Advisers

Irene D. Gaviola, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This research focused on the effectiveness of community involvement in Barangay 167, Caloocan City, in maintaining community order. It was anchored in the idea that maintaining law and order is a responsibility of both leaders and citizens rather than a sole responsibility of barangay officials. Guided by Social Disorganization Theory, this research explored how community safety, cooperation, and spirit of camaraderie were strengthened through volunteer work, barangay program participation, and attendance at community assemblies. To obtain both quantitative and qualitative data, the research used a mixed-methods descriptive design. The total of sixty respondents were comprised of ten barangay officials, ten police officers, and forty others. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, and the results were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, weighted means, and the Kruskal-Wallis H Test. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling, focusing on those actively involved in community involvement programs. Most respondents, aged 34 to 41, predominantly male with college education, reported successful community engagement in their barangay, particularly in activities aimed at reducing crime and drug issues. Volunteering significantly enhanced safety and neighbor relations. Community gatherings facilitated idea-sharing and understanding of local rules, with statistical analysis revealing no significant discrepancies in perceptions among different respondent groups regarding the success of these initiatives. Active participation, volunteer work, and regular attendance during assemblies were found to be significant elements in maintaining peace and order in Barangay 167. Nevertheless, concerns such as a lack of communication and lack of participation from the residents were identified. The findings showed that cooperation and trust could be further enhanced through the promotion of awareness campaigns, improvement of communication strategies, development of transparency, and promotion of inclusive experiences. In conclusion, the research proved that high community participation led to a collective sense of accountability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a more secure and orderly barangay.

Keywords

peace and order, community engagement, community order, volunteerism, barangay participation, social cohesion, grassroots governance