CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH DESIGN

This chapter will present the methods of the study and the techniques that will be used in

data gathering by the researchers. It will also discuss the sources of data, the respondents of the

study, and the procedure that will be followed during the conduct of the research.

Methods of Research and Techniques of Data Gathering

This study will utilize a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach to

determine the level of awareness of residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan on Republic Act 9208,

also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The descriptive method is

appropriate as it will allow the researchers to collect factual and measurable data regarding the

residents' awareness and understanding of the law. A structured survey questionnaire will serve

as the primary tool for data collection.

Sources of Data

The primary data will be gathered from selected residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan

through survey questionnaires. These residents will represent various sectors and barangays to

ensure a broad and inclusive perspective. Secondary data will be obtained from official reports,

related literature, government documents, and previous studies concerning RA 9208 and human

trafficking prevention in the Philippines.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study will consist of 100 selected residents of Mangaldan,

Pangasinan. Respondents will be chosen through purposive sampling, ensuring that participants

22
are at least 18 years old and capable of understanding basic legal and social issues. Priority will

be given to residents who may be vulnerable to trafficking risks or have encountered information

about RA 9208 through media, community programs, or government initiatives.

Procedure of the Study

A. Construction and Validation of the Research Instrument

A survey questionnaire will be drafted based on the study’s objectives and

conceptual framework, focusing on the level of awareness, knowledge, and sources of

information regarding RA 9208. The instrument will undergo content validation by three

experts in legal studies, community development, and social science research to ensure

clarity, relevance, and alignment with the research goals.

B. Administration of the Research Instrument

After securing approval from the appropriate authorities and the local government

unit of Mangaldan, the questionnaires will be distributed to the identified respondents.

The researchers will personally administer and retrieve the surveys to ensure accuracy

and a high response rate. All collected data will be organized for analysis, and the

confidentiality of responses will be strictly observed throughout the study.

Method of Data Analysis and Interpretation

For problem number 1 Demographic Profile of Respondents data gathered will be

statistically through the percentage, frequency and total number of respondents.

Formula:

Percentage = f/n x100

Where:

23
 % = percentage

f = frequency

n = total number of respondents

Under problem number 2 and 3 the researcher utilized weighted mean.

Formula:

Σfx

WM=----------

Where:

WM- weighted mean; N-Sample size

Σfx – sum of products of the frequency with weights

The weighted mean will be interpreted using the Rating Scale. The data is then

interpreted using the following data:

Scale Descriptive Verbal Interpretation

Rating

3.25 – 4.00 Highly Aware Respondents have full understanding of RA 9208

2.50 – 3.24 Moderately Respondents are generally familiar with the law

Aware

1.75 – 2.49 Slightly Aware Respondents have limited understanding

1.00 – 1.74 Not Aware Respondents have no awareness of RA 9208

Ethical Considerations

24
 Before initiating the study, the researchers will obtain approval from the Metro-Dagupan

Colleges Research Ethics Committee. Once approval is granted, the researchers will adhere to

strict confidentiality protocols to protect the privacy of the respondents. Informed consent will be

acquired from all participants prior to their involvement in the study, ensuring they are fully

aware of the purpose, procedures, and potential risks associated with the research.

Additionally, participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time

without any repercussions. The researchers are committed to conducting the study with integrity

and respect for all individuals involved.

25
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baniqued, M. (2020). Human trafficking awareness in coastal barangays of Pangasinan:

Community perspectives and interventions. University of the Philippines Press.

Bondoc, R., & Daria, L. (2019). Overseas vs. domestic human trafficking: Awareness gaps in
Philippine provinces. Philippine Social Science Review, 41(2), 55–73.

Brunovskis, A., & Surtees, R. (2019). Community impacts of human trafficking: Lessons from
global case studies. International Migration, 57(2), 45–62. [Link]

Chutikul, K. (n.d.). Human trafficking and the role of awareness. United Nations.

Cruz, J., & Javier, P. (2020). Participatory methods in anti-trafficking campaigns: Role-playing
and survivor stories in Philippine communities. Journal of Community Development, 15(1), 23–
39.

