Road

Symbolism in “The Road Not Taken”, “A Worn Path”, and “Used to Live Here Once”. When looking at the short story and poem it is impossible to see it all in a literal form. There is always some sort of symbolism that occurs within the body of the text, but what is symbolism. It can be defined differently by many people. Even when looking at a dictionary it does not typically give a thorough answer. It is because symbolism is created by the author. However, it can be contradicted or have a completely obscure meaning to the reader.

This is the exact reason why symbolism cannot be defined. However, it can be interpreted. Understanding the journey that characters take and their symbolic nature is definitely worth decoding. In fact, the symbolism of the journey is usually the basis behind the literary work itself. One of the well-known literary works with a symbolic journey is Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken. ” In the poem there is a man who has come to a crossroad in his life. One path is traveled on frequently while the other path is not. He has to make a decision as to what path he should take.

No matter what, he knows that he cannot turn back once he has made the choice, but it is implied. He chooses the path less traveled and, in turn, it happens to be the best choice he had ever made. Many have analyzed this poem and many have come up with different ideas of what it actually means. Some say it is about suicide, some say it is about life changes, while others insist it is about life changes. When is the interpretation wrong? The reader gets what they must out of the poem as they read it. It depends on what life situation they are going through at that time.

The author, Robert Frost, knew what he was writing about. Therefore, the interpretation of the poem actually merges itself with the reader. Regardless, there is a journey that occurs throughout this poem. To analyze the literary work there needs to be a beginning. Read more in Poetry « Does a Sonnet Always Have 14 Lines? Essay – “The Evacuee” and “Death of a Naturalist” »In the first two lines of Robert Frost’s poem he says: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both” (Clugston, R. W. , 2010; section 2. 2).

There is a certain symbolism in the yellow wood. It is not that the forest was filled with yellow trees. It was obviously at the beginning of fall. Fall is the season that everyone slows down from the summer. The anticipation of winter is coming and can cause a sort of depression in some people. It would explain why he wanted to travel both. The following line says: “And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth” (Clugston, R. W. , 2010; sec 2. 2). Here the reader comes to understand that the man took his time looking down the path.

This could symbolize patience or a lack of movement, which would again go along with the idea that the man was depressed. Another aspect of the idea of depression, one path had leaves on it while the other was grassy. When someone is depressed they do not want to go down a dreary path. Instead, they would want to go down the grassy path that looked less traveled. Perhaps then something would change in their life. The actual symbolism of the paths themselves goes right along with that idea. However, the man was obviously optimistic because he did think about saving the one path for another day.

He does contradict himself when he doubts that he will come back. The symbolism occurs with his doubts. He knows that once he goes down one path that he will not be able to come back at all. When the reader thinks about it there is an ordinary situation with this scenario because the entire poem is about a man who stops when he comes to a fork in the road. Nevertheless, the road actually is a symbol for life. That is where the imaginative language is used, and it is used in order to create emotion. Should the man go down the path with the leaves covering it? What are the leaves representing?

The leaves were not scattered everywhere, so the road was less traveled upon. In fact, the leaves represent the difficult trials that were to follow. Basically, it is easier to walk a path that has nothing in the way then one that does not. Therefore, the images that are particularly effective are the two paths and the leaves. These symbols change the tone of the poem to confusion, but it actually provokes deep thought when the traveler states that he took the one less traveled by. In the short story “A Worn Path” symbolism of the journey also occurs. Yet, it is much different from Frost’s “A Path Not Taken. In Frost’s poem he has the choice of two different paths, but in “A Worn Path” the old woman, Phoenix Jackson, takes the same path over and over again. The path that Phoenix takes is a path that she has taken many times before in order to get medicine for her grandson. The symbol of the path is life’s long journey. After all, she is an old woman who has dealt with many things in her life. The symbolism of the pendulum in a grandfather clock also pertains to her age. She is an old woman, a poor one at that, who walks with a cane made from an old umbrella. She was very old and small and she walked slowly in the dark pine shadows, moving a little from side to side in her steps, with the balanced heaviness and lightness of a pendulum in a grand-father clock” (Clugston, R. W. , 2010 sec 6. 3). When Phoenix hears the noises in the thicket she is determined to make sure they stay away. This represents her strength of mind. Her willpower is a large part of the symbolism within the story because of the long journey she has to take. She is not on a mission to help herself. Instead, she is on a mission to help a part of her family.

Therefore, it is a purpose driven trip, so when the animals make noise in the distance she does everything possible to make sure she scares them off. It is a life-saving task in which she cannot fail. It is then that Phoenix has to climb a hill that is almost too difficult for her. The hill actually symbolizes the struggle of life. When everyone is a child it is easy to do anything. Hills are no big deal to climb, bicycles are easy to ride, and running everywhere is as simple as eating. However, as a person ages it is more difficult to do things. That is where the hill comes in to play.

