Environmental Science Case Study

Highly Urbanized Municipality of Burauen, Leyte: Its Impact

to the Environmental Aspect

This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of

Environmental Science under the
Bachelor of Public Administration for the 2nd Semester of the Academic Year 2023-2024

Submitted by
Logrosa, Ken Joshua
Mesias, Jovan D.
Maroto, Janine L.
Mesias, Judy Ann D.

Submitted to
MS. MARY SOL A. CATAN
Course Instructor
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The researchers would like to express their deepest and sincerest gratitude to the
invaluable help of the people who served as a paramount agent and catalyst in the success of
this paper.

The completion of this case study will not be possible without the participation and
assistance of the research participants in this study. Their contribution is sincerely appreciated
and gratefully acknowledged.

To Ms. Mary Sol A. Catan, the Environmental Science Instructor, for her insightful
advices and guidance which helped a lot to make this study a successful one.

To the family of the researchers, friends and other key individuals who shared their
knowledge and support through financial, emotional, physical and among other
encouragements which illuminated the researchers to finish this manuscript.

Above all, to Almighty God for the unending blessings, knowledge and wisdom which is
one of the prime factors in the success of this case study.

This piece of written output is humbly offered to all of you.

The Researchers
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This case study explored the impact of urbanized Burauen, Leyte in the environmental
aspect. This also presents relevant activities that drive the urbanization of the said municipality.
Additionally, this paper discussed the waste management strategies and sustainability initiatives
taken by Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse environmental impacts of highly urbanized
municipality. This study involved eight (8) research participants from Canmasi Poblacion District
1 who were public leaders. The data collection was conducted on May 15, 2024 through a
personal interview. Focused Group Discussion (FGD) were taken to validate the consistency of
the participants’ answers. Result of the analyses revealed different facets of information about
the impact of highly urbanized municipality to the environmental aspect. Thus, the study
concluded that economic growth strategy was the community’s relevant activities that drive the
urbanization of Burauen, Leyte. There were negative impacts to the environment because of
highly urbanized municipality. Also, proper waste management was the waste management
strategies promoted by Burauen generated from urban activities. The sustainability initiatives
taken by the said municipality to reduce adverse environmental impacts of highly urbanized
municipality was environmental sustainability. Lastly, the participants have developed positive
outlook in life and perseverance along the challenges they face. With that, this study suggest
that community may revisit actions promoting a healthy environment, most especially the quality
of air and water as well as adoption of more friendly space to each one.
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I. INTRODUCTION
This case study intends to identify the highly urbanized Burauen, Leyte in the
environmental aspects. The analysis of urbanization and its impact to the environment needs to
be understood to help plan and create a sustainable community, safe and secure ecology. As a
matter of fact, according to United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2020),
when properly planned and managed, urbanization can be a potential factor in a positive
transformation force for sustainable development that does not harm the environment.

In addition, this study does not only aim at determining the impacts of highly urbanized
Burauen, Leyte, but it also focused on the relevant activities that drive the urbanization of the
said municipality. This also caters the waste management strategies promoted by Burauen,
Leyte generated from urban activities as well as the sustainability initiatives taken by the said
locale to reduce adverse environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality.

Meanwhile, the researchers developed an interview guide based on the title of the case
study and on the focus of the single-case study. Hence, the researchers have come up with a
total of four (4) questions that will not only identify the sustainability initiatives, outcome and
impacts as well as challenges and lessons learned as perceived in the part of case evaluation,
but to understand more about other underlying factors revolving the topic about highly urbanized
municipality and its impact to the environment.

As to the data collection, the interview was administered personally by the researchers
on May 15, 2024 to Barangay officials of Canmasi Poblacion District 1 Burauen, Leyte. Total
number of participants were eight (8) including one (1) Brgy. Chairman and seven (7) Brgy.
Kagawad. It was done by recording and transcribing the responses of the research participants.
Themes were developed in order to analyze and interpret the responses of the participants
using Thematic Analysis Method. The researchers used Thematic analysis because it is a
flexible data analysis useful in qualitative researches (Kiger & Varpio, 2020).

