Philippine E-Journals

Community Needs Assessment of Municipalities Along Tayabas Bay

Milagrosa A. Lawas | Christopher Joseph M. Takeda | Nikko R. Del Moro

 

Abstract:

Securing the basic sources for daily living such as food, water, shelter, energy and livelihood require the exerted efforts of people and government. Despite being an agricultural province, most municipalities specifically the third district localities situated along the Tayabas Bay face some pressing challenges in these aspects. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the community needs of the municipalities along the Tayabas Bay and to develop a proposed action plan to address the identified needs. This descriptive mixed method research was accomplished by surveying with the residents of selected Tayabas bay municipalities and key informant interview participated by community members and local government officials. The study has found out that water remains a significant problem in most municipalities, especially on the availability of clean and potable waters for daily consumption. While the supply of food is enough, the means to purchase these goods may become a serious challenge given the poverty incidence rate of the municipalities situated along the Tayabas Bay. Furthermore, people’s income is greatly affected by seasonal and climate changes since most of them rely on agriculture and fisheries. The study also revealed that the need to empower women most specifically in the livelihood aspect is necessary and this requires further effort and initiatives among the community members, local government, and even the private sectors.