She needs to climb the hill in order to conquer aging. There was no way that she could give up easily because of the journey she was taking. Also on the hill is a bush that catches her dress. The bush signifies the obstacles in her life. She obviously lived a hard life. She had many wrinkles, her clothes spoke for themselves, and she had not been able to clean herself every day. The fact that she was poor epitomizes the fact that she had lived a hard life up until this point. Once she freed herself from the bush it characterized her willpower again.

Nothing was going to stop her from completing her task. Another important factor about the bush was that she yelled at it. She called in a pretty green bush. That symbolizes the fact that she did not recognize the many of the obstacles in her life until they actually came to pass. After she struggles with the bush she sees the sun. The sun signifies the importance of dealing with the struggles in her life. Basically, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. She was freed from that turmoil that happened in her life and she could go on. There was a new beginning, or she could start things anew.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of her struggle through life because there was the large log in the way. The log embodies the act of accomplishment. No one could stand in for her. She, Phoenix, had to overcome her own tussle. Once again, a fight for security is symbolized with the barbed wire fence. On her journey she sees a buzzard, which is a symbol of death. When thinking about a buzzard many imagine them circling around a carcass. It is their way of claiming their meal for the day. Nevertheless, this one was just sitting there. The fact that he was not moving could symbolize death waiting for her.

Yet, Phoenix was not ready for death. She may be getting old, but there was no room for death in her excursion. Shortly after she sees the buzzard she comes upon a scarecrow. Buzzards, crows, and other birds usually sit on the arms of a scarecrow. That exemplifies death as well, but instead of avoiding the scarecrow she dances in front of it. She was mocking death, or telling death in her own way that she would have no part of it. After all, she was on a mission to help her grandson. He had a throat condition, probably asthma, which prevented him from doing many things.

There was no way she was going to give up her exertion. When Phoenix finally reached her destination it was a symbol of accomplishment. When thinking about the entire path it indicates the journey throughout life. As a baby everything is taken care of. There are no worries within life because there is someone to lean on. That is the first part of the path. The second part of the path, the hill, is the beginning of hardships. Each tribulation got bigger and bigger the older Phoenix became until she came to a point in her life when her burdens were easier to overcome.

Yet, when she does get the medicine for her grandson she has to go through the entire trip over again. Again, it symbolizes more difficulties in life and the many obstacles that she had to deal with in her life. “A Worn Path” is the perfect depiction of how many people’s lives turn out. No one gets a free ride in life, which means everyone has to deal with their own miseries, troubles, and sufferings in order to become better people. Phoenix is a strong-natured, strong-willed, and head-strong woman because she dealt with her ordeals in life. It may have been difficult at times, but she became an accomplished woman in her own right.

Another short story that symbolizes life’s journey is “Used to Live Here Once. ” The first trek of her journey was the rocks in the stream. Each rock represents a significant part of the trials everyone has to deal with in life. For instance, the round unsteady rock symbolizes the rocky road people must endure throughout life. No one truly gets the easy way out of life because there is always something that makes the journey unstable. The safe stone represents childhood. When someone is a child they do not need to be dependent on themselves in order to get through their distresses in life.

A mother carries her newborn, feeds them, and cares for them. Basically, the newborn has no worries. Even as a child growing up there are really no burdens to deal with. There might be anxieties, but the child’s mother, or father, is there to catch them when they fall. They can look around as long as they want at their life and perhaps where they might be in the future. The rock, itself, is the parents. The next rock was no so safe because it was slippery and when the water rose it would be covered. This rock indicates the time of life when there are trials and tribulations to endure.

The first is, of course, becoming a teenager. There are worries, distresses, pains, and hardships to deal with. The rising of the water actually designates the rush of life after becoming an adult. A person is on their own with no one to catch them, but themselves. They need to have a watchful eye whenever difficulties arise, and sometimes those ordeals can be overbearing. There are even times when that person falls, but they always get up again. Reaching the other side of the stream designates or symbolizes the triumph over the tribulations in life. It is safe, so there is nothing to fear.

The ground is secure and it is easy sailing from there. The road that the woman travels on is much wider than it used to be. It says in the story, “The road was much wider than it used to be but the work had been done carelessly” (Clugston, R. W. , 2010, sec 7. 5). This can be interpreted a couple different ways. One way is that life is unpredictable. In other words, there is no telling what could happen next because no one knows their future. The second way of understanding the wider road is to signify change. When people become older and go through their struggles, or heir rocks, they become different people. Everything that a person endures allows them to grow into the person that they are. For instance, a child that has had a mellow life growing up suddenly decides to join the military when they become of age. They go to boot camp one person, but come back someone completely different. It is because they dealt with obstacles throughout boot camp and had to grow up into an adult. That is a forced measure of growing up, but the concept is the same. Each trouble or ordeal they go through makes them into a better person.