The research locale of this study is one of the middle-class barangays of Burauen,
Leyte. The researchers chose Canmasi Poblacion District 1 Burauen, Leyte based on the
following criteria: 1) progressive barangay, 2) high number of populations, 3) awards received
from the municipality, 4) Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), 5) environmental initiatives. This
barangay is one of the highly progressive barangays in the said municipality with its 1,614-
population broken down into 369 households or an average of 4.37 members per household
based on the 2015 census (PhilAtlas, 2024).
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II. BACKGROUND

Philippines is one of the third world countries which strive to its holistic development.
Domestic growth is strong in the country even though global challenges are affecting the
economy. The Philippines has one of the most dynamic economies in the Pacific region and
East Asia. With the increasing urbanization, it leads the country to various developments (The
World Bank, 2024).

Additionally, since 2003, UN-Habitat worked directly with national government over 50
Local Government Units (LGUs) to meet urban planning and design, community-based shelter
recovery, climate change adaptation, slum upgrading, mitigation and disaster prevention and
response (United Nation Human Settlements Programme, 2024).

With the advent of technology, people have become huge consumers of energy and they
have become an increasingly powerful environmental force over the last 10,000 years. In fact,
according to Torrey (2004), recent increase in the world’s population has magnified effects of
economic and agricultural activities. This has caused disturbance in the human-environmental
interaction which led to rapid spread of infectious diseases.

As of today, deforestation, pollution and other harmful activities which gradually kill the
mother earth are all an intergenerational problem worldwide, most especially in the Philippines
(Amnesty Philippines, 2024). In addition, highly urbanized community impacts the environment
which presents complex opportunities and challenge to sustainability. Urbanization has posed
environmental problems such as air and water pollution, habitat loss and climate change. The
United Nations estimates that by 2050, 68% of global population will live in urban cities which
leads to continuous environmental loss. Also, a study in 2018 found out that 58% of the
terrestrial species have declined populations due to habitat loss caused by urbanization and
other human activities (Greenfield, 2024).

In Region 8, the Eastern Visayas, Burauen, Leyte is geographically located at the central
part of Leyte Island. It is bounded by two (2) cities namely Ormoc, City and Baybay, City on the
West and bounded by eight (8) municipalities on the north by Dagami and Jaro. It is an
agricultural municipality that is considered as one of the major producers of copra plant and
abaca fiber to nearby cities. The municipality has several local dialects spoken but 97% majority
is local Waray speaking, second is Cebuano speaking which is 1.40%, third is Bisaya which was
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0.30%, fourth is 0.10% for Tagalog and fifth is 0.09% for Kankanai (Municipality of Burauen,
2024).

In addition, the municipality of Burauen has experienced rapid urbanization over the past
few decades. Traditionally an agricultural town known for its rich natural resources and serene
landscapes. Burauen, Leyte has transformed into a bustling urban center. This shift is largely
driven by significant infrastructure development, increasing population density, and the
expansion of economic activities. Burauen now faces the complex challenge of balancing
development and sustainability. The urbanization of Burauen mirrors the broader trends of
urban growth seen across many developing regions, where the push for modernization and
economic progress often leads to profound changes in the environmental and socio-economic
landscape.
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III. CASE EVALUATION

This part presents the analyses of the researchers based on the questions provided in
the interview. The researchers come up with relevant interview questions based on the title of
the case study and the focus of this single-case study to better explore and understand the case
of the impact of highly urbanized Burauen, Leyte to the environmental aspect that is being
studied.

Further, in this paper, the data that were collected from the interview were summarized
and transcribed in order to analyze its main theme for each question. A Focused Group
Discussion (FGD) was conducted by the researchers for triangulation purposes to check the
consistency and validity of the participants’ responses.

Furthermore, to analyze the data, thematic analysis was used by the researchers which
involves a close examination of the data to identify common patterns, categories and themes
that came up repeatedly. Also, it is a flexible data analysis plan used in qualitative researches
(Kiger & Varpio, 2020).

