Community-Based(Bonding) Research📑❗️

    For our new project in ICT, Mrs. Vera Cruz introduced us to the concept of Community-Based Research (CBR) for the first time. At first, I thought it would be the same as doing a formal research paper, though I was proved wrong as ma’am explained the process and parts of this kind of research. I am quite pleased with this task as we were able to further know more about our municipality and  community better. The path to completing this research had its challenges but with the support and effort of everyone involved in the CBR project, we were able to overcome these obstacles.

    

   We met up at one of our group member’s house to brainstormed ideas, divided and helped each other’s parts, and came up with questionnaires for the interview we conducted. Admittedly, we did not spend the entire afternoon just doing that. After our very-much-enjoyed lunch, the first 3 hours were spent with us just lazing around the room and watching the new series “Avatar: The Last Airbender”. As we gathered our bearings and started brainstorming, the film was used as our background music/sound.

    

   The person we interviewed was just a few blocks away from our group mate’s home, walking there was quite a hassle so one of my group mates (excitedly) suggested to use my E-bike. It was her first time driving that kind of vehicle, so naturally there were a few instances where we(the passengers) almost and wanted to just jump out in fear of being blown away or being plummeted in one of the farms. A farmer in Sta. Catalina was the one we talked to. The interview went well and we were able to gather necessary information from the answers the farmer had provided.

   With another exhilarating ride with our E-bike, we took some pictures of the surrounding farms, the Parish Church, and a building with a bird’s-eye view of Sta. Catalina. We also decided to go to the places we mentioned from the history of Sta. Catalina, like the Cross and bridge left by the Spanish as they discovered and resided in the place.

    

    As we were done documenting for our Media Gallery, we decided to conclude our journey with a visit and feast of street foods at the beach (w/ an additional Marconi guest). Sta. Catalina Beach is known for its amazing sunset and black sand, giving off a cool and peaceful vibe while you munch on some snacks with your family and friends. We laughed and joked about the fact that people from different places swing by here often, while we residents were barely visiting at all. Our night was then spent well by compiling all our ideas and photos to fill up our CBR Paper.

  

    Embarking on a community-based research project with classmates can be an immensely rewarding experience that not only enhances our academic knowledge but also strengthens our ties with the local community. As we come together with a shared goal, the project becomes more than just an assignment; it transforms into a journey of discovery, learning, and community building. We learn to listen attentively to the needs and stories of community members, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the area we're studying. Moreover, this hands-on approach allows us to contribute in a meaningful way, perhaps by identifying solutions to local issues or by providing data that can lead to positive change. As we collaborate with our peers, we're not just collecting data—we're connecting with people, and in doing so, we're reminded of the powerful role that research can play in both our personal growth and the betterment of the communities we serve.