When the woman gets near the house she sees more changes. A house gone and one built a car, and items that were no longer there. Yet, she is so excited about coming back to place she grew up she does not really care. This, again, symbolizes the changes in life that occur. Once life has changed and the hardships are endured nothing is the same. Trials in life either become more difficult or easier to deal with. There is no telling but, nonetheless, the changes stay. Then the woman comes upon the two children playing in the yard. She attempts to say hello, but the children ignore her.

She thinks it is because she is colored. The woman gets closer to the children and she attempts to say hello again. However, they do not answer still. When she gets very close to the children one of them say it is cold, so they leave. This is when she realizes that she is no longer among the living. Therefore, the entire trip she took symbolizes the entire cycle of being born to the moment of death. In conclusion, the symbolisms between “The Path Not Taken,” “A Worn Path,” and “Used to Live Here Once” are quite similar. All three are about life’s challenges and the struggles throughout life.

There are always decisions that need to be made through life and there are always going to be obstacles that get in the way. It is getting through those tribulations that are the trick. Not only that, but it is crucial not to give up. The stories portray that indefinitely. In “The Path Not Taken” the man takes the road less traveled. Yes. He had to go through many troubles throughout his life, but in the end he chose the right path. In “A Worn Path” the old woman pretty much has to go through the same difficulties throughout her life, but her endurance presides over her. Therefore, she has made the right choice.

Last, but not least, in “Used to Live Here Once” the woman path symbolizes the entire trek through life from birth to death. These three literary works are definitely worth reading, but they are also there to teach about life itself.

References

Clugston, R. W. (2010) Journey into Literature. San Diego, CA. Bridge point Education. (http://content. ashford. edu/books/AUENG125. 10. 1/sec2. 2) (http://content. ashford. edu/books/AUENG125. 10. 1/sec6. 3) (http://content. ashford. edu/books/AUENG125. 10. 1/sec7. 5) Phillips, R. T. (March 1986) Diverging and Converging Paths: Horizontal and Vertical Movement in Robert Frost’s Mountain Interval.

Vol 58, Issue 1, pg. , 17 p. American Literature. Moberly, K. (Winter 2005/Spring 2006) Toward the North Star: Eudora Welty’s “A Worn Path” and the Slave Narrative Tradition. Vol. 59, Issue ? , p. 107-127, 21p. Mississippi Quarterly. Piwinski, D. J. (Winter 2008) Mistletoe in Eudora Welty’s ‘A Worn Path. ’ 16 (1): 40-42.

The award winning novel of the Pulitzer Price, “The Road” is a dark-post apocalyptic tale that tells of the journey south taken by a young boy and his father after an unknown catastrophe has struck the Earth. The man and the boy who remain unnamed throughout the entire novel are among the survivors left in the world who have not been driven to murder, rape and cannibalism. Despite their hardships, the man and the boy choose to remain optimistic by “carrying the fire”.

McCarthy successfully conveys paternal love between the man and the boy, which is the major theme of this novel by recreating real experiences of fathering a child at an advanced age as well as his struggles with outright poverty during his career, which combine to allow us to share the love and pain felt by the characters. From the very first page of this novel, we are introduced to the man’s warmth and affection for his son. “When he woke in the woods in the dark and the cold of the night he’d reach out to touch the child sleeping beside him”.

The effect of this on us is greatly heart-warming. This is because despite such difficult circumstances, the man’s first priority is still his son. By illustrating the closeness of the relationship between the man and his son, McCarthy is able to give us insight to our own society, by allowing love to persevere in perverse times. McCarthy is able to convey the love between a father and his son by using events such as natural disasters. An example of this is when the man comforts his son after an earthquake, “It’s gone now. We’re alright.

Shh”. The man attempts to be the pillar of emotional support for his son who has yet to be independent. Also, by reassuring the boy and offering him some comfort, the boy is able to feel his father’s care and concern, and so, the boy will feel loved and in return, reciprocate his father’s love. In less dramatic situations, the man gives his son as many “treats” as he can in such a world like an old can of Coca-Cola and a grape powdered drink mix. By doing this, we see the man’s sincerity in wanting his son to have a taste of normality.

The next issue in the theme of paternal love is, love as the driving force to ensure survival. This can be clearly portrayed by the man’s outburst of violence towards anyone who threatens his son’s life, most obviously in the scene where he shot the road rat who held a knife to the boy’s throat. “I will kill anyone who touches you. Do you understand? ” said the man. The man however, does not kill out of malice or for food. His wariness towards others seems primarily for the protection of his son.

The man’s ferocity can again be linked back to his love for his son as it is parental instinct to protect one’s children. This is proven as the man’s wife points out before her suicide that “the boy was all that stood between him and death”. In other words, the man’s unquenched thirst for survival is fuelled by the love for his son. Finally, McCarthy is able to highlight and explore the theme of parental love by emphasising the unending love between a parent and a child towards the end of the novel. At the man’s deathbed, he reveals to his son that “You have my whole heart.