In this method, the researchers used the Code, Category and Theme (CCT) Method in
the process of thematic analysis as perceived in the six (6) steps of Virginia Braun & Victoria
Clarke, viz-a-viz, 1) familiarization, 2) coding, 3) generating themes, 4) reviewing themes, 5)
defining/naming themes & 6) writing up period (Caulfield, 2023).

a. Relevant Activities that Drive the Urbanization of Burauen, Leyte

1. What are the relevant activities that drive the urbanization of Burauen, Leyte?

Table 1. Relevant Activities that Drive the Urbanization of Burauen, Leyte

Participants Response Code Category Theme
1 Nagka-conduct We conduct Knowledge Awareness
kami hin mga seminars to invite improvement initiative
seminar para hit more investors
mga puwedi here in our
investors. barangay.

2 Namamakiana kami We asked for Knowledge Awareness

hit mga potential na potential partners solicitation initiative
puwedi maging in different
partners ha enterprises.
negosyo.
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3 May-ada kami mga We have taken Open economy Economic

hinimo na gios para initiatives that will growth strategy
mas damo it open for more
mamohunan ha opportunities to
Burauen. investors here in
Burauen.

4 Iton mga molupyo We encourage Economic Economic

na gusto magtindog and support those support growth strategy
hin dakolaay na residents who
negosyo in amon wish to put up an
sinuportahan. enterprise.

5 Gin-aabi-abi namon We encourage Economic Economic

it mga nagtatanom those farmers to support growth strategy
na it ira mga sell their products
baligya in ikadi nala in our market.
ha merkado.

6 Amo iton na may We conduct Knowledge Awareness

mga seminar kami seminars to raise improvement initiative
para ha mga the awareness of
nagnenegosyo ara residents in terms
maaram hira hit of different
mga dapat himoon. economic
activities.

7 May mga We made Open economy Economic

partnership kami na partnerships to growth strategy
hinimo ha am mg our neighboring
kaharani na barangays to
baranggay ha improve our
pagpalambo pa hit economic state.
ekonomiya.

8 It amon baranggay We make our Open economy Economic

in iginpahimutang barangay open to growth strategy
nam nga bukas la various economic
ha mga oportunidad opportunities
na mayda hit am brought about by
kaharani na our neighboring
baranggay labi na it barangays, most
munisipyo. especially the
municipality.
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It can be gleaned in table 1 that the main theme on the relevant activities that drive the
urbanization of Burauen, Leyte was economic growth strategy. According to the Dorset Council
(2024), economic growth strategy refers to the set of ambitions that enable an inclusive,
sustainable, clean and good quality economic growth across the whole council area.

This indicates that based on the responses of Participants 3, 4, 5, 7, & 8, the community
is geared towards the goal of urbanization in which its efforts reflect the life of province
initiatives. The steps of the council in the growing community are evident as they engage in
various economic growth strategies such as open economy and economic support. This has the
potential to the growth and urbanization agenda of the community.

This result is in line with the report of the World Bank Philippines (2024) which presented
that the Philippines’s economic dynamism is based on the strong consumer demand supported
by vibrant labor market, partnerships, investments and the like. Behind the archipelagic
challenge such as higher inflation rates, urbanization is one of the keys to the improvement of
sustainable growth and development.

On the other side, it can also be analyzed that there were awareness initiatives taken by
the council to increase the level of awareness of relevant activities that drive the urbanization of
Burauen, Leyte as perceived by Participants 1, 2 & 6. It could help the community engage in
more transactions, community partnerships and investments for economic prosperity.

In the paper of Bai et al. (2017), they underscored that urbanization is one of the biggest
transformations in the modern time driven by multiple economic, social and environmental
processes. It is important that along the progress, impacts on the environment is considered. In
addition, the paper revealed that there is an increasing focus of coproduction of knowledge and
public participation with stakeholders.

Anent thereto, Blanco (2021) studied about the sustainable development lessons and
capacities of highly urbanized cities in the Philippines where the result of the paper highlighted
the importance of sustainable development lessons as it contributes in shaping the future of
sustainable development agenda in the Philippines.

