The Bright Future in the Hidden Community - Group 3

The Bright Future in the Hidden Community

by Ria Gatdula and Lauraine Gubatanga

Inside an industrial complex in Brgy. Tabe Guiguinto Bulacan is a community whose inhabitants are not originally from Bulacan but ended up in the town of Guiguinto because of their work, which is the main reason for their residence in the aforementioned area.

The majority of the residents are from Mindanao and have been living here for over a decade now, next to RIS Industrial Complex. According to them, although this is not the municipality they are originally from, they felt that they belong here because, for them, they can easily earn more in the mentioned place to support and sustain their living on a daily basis. Although most of the neighborhood are not from the said area and are not relatives, this did not prevent them from building a harmonious and united community. In that regard, the fact that they did not have any problems with their neighbors and there were no disputes between them despite that they are not related to each other was also taken into account. However, there are some challenges and difficulties that they face despite these positive aspects.

According to the residents, it appears that one of the most common problems they have in living here for almost two decades is the noise coming from the vehicles in the North Luzon Expressway, which is right next to the community. Many of the residents voiced out their complaints regarding the noise that causes disturbance especially at night and for the children. This is followed by the problem of air pollution from the factories surrounding the area, which affected some of the residents’ health—breathing problems, coughing, lung problems, and such, that could also harm children. Some of the residents mentioned that these issues have been brought to the Local Government Unit, but because they are located in a private area, they cannot be addressed by the barangay. The industrial complex they live in although located in the constituent area of Barangay Tabe is still owned by the private sector.

Related to this, it is said that it is already apparent that such a barangay which claims to be the most progressive in the town of Guiguinto has begun to manifest itself. In addition, even though there are several establishments established, the growth or development of the industrial complex that we are talking about is still ongoing.

In an interview with Mrs. Divine Agtoto, one of the residents who has been in the community for 14 years as well as Miss Novelyn, they addressed that the LGU still supports them, especially in times of calamity. Even though they seem to be in a hidden community, aid and other assistance from the government are quickly delivered. They also stated that the companies that they work for didn’t make them worry and paid them a sustainable amount. In fact, according to Miss Novelyn, their work has no end. So there is still no plan for them to go back to Mindanao. However, with the distance they have from Luzon to a faraway land, they are not able to see their children, who are still living in Mindanao, and they have no choice but to stay in Bulacan because of work commitments.

To conclude, the residents still choose to stay in the industrial complex for good despite the issues they addressed. For them, it is much more tolerable since this place helped them for years to sustain their daily needs and wants. Their children’s future is also starting and building in Bulacan. 

The LGU stated that they will always look after their citizens. They promised that no one would be left behind. Now, only the future can prove if the dream will be a reality.

Even though their origin is not in Brgy. Tabe, they have found the potential beginning of a bright future in this hidden community.