g1 - Cap - Comeng
g1 - Cap - Comeng
g1 - Cap - Comeng
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in the Subject
Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship (SHS-COMENGAGE)
Submitted by:
Submitted to:
Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………… 3
Phase I
Advocacy Description………………………………………………………………… 4
Rationale/Background………………………………………………………………… 5
Background Information……………………………………………………………… 6
Phase II
SWOT Analysis……………………………………………………………………….. 11
Phase III
Enabling Objectives…………………………………………………………………… 19
Phase IV
Phase V
Advocacy Message……………………………………………………………………… 25
Scoring Rubrics………………………………………………………………………… 27
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Acknowledgement
We, the proponents, Marcuz Antionio E. Balina, Irish Julia T. Bonifacio, Marla Alexa M. Manio,
Arvin Jay G. Sanchez, and our group leader, James Ryan L. Navarro, acknowledge that this
advocacy plan without the following sources of information, strength, and motivation.
To our Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship teacher, Mr. Vincent John V.
Patiag, for have been a pillar in our journey as HUMSS students, in which he has served as the
teacher for our previous subjects, Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences (SOCSCI 1) and
Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century (TRENDS). In the two years we
have spent under his tutelage we have formed a vast background of knowledge in our chosen
strand.
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Phase I
I. Advocacy Description
The advocacy is centered on stabilizing the supply of clean drinkable water of the chosen
community while protecting the ecosystem and the climate. The proposed title for this project is
"Irog Kong Ilog: Tarlac River Rehabilitation Project." The advocacy plan’s locale will be the City
of Tarlac, the capital of the Province of Tarlac, through which flows the Tarlac River. The scope
of this advocacy project is within the local community of the city. The growing population of the
city will result in increased consumption of water, a problem made more serious by the river’s
This advocacy has three main goals. First, to ensure the river’s survival, the proponents
will conduct an awareness campaign that focuses on the importance of conservation and
sustainable use of water. Next, the proponents will petition the City Government of Tarlac to
increase regulations on private companies extracting resources from the river. The final step will
be to collaborate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Tarlac Province
(DENR – PENRO Tarlac) to research the feasibility of rehabilitating the river. Rehabilitating the
project will also require the cooperation of the local construction industry, which scours the
riverbed for sand, stone, clay, and other building materials. Currently, the procurement method of
these companies damages the natural flow of the river and spreads sediment, which causes
pollution of its waters. The City Government has also passed ordinances to protect the river and
penalize the disposal of garbage in its vicinity, although it is not strictly enforced.
The public and private sectors’ cooperation needs to be secured in order to successfully
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implement this advocacy. The City Government will have to balance the needs of the communities
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affected, local construction companies will have to source their materials more sustainably, and
the inhabitants will also have their part to play by practicing conservation practices and responsible
waste disposal. The proponents hope by through cooperation, engagement, and solidarity, the
concerned sectors of the City of Tarlac will find a solution to their growing water supply problem
and save the Tarlac River, which plays a vital role in the local economy and ecosystem.
II. Rationale/Background
The Tarlac River is an important waterway which provides irrigation for agriculture and
water for daily use. The river originates from the Zambales Mountains and joins with the Agno
River along the border of Tarlac and Pangasinan.The river is an important – yet dwindling source
of water for the Poblacion, as well as Barangay Matatalaib, Maliwalo, San Isidro, and Tibag.
Therefore, these communities will be the focal point of the advocacy. Since the river goes beyond
the borders of the aforementioned communities, the City and Provincial Government will also be
Before the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the Tarlac River was once the site of various
recreational activities. Swimming, raft riding, and fishing were indulged upon by families upon
the shores of the river. Anecdotes told to one of the proponents noted that the water was “clean
enough to do laundry in.” Since then, however, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo caused the flow of
water to weaken and be filled with lahar and silt. Now, the river is only a few meters in width and
a few feet in depth, with parts of the riverbed now exposed into the air. Additionally, few, if any
wildlife remains in the river. The decline of the Tarlac River was caused by natural and man-made
actions. Therefore, the feasibility of rehabilitation should be investigated, to help conserve the
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biosphere and keep the river flowing for more generations to come.
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III. Background Information
Tarlac City has a population of 385,398 as of 2020. It is ethnically diverse, the city is home
to people of Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Pangasinense, and indigenous origin. Tarlac City is
known for its history of political engagement. The Province of Tarlac was one of the first provinces
to revolt against the Spanish colonizers. It is also the birthplace of Corazon and Ninoy Aquino, Jr.,
For its geographic profile, Tarlac City is mostly flat and known for its rice plantations and
massive sugar reserves. Famous with firms, Tarlac City also has its own corn mills and logging
facilities. This is where the Tarlac River plays an important role. The river provides irrigation that
Lastly, Tarlac City has faced problems before it became a well-modernized one today.