In general, the community’s relevant activities that drive the urbanization of Burauen,
Leyte was centered on economic growth strategy which do not only aim to develop the
economy, but to consider the environmental aspects and reserves.
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b. Outcomes and Impacts of Highly Urbanized Burauen, Leyte to the Environment

2. What are the impacts of highly urbanized Burauen, Leyte to the environment in terms of:

2.1. Air quality

2.2. Water quality

2.3 Consumption of land

2.4. Consumption and release of energy

Table 2. Outcomes and Impacts of Highly Urbanized Burauen, Leyte to the Environment
Participants Response Code Category Theme
1 Nag-iiba it quality hit hangin Quality of air and Environmental Negative
kay nagiging mapaso, it tubig water becomes degradation impact to the
iba na it rasa, may mga unusual as it differs environment
tanuman gihap na ginamit para from what has been
pagtindog hit usa nga used, there are
establishimento ngan mas economic lands used
nagtikadamo it mga gamit it for the establishment
kuryente pati pa it danay na- of buildings. Also, the
browount kay nagkukulang usage of electricity
naman it supply. becomes higher in
number and there
comes a time that it
caused brownout due
to shortage of supply.

2 Kuan, nagutiay it supply it Ahm, there is a Environmental Negative

tubig kay mahitungod nga shortage of supply of degradation impact to the
damo man it nagamit nga mga water since there are environment
consumer. It hangin liwat, a lot of consumers. In
mapaso na ngan syempre, terms of air, its
maaapektuhan kay damo na it humidity becomes
mga sarakyan tapos it mga abnormal and with
aso mas damo it nare-relese that, there is a big
asya diri na maupay ngan impact on the quality
fresh it hangin nga aton of air because of
nalalanghap. many cars that is why,
it changes the quality
of air.

3 Diri na maupay it baho it The quality of air Environmental Negative

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hangin kay mahitungod it mga changes because of degradation impact to the

sarakyan, naggutiay it supply it various vehicles. In environment
tubig ngan danay nag-iiba it terms of supply of
pustura it tubig. Ha tuna water, it also
naman, diri na nakakagtanom decreases and there
hin maupay it mag- are times that its
nagtikadamo na gihap it mga feature changes. In
nagamit hit kuryente. terms of land area,
there are times that
the farmers cannot
plant anymore
because of increasing
number of consumers
and buldings.

4 Waray na maupay nga nare- The quality of air Environmental Negative

release it hangin kundi being released is not degradation impact to the
mahaho ngan mapaso pa. Ha that good and it’s environment
tubig naman, nagtitkaubos na smelly. In terms of
it supply mahitungod it too water, there is a
much consumption it mga shortage of supply
tawo. May mga tuna ngan because of increasing
gihap ngadi na nahibabalhin number of consumers.
para pagbutang hit mga There are land areas
buildings asya na may mga here in our barangay
tanuman na diri na but it was converted
natatanuman. to construction of
buildings that is why,
farmers no longer
plant various root
crops.

5 Iba na nga klase it The quality of air that Environmental Negative

nalalanghap nga hangin kay is being breathed is degradation impact to the
mahitungod nga damo it mga not that good because environment
sarakyan. It tubig naman in of vehicles. In terms
naco-contaminate it mga tawo of water, it is being
kay mahitungod it mahugaw contaminated by dirty
nga release it tubig. Hasus, it source. It’s a problem
tuna ngadi kay kaurog nga that there are land
ginhihimo nga burutangan areas here for farming
para hit mga buildings asya but it was converted
nagpaparas pa lugod. to construction of
buildings that is why,
the heat index is
higher.

6 It tubig ngadi kay The water in our Environmental Negative

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naaapektuhan sugad nala nga barangay is affected degradation impact to the

nag-iba na iya rasa ngan especially its quality environment
baga’t malaming naman hiya. and taste. It’s kind of
It hangin naman kay mapaso unsual taste of a
bisan may electric fan na ngan drinking water. The air
hiton. Ha mga palayan ngadi, quality is not normal
may iba hito dida nga anymore because of
gintindugan nah in mga its heat even though
buildings sugad hit public there is already an
market. Dara ha kadamo hit electric fan. There are
mga gumaramit, mas rice fileds here but
naiibanan na it supply hit there are buildings in
energy. here that were
constructed for market
purposes. Due to
higher number of
consumers, there is a
shortage of suplly in
energy.

