Case Study: Transformation of Gravel Into Safe

(TGIS) in Brgy. Talolong Lopez, Quezon

Researcher
Inoval, Katrina F.
Date: July 2, 2024

Course: Highway and Railroad Engineering

(CIEN 30113)
Institution: Polytechnic University
of the Philippines

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I.Introduction

Location: Brgy. Talolong Lopez, Quezon

This analysis intends to suggest practical answers to the barangay road's concerns,

which include a blocked canal, a destroyed canal, poor street light placement, and unauthorized

car parking, through a methodical review of these issues. The barangay can establish a safer

and more effective road network for its citizens by using a multifaceted approach that handles

drainage, lighting, and parking issues.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Barangay roads face several challenges that threaten safety and hinder daily life.

Garbage clogging drainage systems and broken canals cause frequent flooding, especially

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during heavy rains. Flooded roads become impassable, damaging vehicles and disrupting

commutes. Studies by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) confirm that poor

drainage disproportionately affects rural communities.

Poor lighting creates safety hazards, particularly at night. A survey on traffic concerns in

the Philippines highlights the dangers of insufficient lighting for pedestrians and motorists.

Barangay roads become treacherous after dark due to limited visibility.

Haphazard parking further congests already limited space on barangay roads. This

congestion slows down traffic, causing frustration and delays for residents trying to get around

or reach essential services.

These issues roads unusable and unsafe, jeopardizing mobility and overall well-being. A

multi-pronged approach is needed to address these problems and create a safer, more efficient

transportation network. This approach should involve infrastructure upgrades, community

participation, and stricter regulations.

III. Evaluation of the Case

1. Drainage System:

What's Working: The presence of a canal system suggests some level of drainage infrastructure

exists.

What's Not Working: Garbage on drainage and damage to the canals render them ineffective.

This highlights a lack of proper maintenance or a need for a more robust waste management

system.

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2. Street Lighting:

What's Working: The presence of street lights indicates an attempt to provide nighttime visibility.

What's Not Working: Improper placement leaves some areas unlit, creating safety hazards. This

suggests a need for a lighting assessment and strategic relocation of existing lights.

3. Parking Management:

What's Working: Residents likely have vehicles, demonstrating a need for parking solutions.

What's Not Working: The lack of designated parking areas leads to congestion and hinders

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traffic flow. This implies a need for community education on proper parking and the creation of

designated parking zones.

By evaluating these elements, we can see that while basic infrastructure exists, a lack of

maintenance, planning, and enforcement creates significant problems.

IV. Proposed Solutions/Changes

1. Focus on Canal Restoration: The Path to Safer Roads and Flood Prevention

The key to tackling drainage problems lies in a dedicated effort to revitalize our canals. This

means allocating resources for repairing damaged structures, removing blockages, and

implementing regular maintenance plans to ensure their optimal functionality.

Why is this crucial? Unimpeded canals are essential for effective water management. They

prevent flooding, a major threat to both public safety and infrastructure. Studies show that well-

maintained drainage systems significantly reduce flood risks and extend the lifespan of roads.

On the other hand, neglecting canal issues can lead to costly repairs and endanger lives.

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Evidence: A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights the importance of

proper storm water management in preventing floods and protecting water quality.

2. Light Up the Way: Illuminating Barangays for Safety

The Solution: To ensure proper lighting and coverage throughout barangay roads, we need a

strategic approach. This involves conducting a lighting assessment to identify poorly lit areas.

We can then address these areas by:

 Installing additional lights: This will improve visibility in critical zones.

 Repositioning existing fixtures: Optimizing the placement of existing lights can maximize

their effectiveness.

Long-Term Sustainability: In the long run, investing in solar-powered street lighting offers a cost-

effective and sustainable solution.

Why it Matters: Adequate street lighting is essential for reducing accidents and improving overall

road safety. Studies have shown that well-lit roads lead to:

 Increased pedestrian safety

 Reduced crime rates

 Enhanced visibility for motorists

Evidence: A study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) demonstrates the

correlation between improved street lighting and a decrease in nighttime pedestrian accidents.