You always did. If I’m not here you can still talk to me. You can talk to me and I’ll talk to you”. The man’s final words show us that he wholeheartedly loved his son and will continue to love him even after death. The boy on the other hand is filled with grief and begs to follow his father in death. “Just take me with you please”, he says to the man. This shows us that the relationship between the man and the boy has grown to the extent where the boy thinks that he would not let anything separate them, specifically death in this context.

However, even though the man cannot physically be beside the boy anymore, the man is right about them being able to speak again because all his knowledge, teachings and most importantly spirit, has been passed down to the boy so that he can keep ‘carrying the fire”. In conclusion, separation between family members, in this case, a father and his son may be painful and difficult to bear at first, but as long as the torch of love remains enkindled in one’s heart, they are never truly separated as the legacy of the one who has passed on now lives on in the one that still breathes.

Overall, “The Road” is a hopeful love-story between a father and his son. Even during the bleakest moments, the man’s love for his son, his unwavering efforts to protect his son and his hope for his son’s future makes the novel bearable and sometimes uncomfortably familiar. Although McCarthy has shown us a world where the living exist with “Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed eyes with which to sorrow it,” he also shows that beauty and happiness can exist in borrowed time, in a borrowed world, through eyes filled with love.

Road clang can be defined as the occurence on a route due to the carelessness or skip by any party concerned or due to environmental factor ensuing in a hit that involved at least one traveling vehicle whereby harm or hurt is caused to any individual, belongings, vehicle, construction or animate being and is recorded by the constabulary ( ADB-ASEAN,2004 ) .

Road traffic clangs and hurts is a public wellness job worldwide. A study carried out by Pull offing Occupational Road Risk ( manORR ) found out that 8 million employees drive on company concern every twenty-four hours and 250 of them are earnestly injured every hebdomad. In Malaysia, entire figure of route clangs had increased from 24,581 instances in 1974 to 328,264 instances in 2005, making more than 135 % addition of accident instances over 30 old ages. Harmonizing to Cubi-Molla et.al ( 2010 ) , over 50 % of deceases caused by route clangs were associated to immature grownups in the age scope of 15-44 old ages old in the twelvemonth 2004.

Victims of route traffic clang may be fatal or suffer from hurts due to the effects of the clang. There is big fluctuation in the badness of hurts. It may change from a minor contusion to severe spinal or head hurt ensuing in wellness position that some would see worse than decease ( Guria, 1993 ) . There are two degrees of effects for non-fatal hurts, which are temporarily and long-run hurt. In some instances, the hurting and agony may go on for the remainder of the victim ‘s life. The quality of life of the individual may be reduces as a effect of the hurt ( Guria, 1993 ) .

World Health Organization ( WHO ) defines quality of life as the persons ‘ perceptual experiences of their place in life in the context of civilization and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their ends, outlooks and concerns. Quality of life encompasses multiple life spheres, such as physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, societal relationships, functional ability and spiritualty.

Quality of life is an of import result step in the rating of interventions for a scope of chronic physical and psychological upsets ( Skevington, 1999 ) . In a survey conducted by Aitken et.al ( 2007 ) in Queensland Trauma Registry infirmaries in Australia, it was shown that the participants in the survey were found to hold a markedly lower quality of life overall compared with the Australian normative population. It is besides consistent with findings in international samples of injured people who have suffered from general hurt ( Holbrook, 1998 ) .

One of the facets in quality of life is health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) . It is subjective and relates to the experience and feelings of an single individual. With bettering rates of endurance following route traffic hurts in many states, healthy old ages of life lost due to clangs progressively reflect the prevalence of disenabling sequelae ( Ameratunga et.al. , 2004 ) .

Numerous surveies have shown that injured patients are at hazard of hapless quality-of-life results, and may develop psychological jobs in both the short and long footings ( Ukpong et.al, 2008 ) . Harmonizing to Family Doctor.org, post-traumatic emphasis upset ( PTSD ) is a type of anxiousness job. It can develop when one experience or see a traumatic event such as terrible auto clang. Those with PTSD have problem get bying with and retrieving from traumatic events and frequently experience the effects for months or even old ages afterwards. Powerful fear-related memories of the event seems to be a major portion of PTSD.

There are significant impacts on households and friends and on the community in general. Harmonizing to healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au. , it is estimated that there are about 100 million households worldwide seeking to get by with the decease or disablement of a household member involved in a route clang. The impact of emotional is enourmous, and the common effects are depression and self-destruction.

Another effect of route clang is on the victim ‘s physical status. Based on a research survey conducted by Ameratunga et.al ( 2004 ) , planetary load of route traffic hurts projected to rank as the 3rd prima cause of disability-adjusted life old ages by 2020. Harmonizing to Ukpong et.al ( 2008 ) , physical disfunction and disfiguration caused by some of the hurts may adversely impact the patients ‘ ability to set about their day-to-day activities, lower their temper and sense of self-pride. In a survey conducted by Anderson et. Al. ( 1997 ) , six people from entire of 24 respondents had to moved to another type of lodging because of disablements ensuing from the clang.