7 Diri na kami nakasagap hin We no longer Environmental Negative

maupay nga tubig kay baga experience a good degradation impact to the
adto naman iton maluya it quality of water environment
awas. It hangin naman, ambot because of the supply
ano ini na mapaso-paso is not that enough.
naman la ini asay pa hit mga Aside from that, the
udto na. It mga tuna na iba didi quality of air is also
imbes na taramnan han palay, affected because of
puros na kabablayan. Ngan its heat most
dara hit kadamo hit mga especially in the noon
nagamit, haros pirmi nala na- time. The land area
brownout ngan tagmaraiha pa here are no longer
naman it pagla-light. used for farming
because there are
building built such as
houses that caused a
longer period of
brownout due to
increased number of
consumers.

8 Ngadi tam baranggay kay Here in our barangay Environmental Negative

hirani man kami it mga dagko since we are located degradation impact to the
nga building, waray na near big buildings, environment
maupay or nasasagap nga there is no good air
maupay na hangin, Tapos it quality. Aside from
tubig naman pagkakaaga na that, water supply in
gutiay danay it awas ngan the morning is not
baga’t diri naman ini maupay it enough and its taste
rasa. It mga katunaan ngadi in is not that good. Land
mas nagtikagutiay na labis na areas here decreases
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it nga sasragpit it mga balay in terms of farming

waray na space bisan man la purposes because of
pagtanom. Dara liwat hit congested houses
kadamo hit mga nagamit hit and other buildings.
energy, danay talaga naka- Due to inceasing
experience kami hin maluya it number of consumers,
supply it kuryente tapos there are times that
duduruyan pa hin pag- we experience
brownout shortage of energy
supply added with
brownouts.

Table 2 reveals the participants responses on outcomes and impacts of highly urbanized
Burauen, Leyte to the environment. Based on the theme, it can be analyzed that the views of
the participants in the highly urbanized Burauen, Leyte has a negative impact to the
environment, especially in the aspects of air and water quality, consumption of land as well as
consumption and release of energy. These involve the change of temperature of air, quality and
taste of water. This also affects the farm land which was converted to various construction of
buildings and scarcity of energy due to an increasing number of consumers.

According to the study of Raihan & Tuspekova (2022), designing an effective policy
related to low-carbon economy, sustainable urban development, promoting renewable energy
use, climate-smart agriculture that would reduce emissions resulting in negative impacts of
climate change. Also, the paper showed an increased energy use, economic growth and
urbanization which lead to the environmental degradation.

In addition, National Geographic Partners (2024) shows urban threats such as

insufficient water availability, poor air and water quality, waste-disposal problem and high
energy consumption are evident by the demands of urban environment as well as increasing
population density. The University of California Regents (2024) stated that urbanization often
results in increased regional temperature, decrease of soil and water quality, habitat loss,
deforestation, decrease of biodiversity and increase of engagement in harmful human activities.

On the contrary, there are advantages of urbanization such as increased employment,

technological advancements, and improved standards of living. But alongside the positive
effects of urbanization, its negative effects should not be forgotten as these pose threats to
different problems in the environment (Byjus.com, 2024).

With that, this only promote a healthy and balanced biodiversity that will not contribute to
environmental degradation and translated to negative impacts to the environment.
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c. Waste Management Strategies Promoted by Burauen, Leyte Generated from

Urban Activities

3. How does the municipality of Burauen, Leyte promotes waste management generated from
urban activities?

Table 3. Waste Management Strategies Promoted by Burauen, Leyte Generated from Urban
Activities
Participants Response Code Category Theme
1 Mayda kami hinimo We have built a Environmental Proper
na Material Recovery Material Recovery initiative waste
Facility (MRF) ngan Facility (MRF) and management
labugan para ha mga sanitary landfills.
waray na gamit.

2 An mga puwedi pa We encourage the Environmental Proper

magamit in amon residents that those initiative waste
ginre-recycle ngan materials that are still management
diri nam ini useful should be
ipinalabog bisan diin. recycled and should
not be thrown
anywhere.

3 Mayda kami There is an Environmental Proper

ordinansa na ordinance from the initiative waste
sinusunod tikang ha national government management
national governmeny like RA 9003 so we
sugad hit kanan RA have created our
9003 asya na own barangay
naghimo kami ordinance to regulate
barangay ordinance proper waste
para hit asya nga disposal.
paglabog hit basura.

4 Mayda kami We have MRF to Environmental Proper

gintindog na MRF cater materials that initiative waste
para ha matag-usa are still useful. management
nga an ira mga
puwedi pa magamit
in ikadto nala.

