Perceived effects of rice mills among nearby households in the Municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the perceived effects of rice mills in the surrounding households in the Municipality of Janiuay. The study made use of the one- shot survey design in collecting data from 74 respondents using a researcher-made questionnaire. All data collected were processed and analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results revealed that the respondents were females, not more than 30 years old, married, professional workers, with college level of education, Roman Catholics, and residents of their barangays for 21 to 30 years. They had no family members who were involved in rice milling, had houses within 150 meters from the nearest rice mill, and positively saw rice mills as sources of food and sources of livelihood or employment. They had perceived negative effects of rice milling on the peoples’ health, environment and social milieu. The respondents had no reactions on the presence of rice mills. They had not known of any government action or government program which protects households from the negative effects of rice mills. They recommended minimizing of noise and proper waste disposal, the upgrading of machineries, use of filter to lessen dust and maintenance of cleanliness of the surroundings. Distance from the populated area and the standardization in the rice mill operations were also recommended and suggested.