Besides, route clang besides affect route clang victim ‘s societal life. There was a important decrease of quality of life in the sphere of societal relationships over clip in the injured patients. 29 % of respondents participated in a survey conducted by Anderson et. Al. ( 1997 ) was reported decreased societal activities such as decreased engagement in organisational and clean activities as a consequence of route clang. The fright of traffic and of being involved in clangs can take to reduces societal interaction and coherence as victims remain indoors. This resulted in more sedentary life style with effects wellness effects such as fleshiness and cardiovascular disease ( healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au ) .

Other than that, victim ‘s of route clang suffer from fiscal job. Anderson et. Al. ( 1997 ) reported that from their survey it was found that half of the respondents had fiscal job after two old ages of accident because they were unable to return to work any longer, which was due to long-run digest. Peoples who claimed compensation had worse wellness related quality of life, 12 months after hurt, every bit good as describing that their wellness position and disablement were worse from a really early phase after hurt ( Littleton et.al, 2010 ) . Financial job after route clang besides reported by Zaloshnja et.al ( 2004 ) , where pecuniary losingss were associated with medical attention ( such as infirmary, rehabilitation, prescription and accessory costs ) , belongings harm and legal costs.

Problem Statement

The ground for carry oning this survey is there is limited literature on the results of hurt, including quality of life ( Aitken et.al, 2007 ) . A great trade of authorities clip and investing around the universe has been devoted to route safety in general. Until late, small attending was focused on work-related hurts happening on the route ( Murray, 2008 ) . In add-on, occupational safety and healths specializers have traditionally focused on safety in the workplace or on work sites instead than occupational route safety. The measuring of quality of life provides a utile method of measuring the results of wellness intercessions.

Research Justification

A great trade of authorities clip and investing around the universe has been devoted to route safety. Until late, small attending was focused on work-related hurts happening on the route. Furthermore, occupational safety and wellness specializers have traditionally focused on safety in the workplace or on work sites ( Murray, et.al, 2008 ) . Decrease in HRQoL among employees may impact their work public presentation. With the appraisal of quality of life for those employees who had involved in occupational route clang, it help employees to work as before the clang occur. The finding of HRQoL among occupational route clang victims may help wellness workers in the designation of cardinal countries to aim in planning and monitoring different intervention options. In add-on, steps of HRQoL are going of import in the bar schemes for cut downing the load of hurt.

Research Aims

1. To find the prevalence of hapless HRQoL after involved in route traffic clangs.
2. To analyze the impacts on the HRQoL among route traffic clangs victims.
3. To place the badness of the HRQoL among route traffic clangs victims.
4. To measure the long term HRQoL among route traffic clangs victims.

Research Hypothesis

1. The prevalence of hapless HRQoL after involved in route traffic clangs are high as the victims are exposed to many effects from the clangs.
2. The impacts on the HRQoL among route traffic clangs victims are physical wellness, psychological, societal relationship and fiscal.
3. The badness of the HRQoL is vary between persons and besides depends on the badness of hurt.
4. The HRQoL of route traffic clangs victims will be improved by clip as they are able to accommodate the new physical status.

Chapter 3

Methodology

3.1 Sampling Method

Data will be collected from people identified from exigency section registries in three public infirmaries, which are Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, Seremban General Hospital and Melaka General Hospital. Choice of respondents will be based on the undermentioned inclusion standards:

1. Involved in occupational route clang in the last 7 yearss.
2. Occupational route clang victim that age between 18-40 old ages old.
3. Admission to infirmary for futher intervention transcending 24 hours.
4. Reason for admittance is trauma which is due to the route traffic clang and non due to other digest that arise from route clang.

After possible respondents had been identified, they will be giving informed consent. Following, they need to reply the questionnaire sing their sociodemographic and clinical information. The same respondents will be follow-up to finish the Part II of the questionnaire within 2 two hebdomads after they involved in the route clang.

The questionnaire will be classified into 2 parts:

Part I: Sociodemographic and clinical informations

• Sociodemographic informations – age, gender, educational attainment, employment, matrimonial position and contact information.
• Clinical information – cause of hurt, site and type of hurt.

Part II: Health-Realted Quality of Life

Information for HRQoL of occupational route clang victims will be obtained through the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ( COPM ) , that is conceptually derived from the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance ( Jolles et. Al, 2005 ) . It is designed to mensurate client-identified jobs in self-care, productiveness and leisure. The step is designed to observe alteration in a client ‘s self-perception of occupational public presentation over clip. Tonss are obtained for public presentation and satisfaction with public presentation. The difference between initial and subsequent tonss is a step of result, with a two-point difference in either way bespeaking important alteration. However, respondents should non cognize about their old tonss as this may impact their terminal consequence. They need to rate their public presentation and satisfaction based merely on their current perceptual experiences.

