Citizens’ Assessment of the Environmental Management Programs Delivered by the Local Government Unit of Lezo, Aklan

The performance in the delivery of environmental management programs of the local government of Lezo, Aklan, Philippines was evaluated in this study. Through the Multi-Stage Random Probability Sampling technique, 150 respondents from barangays’ share in the municipal population were determined based on the Philippine Statistical Authority’s Data on Census Population and Housing for the 2015. The probability respondents were selected using the Kish Grid where female respondents were given even numbered questionnaires while male respondents were assigned odd numbers. The four major core concepts namely awareness, availment, satisfaction and need for action were used in measuring the ratings presented in frequency and percentage distributions. Interview was also conducted to gather reasons for their ratings. The study inferred that majority of the respondents were highly aware of the community-based greening project. However, low awareness was attained on projects such as air pollution control program and waste-water management. A high percentage of respondents have availed the environmental management programs except for solid waste management. Overall, majority of the respondents were satisfied of the environmental management programs rendered by the local government unit and therefore needs less action. It is recommended that the local government unit strengthen air pollution control program.

waste. It is but practical to conduct researches relevant to this that would be solid base to formulate and implement policies to preserve and conserve the environment.
One important hazard to environmental and human well-being is indiscriminate solid waste disposal (Ejaz et al., 2010;Neller & Neller, 2015;Domato, 2002). The country generates an average of 0.3 to 0.7 kg of rubbish every day (Bennagen et al., 2002). The ongoing population expansion, the rising generation rate of every Filipino, and the kinds of solid waste generated pose a management challenge for both national and local government entities (Calderon, 2000). The key drawbacks of waste management, particularly in developing nations, are poor garbage collection systems and shortage of disposal sites (Reyes et al., 2013).
The Philippine government launched the National Greening Program (NGP) in 2011, a massive forest restoration program with the goal of planting 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares by 2016 to restore the environmental balance of deforested natural forests and enhance the socioeconomic status of participating farmers (Goltiano et al., 2021). The NGP is a Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) effort that aims to expand forest cover on degraded lands in order to reduce poverty, increase food security, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. Despite the incorporation of an explicit biodiversity aim in the NGP, the Philippine government is struggling to build initiatives that specifically address biodiversity restoration (von Kleist et al., 2021). On the other hand, green space, particularly community gardens, has received more attention in urban development during the last decade (Haaland & van den Bosch, 2015;Sartison &Artmann, 2020). A matching and developing evidence base has emerged in relation to community gardens and related health outcomes (Lovell et al., 2014).
Public service is an important aspect of all societies (Osborne, 2020). They cover a wide range of topics, including human services, community development, welfare, and many others (Osborne, 2020). Citizen participation can boost governmental legitimacy by encouraging decision-making that reflects common beliefs and preferences (Brajaktari, 2016). The CSIS data serve as a guide for local governments in establishing well-informed policies and management decisions related to their duty of providing basic services to the people (DILG, 2016;Reyes et al., 2021). It can take the pulse of the people in order to be responsive to a larger portion of the population. The data can help reinforce decisions on policies and programs that focus on services that are regarded to be lacking and those that have a big impact on citizen satisfaction. The CSIS have numerous uses for various stakeholders pursuing relevant contribution to attain socioeconomic development goals both in the local and national arena. It has multiple applications for diverse stakeholders pursuing appropriate contributions to achieve socioeconomic development goals both locally and nationally. Thus, it may make suggestions to LGUs in developing a Citizen-driven Priority Action Plan (CPAP) focused at prioritizing interventions that address areas for improvement in public service delivery. The national government can give better informed oversight supervision and technical-administrative support to LGUs with knowledge based on citizen-driven assessments of basic services.