David, A., & Montecillo, R. (2021). Legal literacy and misconceptions on RA 9208 among rural
communities. Philippine Law Journal, 95(3), 101–120.

Davies, S., & Davies, L. (2018). Awareness campaigns and human trafficking prevention: Global
practices. Anti-Trafficking Review, 10, 71–88. [Link]

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Pampanga. Philippine Journal of Education, 41(1), 34–50.

Dizon, M., & Lopez, R. (2020). Urban awareness of RA 9208: Understanding gaps in reporting
and prevention. Philippine Social Review, 42(1), 77–95.

Dutta, S. (2021). Education, poverty, and trafficking awareness in rural areas: Evidence from
South Asia. Asian Journal of Social Science, 49(3), 311–332.
[Link]

Flores, K., & Mariano, J. (2022). Social media and legal education: RA 9208 awareness among
Filipino youth. Philippine Communication Journal, 17(2), 45–61.

Garcia, L., & Ramos, P. (2018). Community perceptions of human trafficking in coastal
barangays of Cebu. Philippine Journal of Human Rights, 22(2), 88–104.

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Hodge, D. (2014). Public awareness and human trafficking reporting in the United States.
Journal of Human Trafficking, 1(3), 184–200. [Link]

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[Link]
p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C029

Jones, K. (2019). Community monitoring committees and anti-trafficking interventions in Nepal.

International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 7(2), 12–28.

Kara, S. (2017). Modern slavery: A global perspective on human trafficking. Columbia

University Press.

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[Link]

Laczko, F., & Gozdziak, E. (2021). Human trafficking awareness: Culturally sensitive legal
literacy programs. Migration and Development, 10(1), 67–85.

Lopez, R. (2021). Information dissemination on RA 9208 in Northern Luzon: Role of local

governance. Philippine Journal of Local Government Studies, 18(1), 15–32.

Perez, M., & Gutierrez, A. (2019). Community engagement and vigilance against human
trafficking in Philippine barangays. Philippine Journal of Social Policy, 24(2), 53–70.

Polaris Project. (2007). Labour trafficking. Polaris Project. [Link]

Rashid, S., & Kabeer, N. (2020). Gender-focused workshops and human trafficking awareness:
Lessons from Bangladesh. Gender & Development, 28(1), 123–140.
[Link]

Reyes, V. (2018). Understanding RA 9208: Awareness among urban populations in the

Philippines. Philippine Legal Studies Review, 9(2), 44–61.

Santos, P. (2019). Effectiveness of barangay-level seminars on human trafficking awareness in

Bulacan. Philippine Journal of Community Education, 12(3), 78–93.

Serrano, E. (2023). Local governance and barriers to human trafficking awareness. Philippine
Journal of Public Administration, 21(1), 35–50.

Surtees, R. (2019). Community-based interventions in Southeast Asia: Combating human

trafficking. International Migration, 57(4), 200–218. [Link]

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media campaigns. Philippine Journal of Human Rights Education, 14(1), 55–73.

27
Vatican. (2004). Statement on trafficking in human beings. Pontifical Council for the Pastoral
Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Van Impe, K. (2021). Trafficking awareness in South Asia: Perceptions vs. legal knowledge.
Asian Journal of Law and Society, 8(2), 201–222.

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[Link]

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 LETTER TO CONDUCT THE STUDY
September __, 2025

P/[Link]. PERLITO R. TUAYON

Chief of Police
Mangaldan Police Station
Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Dear Sir:
Greetings of peace and respect!

We, the undersigned Bachelor of Science in Criminology students of Metro Dagupan

Colleges, are currently conducting our undergraduate research study entitled “AWARENESS
OF RESIDENTS OF MANGALDAN, PANGASINAN ON RA 9208.”

In connection with this, we respectfully request your kind permission to conduct our
study within your jurisdiction and to be allowed to gather the necessary data from the Criminal
Case of Human Trafficking in every Barangay under your command. The information that will
be obtained shall serve solely as an academic requirement and will be treated with the highest
degree of confidentiality. Rest assured that the data gathered will not be used for any purpose
other than the completion of this study.

