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CHALLENGE 1.

Poor usage of the Barangay's official social media pages.

- Improper posting of announcements and responses to concerns.

- Late announcement and posting various updates

FUTURE OPPORTUNITY:

Hiring of official personnel with proficiency in handling mass media, such as barangay Facebook pages.

CHALLENGE 2.

Information overload.

- Lack of clear categorization.

- Difficulty in accessing key information.

- Unorganized information.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITY:

Choose reliable sources of information and stick to them. Think about which websites, news outlets, or experts you trust and also learn how to identify biases, analyze arguments, and evaluate evidence.

CHALLENGE 3.

Limited Internet Access.

- Slow and unstable internet in many parts of the barangay.

- Some families can't afford internet services.

- Limits online learning, working from home, and staying connected.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITY:

- Set up a community Wi-Fi at the barangay hall or school, funded by local businesses or the government, to provide free or low-cost internet access for residents. This will help people stay connected for work, learning, and communication.

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CURRENT CHALLENGE: Children's online exposure to contents they may not fully comprehend, especially concerning sexual topics, resulting in misconceptions about subjects they perceive as inappropriate for discussion, even though such topics should be addressed openly.

This addresses the issue of children's exposure to inappropriate or complex content related to sexual topics on the internet, particularly considering that many of these topics are often viewed as taboo. The prevalence of computer-mediated communication (CMC) allows easy access to websites and materials that children may not fully understand, which can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions.

This lack of comprehension is compounded by societal tendencies to avoid openly discussing sexual topics, further leaving children without proper guidance or education on sensitive subjects. As a result, this raises critical concerns about internet safety, the necessity of comprehensive sex education, and the responsibilities of parents and educators to ensure that children have access to age-appropriate and accurate information, thus breaking down the taboo surrounding sexual topics.

Evidence: This issue is timely and significantly proven by the perception of the teenagers who participated in a workshop by Jomarie Oliva, where they talked about why teens have sex. A participant responded that they have sex for pleasure without knowing how to prioritize their reproductive health. The participants are not aware of how to properly use contraceptives like condoms and birth pills, which leads to many cases of teenage pregnancies in the Philippines. Moreover, the Roman Catholic Church believes that Catholics must practice abstinence since having sex outside marriage is a sin that also influences parents to not talk about it, hence making sex education a taboo topic. In this case, instilling sex education in everyone's mind, especially in the youth, is a challenge that will hinder them from having better relationships with themselves and others, and more issues such as unplanned pregnancies and STDs.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITY: In order to address this issue, CMC, or computer mediated communication can be a powerful tool in teaching children about sex education in the digital age. Social media platforms are often the main source of information about sex for young people but this information is often incorrect, misled or even dangerous. CMC allows for the creation of a safe and accessible platform to provide accurate and age-appropriate sexual education. Online forums, videos, and educational games can stimulate discussion and encourage questions, helping youth to gain a broader understanding of sexual health, consent, and connect without the discomfort that can occur in a traditional classroom.

CMC also offers a unique opportunity to communicate anonymously. This can be especially helpful for individuals who may feel embarrassed or afraid when discussing sex education on their own. Online forums can host Q&A sessions. Chat sessions or a social media campaign that normalizes conversations about sexual health, reduces stigma, and promotes positive attitudes. Leveraging the familiar digital landscape allows educators to teach children where they are most comfortable, which makes it easy to correct misunderstandings and provide correct information.

To sum it up, it is still important to make sure that CMC-based sex education is designed with safety and responsibility in mind, as children may be exposed to sexually explicit content or come across online predators. This includes giving children the media literacy skills they need to critically evaluate online information, identify and avoid inappropriate content, and understand the risks of online interactions. It also requires fostering open communication with parents and educators to address concerns and provide support. By utilizing the potential benefits of CMC while addressing its drawbacks, we can produce a generation of young people who are more knowledgeable and capable of navigating the complexities of sexuality in the digital age.

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First Challenge/Problem

Residents of Barangay Manghinao Proper, Bauan, Batangas, face difficulties in accessing services like barangay clearances and water bill payments. They must visit the barangay hall in person, leading to go long wait times, multiple trips, and inconvenience due to limited operating hours. This system is especially challenging for those with mobility issues or busy schedules. The lack of digital alternatives adds to the frustration, making the process inefficient and time-consuming.

