University of the Philippines DilimanExtension Program in PampangaClarkfield, Pampanga

Reflection Paper: Documentary Field WorkParaisong KaposSeveral social institutions let us fulfill certain functions in order to survive. As one of these social institutions, theeconomy provides for the production and distribution of goods and services, which people in every society need. Sometimes people can provide these things for themselves, and sometimes they rely on others to provide them. When people rely on others for goods or services, they must have something to exchange, such as currency or other goods or services. The customs surrounding exchange and distribution of good and services shape societies in fundamental ways.As a partial requirement of our Sociology 101 class, our professor asked us to create a documentary that will show some various issues regarding the different social institutions. The institution that was assigned to us is the economy. One of the biggest issues concerning the economy is, of course, the poverty. We came up with several ideas, and after analyzing them, we decided to create a documentary about the poverty gap between indigenous people (Aetas) living in the mountains and in the city.Last Thursday, May 7, our group went to Barangay Macapagal Village, Mabalacat City, Pampanga to visit the Aeta community. It took us almost an hour from Main Gate to reach our destination. Upon arriving at the barangay, we went to the Barangay Hall to ask for permission to conduct our documentary. The barangay kagawad, Nicolas Esguerra then, helped us reach the Aeta community, which was located at the far end of the village. At first, the road was still cemented. However, as we came closer to our destination, the road was becoming bumpy. It just proves even in an urban area, there are still communities that suffer from poverty.When we arrived at the community, it is almost as if we are not in Mabalacat City anymore. The community looks like it is located at a secluded area in the mountains. The houses are only made of patches of wood. There is no electricity and water. The residents have to go downhill in order to fetch water at the poso. The residents were nice, and they were very much hospitable. We were able to talk to one of the families. The mothers name is Maria and her husband is Jun, and they have two children. They are staying in the village for almost 2 years now. Before, they were living in Madapdap, but due to unexpected events, they had to sell their house there and decided to stay in the Macapagal Village. Maria was not able to finish her studies because she married at the age of sixteen (it was one of the things that she regretted). We asked them about their everyday lives, and they said that they are happy with their simple life. When we asked them if they were given an opportunity to transfer to the city and live there, they negatively responded. They said that the life in the city is much more difficult than in the mountains. In the mountain, they own the land and they have all the resources they needed (for free), but in the city, you need a lot of money in order to sustain a living. After chatting, they even let us accompany them to go to the poso where they fetch water, and take a bath. It was a 15-minute walk from their house. When we arrived, people were lined-up, filling their pails and gallons with water. We have to wait for a while before our turn. While waiting, we chatted with the children and took some photos with them. After that, we helped them take a bath. All of us enjoyed the experience because it is a rare chance for us to socialize with them. After that, we all happily went back to the village, so that the mother could prepare their lunch for that day. We also took the chance to say goodbye, as we do not want them to bother for our lunch as well. We directly went to the second family, which was located downhill. They were also Aetas, but their economic status is quite different from the first one. Their house is already made of concrete, and they have their own electricity. We were able to talk to Ate Janette, who works as a tutor at a Korean school in Clark. She said that at first, they were staying in Tarlac. However, their father said that life is easier in the city so they transferred in Mabalacat City. Her father works as maintenance personnel at the Clark International Airport, and he was able to support the education of his nine children.Ate Janette was the fourth of the nine siblings. When we asked her why their life seems to be different from the other Aetas, she said that it is because they really persevered to achieve a better life. Their hardships became their inspiration to finish their study and work hard. They did not let their race and poverty to be an obstacle in achieving their desired life. Nowadays, poverty is one of the major issues that everyone talks about, but do any of us really bother to think about it? The government always says that are economy is constantly growing, but why is that we be barely feel the change? Not to put all the blame to the government, but it is probably also our fault as to why poverty does not end. Our government is unable to keep up with our over-growing population. The responsiveness of the government is not the only factor that contributes to the aggravation of poverty. We also have our own faults. Several people do not even finish high school or college because they are marrying or having children. Education is really important because it let us harness our skills in order to create a productive and sustainable life. Sadly, most of us do not even realize that.Each and every one of us has our own responsibility in our society. It is our duty to become a productive member of our society and contribute to the improvement of our economy. We must not put all the blame to the government because it is our own responsibility to improve our own lives and our economy only reflects that.

Clarissa T. Sapnu2012 - 29261