Background of the Study
Solid waste management is identified as an environmental action that is comprised of the collection and disposal of discarded solid material. This practice involves the treatment and transportation of the collected waste, which is done through proper segregation and recycling (Nathanson, 2024). Environmental action is defined as efforts in carrying out practices aimed to address environmental challenges. These activities manifest both directly and indirectly, in efforts such as changing personal practices in pursuit of achieving sustainability, sharing information through various platforms, taking civic action and participating in environmental preservation and preparedness initiatives (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022). In the Philippines, a lack of discipline in waste management is considered a challenge for the waste-free National Capital Region with over 11,000 kilograms of waste produced every day and projecting a total waste production rate of 13,310 kilograms a day or 4,668,592 tons a year (Ferreras, 2024). Manila Bay is a natural port located within the country faced with plastic contamination, which houses the BASECO Compound, the largest urban poor community among five barangays within the port area of Manila City. BASECO is mostly composed of informal settlers who reside in structures surrounded by waste and garbage. (World Vision, 2023). This area faces congestion which leads to an unsanitary environment, contributing to inefficient waste disposal management (Castro et al., 2021) as a point where trash accumulates (Gonzaga et al., 2021). In a community cleanup conducted within the area in 2021, around 550 sacks of garbage were collected (Castro et al., 2021). The solid waste mismanagement within BASECO also serves as a factor in disasters, wherein residents believe that the presence of garbage in waterways contribute to the occurrence of flooding (Navarra, 2016). Navarra (2016) also highlights that the community is disadvantaged due to income inequality, leading to lower infrastructure and poor living conditions which consequently increases vulnerability. Additionally, Valenzuela et al. (2020) revealed that most residents gravitate towards being concerned about existing socio-economic demands rather than environmental action and risk management. Despite the insights gained within previous literature, there is an apparent gap as these studies lack exploration on the implementation of community-driven strategies aligned with solid waste management.
As environmental consequences persist, the need for studies regarding communication strategies increases as the cultivation of societal participation in environmental initiatives is essential (Zhuang, 2024). REL Southwest (n.d.) defines a communication plan as a systematic guide that serves as a basis in consistently disseminating important messages and objectives. In line with this, Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) is a strategy to be implemented that fosters changes in attitudes and promotes responsibility and administration of individuals, families, communities, and institutions. It facilitates behavioral change through utilizing various communication channels, messages, and activities to reinforce actionable behaviors and empowers communities to take ownership of their practices by involving them in the implementation and construction of communication strategies (Adu-Asare, 2024). This study aims to provide a communication plan using SBCC that is comprised of a workshop and an infographic brochure to aid in the promotion of solid waste management in the BASECO compound. This strategy is essential in highlighting crucial information towards a selected audience in order to reach intended outcomes (University of Reading, 2020).
A proposed workshop program is a key component in increasing the solid waste management of the BASECO residents through incentivization sourced from selected non-government organizations. Workshops are effective for the youth and adults, establishing intergenerational knowledge aimed towards collective decision making and leadership in climate action (Hayward et al., 2018, Danby and Mason, 2011, and Thiery et al., 2021 as cited in Atkinson, 2021). Following its documentation, it would be included as a segment in the physical infographic brochure as the means of releasing the communication plan. In a study by Areeprasert et al. (2023), infographics improved the waste separation behaviors of the participants in terms of the subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions through the help of its thorough quality of design elements. Hence, the infographic brochure will be used to document the conducted activity and ensure long-term impact of the communication plan.
Theoretical Framework
The study will be using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) proposed by the psychologist Icek Ajzen in 1985. The TPB is a cognitive theory that aims to explain that an individual’s decision to participate in a specific behavior such as doing so or stopping an action can be implied by their intention to engage in such behavior. Ajzen (1991, as cited in Brookes 2023) stated that the stronger the intention to attend in a particular behavior, then the more likely they are to act upon it. According to TPB, the intentions are classified through: personal attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions. The study seeks to evaluate the influence of a social behavioral change communication plan in the participants’ inclination towards solid waste management by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Conclusively, the theory assists the study in responding to the respondents’ human behavior toward the environment by framing and suggesting appropriate courses of action in managing solid waste.