Back in 2018, Tarlac City was one of the most commonly flooded areas whenever there are natural
calamities. Since the city was surrounded by high mountains and steeps, damage brought by
calamities are inevitable. With that, the city government had doubled their budget, investment, and
The complete decline of the Tarlac River is tantamount to the decline of Tarlac City’s
economic output and quality of life. With several barangay’s relying on it for irrigation and
household use, the demand becomes more than what can be sustainably provided by the river. Of
course, conservation is one thing, but securing alternative water sources is also of great importance
by the issue. As mentioned, river is an important source of water for them yet, they are starting to
experience a diminishing supply of water in their own area, where it was not only surrounded by
one community but also by four local barangays. It's a severe issue since many people will be
hindered by it given that Tarlac is known for its thriving agriculture, where this issue may also
have an impact on people's employment, particularly for those who work in the fields. The people
of Tarlac might face challenges once this matter has not been perceived.
Although the problem mostly affects during summer, people might experience it at all
times because of environmental pollution. We can't even guarantee that people won't pollute in
certain areas, thus the town might face significant consequences. As a result, it may take some
time for individuals to recognize or notice the issue. Yet, little did they know that it was already a
part of their everyday life because they were one of the contributing factors to the issue that Tarlac
Phase II
• High levels of water pollution - The Tarlac River is polluted with various types of waste
mainly plastic and untreated sewage. This pollution not only affects aquatic life, which is
already in a decline, but also poses a threat to the health and safety of nearby
communities who use the river for fishing, washing clothes, and other daily activities.
The high levels of pollution also affect the aesthetic appeal of the river, which could
discourage potential tourists from visiting the area. The causes of pollution include illegal
• Erosion and sedimentation - Erosion and sedimentation have significantly impacted the
natural flow and quality of the Tarlac River. As soil erodes, it can accumulate in the river
and cause sedimentation, which affects the water's oxygen levels and can lead to the
death of aquatic life. Sedimentation can also cause flooding in nearby areas during heavy
rainfall. The erosion can be attributed to the changes in local geology caused by the
eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. As seen in the figure below, the actual waterflow (dark blue)
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Figure 2: Satellite view of the Tarlac River
• Unregulated extraction of sand - Unregulated settlements have been built along the
banks of the Tarlac River, leading to encroachment and land-use issues. These
settlements contribute to the river's pollution, as residents often dump their waste directly
into the river. The lack of proper land-use planning also contributes to the problem. The
• Lack of public awareness and participation - There is a lack of awareness among the
general public on the importance of protecting the Tarlac River and its ecosystem. The
the progress of rehabilitation efforts. The lack of participation from the public in
rehabilitation efforts also hampers the success of projects. Education and awareness
rehabilitation efforts.
• Poor wastewater treatment - The discharge of untreated wastewater from domestic and
industrial sources is a significant contributor to the pollution of the Tarlac River. The
absence of proper wastewater treatment facilities and systems leads to the discharge of
pollutants such as pathogens, heavy metals, and other chemicals, which are harmful to
aquatic life and human health. The need for more comprehensive wastewater treatment
facilities and better enforcement of regulations is crucial in the protection of the river and
its ecosystem. The absence of proper treatment facilities also affects the river's ability to
• Weakening Flow of Water and Water Scarcity - The Tarlac River is the primary
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source of irrigation water for the rice fields in Tarlac City, household use by Tarlaqueños,
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and other industrial applications, but its flow has weakened significantly over the years
• Provincial and City Government of Tarlac - The Tarlac River rehabilitation project
would benefit from the support of local government officials and staff, who can help with
planning, funding, and implementing various initiatives related to cleaning and improving
the river. The manpower, influence, and executive weight that LGUs possess can also
dredging, pass provincial and city ordinances that help preserve the river and advocate for
policies that protect water resources and preserve the natural environment.
and advocacy can be key partners in promoting the Tarlac River rehabilitation project.
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These groups have expertise in environmental policy and regulation and can help
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mobilize community members and other stakeholders to support river clean-up efforts.
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The main organization the proponents aim to petition is the Department of Environment
• Local businesses and industry associations: Businesses and industry groups that operate
in or near the Tarlac River can be important partners in promoting the project. They can
help fund and support initiatives that reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices,
and can also promote the project to their employees and customers. In addition,
businesses can help generate political support for the project by lobbying policymakers
and advocating for policies that support environmental protection and sustainable
economic development.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
1. Strong motivation and passion from 1. Limited funding and resources that
the proponents to address the issue of may hinder the implementation of the
the advocacy plan, promoting a sense the advocacy plan's objectives over
identify and target areas with high 7. The potential difficulty in achieving
We can use our partnerships with local government units and community organizations
to address the lack of resources and funding for the advocacy plan. Our extensive
networks can also help us expand our reach and increase participation in our
awareness-raising campaigns, which can help address the issue of low public
engagement. Using our communication and public relations skills, can develop more
effective and targeted messaging that resonates with our target audience. We know that
dealing with internal factors of our advocacy will require teamwork and self-
improvement
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
1. The growing interest and support for 1. The potential impact of external
sustainability among the general climate change, which may affect the
funding and programs that align with 2. The possibility of regulatory or policy
the advocacy plan's objectives. changes that may not align with the
4. The potential to leverage social media may divert resources or support away
5. The opportunity to engage with funding and resources available for the
visible.
