The Disciplined Hand:

Our Role in Stopping Waste and Water Calamities

“Discipline starts in the body, so our hands are the start for change.”

Flooding in the Philippines: A Growing Problem We All Contribute To

Flooding has been the most common and expected problem whenever typhoons and strong rains happen. The Philippines has been dealing with this problem for a long time, especially in big cities. The government already made plans for this before, but when flood control projects were introduced, more problems started to appear.

But just because the government can’t fully fix it doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. Flooding mostly happens because of littering, especially from people who don’t know how to properly segregate their trash and just throw it anywhere. This is a YOU problem, but sadly, many Filipinos still haven’t learned this yet. That is why this is what we aim to address and make people more aware of.

About Us

We are Grade 11 HUMSS students from La Salle Academy of Iligan City, committed to becoming socially responsible individuals who are aware of the issues affecting our community. As HUMSS students, we focus on understanding people, society, and social problems. Through a community-based approach, we aim to observe real-life issues, analyze their causes, and take action in ways that promote positive change, especially within our local community.

Objectives

  • To educate the community about the effects of improper waste segregation and littering
  • To promote discipline and personal responsibility in maintaining cleanliness
  • To encourage individuals to take part in simple yet meaningful actions that help prevent flooding
  • To develop social awareness and civic responsibility among students and community members

Why “The Disciplined Hand” Symbolizes Discipline and Responsibility

The Disciplined Hand represents the idea that change starts with our own actions. The hand symbolizes individual effort, responsibility, and control over one’s behavior. When guided by discipline, the hand becomes a tool for positive action—such as properly throwing trash, segregating waste, and caring for the environment. This symbol reminds us that preventing flooding and protecting our community does not rely solely on the government, but on each person’s willingness to act responsibly.

The problem

How waste causes water pollution

Improper waste disposal is one of the primary causes of water pollution in many communities. When trash is dumped into maintained areas such as canals, drainage systems, or rivers, it is carried into protected water sources. This leads to the mixing of plastics, food waste, and chemicals with the water, ultimately reducing water quality.

Improperly managed waste affects water quality in several ways:

  • Solid waste blocks the natural flow of water, leading to stagnant conditions that promote bacterial growth.
  • Chemicals from household or industrial waste mix with water, altering its pH levels and overall composition.
  • Sewage waste introduces harmful microorganisms, which can cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.

Water Contamination

Water becomes contaminated when harmful substances are introduced into it. These contaminants may include:

  • Pathogenic microorganisms from sewage
  • Hazardous chemical substances
  • Decaying organic waste or garbage

Drought

Drought occurs when there is insufficient clean and accessible water. Several factors contribute to this condition:

  • Pollution of water sources, rendering them unsuitable for consumption
  • Excessive or careless water use, which reduces available supply
  • Blocked rivers and canals that limit the natural flow and distribution of water

Flooding

Flooding becomes more severe when waste obstructs the movement of water. This can happen when:

  • Garbage clogs drainage systems, causing water to overflow during rainfall
  • Canals and rivers become filled with trash, reducing their capacity to hold heavy rainwater

Local Water-Related Examples Affecting the Community

Many communities are increasingly experiencing water-related challenges, such as:

  • Flooded streets during rainy periods due to clogged canals and drainage systems filled with plastic and other waste
  • Polluted rivers and creeks caused by the mixture of trash and sewage

Limited access to clean water as contamination spreads through local water sources

“As water sustains all living things, we are entrusted by God to care for creation alongside us, shaping a brighter future for every form of life.”

Data and analysis

Indicator Description Observed Data Analysis / Interpretation
Frequency of Flooding How often flooding occurs during heavy rains Frequent flooding in low-lying areas Shows weak flood prevention and drainage maintenance
Waste Disposal Behavior Community trash disposal practices Improper waste segregation observed Leads to clogged drainage systems
Drainage Condition State of canals and drainage systems Drains blocked with plastic waste Direct contributor to flooding
Public Awareness Understanding of flooding causes Limited awareness in some residents Lack of knowledge affects discipline
Community Participation Involvement in clean-up activities Low to moderate participation Stronger participation can help reduce flooding

How you can help?

Simple ways to reduce and save water

Adopting small, consistent habits in daily life can significantly reduce waste generation and conserve water resources.
Reduce Waste
  • Refuse single-use plastics: Avoid items such as plastic straws, bags, and cutlery. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
  • Prioritize the Five R’s: Practice refuse, reduce, reuse, and repurpose before resorting to recycling.
  • Buy locally and in bulk: Choose products with minimal packaging to lessen overall waste production.

Volunteer sign-up

Become part of The Disciplined Hand, a community-based initiative led by Grade 11 HUMSS students. We are continuously seeking dedicated volunteers who can help us achieve our goals and expand our environmental efforts.
How You Can Contribute:

Participate in community cleanup drives.

  • Assist as a facilitator in waste management workshops.
  • Help gather local surveys and student-generated data for research and reporting.
  • Support efforts to strengthen partnerships with the barangay, school, and church.

Report Environmental Issues

Community members play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe environment. When you observe waste-related or water-related concerns, report them promptly so that appropriate interventions can be carried out.

Issues to Report:
  • Illegal dumping or scattered garbage (as illustrated in the poem: “In the roads of our city lies a rubbishy race… But the garbage scattered in our city shows a horrible discourse”).
  • Severely clogged drainage systems or waterways that may contribute to flooding or water pollution (as highlighted in the section on “How Waste Causes Water Pollution”).
  • Water wastage or untreated leaks occurring in public spaces.

A City Full of Lavish Hides depths of Terrible Rubbish

By: Fhel Jauguin

In the roads of our city lies a rubbishy race.
We ponder and see value in our resources to trace,
Which things seem important to compensate—
This garbage lies in many of our states.

To see trash is to see importance.
To face waste is to control a garbage haste.
Demolish what must be polished, for
Our city’s garbage can still be garnished.
Reuse the garbage you can reduce,
For it helps control what’s loose.

A better world ahead awaits a brighter tomorrow.
The voice of our city brings no sorrow.
The garbage sets sail and on the water it rows;
People can resolve what the animals crow.

Together, our city will grow.
If we allow our cities to demolish garbage we throw,
We create space for our waters to flow.
To polish our garbage allows our city to glow.
This is the right time to start the blow
And follow the idea of CLAYGO.

See our cities and their resources.
The rivers flow gracefully, without force.
But the garbage scattered in our city shows a horrible discourse.
Together, we can make a change—
For our city, places, and homes to be restored.