Training Hands on Administrator,
Training and Officers, and 3 Days
Lectures Students
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Chapter 4 Results and Discussion

This section presents the comprehensive discussion on the

developed/used algorithm.

Discusses the interpretation or findings of the study from the data

collected.
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Chapter 5 Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Summary of Findings

Provide a rather concise summary of the research work.

Conclusions

The conclusions are direct statements that would prove the achievement of

the specific objectives. The conclusions should have one-to-one correspondence

to the specific objectives, i.e. if you have 4 specific objectives (a to d) then you

should have 4 conclusions (1 to 4).

Recommendations
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References

Use APA formatting for all references (in the body and in the listing here).
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Appendices

<Appendix A:> <Title>

Place your appendices here. Please be sure that these have been

referenced in the body of document.