funding and resources to the advocacy plan, which can mitigate the threat of limited
resources. Collaborating with the LGU of Tarlac and national organizations can also
help address the potential threat of opposition to the advocacy plan. Utilizing social
media and other digital platforms can help reach a wider audience, which can
counteract the threat of limited awareness and engagement. Furthermore, using creative
and innovative strategies can help address the threat of donor fatigue and disinterest
from the community. We will also establish a strong network of volunteers and
supporters can provide additional resources and advocacy efforts to address any
Phase III
Initial goal The initial goal of the advocacy plan is to raise awareness and promote
action towards the rehabilitation of Tarlac River. The plan aims to educate
generate support for the implementation of policies and programs that will
help mitigate the negative impacts of pollution, erosion, and flooding. The
communities, businesses, and industries in the area. This plan will promote
clean water and adequate sanitation practices, with the participation of key
sectors of Tarlac.
SPECIFIC The rehabilitation of the Tarlac River is a pressing issue that needs
immediate attention, and the advocacy plan seeks to initiate action to restore
the river's health and improve the quality of life of the people who depend
on it. The plan also aims to increase public knowledge about the importance
degradation.
awareness and mobilize action towards the rehabilitation of the Tarlac River.
The plan also aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders and
will then move towards specific actions, such as river clean-up drives,
Tarlac River, which will benefit the people, the environment, and the
economy in the long run. The rehabilitation of the river will lead to increased
MEASURABLE The progress and success of the advocacy plan can be measured through
engaged in the activities, the amount of funds raised, the number of policy
from the target audiences and partners can also provide insights on the
effectiveness and impact of the plan. These metrics can be used to monitor
the progress of the advocacy plan and determine if the initial goal has been
successfully met.
ACHIEVABLE As students, we may not have all the skills required to achieve the goal of
rehabilitating Tarlac River, but they can acquire them through research,
and quality of life in Tarlac City. The amount of effort required for this goal
and healthier river ecosystem, improved access to clean water, and increased
opportunities for the students involved, which can be beneficial for their
future endeavors.
Let us not also forget that our group has the advantage of using our creative
tech skills in spreading our advocacy at a fast rate, through online and offline
that its members will work to fully convince the people and government of
Tarlac City to accept our calls of rehabilitating Tarlac River for the greater
RELEVANT We are setting this goal now because they have identified the urgency and
well-being of communities that depend on the river for their livelihood and
solutions, the proponents aim to improve the overall health and condition of
the Tarlac River, which will have positive impacts on the ecosystem, water
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quality, and the people and businesses that rely on it. Overall, setting this
TIME-BOUND The proponents have identified two major points in the advocacy plan, the
date of official government action in line with the advocacy, and the actual
rehabilitation for the river itself. We have set a deadline for official
SMART GOAL The ultimate goal of the advocacy plan is to achieve the full rehabilitation
supports biodiversity and sustains the needs of the people and the economy.
The plan aims to build a movement that will continue to push for the
rehabilitation of the river beyond the initial phase of the advocacy plan. By
mobilizing a wide range of stakeholders and partners, the plan aims to create
rehabilitation efforts.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
rehabilitation efforts.
strategies, and estimate the costs and resources required for successful
implementation.
implementation.
8 key stakeholders.
Phase IV
s Method
people engaged
proper in promoting s in
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Tarlac waste proper waste informatio
• Implement management on
tributaries. and
• Establish businesses
partnerships on their
with waste
industries manageme
and nt
businesses practices.
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along the
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river to
implement
proper
waste
management
practices.
Phase V
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Scoring Rubrics
Describe the topic With credible and With minimal credible No credible and
prove the rationale. the problem and the problem and explain
Target Chosen target Chosen target Chosen target audience Chosen target
audience and audience and partners and partners are audience and partners
Audience
partners are suitable are suitable in the suitable in the are suitable in the
and
in the Advocacy Advocacy plan with Advocacy plan and Advocacy plan but
Partners
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plan with excellent satisfying analysis explanation but limited lack of analysis and
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enough
facts/proofs.
20-23
24-25 16-19 15
complete and complete and complete analysis and complete analysis and
Analysis
excellent analysis satisfying analysis explanation but limited explanation but lack
and explanation and explanation about to explain its Strengths, to explain its
24-25 20-23 15
16-19
SMART Able to provide Most of the long- Able to provide The provided long-term
relevant, feasible, term goals are relevant, feasible, goals needed clear
Framework
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and are
sustainable and
fully articulated.
PEP Able to complete the Able to complete Some of the other Parts of the Advocacy
other parts of the the other parts of parts are missing and plan are poor and
Presentation
advocacy plan with the advocacy limited in terms of lacking and didn’t
explanation.
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49-50 39-44
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45-48 30-38
Advocacy Able to show the core Able to show the Able to provide very Able to show the core
statement that you other parts of the few parts of the core statement of the
Message
would use to define core statement of statement of the advocacy message but
are creative,
few errors.
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