Future Vision (5-10 Years Solution)

To address these issues, we propose turning Barangay Manghinao Proper into a digitally connected community. This would involve creating an online platform or mobile app for residents to request documents, pay bills, and receive announcements. The platform would also offer notifications for events and bill deadlines. To handle official documents requiring a dry seal, we would introduce a secure digital dry seal, allowing residents to receive validated documents electronically. This solution aims to streamline services, improve efficiency, and make it easier for residents to manage their needs without visiting the barangay hall.

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Second Challenge:

In Batangas City, many students from rural barangays face significant challenges when submitting scholarship requirements online due to unreliable internet connections, limited digital skills, access to devices, and long application procedures. Additionally, government out-of-date or unstable portals/websites and lack of technical assistance can make the process even harder.

Future Opportunities:

This challenge can be addressed by simplifying the Online Application Process. An application platform that is easy to navigate and more accessible for every user, the application platform is designed to be responsive, especially during a process of application and renewal for scholarship. To ensure effective online renewal and new applications for scholarships in Batangas City over the next 5-10 years, we would implement strategies like modernized online platform wherein user-friendly connection are develop for easy use and accessible on different devices and also lowering the number of steps so that uploading the necessary documents is simple. Through these strategies, a more easily accessible online scholarship application process can be developed in Batangas City.

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Localized challenges in computer-mediated communication, from limited internet access to misinformation and cybersecurity threats, present unique opportunities for communities to collaborate, innovate, and strengthen their digital resilience.

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First Challenge:
As we examine our local community, one of the challenges we face in computer-mediated communication is the lack of internet access. This issue has persisted for a long time, especially in remote areas such as Balibago, Lian, and Laiya—Ibabao, San Juan, Batangas. Limited or no internet access hinders our ability to engage in real-time conversations and share information effectively through our devices.

Future Opportunities:
To address the lack of internet connectivity in our barangay, we propose organizing a community assembly. This meeting will provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns and collaboratively outline our needs regarding internet access. We will compile this feedback into a comprehensive proposal and send it via email to various internet service providers and telecommunications companies. By doing so, we aim to encourage these companies to invest in equipment or infrastructure improvements that will enhance signal strength and reliability in our area. This approach not only promotes community engagement but also highlights the potential of computer-mediated communication to generate solutions.

Second Challenge:
In Sitio Bagong Pook, part of Barangay Libato, San Juan, Batangas, one of the social challenges we currently face is cybersecurity concerns. Recently, a fake online survey, pretending to be from the government and offering assistance, tricked many residents into sharing their personal information. The survey spread quickly through social media and messaging apps, leading people to unknowingly disclose important details like their addresses and phone numbers. As a result, there have been cases of identity theft. This incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and protection against cyber threats in our community.

Future Opportunities:
To address cybersecurity concerns in Sitio Bagong Pook, practical Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) strategies can be implemented. First, local leaders can organize monthly community meetings, either in person or via accessible online platforms, to educate residents about recognizing online scams and protecting personal information. Second, a dedicated Facebook group can be created where residents can share verified information and report suspicious activities. Additionally, partnering with local schools to integrate basic digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness into their curricula can empower younger community members. These strategies will create a more informed and vigilant community, reducing the risks posed by online threats.

Third Challenge:
One major challenge we face in computer-mediated communication is the spread of misinformation on social media. A recent incident in our barangay, Balete in Batangas City, highlights this issue. Rumors circulated about a rapist allegedly on the loose, causing significant fear and discomfort among residents. This false information spread quickly, not only within our community but also to nearby barangays, increasing panic and anxiety among families. This situation demonstrates how fast misinformation can spread online, causing unnecessary worry and disrupting feelings of safety, and highlights the need for better communication strategies and education.

Future Opportunities:
To address the challenge of misinformation in computer-mediated communication within our local context, we propose collaborating with local authorities. By partnering with the local government and law enforcement, residents can feel more confident in the updates provided, knowing they come from credible sources. This collaboration will help dispel rumors and foster a sense of community trust and safety, as residents will have a reliable source for information during times of uncertainty. Encouraging local authorities to monitor social media platforms like Facebook will allow them to quickly identify and address false information. By promptly responding to misinformation with clear and accurate updates on social media, authorities can clarify misunderstandings and reduce panic and anxiety in the community. This proactive approach will enhance the overall effectiveness of our communication strategy.