Conceptual Framework
The researchers will be able to analyze and categorize the constructs of solid waste management through utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Ajzen (1985). This concept establishes three primary components which will be used in examining the intentions of the BASECO residents towards solid waste management: their views or initial evaluation (personal attitudes), ideas of the other individuals within their respective communities (subjective norms), and belief in their ability to attain certain behavior (perceived behavioral control). The study hypothesizes that higher levels of these values entail stronger intention, increasing the likelihood of behavior towards solid waste management. Potential relationships will be examined using a quantitative analysis to identify the degree of influence each variable has to resident participation. A communication plan to address these variables will be devised in accordance with the research goal of influencing the intentions of the target community, leading to desirable solid waste management to take place.
Statement of the Problem
The study aims to contribute to filling in the gap of testing the locals’ intentions toward spearheading solid waste management through the following research questions:
- What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 Age
1.2 Educational background
1.3 Sex
- How can the locals’ level of intention toward solid waste management be described in terms of:
2.1 Personal attitudes
2.2 Subjective norms
2.3 Perceived behavioral control
- Is there a significant difference among the respondents’ level of intention toward solid waste management before and after the implementation of the communication plan?
Hypothesis
The study’s null hypothesis states that there is no significant difference provided by the communication plan on the selected residents of BASECO Compound’s level of intention toward solid waste management. However, the alternative hypothesis suggests that there is a significant influence provided by the communication plan on the selected residents of BASECO Compound’s level of intention toward solid waste management.
Scope and Delimitation
The study intends to dwell on the nature of a social behavioral change communication plan as a means of promoting a common goal for the local community and public welfare in the environment. The researchers will be focusing on Manila City, specifically in BASECO Compound considering its concerning state, vulnerable locals, and unsustainable condition. Thirty (30) residents of BASECO within the age range of 25-61 will be selected by the researchers to serve as the research sample. Moreover, solid waste management is to be quantified and measured with the use of the researchers’ own constructed survey questionnaire taking reference from the Second Minnesota Report Card on Environmental Literacy and the Resident’s Preference for Urban Green Space Types and their Ecological-Social Services in China. This study will use a pre-experimental method to identify the cause and effect relationships between the variables of the study.
The study will only focus on the four variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that are limited to: personal attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions of the residents. The study is narrowed down to the effects of a Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) plan in relation with environmental action towards solid waste management; this concept that drives the personal and collective efforts of the residents, specifically the residents within BASECO Compound, Manila.
Significance of the Study
As BASECO continues to be a depressed area in Manila, managing mitigation by tackling weaknesses in environmental action towards solid waste management through proper communication is essential. Channeling environmental action through the researchers’ Social Behavioural Change Communication plan would greatly fill in the gap of testing locals’ intentions toward taking action in their community. Focusing on locals for the intervention lays a solid foundation for them to continue the environmental change their area calls for. This exercises their social responsibility to be inclined towards caring for the environment they are situated in through thoughts, words, and actions. Failure to work in the direction of addressing a lack in community involvement may entail a downward trend in the quality of response to ecological disasters. Ultimately, the beneficiaries of the study includes the locals in the community they are in, the local government, non-government organizations (NGOs) involved in the execution of the plan, as well as future researchers who wish to delve into developing communication plans of the like to encourage environmental action.
Review of Related Literature
Nguyen et al. (2023) focuses on the behavior and perspectives of residents using the Social Practice theory, investigating factors that affect and influence waste management practices within individuals, which includes social structures and government coordination efficacy. The study emphasizes unsustainable practices such as littering to be results of lacking social responsibility within individuals. In relation to the solid waste management in BASECO, the ideas emphasized by the study presents the influence of social structures institutions in behavioral change. However, the study is only limited to exploring resident perspectives, and does not address how to go about developing holistic frameworks through the utilization of resident behavior.
Brotosusilo et al., (2020) explores factors that affect solid waste management participation within individuals in Jakarta. The study identifies social community activities, education level, and per capita expenditure (PCE) as variables that influence engagement. Individual efforts in environmental preservation serve as starting points for transformation, in which behavioral shifts lead to habits being exemplified within a familial and communal level, significantly changing the way individuals perceive household waste management through citizen involvement (Ruliana et al., 2019, as cited in Brotosusilo et al., 2020). The study underscores how raising consciousness regarding environmental concern on a personal and communal level entails effective waste management within the community, as well as the role of external empowerment. While the study highlights the relation of perceived capability to participation, there is a gap in the exploration of concrete programs related to citizen empowerment programs for solid waste management in the context of local communities such as BASECO.