We sincerely hope for your favorable consideration of this request. Your

support and cooperation will greatly contribute to the success of our research.

Thank you very much for your time and kind assistance.

Sincerely yours,
Noted by: CERA, MARK RANIEL M.
MS. PLACHETA, MARY ELLEN G.
Research Adviser FLORES, BRYAN L.
MALASAN, EMMANUEL S.
PROF. HERNAEZ, MARIA KRISIA FAE D.
Research Instructor NAVARRO, REIGNER AARON C.
TIBIGAR, RJ W.
Approved by:
USORIA, SHEILA C.
29
Researchers
DR. DE ASIS, ROMAE R.
President, Metro Dagupan Colleges

September __, 2025

Dear Respondents,
Greetings and warm wishes from Metro-Dagupan Colleges!
We are 3rd year Criminology students of Metro-Dagupan Colleges,
Mangaldan,Pangasinan, presently conducting a study entitled "AWARENESS OF RESIDENTS
OF MANGALDAN, PANGASINAN ON RA 9208" in order to complete our Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the subject Criminology Research 1.
In line with this, we kindly request your permission to responds to our research
instruments. You have been selected as respondents for our study.

Be assured that the data shall be utilized for research purposes only. Your positive
response will be highly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless.

Sincerely yours,
Noted by:
MS. PLACHETA, MARY ELLEN G. CERA, MARK RANIEL M.
Research Adviser FLORES, BRYAN L.
MALASAN, EMMANUEL S.
NAVARRO, REIGNER AARON C.
TIBIGAR, RJ W.
USORIA, SHEILA C.
Researchers

30
 SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Title: Awareness of Residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan on RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in

Persons Act of 2003)
Name (Optional): ____________________________________________
Barangay: _________________________
Date: ___________________

Part I: Profile of the Respondents

Please provide your personal information by checking or filling in the appropriate box.

1. Age
☐ 18–25
☐ 26–35
☐ 36–45
☐ 46–55
☐ 56 and above
2. Sex
☐ Male
☐ Female
☐ Prefer not to say
3. Civil Status
☐ Single
☐ Married
☐ Widowed
☐ Separated
4. Highest Educational Attainment
☐ No formal education
☐ Elementary level/graduate
☐ High school level/graduate
☐ College level/graduate
☐ Postgraduate
5. Occupation
☐ Student
☐ Employed (Private/Government)
☐ Self-employed
☐ Unemployed

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 ☐ OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)
☐ Others: _________________________
6. Number of Dependents
☐ None
☐ 1–2
☐ 3–4
☐ 5 and above

Part II: Level of Awareness on Human Trafficking (RA 9208)

Instruction: Please rate your level of awareness for each statement by checking the column that
best describes your answer.

Scale:
4 – Highly Aware
3 – Moderately Aware
2 – Slightly Aware
1 – Not Aware

Statements 4 3 2 1
1. I am aware that human trafficking is illegal and punishable under Philippine law. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
2. I know that RA 9208 refers to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. ☐☐☐☐
3. I am aware of the different forms of human trafficking such as sexual exploitation,
☐☐☐☐
forced labor, and child trafficking.
4. I can identify signs or indicators that a person is a victim of human trafficking. ☐☐☐☐
5. I have heard or learned about cases of human trafficking in our community or
☐☐☐☐
nearby areas.
6. I am aware of the efforts of government agencies and NGOs to prevent and combat
☐☐☐☐
human trafficking.
7. I know the proper authorities or organizations to contact in case I witness or suspect
☐☐☐☐
a human trafficking incident.
8. I am aware that human trafficking can also happen online through social media or
☐☐☐☐
job offers.
9. I understand that children and women are the most common victims of trafficking. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
10. I know the penalties and punishments for individuals found guilty of human
☐☐☐☐
trafficking.

32
Part III: Factors Affecting Awareness on Human Trafficking

Instruction: Please check all the factors that you believe have influenced your level of
awareness about human trafficking. After checking, please write a short explanation in complete
sentences on the space provided. You may check more than one.