5 Aside la hit mayda Aside from the Environmental Proper

kami hinimo na sanitary landfill, we initiative waste
sanitary landfill, also conduct seminar management
nagkakamay-ada on proper waste
gihap kami hin mga segregation.
seminar hit
segregation.
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6 An mga tawo in We encourage the Environmental Proper

amon gin-aabi-abi na resodents especially initiative waste
an ira mga siot labis those in the markets management
na ha merkado na to throw their
ilabog ha tama nga garbages properly.
labugan an ira mga
siot.

7 Mayda kami hinimo We created barangay Environmental Proper

na barangay ordinance for our initiative waste
ordinance para betterment and avoid management
pagpakaupay nga throwing garbage
iwasan it paglabog anywhere because it
bisan la diin kay could harm the
nakakaruba man gud environment.
ini hit at kapaligiran.

8 Usa na am pitad para One of the ways we Environmental Proper

mapanatili ini na taken to promote a initiative waste
kalimpyohan ha clean environment management
kaluyo hinin mga gios behind the step to
para ha urbanisasyon urbanization of
hit Burauen in may Burauen is we
mga ordinansa kami, created barangay
may mga MRF pati ordinance, creation
na an sanitary of MRF and sanitary
landfill. landfill.

Table 3 shows that the main theme for waste management strategies promoted by
Burauen, Leyte generated from urban activities is proper waste management. According to
Dalugdog (2021), the enactment of R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
2000 is one of the ways to address the perennial problem in the Philippines, especially in
managing solid waste. Although, the rules have some flaws but it only needs revision of some of
the provisions and it is still worth implementing to protect environmental health and safety.
The proper waste management is an effective way that people continuously do this
activity to have a good impact and to help the environment as well. Like many other
municipalities in Local Government Units (LGUs), communities strive to improve the solid waste
management systems in the Philippines (Acosta et al., 2009). According to Indiana Department
of Environmental Management (2024), it is important to promote proper waste management
such as waste reduction because it will not only protect the environment, but it will also save
costs and expenses for disposal.
 16

Aside from that, Sumich (2022) stated that waste management is one of the most
important and crucial environmental protection strategies that reduce any types of pollution,
prevent damage to ecosystems and conserve resources. It also reduces the greenhouse gas
emissions by creating landfills and composting wastes.

Further, there are steps to promote proper waste management such as community-
based waste management programs that are initiatives led by non-government organization, the
government agencies and the impacted communities. There is a direct community-member
engagement and accountability, segregation of wastes, composting of organic wastes and
tracking of waste collection and reduction (Plastic Smart Cities, 2023).

As a whole, it can be generalized that waste management strategies promoted by

Burauen, Leyte generated from urban activities is concentrated to proper waste management
that has a positive impact to the ecological safety and security.
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d. Sustainability Initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to Reduce Adverse

Environmental Impacts of Highly Urbanized Municipality

4. What are the sustainability initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse
environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality?

Table 4. Sustainability Initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to Reduce Adverse Environmental

Impacts of Highly Urbanized Municipality
Participants Response Code Category Theme
1 Ngadi ha amon In our barangay, we Reduction of Environmental
barangay in gin- encourage the harmful sustainability
aabi-abi namon it residents on the less wastes
mga tawo na mag- usage of cellophane.
iban hin gamit hit
cellophane.

2 Bisan kun it iba diri Even though there Environmental Environmental

natuod na iban- are residents who do effort sustainability
ibanan it paggamit not follow on the less
hit cellophane, usage of cellophane,
nagpapadayon kami still, we continue to
hiton pag-encourage encourage them.
ha ira.

3 Mayda man gud There are things that Environmental Environmental

mga butang na dri are irreplaceable just effort sustainability
nababalyuan sugad like lands used for
it tuna nga building, but behind
natarukan nah in this one, we do not
building pero bisan experience lack of
iton sugad, diri kami supply of rice fields.
nagkukulang hin
supply hin mga
tanom na palay.

4 It mga siot na diri We encourage the Reduction of Environmental

madurunot in diri residents to throw harmful sustainability
nam ipinapasunog their wastes
ha mga tawo kundi nonbiodegradable
ipinalabog la ha garbage to sanitary
sanitary landfill. landfill, instead of
burning them.