Arias & Trujillo (2020) showcases how perceived effectiveness of environmental concern influences willingness towards finding accessible behavior, in which positive attitudes towards individual effort leads to consistently practicing waste management actions through simpler means such as using reusable shopping bags. However, the discussion present in the article is limited to how these measures affect wide-scale action within communities that are highly exposed to environmental consequences. The study highlights how the cultivation of individual action opens opportunities for a wider-scale contribution towards resolving environmental issues. Insights regarding how analyzing pro-environmental efforts relates to other factors concerning attitudes are limited, as they are grounded within the context of perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE). The exploration of other variables may aid in the development of sustainable waste management strategies.
Yamtana et al. (2023) discusses the effects of policies concerning waste management, community participation, and technology in waste treatment technology with regards to the levels of environmental pollution in West Java. Results show that policy enforcement greatly impacts solution formulation, such as the promotion of recycling and renewable energy programs. Policy structures that advocate practices of sustainable waste management are essential (Hertati, 2023, as cited in Yamtana et al., 2023), and strict imposition of regulations concerning waste disposal and the incentivization of recycling have displayed reduced pollution in numerous regions (Yalcintas et al., 2023, as cited in Yamtana et al., 2023). Similarly, findings present the importance of community participation as an essential factor that improves skills, in which community empowerment towards taking initiative aids in the promotion of inclusive solutions. The value of community participation should be recognized by policymakers and integrated into waste management strategy formulation in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. Additionally, technology also plays a vital role in waste management, which includes composting and material recovery which are able to lower the effects of pollution. On the other hand, the influence of social norms must be addressed through various campaigns, in which the modification of existing norms could potentially be modified with the help of community engagement.
Zhuang (2024) explores the role of social media in promoting environmental communication and public participation towards environmental issues. The study focuses on information cocoons, which limits the perspectives of individuals regarding these issues, causing misunderstandings regarding environmental protection. Furthermore, the need for research to delve into strategies for communication is highlighted, wherein pursuit of societal mobilization towards the promotion of participation and responsibility is needed in order to develop an equal and broad environment that is protected, as even small-scale practices such as plastic reduction are encouraged. The potential of social media as a platform for developing collective consciousness and effort is emphasized. Additionally, strategies involved in encouraging public participation were discussed, which includes information dissemination from various perspectives and the presentation of positive effects of environmental actions. Nonetheless, there is a gap in the exploration of these strategies within the context of solid waste management, as well as in various local communities. The study also focuses on Generation Z feedback analysis, and does not account for other demographics.
Abubakar et al. (2022) analyzes the effects of solid waste management practices towards the health of individuals and the environment within cities of the Global South. Solid waste mismanagement is highlighted as a global challenge towards the degradation of the environment. With numerous low-income nations collecting only around 10% of suburban garbage, environmental and health-related concerns such as increased cases of diarrhea and respiratory diseases arise, especially to individuals who live near garbage sites. Common issues were identified, such as mixing hazardous and household waste, the lack of proper waste collection facilities, and the use of improper methods such as incinerators that are open-air and non-engineered landfills. These effects contribute to air and water pollution, land degradation, methane emission and other harmful chemicals that may cause disease, especially within the marginalized sector. Recommendations for more efficient solid waste management were discussed, such as the use of an integrated approach, strengthening environmental regulations, raising public awareness, and using new technology to minimize the negative effects of current systems. A gap exists within the aspect of identifying how specific countries within the Global South affects choosing solid waste management approaches that would be appropriate and consistent within local contexts.
Navarra (2016) highlights the challenges faced by BASECO residents as a community vulnerable to disasters such as flooding and storm surges. The study emphasizes the importance of communal unity in resilience amidst unstable income, infrastructure, and opportunities. Local initiatives and collective action towards addressing disaster brought upon by environmental challenges. Small efforts were also given attention, including small-scale home renovation, environmental cleaning, and tree planting. With many BASECO residents voicing their interest to contribute to solutions, there is a belief that the government must exercise similar levels of effort in order to decrease community vulnerability, in which the government is expected to initiate proper waste disposal, ensuring drainages are clear. There exists a gap regarding the lack of long-term solutions that are focused towards addressing the root causes of vulnerability. Community solutions are often only temporary or reactionary measures. A deeper analysis on the wider-scale ecological effects of local solutions is also lacking.