3. Taking Control of Parking: Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow and Safety

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The Solution:

 Clear Parking Zones: Establish designated parking areas along barangay roads to

create organized spaces for vehicles.

 Enforced Regulations: Implement stricter parking laws with clear fines for illegal parking.

 Regular Monitoring: Enforce these regulations through routine patrols and monitoring to

ensure compliance.

Why it Matters: Uncontrolled parking on barangay roads leads to:

 Traffic congestion: Parked cars obstruct traffic flow, causing delays for everyone.

 Hindered emergency access: Blocked roads can delay emergency vehicles, potentially

endangering lives.

 Pedestrian safety risks: Parked cars near walkways force pedestrians onto the road,

increasing the risk of accidents.

The Benefits of Order: Research shows that effective parking regulations and enforcement can

significantly reduce traffic jams and improve overall road safety.

Evidence: A study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the United States found

that designated on-street parking programs improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.

V. Recommendation

1. Building a Shared Responsibility for Cleaner Canals

Barangay Leadership: The barangay government will take the lead in organizing regular canal

maintenance. This includes tasks like:

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 o Repairing damaged structures

o Removing debris and blockages

o Desilting to restore water flow

Government Collaboration: We will work alongside relevant government agencies like the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to secure technical assistance and support

for larger canal rehabilitation projects.

Community Participation: The active participation of our residents is crucial. We will organize

community clean-up drives for the canals and raise awareness about the importance of proper

waste disposal to prevent future blockages.

2. Lighting Up the Way: A Strategic Approach to Street Light Placement

Lighting Assessment: We will conduct a comprehensive study of barangay roads to identify

poorly lit areas with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Budget Allocation: Based on the assessment, we will allocate funds from the barangay budget

for strategic lighting upgrades. This includes purchasing and installing new street lights.

Expert Consultation: To ensure optimal placement and light coverage, we will collaborate with

urban planners and lighting specialists. This ensures lights are positioned for:

o Safety: Minimizing accidents and creating a secure environment.

o Visibility: Enhancing visibility for pedestrians and motorists.

3. Designated Parking Zones:

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 Establish barangay regulations outlining time restrictions, reserved parking spaces, and

fines for parking in violation of the law.

 Assign barangay enforcers or deputize staff to keep an eye on parking compliance and cite

infringers.

 Run frequent informational campaigns to tell locals about parking laws, how they are

enforced, and how important it is to park responsibly.

To supervise the execution of infrastructure upgrades and guarantee continuous

maintenance, form a Barangay Road Maintenance Committee with representatives from

pertinent government agencies, community leaders, and barangay officials. The community's

involvement is essential to the success of these solutions. Frequent meetings should be held by

the barangay captain to update the locals on developments and promote their participation.

Investigating collaborations with governmental organizations, non-profits, and commercial

businesses can also yield important resources and project execution experience.

The barangay can make its road system a safe, effective, and long-lasting network that
meets the demands of its citizens by implementing these suggestions.

VI. Conclusion

The barangay road network plays a vital role in the daily lives of Filipinos, serving as the arteries

that connect communities, businesses, and emergency services. However, these crucial

pathways often suffer from drainage issues, inadequate lighting, and haphazard parking,

compromising their functionality and safety. Here's where the transformative power of TGIS

(Transformation of Gravel Into Safe) comes into play.

Barangay roads' use and safety can be considerably enhanced by executing a multimodal plan

that includes infrastructure changes, community involvement, and regulatory actions. This

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comprehensive solution would address the fundamental concerns that plague these crucial

corridors.

This multifaceted approach, which combines infrastructure upgrades, community participation,

and regulatory enforcement, has the ability to transform barangay roads from neglected routes

to safe and efficient arteries connecting people, businesses, and emergency services. By

putting the community's well-being first and ensuring that these critical routes run properly,

barangays can create a more livable and prosperous environment for all people.

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