Figure 1
CSIS Conceptual Framework Source: https://csis.dilg.gov.ph In terms of the CSIS, the conceptual framework in figure 1 describes the range of concepts employed in gauging citizen satisfaction. The dotted line group is made up of the basic principles in assessing satisfaction at the service or program level. The key notions have logical ties with one another. The dotted line delineates the boundaries of public perception of service delivery, dividing the inner conceptions from the socio-demographic profile and the services actually delivered by their local governments.
Within the citizen's perception domain are the fundamental concepts, reasons that substantiate the core concepts, general attitudes of citizens toward the LGU, overall satisfaction, overall need for action, and suggestions for improvement. These themes comprise the key findings of the CSIS survey because they represent the primary information acquired from residents to evaluate how well public services provided by their LGUs are accepted or perceived in their opinion. Above it is the socio-demographic and the housing profiles, which provide information on the citizen.
Anchored on the concept of CSIS, this study assessed the performance of the Lezo, Aklan LGU in implementing environmental management programs in the locality. Specifically, it DLPHG WR GHWHUPLQH FLWL]HQV ¶ Uating and their reasons in the delivery of environmental program as to community-based greening projects, air pollution control program, solid waste management, waste-water management, and clean-up programs/projects. Moreover, this sought to determine the solid waste management practices of the citizens and their recommendations to improve environmental management programs.

Methodology
The study utilized mixed method research design. The survey used a structured questionnaire validated by the DILG, the same instrument was utilized to LGUs where CSIS was implemented. In addition, face-to-face interview was also conducted to gather their reasons behind their ratings.
This study assessed and measured several variables to determine the level of the LGU performance. Through the researcher-made questionnaire, the following were determined: Awareness. It refers to the presence of knowledge about the service offered by the local government unit. Before getting into satisfaction, it is crucial to first determine whether they are aware that the service is delivered by their local government unit.
Availment. It refers to the respondent's contact with local government through programs, projects, and services that are being implemented or offered. This could suggest a desire among citizens to use public services. Only people who claimed to be aware of the service would be queried about availability for service indicator level assessments.
Satisfaction. It refers to a citizen's contentment with their experience in utilizing or contacting the services of the local government. In some circumstances, this may also indicate the citizen's satisfaction with the services they were able to access. Only individuals who have used the service are asked about their satisfaction in service indicator level assessments.
Need for Action. The citizen's evaluation of whether or not a certain service requires specific and decisive steps for improvement or reform is referred to as the need for action. This concept is combined with satisfaction to present readers with an extra dimension that could help optimize service prioritization for future use.
As specified in the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2012-113, 150 probability respondents (8 years and above) residing in the different barangays of Lezo for not less than six months. They were selected using a multi-staged random probability sampling method. At a sample size of 150 respondents, margin of error (MOE) is +/-6% at 95% confidence level (CL).
For data analysis, percentage scores and adjectival ratings (High: Equal or more than 50%+MoE; (Low: Less than 50%+MoE) were used. Table 1 displays the respondents' knowledge about the Municipality of Lezo's various environmental management projects. It should be highlighted that nearly three-quarters of the respondents (109 or 72.67 %) were well-versed in the community-based greening project. This was followed by 89 (59.33 %) who were extremely informed about solid waste management and clean-up programs. On the other side, awareness of programs such as air pollution control (61 or 40.67 %) and waste water management was poor (35 or 23.33%). awareness on waste water management was assessed to be low. In the Philippines, wastewater disposal has become a huge concern because just 10% of the country's wastewater is processed and 58% of the groundwater has been recognized as hazardous. Furthermore, just 5% of the total population is connected to sewers (Claudio, 2015). To ensure long-term development, it is vital to protect water resources and construct an excellent local government in the health, environment and tourism sectors.  As the result revealed that solid waste management was least availed by the citizens, table 2 shows the non-availment reasons where most of the citizens observed that the policies relevant to solid waste management is not properly implemented in the locality. Waste generation in the Philippines has increased rapidly due to rapid economic and population growth, contributing to environmental deterioration (Castillo & Otoma, 2013 Out of the 28 respondents who did not avail community-based greening projects of the local government, most of them (11 or 39.29%) were busy, six each or 21.43% were not interested and there was no program offered in the barangay while three or 10.71% indicated that oQO\ WKH 3DQWDZLG 3DPLO\DQJ 3LOLSLQR 3URJUDP 3 ¶V EHQHILFLDULHV ZHUH LQYROYHG LQ WKLV SURMHFW

