A Descriptive Study of Alabang Slum Communities

Abstract

This research study is entitled "A Descriptive Study of Alabang Slum Communities". By undertaking this project, the researcher hopes to promote awareness and understanding concerning the real conditions of slum communities. The paper focuses on three different slum areas of Barangay Alabang: (1) government-owned slums 一 Sitio Paraiso (2) private property/ap/aya area 一 Morning Site and Morning Breeze and (3) danger site/n/es area 一 Barangay Alabang Tabing Riles Purok 5 and Purok 6. It explores on the miserable socio-economic conditions of the aforementioned communities. Data was gathered by conducting surveys and interviews. Analysis was guided by the ideas of Oscar Lewis on the existence of a so-called culture of poverty and Peter Townsend's conflict theory approach on poverty, specifically focusing on the lifestyle and status of people living in poverty. Basically, this study has illustrated the community's very low political awareness, distrust on the local government, but somehow optimistic view on the issue of poverty. All interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations were based solely on the materials and data gathered by the researcher. In the end, the researcher recommends a long-term, rigid, and highly participatory development and livelihood programs for the slum communities of Barangay Alabang.