THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN SELECTED BARANGAYS AT THE MUNICIPALITY OF CORON, PALAWAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51200/bimpeagajtsd.v4i2.3188Keywords:
Problem tree analysis, community threats and opportunitiesAbstract
The Municipality of Coron in northern Palawan is one of the five municipalities where the Malampaya Natural Gas Project (MNGP) pipeline passes through from El Nido, Palawan to Batangas City. Seven barangays in the municipality were chosen by Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) as the focus of its social development (SD) projects in the immediate future. These are barangays I and VI in the “poblacion” and the far-flung barangays of Marcilla, Bulalacao, Banuang Daan, Cabugao, and Malawig. As commissioned by MFI, the Palawan State University‟s Center for Strategic Policy and Governance undertook an integrated threats analysis to identify critical needs and propose a package of high impact projects. It uses a rapid rural appraisal (RRA) approach and relies on primary data gathered through field reconnaissance, household interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Fieldwork was on 21-28 February 2013 while the validation of results with stakeholders was held on 27 May 2013. The top problems and threats in all seven barangays pertain to limited employment opportunities, inadequate educational infrastructure, poor access to potable water, and food insecurity. Other identified problems include inflation, unemployment, natural disasters (including climate change impacts), juvenile delinquency, and garbage and waste management. While tourism has improved the municipality‟s economy in recent years, it also contributed threats and problems that may adversely affect the environment and lives of the residents. Investments in public services must therefore be provided to upgrade delivery of the needed basic services and facilitate movement of people and products to the town center. The barangays have bio-physical, economic and livelihood, and institutional/governance capital that can be tapped to support these investments. The bigger challenge is how to influence the local government sector and he political leaders to have a stronger commitment and participation in providing solutions.
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