Harmonizing to Canadian Assosiation of Occupational Therapists ( CAOT ) , COPM is designed to be used for assortment of disablements and across all developmental phases. In add-on, COPM is a standardised instrument, with a semi-structured interview format and structured hiting method. Change scores between appraisal and reappraisal utilizing the COPM are the most meaningful tonss derived from this appraisal. The step is easy to administrate, taking 20-40 proceedingss. The COPM works really good as an initial appraisal. COPM has been used in more than 35 states and has been translated into over 20 linguistic communications.

3.2 Statistical analysis

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences ( SPSS ) version 14.0 will be used to analyze the information. Probabilities of less than 0.05 were accepted as important.

Should Minnesota’s County Road Commissions Take on More Responsibility? Katherine Monrowe ENG 101b Professor B. Hatchett November 10, 2008 November 8, 2008 Mr. Walter Hooper Chairman of T. R. County Road Commission 1881 Labree Ave. Thief River Falls, MN 56701 Dear Mr. Hooper, Enclosed is my proposal that the T. R. County Road Commission begin to plow and/or sand the main business commuter roads more frequently after and during inclement weather. During the past couple of years, the road commission has been too ill prepared to deal with the winter weather, and the lack of preparedness has caused many unfortunate accidents.

My proposal would provide concerned Thief River Falls residents with a renewed sense of security. I believe that if the road commission were to increase the amount of times that the roads are plowed during and after winter weather, residents would feel more loyalty and respect towards those who work for our county, and it would help residents to have a safer commute to their jobs and their homes. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this proposal. Sincerely, Katherine Monrowe Should Minnesota’s County Road Commissions Take on More Responsibility? The winters in Northern Minnesota are harsh, cold, and dangerous.

The average snowfall for the state falls between 30 and 38 inches per year. Within the past five years, the temperatures have been known to fluctuate greatly; from warmer temperatures during the day, to below freezing through the night. These temperature changes can cause dangerous road conditions, such as black ice, which can harmful or even deadly. Along with the weather changes, the county road commissions throughout Minnesota have been making changes as well; they have, significantly, cut back on the amount of time and effort that they spend plowing, sanding, and/or salting the roads.

These cut backs may seem minor, but they are resulting in many unnecessary accidents and less than desirable driving conditions. This forces residents to ask the question, should Minnesota’s country road commissions take on more responsibility? I believe that the best solution to this problem would be to designate specific times of the day, during the winter months, to plowing/sanding/salting, and require that more attention be paid to the roads when the weather conditions are dangerous.

I think that if the residents of Thief River County, and potentially the entire of state Michigan, were provided with a safer commute, they would feel more loyalty and respect towards those who work for our county. After the state of Minnesota implemented many budget cuts, funding was cut too many important organizations, one being the county road commissions. Our government officials fail to recognize all that entails these budget cuts. Not only have the driving conditions suffered, but parking lot conditions have also.

The handicap parking spaces are completely disregarded, causing handicapped and elderly citizens to risk injury by parking or walking through snow and ice (Schneider, 2001). Not only are those who drive themselves affected by the winter road conditions, but those who utilize public transportation are affected as well. If the road commission is slow to take care of roads, then public transportation (e. g. buses, taxis, etc…) will be late to pick up its passengers. This, in turn, will make its passengers late for work and may cause them to lose their jobs.

Also, some may argue that there is always a risk while driving, and more time spent taking care of the roads during the winter will not lessen the risk. However, M. Peden states, “While in practical terms it may not be possible completely to eliminate all risk, it is possible to reduce the exposure to risk of severe injury and to minimize its intensity and consequences (2004). ” Peden’s quote states exactly the point that I am trying to prove. I understand that the risk will not be completely taken away; however, the hances can be significantly reduced if the roads are plowed and sanded. It is clear to see that the budget cuts are more of a risk, and the increase in accidents and the need for tow trucks have cost the state even more money. Marina Fulton, of Kingston, has a thirty-minute commute to her office and when the weather is at its worse, Fulton has to leave an extra hour early just to make it to work on time (2008). Obviously, the winters of Northern Minnesota are going to be dangerous, even though the road conditions could be improved.

However, if the roads were properly taken care of, residents would have more time to get to their jobs and feel safer on their way. I believe that if the T. R. county road commission were to implement the suggestions in this proposal in January of 2009, they’d be able to get a “head start” on the months in which winter is its harshest. Linda Boonstrand, of Thief River, stated “I would definitely feel safer driving with my two young daughters if the road commission were to take care of the roads more thoroughly (2008). With the advances in technology that our country is continuing to make, road commissions should be able to find out when inclement weather in on its way and be prepared to take care of the roads (Committee on Weather Research for Transportation, 2004). In conclusion, I am calling upon my county to spend more time taking care of the roads during the winter months, especially more during inclement weather. I believe that the extra time spent clearing/sanding/salting the roads throughout the winter will result in a safer and happier community.