Check
Factors Guide Sentences
(✔)
I learned about human trafficking from lessons or topics
☐ Educational background
discussed in school.
☐ Access to information (TV, I became aware of human trafficking through information
radio, internet, flyers, I saw or heard from media sources such as television,
posters) radio, or online platforms.
☐ Community seminars or I attended community or barangay seminars that helped
barangay awareness me understand the issues and laws related to human
programs trafficking.
☐ Social media exposure
I encountered posts, videos, or campaigns about human
(e.g., Facebook, YouTube,
trafficking on social media platforms.
TikTok)
I became aware of human trafficking because of my own
☐ Personal experience or
experience or from someone I personally know who was
experience of someone I know
affected by it.
My job or occupation has helped me learn more about
☐ Work or occupation human trafficking and how it happens in different
situations.
I gained awareness about human trafficking through my
☐ Involvement with NGOs or
participation in non-government or community
community groups
organizations.
I learned about the dangers of human trafficking through
☐ Religious or church-based
awareness activities organized by our church or religious
awareness activities
group.
☐ School-based activities or I became aware of human trafficking through classroom
classroom discussions discussions, school campaigns, or special programs.
☐ Others (please specify): Please explain:
_________________________ _____________________________________________

33
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: CERA, MARK RANIEL M.

BIRTHDAY: March 12 2005

BIRTHPLACE:Region 1 Hospital

HOME ADDRESS: Maasin, Mangaldan Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Maasin Elementary School

Mangaldan Pangasinan

(2011-2017)

SECONDARY Mangaldan National High School

Mangaldan, Pangasinan

(2017-2023)

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges Salay

Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Bachelor of Science in Criminology - Batch 2026

34
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: FLORES, BRYAN L.

BIRTHDAY: November 25, 2003

BIRTHPLACE: Alitaya, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

HOME ADDRESS: 706 Alitaya, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Alitaya Elementary School

S.Y. 2011–2017

SECONDARY Mangaldan National High School

S.Y. 2017–2023

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges

Salay, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Bachelor of Science in Criminology – Batch 2026

35
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: MALASAN, EMMANUEL S.

BIRTHDAY: November 8, 2003

BIRTHPLACE: Mapandan Community Hospital

HOME ADDRESS: 012-C Cacao St., Coral, Mapandan, Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Mapandan Central School

S.Y. 2010–2016

SECONDARY Mapandan National High School

S.Y. 2016–2022

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges

Salay, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Bachelor of Science in Criminology – Batch 2026

36
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: NAVARRO, REIGNER AARON C.

BIRTHDAY: February 04, 2003

BIRTHPLACE: Angeles, Pampanga

HOME ADDRESS: Bolasi San Fabian, Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Bolasi Elementary School

(Bolasi San Fabian, Pangasinan)

(2009-2015)

SECONDARY St. Blaise Christian School

(San Fabian, Pangasinan )

(2015-2019)

Joyland School Inc.

(San Fabian, Pangasinan)

(2019-2021)

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges

(Salay Mangaldan, Pangasinan)

Bachelor of Science in Criminology-Batch 2026

37
 CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: TIBIGAR, RJ W.

BIRTHDAY: February 12, 2005

BIRTHPLACE: Mangaldan, Pangasinan

HOME ADDRESS: Zone 5, Macayug, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Macayug Elementary School

S.Y. 2010–2016

SECONDARY Santo Tomas National High School

S.Y. 2016–2021

Mangaldan National High School

S.Y. 2021–2023

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges

Salay, Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Bachelor of Science in Criminology – Batch 2026

38
 CURRICULUM VITA

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: USORIA, SHEILA С.

BIRTHDAY: October 03, 2005

BIRTHPLACE: Dagupan, Region 1 Hospital

HOME ADDRESS: Sobol San Fabian, Pangasinan

CIVIL STATUS: Single

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PRIMARY Teodora Cacapit Elementary School

Sobol San Fabian, Pangasinan

(2011-2017)

SECONDARY San Fabian National High School

San Fabian, Pangasinan

(2017-2023)

TERTIARY Metro-Dagupan Colleges

Salay Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Bachelor of science in Criminology- Batch 2026

39