Molina & Catan (2021) discuss the level of knowledge and practices on solid waste management of senior high school students from a state college in Zamboanga. Results show that the students have sufficient knowledge regarding the definition of solid waste, effects of mismanagement, prohibited activities, school initiatives, and overall significance of solid waste management. However, knowledge regarding laws and regulations are low. Television, radio, social media, and their parents served as primary sources of information regarding the matter. Ineffective strategies in disseminating information regarding solid waste management leads to lessened awareness and participation within the public when it comes to solid waste management programs (Nolasco et al., 2019, as cited in Molina & Catan, 2021). In line with this, it is recommended that schools and various organizations should strive towards strong dissemination of information regarding the legal fields of solid waste management through the aforementioned platforms. Nonetheless, there is a gap in identifying the long-term effect of communicating through education towards waste management practices. Additionally, school initiatives on spreading awareness about the concrete effects of laws and regulations on a wider scale of society were not totally explored.
Limon et al. (2020) focuses on beliefs and practices of chosen households in a rural municipality in the Philippines regarding solid waste management. Results revealed issues faced by citizens practicing traditional and modern solid waste management. It was also discovered that participant knowledge regarding solid waste management was low, and results yielded low reusing and recycling habits. While households tend to be prepared to participate in waste management, there is a need for guidance and assistance from the local government. Collaboration between residents and authorities is essential towards improving solid waste management and minimizing unsustainable practices, which could be done through initiatives such as workshops and campaigns. However, information regarding the long-term effect of these programs towards the attitudes of the residents towards waste management is limited.
Versoza et al. (2024) focuses on the level of awareness and practices in solid waste management of 399 households within coastal barangays in Mati, Davao Oriental. Knowledge and practices regarding solid waste management were measured, as well as how they are affected by socio-demographic variables. While findings show a moderate level of awareness and experience, knowledge regarding laws and regulations, particularly Republic Act 9003 and local ordinances about solid waste management. The study highlights how unfamiliarity with legal and regulative solid waste management conditions presumably serve as an obstacle towards resident conformity with regards to solid waste management practices within coastal communities. Despite having identified the effects of socio-demographic variables, there remains a gap in a deeper analysis regarding the effect of interventions specific to communities, as well as how these would directly help improve solid waste management practices in a wider context.
Adefris et al. (2023) highlights the challenges brought upon by the absence of regular solid waste segregation. The study emphasizes how the lack of segregation practices within developing countries such as Ethiopia contributes to health and environmental issues amidst increased waste generation. The findings within this literature reinforces the significance of regular segregation and the need for efforts to raise awareness in pursuit of improving solid waste management, especially in areas such as BASECO that are vulnerable to environmental consequences. While the study is able to identify household segregation practices,there is a gap in applying the findings in order to develop strategies and interventions that involve necessary incentivization towards solid waste management, especially in urban communities that house larger populations and quantities of trash.
Libao et al. (2018) explores the effects of littering to flooding in Barangay Lalayat, San Jose, Batangas. The study shows that the flooding present in the area is caused by clogged canals due to improper waste disposal. Results also highlight the negative effects of flooding, such as health risks, environmental degradation, and lifestyle disruption among residents. Libao et al. (2018) highlights effective drainage systems and cleaning of waterways as essential community solutions, as the accumulation of water during drainage clogging is what leads to flooding, causing water flow to be stopped as it rises instead. The participants believe that the flooding issue serves as a hindrance to their community ties, in which factors such as livelihood and property are affected. While flooding being a primary issue faced by communities is explored in literature, research regarding advocacies for innovative programs or strategies regarding waste management to solve flooding is still lacking.
Kalra (2019) underscores the importance of community participation towards waste management. It presents the significance of stakeholders such as the government, citizens, NGOs, and other organizations towards providing effective and efficient solutions for waste issues. Additionally, the study also delves into success stories from various countries such as Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, and India, which have proved the effectiveness of community participation in waste management. For resources to be carried into efficient waste management systems, the local government needs to ensure that the residents are willing to cooperate and that they understand waste mismanagement consequences. The analysis shows that a community willing to participate is essential in order to develop organized and sustainable systems in waste management. While the study cites success stories within the realm of community participation in other countries, there is limited exploration in various contexts, especially in areas where there is a low level of willingness to participate. The study was also unable to delve into specific variables that affect community willingness towards supporting environmental programs.