Thank you for taking the time to review and consider this proposal. I look forward to hearing from you. Works Cited Boonstrand, L. (December 6, 2008) Personal interview. Committee on Weather Research for Surface Transportation. (2004). Where the weather meets the road: a research agenda for improving road weather services. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Retrieved December, 6, 2008, from NetLibrary Database. Downs, A. (2004). Still stuck in traffic: coping with peak-hour traffic congestion. Washington, D. C. Brookings Institution Press.

Retrieved December, 6, 2008, from NetLibrary database.. Fulton, M. (December 5, 2008) Personal interview. King, K. (2002, May 23). New budget calls for slight trims in city taxes, staff – Manager Holt says the city’s “lean operation” continues. The Grand Rapids Press Online. Retrieved on December, 7, 2008, from Newsbank database. Peden, M. M. (2004). World report on road traffic injury prevention. Geneva WHO. Retrieved December, 6, 2008, from NetLibrary database. Schneider, J. (2001, January 29). Tight spot. The Lansing State Journal Online. Retrieved on December, 10, 2008, from Newsbank database.

Section 1. It is hereby declared a policy of the Government to promote and encourage the development of economic and socialized housing projects, primarily by the private sector, in order to make available adequate economic and socialized housing units for average and low-income earners in urban and rural areas. Sec. 2.

As used in this Act, economic and socialized housing refers to housing units which are within the affordability level of the average and low-income earners which is thirty percent (30%) of the gross family income as determined by the National Economic and Development Authority from time to time. It shall also refer to the government-initiated sites and services development and construction of economic and socialized housing projects in depressed areas. Sec. 3.

To carry out the foregoing policy, the Ministry of Human Settlements is authorized to establish and promulgate different levels of standards and technical requirements for the development of economic and socialized housing projects and economic and socialized housing units in urban and rural areas from those provided in Presidential Decree Numbered Nine hundred fifty-seven, otherwise known as the “Subdivision and Condominium Buyers’ Protective Decree,” Presidential Decree Numbered Twelve hundred and sixteen, “Defining Open Space in Residential Subdivision”; Presidential Decree Numbered Ten Hundred and ninety-six, otherwise known as the “National Building Code of the Philippines”; and Presidential Decree Numbered Eleven hundred and eighty-five, otherwise known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines” and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, in consultation with the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, the Integrated National Police, and other appropriate government units and instrumentalities and private associations. Sec. 4.

The standards and technical requirements to be established under Section three hereof shall provide for environmental ecology, hygiene and cleanliness, physical, cultural and spiritual development and public safety and may vary in each region, province or city depending on the availability of indigenous materials for building construction and other relevant factors. Sec. 5. The different levels of standards and technical requirements that shall be established and promulgated by the Ministry of Human Settlements only after public hearing and shall be published in two newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines for at least once a week for two consecutive weeks and shall take effect thirty days after the last publication. Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. Approved: March 25, 1982. (P. B. No. 1880)

ANNEX A – RULES AND STANDARDS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS TO IMPLEMENT BATAS PAMBANSA  Pursuant to Section 3 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 and by virtue of Section 4 (f) of Presidential Decree 1396, the following rules and levels of standards are herebypromulgated. RULE I GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1. Scope of Application. — These rules and standards shall apply to the development of economic and socialized housing projects in urban and rural areas as defined in Section 2 of BP Blg. 220. They shall apply to the development of either a house and lot or a house or lot only. These rules and standards shall also apply in the case of individual lot owner who belong to the category of average of low income earners as defined in BP Blg. 20 and who shall cause the construction of their houses after the effectivity of these Rules. Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. — It is a policy of the government to promote and encourage the development of economic and socialized housing projects, primarily by the private sector in order to make available adequate economic and socialized housing units for averaged and low-income earners in urban and rural areas. RULE II  DEFINITION OF TERMS Sec. 3. As used in this rules, the following words and phrases are defined and understood to have the meaning correspondingly indicated therein. ALLEY : A public way intended to serve both pedestrian and emergency vehicles, and also access to lots, both end always connecting to streets.

BLOCK : A parcel of land bounded on the sides by streets or alleys or pathways or other natural or manmade features, and occupied by or intended for buildings. CLUSTER HOUSING :   A single-family attached dwelling containing three or more separate living units grouped closely together to form relatively compact structures. COMMISSION : Shall mean the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission. COMMUNITY : Facilities or structures intended FACILITIES   to serve common needs and for the benefit of the community, such as: neighborhood/ multi-purpose center, health center, drugstore, school, livelihood center, etc. DWELLING : A building designed or used as residence for one or more families.

Single-Family Detached — a dwelling for one family which is completely surrounded by permanent open spaces, with independent access, services, and use of land. Single-Family Attached — a dwelling containing two or more separate living units each of which is separated from another by party or lot lines walls and provided with independent access, services, and use of land. Such dwellings shall include duplexes, row houses or terraces, and cluster housing. Multi-Family Dwelling — a dwelling on one lot containing separate living units for 3 or more families, usually provided with common access, services, and use of land. ECONOMIC AND : A type of housing project provided SOCIALIZED HOUSING   to moderately low income families with lower interest rates and longer amortization periods.

