Community Perspectives On Environmental Crimes In Laguna And Quezon, Philippines: Toward Proposed Natural Resource Protection Strategies

Authors

  • Gelbert A. Llanto, PhD Laguna State Polytechnic University image/svg+xml Author
  • Jennifer A. Valdez, PhD Laguna State Polytechnic University image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.68354/743083

Keywords:

Environmental crimes, Natural Resources, Climate Change, Quarrying, Environmental Degradation

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental crimes worsen the risks linked to climate change. Unsustainable urbanization and industrial growth, driven by technological and economic ambitions, add pressure on fragile ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Objective: This study examined community perspectives on environmental crimes and issues, measured respondents' level of awareness of the effects of these crimes, tested differences between respondents from Laguna and Quezon, and proposed natural resource protection strategies.

Methods: The study used a descriptive-comparative quantitative design. An expert-validated, researcher-made questionnaire gathered responses from 420 residents (327 from Laguna and 93 from Quezon) selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using weighted means and independent samples t-tests.

Results: Respondents showed strong average agreement that quarrying, illegal logging, kaingin, open burning, smoke belching, wildlife exploitation, and unpermitted fish pens are environmental crimes (category means 3.28 to 3.44 on a four-point scale). They reported a high level of awareness of the effects of these crimes (M = 3.51). Respondents from Laguna and Quezon did not differ significantly on any of the seven variables (all p > .05). Smoke belching, sand dredging, and quarrying received the lowest ratings.

Conclusions: Residents of both provinces hold high and comparable knowledge and awareness of environmental crimes and their perceived effects, with weaker recognition of less visible offenses. These findings support community-based education campaigns on environmental laws, stricter monitoring by local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and a community watch and rapid reporting system.

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Published

2026-10-31

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Review of Studies on Criminology, Sociology, and Law

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Copyright (c) 2026 Gelbert A. Llanto, PhD, Jennifer A. Valdez, PhD (Author)

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How to Cite

Llanto, G., & Valdez, J. (2026). Community Perspectives On Environmental Crimes In Laguna And Quezon, Philippines: Toward Proposed Natural Resource Protection Strategies. Review of Studies on Criminology, Sociology, and Law, 1(1), 115-134. https://doi.org/10.68354/743083