5 An mga butang na Things that are still Reduction of Environmental

puwedi pa useful were recycled harmful sustainability
magamitan in to lessen the volume wastes
ipinapagamit gud of garbage.
nam ngan recycle
para maiban-ibanan
 18

it mga siot nga

kailangan ilabog

6 Nagkakaada kami We conduct Raising Environmental

hito mga awareness awareness programs people’s sustainability
programs sugad hit such seminars to awareness
seminar para mas raise people’s
mapahitaas it aram awareness on the
hit mga tawo ha proper waste
tama nga paglabog disposal and avoid
hit basura, pag-iwas harmful human
hit mga diri maupay activities that might
na hirimoon ha harm the
kalibungan sugad hit environment.
pagsunog hit mga
cellophane.

7 Mas ginpapahusog We strengthen the Environmental Environmental

gud iton nam it am campaign on the effort sustainability
kampanya ha cleanliness of the
maupay ngan environment such as
malimpyo na barangay ordinance.
kalibungan sugad hit
barangay ordinance.

8 May iba-iba la kami We have variety of Raising Environmental

hito na mga hinimo activities such as people’s sustainability
sugad hit mga seminars to raise awareness
seminar para people’s awareness
mapahitaas it ira in taking care of the
mga aram hit environment and
maupay na pag- waste disposal.
alaga hit aton
kapaligiran ngan it
maupay na waste
disposal.

Table 4 presents the sustainability initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse
environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality. It can be gleaned in the table that the
theme of the participants’ responses is environmental sustainability. Environmental
sustainability refers to implementing policies which ensures that human beings consume natural
resources at a given rate that allows them to make sure sustainability making it to be accessible
to future generations (Indeed Career Guide, 2023).
 19

This only implies that the council have taken various initiatives to ensure an
environmental sustainability such as reduction of harmful wastes, less use of cellophane,
creation of sanitary landfills, waste segregation, recycle as well as raising people’s awareness
on the importance of ecological safety and security.

According to Perch Energy (2024), saving the planet is indeed a need to be taken to
survive for billions of years before humans existed. The endeavor of sustainable future is
continuous as 21st century has emerged. Managing resources is the main goal of sustainability.
It is to ensure that there are green activities and more eco-friendly that minimizes the harm it
causes to the ecology.

Further, it is important to promote environmental sustainability to ensure that the

ecological security is not disturbed, there is a presence of equilibrium, better ways of life for
future generations and choices are equal. In fact, responsible interaction of humans and planet
is of great importance in which it encourages individuals to live in such a way that create a
minimal waste and regenerate resources (Inspire Clean Energy, 2024).

As a whole, environmental sustainability was the sustainability initiatives taken by

Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality which
show various actions of community leaders.
 20

e. Challenges and Lessons Learned

Table 5. Participants’ Challenges and Lessons Learned

Participants Response Code Category Theme
1 Makuri kay diri It’s difficult because Self- Positive
masayon magtikang the step towards determination outlook in life
hin pitad para ha improvement is not
pagpaunlad pero that easy, but we
nagiging mas become stronger to
makusog an am loob push it through.
na ipadayon.

2 May mga challenges There are challenges Perseverance Positive

na makuri atubangon that are difficult to outlook in life
pero ginkakaya nala deal with, but we
kay amo man ini an make sure we will
am sinumpaan. continue to do our
job.

3 Dara hini na mga Due to these Perseverance Positive

challenges na am challenges we face, outlook in life
inatubang, mas we become stronger
naging maisog kami to find ways in order
pamiling hin paraan to make our
para maging endeavors
successful ini na successful.
trabaho.

4 It am mga pagsalig in Our faith become Self- Positive

naging mas makusog stronger even though determination outlook in life
kay nagpapadayon it’s difficult.
man kami bisan kun
makuri.

5 Sugad hiton Just like the agenda Perseverance Positive

pagpakaupay ha am on making our outlook in life
baranggay it barangay more
nagpapakusog hit am progressive that
mga kalugaringon makes us continue to
para magpadayon. do our job.

6 Mas nagiging marig- We become strong Self- Positive

on tam mga behind these determination outlook in life
kalugaringon ha challenges like those
kaluyo hinin mga residents who are
pagsubok sugad hit head strong.
mga matig-a it ulo hit
iba na tawo.

