Republic of the Philippines

Commission on Higher Education

A day in a life in Barangay Nogpo

Members:
Shaira Talagtag
Lady Andrea Gallon
Crystelle Anne Grace Tomas
 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
Region V (Bicol)
Libon Community College
Calleja Street Zone 4, Libon 4507 Albay
SY 2024-2025

A day in a life in Barangay Nogpo

Barangay Nogpo is a small territorial district in the municipality of Libon, Albay province.
It's comparable to a village, neighborhood, or suburb. Our group interviewed the
barangay secretary, who provided the following profile information:
 Total Population: 2,460
 Number of Households: 523
 Number of Families: 564 (The difference between households and families
suggests that some households may contain more than one family.)
 Gender Distribution:
o Females: 1,224

o Males: 1,236

The population of Nogpo grew from 1,403 in 1990 to 2,196 in 2020, an increase of 793
people over the course of 30 years. The latest census figures in 2020 denote a negative
growth rate of 0.80%, or a decrease of 85 people, from the previous population of 2,281
in 2015. And now in 2024 their total population as of now is 2,460.
Nogpo is situated at approximately 13.2885, 123.3734, in the island of Luzon. Elevation
at these coordinates is estimated at 22.7 meters or 74.5 feet above mean sea level.
Based on our gathered information, the name "Nogpo" is believed to have originated
from the word "agipo." Legend holds that this word's origins trace back to a fisherman
who witnessed a santelmo. A santelmo is a type of atmospheric electrical phenomenon,
also known as St. Elmo's fire. It's characterized by luminous plasma discharges that
appear as glowing points or brushes of light, often observed on pointed objects during
thunderstorms. The fisherman's encounter with this striking natural event is said to have
inspired the name "agipo," which eventually evolved into "Nogpo." Further research into
local dialects and historical accounts could help confirm this etymology and provide a
richer understanding of the legend's significance to the community. Historically, Nogpo
was once part of Barangay Bariw. This means that Bariw and Nogpo were originally a
single, unified area. The two areas were not distinct until an election occurred, at which
point the wide expanse of the combined territory lead to a division. This division resulted
in the establishment of Nogpo as a separate barangay, effectively splitting the original
area into two distinct executive units. This historical event highlights the gradual
evolution of the local landscape, shaped by both natural factors and the changing needs
of the community.
The primary livelihood in this area is agriculture, specifically the cultivation of vegetables
and rice, as well as fishing. The fertile lands and proximity to the coast provide ideal
conditions for these activities. The community's agricultural practices are often passed
down through generations, creating a strong connection to the land and its resources.
This reliance on agriculture also contributes to a sense of self-sufficiency and
community cohesion. The produce from these farms and the catch from the fishing
activities are often sold locally, supporting the local economy and providing sustenance
for the community.
We conducted interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the community's livelihood.
We explored their primary sources of income, the benefits their work provides for their
families, their daily earnings, and their strategies for supporting their families in the
event of job loss or income disruption. We also delved into their personal experiences
and challenges within their respective fields of work. This research aimed to shed light
on the economic realities of the community and the resilience they demonstrate in the
face of challenges.
Our interviews revealed that the primary benefits of work for most community members
are directly tied to their families' well-being. They see their jobs as a way to provide for
their children's education, ensuring they have opportunities for a better future. Their
income also covers the daily expenses needed to run a household, such as food,
utilities, and other necessities. Furthermore, their livelihoods – primarily fishing and
farming – provide them with a steady source of fresh food, ensuring their families have
nutritious meals every day. This strong connection between work and family highlights
the importance of these occupations in sustaining the community and its members.
The daily earnings from their work range from a high of 500 to a low of 200. This
demonstrates the variability in income within the community, likely influenced by factors
such as the success of their fishing or farming efforts, market demand, and seasonal
fluctuations. In the event of no income, some individuals have alternative sources of
support, while others rely on community assistance or family networks to make ends
meet. This highlights the importance of both individual resilience and community
solidarity in navigating economic challenges.
Globalization has had a profound impact on the lifestyle of people in Nogpo, bringing
both opportunities and challenges. New markets and opportunities Globalization has
opened up new markets for their agricultural products and fishing potentially increasing
their income and improving their standard of living. However, it has also created
competition from larger producers, making it harder for them to compete. Shifting values
and aspirations Exposure to global trends and lifestyles has influenced the aspirations
of younger generations, who may seek opportunities beyond their traditional livelihoods.
This can lead to a brain drain as young people migrate to urban areas for education and
employment. In Environmental challenges: Globalization has contributed to climate
change, which is impacting their traditional fishing and farming practices. Extreme
weather events like typhoons and droughts are becoming more frequent, leading to crop
failures and reduced fish catches. Globalization has brought a mix of benefits and
challenges to the lives of people in Nogpo. While it has opened up new opportunities, it
has also created new pressures and uncertainties. The community is navigating these
changes while trying to maintain its traditional values and way of life.
REFLECTION:
 Barangay Nogpo, a small village in Libon, Albay, shows us how a rural Filipino
community deals with changes brought on by modern life and the global world. Our
study, using interviews and population numbers, shows a village with a rich history and
strong traditions, but also facing economic difficulties and the effects of a changing
climate. This report summarizes our findings, points out the main challenges, and
suggests ways to help the village improve. Nogpo's history, from its start (a fisherman
saw St. Elmo's fire!) to its separation from a neighboring village, shows a close link
between the people and their land. Most people make a living from farming and fishing.
But they don't earn much—only 200 to 500 pesos a day—showing how easily their lives
can be affected. The amount they earn changes with the seasons and what the market
wants, so they need better ways to protect themselves from these changes. The fact
that neighbors help each other when times are hard shows how important community
support is in Nogpo. Globalization has both good and bad effects. The internet and
phones connect Nogpo to the world, but it also means facing competition from bigger
farms and fishing businesses. Climate change makes farming and fishing even harder.
The population numbers show that some young people are leaving to find better jobs in
cities, which means the village loses valuable skills and knowledge.
Find more ways to make money: Try different farming methods, make products that can
be sold for more money, and start small businesses. This means teaching people
business skills, providing small loans, and helping them sell their products. Prepare for
climate change: Use farming methods that can handle climate change, fish in a way that
doesn't harm the environment, and set up warning systems for bad weather. Keep
young people in the village: Provide good education, job training, and chances to go to
college. This will create a better workforce and attract new businesses to Nogpo.
Strengthen community efforts: Support existing groups, encourage people to work
together, and get government agencies, charities, and the villagers themselves to work
together. This will build resilience and create a sustainable future.