The province of Bulacan, Philippines is considered as the biggest producer of used lead acid battery (ULAB) in the country and in Southeast Asia. But with the boom of the ULAB industry, a continued concern on the industry’s effect to human health and the environment intensifies. The study was conducted in two municipalities of Bulacan, Philippines to determine the perception of the respondents on the effects of lead recycling to their health and their community. These two areas are where ULAB industry is concentrated. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Interview schedule using a structured interview guide and key informant interview were used. The respondents believed that there are toxic and hazardous substances used in lead recycling that contributed to their health problems and environmental pollution. Identified pathways of pollution include air, soil and water. But while they are aware of the health and environmental risks this industry brings, they also recognized its economic contribution to their families and their respective communities. The complexity of the problem continues to pose a challenge that needs to be addressed soon to balance economic prosperity and the communities’ welfare.

This research evaluates the implementation and management of the Meycauayan-Marilao-Obando River System Water Quality Management Area (MMORS WQMA) in reference to the pillars of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) using a multi-method approach. Research participants include representatives from regional regulatory agencies and local government units of seven cities and municipalities along the river system. Aside from ecosystem, institutional and socio-political drivers, the designation of MMORS as a WQMA was influenced by the shared common interest and endorsement of local stakeholders including financial support from international agencies. Also, an enabling policy environment that reflects IWRM pillars helped in the creation of MMORS WQMA. However, disparities in WQMA Governing Board (GB)’s and the local government units’ (LGUs) level of awareness and actual level of implementation of functions are observed, hence, the need for integration. The lack of a guiding system or framework in monitoring, evaluation and information management hinders better integration among the different agencies and LGUs in the MMO WQMA GB. Also, lack of financial, human and technical resources limit performance of the GB. Improving mechanisms may include approval of the National Water Quality Management Fund; development of financial and annual plans (with short-term targets), collaboration among GB members and capacity-building.

No abstract

Introduction. A demographic shift towards population aging is evident worldwide. This presents challenges particularly to low-income and middle-income countries like the Philippines. Understanding perceptions of aging, resilience, vulnerability, and gender identity will help prepare the health care system and social services in addressing the needs of the Filipino older population. Objective. To describe gender identity, perceptions of active aging, successful aging, resilience, and vulnerabilityamong faculty and staff (working, retired) in an academic community in the Philippines. Methods. Survey and focus group discussions were conducted among working and retired faculty and staff aged 55 years old and above. Results, Analysis, and Discussion. Almost all respondents had the same gender identity as their biological sex. There were differences in the respondents’ perceptions of active aging and successful aging and in their sources of strength and worries. Compared with retired respondents more working respondents believed that active aging meant being strong and physically active or being involved in sports. Female respondents thought that being socially active in their community and church was indicative of active aging. In contrast, male respondents equated being physically healthy with active aging. More working respondents and females (than retired and male respondents) thought that successful aging meant participating in community-based activities. In terms of vulnerability, differences were noted in the respondents’ sources of strength and worries. In general, retired respondents and female respondents said they got their strength from their grandchildren and from their religion. In contrast, working respondents and male respondents relied on their families for strength. It was also noteworthy that more retired respondents did not have any old agerelated worries compared with working respondents. Female respondents worried about their families while male respondents worried about death. Subjective nuances of being an older working or a retired employee in an academic community surfaced in the FGDs. The importance of context was evident in shaping the informants’ perceptions of active aging and frailty, and in their sources of worries and happiness. Overall, this paper adds to the body of knowledge about aging in the Philippines by studying a group of older Filipinos in an academic community. It showed that particular aspects of Filipino culture such as gender roles, religion, and close family ties permeate one’s life until he or she reaches old age. The results can help academic communities in policy formulation and program development to ensure that their older employees — throughout theirlife course — can adequately address vulnerability and resiliency needs to achieve active and successful aging.

No abstract