Why Sail and Search?

A shipwreck, on the surface, is often viewed as a sign of devastation, loss of life and hopelessness. Yet, through the eyes of its survivors, it also leaves one important thing: which is to continue with life’s journey despite the obstacles they have to face along the way. In the same manner of thesis writing, a researcher is also considered a survivor. They must continue to sail across the rough waves of rejection, miscalculation and error, in order to reach and find a new direction and solution that will avoid such wreckages in the future.

The last group of Obra Kulasa will invite the audience to have a quest to set sail in a new direction of Social Change. The survivors, which are the different thesis groups, aim to recount the events and narrate their research and experiences to the audience, at the same time empower them with different advocacies. Issues surrounding fisher folks, fish cages, mangroves preservation, women rafters’ empowerment and hydrometeorological and geological hazards information will be narrated through a series of video documentaries and advocacy and information campaigns.

The journey of these survivors will inspire and empower more passengers to inquire, research and call action to neglected issues that are vital and relevant to our society. At the end of the journey, the audience will hopefully continue to spread-out the stories they have encountered from the survivors of St. Scholastica 2013 and eventually embark more other fearless travellers to go on board and experience a meaningful journey on being good stewards of Social Change. 

Sail & Search Teaser

Hawlawa

Hawlawa: A Video Documentary on Fish Cage operations in Taal Lake, Talisay, Batangas

by Marcella Orellana and Rhicaella Parayray

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study examined the impacts of fish cage operations in Taal Lake, Talisay, Batangas among various stakeholders, specifically the fish cage operators, fish cage caretakers and fisherfolks. It is guided by Political-economy theory by Karl Marx and Cultural Studies theory by Stuart Hall, which were used to investigate the meaning-making and actions of the various stakeholders. Lastly, the findings in the study were placed in the public sphere through a video documentary using the Public Sphere theory by Jurgen Habermas. The issues and concerns of the stakeholders were revealed through in-depth interviews regarding fish cage operations in Taal Lake, Talisay, Batangas.

Although fish cage operations provide livelihood and food to the coastal community, it nevertheless, pose several environmental threats such as oxygen depletion, eutrophicatiob and water quality degradation on Taal Lake. Many of the stakeholders are not fully aware of the risks that fish cage operations pose.

There are many underlying issues in the fish cage operations that need to be uncovered. The researchers recommend studies that will look into the intervention of technology in the fish cage operations to make it environment-friendly and the development of information campaigns on the proper practices on fish cage operations.

Hawlawa Pictures

Oplan BakaJuan

Oplan BakaJuan: An Information, Education and Communication Campaign on mangrove protection and conservation in Isla Sitio Pulo, Barangay Tanza, Navotas City
by Karizza Batac, Michaela Berenguer, Tiffany De Jesus, and Charmaine Perillo

ABSTRACT

   This study raised awareness on mangrove protection and conservation through an information education and communication campaign conducted in Isla Sitio Pulo, Barangay Tanza, Navotas City. It used qualitative research methods which helped in determining the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of the community members toward mangrove protection and conservation. It is also concerned on the current condition of the mangrove forest in the community area, the causes of mangrove degradation and its effects on the community and the environment. The study determined the appropriate communication strategies that helped address the issue on the lack of active engagement of the community on mangrove protection and conservation through the help of the theory Elaboration Likelihood Model by Richard Petty and John Cacioppo and the process of Community Organizing by Saul Alinsky. It was able to conduct an IEC campaign, develop and distribute IEC materials, and create an action group called Samahan Ng Nagkakaisa Para Sa Bakawan. The study recommends the involvement of the local government unit, concerned government agencies, non-government organizations, and the community.

Oplan BakaJuan Pictures

Bantay kALAMidad

Bantay kalamidad: An Information Campaign on Geological and
Hydrometeorological Hazards Information in Barangay Banaba, Gulod Malaya, and
Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal
by Innah Andrea Corral, Anna Franchesca Dizon, Ferlene Fabian, Rose-ann Mendoza and Dyan Geleen Tuble

ABSTRACT

Communicating geohazards information is vital to save lives and minimize damage to properties. Disaster related agencies have separate information materials but do not have an integrated communication plan.

San Mateo, Rizal is prone to hazards (Flood, earthquake and landslide) thus an integrated module on geohazards prepared by the researchers was pretested, evaluated, revised and implemented in the area. Aside from lectures of Phililippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Project NOAH and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Homeowners (HOA) and Local Government (LGU) officials have undergone experiential learning activity by visiting actual hazard prone areas and identified safe and unsafe evacuation routes and sites.

The study found out that the use of innovative and interactive materials, creation of task force composed of LGU officials and HOAs, synergy among stakeholders including Government agencies and pretesting and evaluation of communication materials is necessary to create appropriate , effective and response to disasters.