Findings and Discussion
Only two or 7.14% of the respondents mentioned that the barangay does the service on greening project.
In terms of air pollution control program, the respondents signified six reasons of nonavailment. The first reason was the laws were not followed (4 or 36.36%), secondly, three or 27.27% of the respondents were too old to be involved in the program/ physically unfit and two or 18.18% were not interested on such program. Only one each or 9.09% who said that there was minimal pollution in the area and the program was not implemented in the area.
In terms of the solid waste management program, most of the respondents (20 or 40.82%) did not avail since there was no proper waste segregation and strict/firm implementation of the program. This situation is primarily observed in areas away from town where many people still burn their garbage or improperly dispose solid waste. As per on-site observation, this is contributed by the lack of facilities such as MRF (Material Facility Recovery), no garbage collector assigned and no on-site personnel to monitor those individuals who violate. Eleven each or 22.45% signified that there was no garbage collector and they have their own waste segregation/disposal. Another five or 10.30% did not avail because laws are not followed and one each or 2.04% said that the service was not offered in the barangay and he/she has a helper.
In terms of waste water management, three reasons were mentioned by seven respondents for their non-availment. The majority of them (four or 57.14%) revealed that the program was not implemented. Two or 28.57% of them said that the program needs improvement/maintenance and only one or 14.29% was not interested of the service.
The reasons why the respondents did not avail of the clean-up program was that they were busy/did not participate as mentioned by 9 or 36% of them. This was followed by 6 or 24% who indicated that they individually cleaned their surroundings and have their own way of waste segregation. Only one each or 4% who said that clean-up drive was for the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino program beneficiaries only and he/she was not interested. All the services gained high satisfaction rating. The respondents (57 or 89.06%) were highly satisfied of the clean-up program. This was closely followed by 72 or 88.89% who were highly satisfied of the community-based greening project. Another 42 or 84% said they were highly satisfied of the air pollution control program while 30 or 75% and 21 or 75% were contented of the solid waste management and waste water management programs, respectively.
This indicates that the environmental management projects of the Municipality of Lezo were properly implemented by the different offices involved.
The reasons for satisfaction with community-based greening project are shown in Table   9. It could be noted that one-half of the respondents (36 or 50%) were satisfied of the service because tree planting activities were held. Another 15 or 20.83% signified that the service was beneficial to the environment/people, 13 or 18.06% indicated that the service was properly implemented while five or 6.94% said that the project provided safety/prevents flood and two or 2.78% manifested that the service encourages public participation. There was only one or 1.39% of the respondents who indicated that the community people were educated through the project.
The table further shows the reasons why the respondents were satisfied with the air pollution control program. Clean and safe air was the reason why the majority (24 or 57.14%) of the respondents were satisfied of the air pollution control program. Others reasons are as follows: prevent sickness (nine or 21.43%), smoking was prohibited (three or 7.14%) and encouraged public participation (two or 4.76%). In terms of the solid waste management service of the Municipality of Lezo, clean surrounding was one of the reasons why five or 26.67% of the respondents were satisfied. Other reasons are: segregation was practiced (six or 20%), everyone participated in the program (five or 16.67%), proper collection of garbage (four or 13.33%), properly implemented program (three or 10%), regular collection of garbage (two or 6.67%) and people in the community were educated and pollution /health issues were prevented (one or 3.33%).
In terms of the satisfaction with the waste water management service, most of the respondents (10 or 47.62%) indicated that there was proper drainage/sewage system, nine or 42.86% were satisfied because the waste water management was properly maintained. One each or 4.76% replied that the service was beneficial and properly implemented.
Meanwhile, out of the 57 respondents who availed of the clean-up program, most of them (23 or 40.35%) were satisfied because clean-up drives were held and 17 or 29.82% who said that the surroundings were cleaned. Only one or 1.75% mentioned that there was proper collection of garbage. Table 6 Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Environmental Management Programs/Projects

Community-based greening projects
No regulation implemented 6 Not participating 3