7 Naging maisog man We become strong Self- Positive

 21

gud kami hini na mga enough because of determination outlook in life

challenges kay mas these challenges.
nagpapatibay ini ha
am

8 Nabaruan nam iton We learned that Perseverance Positive

na it mga pagsubok challenges help us to outlook in life
nakakabulig gud ini continue whatever
ha am na ipadayon it the situation is.
am mga natikangan.

Based on the table 5, it can be inferred that behind the challenges faced by the
community leaders, they able to cope with it. The participants have a positive outlook in life and
develop perseverance.

This only indicates that even the hardest and most difficult situation, the participants
remain steadfast and have composure to continue what they have started. With that, it is only a
common reaction and attitude that people tend to develop even in these situations.

In the view of Malik (2023), learning is a lifelong process that is through education,
experience or both. These lessons learned can be a powerful tool that will help improve the
performance and make better decisions in the future.

Therefore, it can be said that the challenges the participants’ faced made them realized
positive outlook in like and perseverance.
 22

IV. CONCLUSION
Based on the analyses of the researchers, the case study concluded that economic
growth strategy was the community’s relevant activities that drive the urbanization of Burauen,
Leyte. Aside from that, negative impacts to the environment were the impact of highly urbanized
Burauen, Leyte to the environment. Further, proper waste management was the waste
management strategies promoted by Burauen, Leyte generated from urban activities.
Furthermore, the sustainability initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse
environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality was environmental sustainability. Lastly,
the participants faced various challenges such as head strong residents and those who do not
follow rules, but still, they managed to develop positive outlook in life and perseverance.
 23

V. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings and conclusions of the case study, the following recommendations
were made:

1. To the community leaders, barangay environmental initiative in waste management should be

continued, enhanced and strengthened to keep its implementation through the years.

2. To the municipality development officer, they may adopt more co-friendly environment actions
such as green technology to minimize air pollution.

3. To the educational leaders, they may conduct more awareness programs to keep and
enhance the community’s awareness on the importance of waste management.

4. To the community development officers, they may find alternative areas in promoting food
security to replace for the lands used in building construction.

5. To the environmental safety officers, they should secure the cleanliness and safety of the
drinking water as its quality and taste have changed.

6. To future researchers, they may conduct similar study using other qualitative approach such
as phenomenological and quantitative method to analyze more about the potential impacts of
urbanization in larger scale.
 24

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 28

APPENDICES

Appendix A

LETTER TO THE RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

 29

Appendix B

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Before the Interview

1. The researchers will ask permission from the Brgy. Captain through the letter to the
participants. After a brief discussion of the rationale, purpose and background of the case study
as well as the interview processes, the researchers will inform the leader of the target
participants.

During the Interview

1. The researchers will go to the house of each participant to conduct the interview.

2. Before the formal start of the interview, the researchers will introduce their selves and will
follow ethical considerations such as informed consent and permission to record the answer.

3. The researchers will then start the interview. The following questions will be asked to the
research participants.

Interview Questions:

1. What are the relevant activities that drive the urbanization of Burauen, Leyte?

2. What are the impacts of highly urbanized Burauen, Leyte to the environment in terms of:

a. Air quality

b. Water quality

c. Natural resource consumption

d. Consumption of land

e. Consumption and release of energy

3. How does the municipality of Burauen, Leyte promotes waste management generated
from urban activities?
 30

4. What are the sustainability initiatives taken by Burauen, Leyte to reduce adverse
environmental impacts of highly urbanized municipality?

4. After the individual interview to each research participant, they will be urged to go to the
venue for the Focused Group Discussion in which the questions will be asked again. Then, each
research participant may share their answer to the question. This is for triangulation purpose.

After the Interview

1. The researchers will express their gratitude to the research participants and they will be
assured of the confidentiality of their responses that it will be used for research purposes only.
 31

Documentation

The formal request for the The identification of the target

permission of data collection in participants was also presented to
Brgy. Canmasi Poblacion District 1 the Brgy. Captain

Preliminary stage for the one-on- After the interview phase of the
one interview to one of the researchers to one of the research
research participants participants