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.