Still polluted 5
No regulation imposed 3

Solid Waste Management
Proper Segregation was not implemented 5 Irregularity/Late collection 4 No Dumping Site 1

Waste Water Management
Poor maintenance 6 People are not obeying laws 1

Clean-up Programs/ Projects
Not Organized 4 Not held regularly/Poor maintenance 3 Table 6 shows the reasons for dissatisfactions with the availed community program. The nine respondents who were dissatisfied of the community-based greening project, six of them revealed that there was no regulation that was implemented in their locality. The other three respondents said they did not participate in this service area.
Out of the eight respondents who were dissatisfied with the air pollution control program, five of them said that the locality is still polluted while three signified that there was no imposed on such service.
Out of ten respondents who were dissatisfied of the solid waste management services, five of them indicated that proper segregation was not implemented. Another four mentioned that there was irregularity/late collection of waste and one respondent indicated that there was no dumping site.
Of the seven respondents who were not satisfied with the waste water management services, almost all (six or 85.70%) mentioned that the service facilities were not poorly maintained. Only one or 14.30% signified that the people do not obey laws.
There were only two reasons why the respondents were not satisfied with the clean-up project of the Municipality of Lezo. The majority (four or 57.14%) indicated that the project was not organized. There were three or 42.86% who manifested that the program was not done/held regularly/poor maintenance of the program.  Three each or 2% collected and just throw their garbage. One or 0.67% of the respondent attested that the method of disposing the garbage was not mentioned by the other respondents. Improper solid waste disposal can endanger the environment and human health. Direct health concerns mostly affect personnel in this industry, who must be kept as far away from garbage as possible.
Open burning and open dumping of MSW pose serious risks to human health and the ecosystem as toxic compounds are released into the atmosphere and the environment, including dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (Talang & Sirivithayapakorn, 2021 5HVXOWV IXUWKHU VKRZ WKH UHVSRQGHQWV ¶ SUDFWLFH RQ WKH FROOHFWLRQ RI JDUEDJH Among the three respondents who signified that their garbage was collected, more than majority (2 or 66.67%) said that the municipality gathered the garbage. Only 1 or 33.33% who expressed that it was collected by the barangay. Inefficient waste collection and lack of disposal facilities are the common problems in developing countries (Atienza, 2011). This situation has compromised the environmental health status of the countries which branches out to numerous and more serious threat to the environment.
Proper waste disposal is among the most vital aspects of any institution. As to the response on whether or not the respondents practiced waste segregation, more than majority (2 or 66.67%) were practicing the technique. Only 1 or 33.33% who did not practice waste segregation.
When asked on the regularity of garbage collection, more than majority (2 or 66.67%) stated that their garbage was collected once a week. Only 1 or 33.33% responded that garbage collection was done every day. As shown in Table 9, three-fourths of the respondents (104 or 75.36%) were highly satisfied of the environment management programs of the Municipality of Lezo. Only 34 or 24.64% were dissatisfied. Thus, a high adjectival rating was attained. In table 10, the recommendations of the respondents are revealed. Conduct seminars/training and encourage public participation on the services and programs of the Municipality of Lezo was recommended by 21 or 14% of the respondents. A closer number (20 or 13.3%) suggested organizing clean and green projects, 19 or 12.67% said that the programs and service must be improved, 18 or 12% proposed that the LGU should sustain those beneficial environmental programs, 13 or 8.67% recommended to sustain those beneficial environmental programs while 11 or 7.33% suggested that garbage should be collected regularly. Only one each or 0.67% who recommended hiring more employees and regular conduct of cleaning program in the barangay should be done. Respondents were mostly aware of the environmental management particularly the community-based greening projects, solid waste management and clean-up programs/projects.

Conclusion
They were less aware on programs to control air pollution and wastewater management.
Therefore, the Municipality of Lezo should improve public awareness along these programs.
On the other hand, most of the citizens still burn their garbage. Burning wastes such as plastic harms the environment by releasing hazardous compounds that pollute our air. Humans and animals can breathe polluted air, which is then deposited in the soil, surface water, and on plants. This pose a long-term health and environmental issues that would lead to more serious threat to humanity.