FIREBLOCK : Any wall which separate two abutting living units so as to resist the spread of fire. Such wall shall be of masonry construction e. g. , cement hollow blocks, bricks, reinforced concrete, etc. at least “4” thick, and shall extend throughout the whole length of the living units and from the lowest portion of the wall adjoining the living units up to the point just below the roof covering of purlins. FIRE-RESISTIVE : Fire resistive time period is the TIME PERIOD   length of time a material can RATING   withstand being burned which may be one-hour, 2-hours, 3-hours, 4-hours, etc. FIRE WALL : A fireblock with extends vertically from the lowest portion of the wall which adjoins the 2 living units up to a minimum height of 0. 0 meter above the   highest portion of the roof attached to it; the fire wall shall also extend horizontally up to a minimum distance of 0. 30 meter beyond the outermost edge of the abutting living units. FRONTAGE : That part or end of a lot which abuts a street. LIVING UNIT : A dwelling, or portion thereof, providing complete living facilities for one family, including provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, eating, bathing and   toilet facilities and laundry facilities, the same as a single family-dwelling. LOT/PLOT : A portion of a subdivision or any parcel of land intended as a unit for transfer of ownership or for building development.

LOT LINE WALL : A wall used only by the party upon whose lot the wall is located, erected at a line separating two parcels of land each of which is a separate real   estate entity. OCCUPANCY : The purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room   housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors. OPEN SPACE : Shall refer to areas allocated for the following purposes: — Circulation — Community facilities — Park/Playground — Easements — Courts PARTY WALL : A wall used jointly by two parties under easement agreement, erected upon a line separating two parcels of land each of which is a separate   real estate.

PARK/PLAYGROUND : That portion of the subdivision which is generally not built on and intended for passive or active recreation. PATHWALK/ FOOTPATH : A public way intended for pedestrian and which cuts across a block to provide access to adjacent streets or property with maximum length of 100   meters if connecting to roads and 50 meters if terminating in a dead end. ROW HOUSE : A single-family attached dwelling containing three or more separate living units designed in such a way that they abut each other at the sides, as in a   row, and are separated from each other by party walls: provided with independent access, services, and use of land.

TECHNICAL : Shall refer to the set of documents REQUIREMENTS   required by the Commission for the processing and approval of economic and socialized housing projects including systems and procedures for the implementationand enforcement of BP 220. | RULE III MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING Sec. 4. Compliance with standards required. — Development of economic and socialized housing project shall be in accordance with the minimum design standards herein set forth. Sec. 5. Basis and objectives of the minimum design standards. — The minimum design standards set forth herein are intended to provide minimum requirements within the generally accepted levels of safety, health and ecological considerations.

Variations, however are also possible, as may be based on some specific regional, cultural and economic setting, e. g. , building materials, space requirements and usage. The parameters used in formulating these Design Standards are: A. Protection and safety of life, limb, property and general public welfare. B. Basic needs of human settlements, enumerated in descending order as follows: 1) Water 2) Movement and Circulation 3) Storm drainage 4) Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal 5) Power 6) Park/Playground The provision of these basic needs shall be based on the actual setting within which the project site is located. C. Affordability levels of target market D. Location

The Actual setting of project site shall determine the type and degree of development to be required in a subdivision/housing project regardless of political boundaries. With respect to this, the degree on level of development shall be defined as follows: 1) Underdeveloped Area — characterized by the predominant absence of utility systems or networks, especially water supply, roads and power. 2) Developed Area — characterized by the predominant presence of utility systems or network, especially water supply, roads and power. Sec. 6. Technical Guidelines. — In determining whether an economic and socialized housing shall be allowed, the following guidelines shall be considered. A. Suitability of Site 1. Physical Suitability

A potential site must have characteristics assuring healthful, safe and environmentally sound community life. It shall be stable enough to accommodate foundation load without excessive site works. Critical areas (e. g. , areas subject to flooding, lands slides and street) must be avoided. 2. Slope Flat to rolling terrain (0 to 5%) are preferable but housing development may take place up to 15% slopes, with flat lands (below 5%) for high density development and sloping area (5-15%) for low to medium density development. The latter slopes, however, should be capable of being developed for habitation at reasonable cost with assurance of stability for vertical construction. 3. Availability of basic needs

The prioritized basic needs cited earlier shall preferably be available within reasonable distance from the project site, but where these are not available, the same shall be provided for by the developer. 4. Conformity with the Zoning Ordinance or Land Use Plan of the City/Municipality Generally, housing projects should conform with the Zoning Ordinance of the city/municipality where they are located. However, where there is no Zoning Ordinance or Land Use Plan, the dominant land use principle and site suitability factors cited herein shall be used in determining suitability of a project to a site. Furthermore, if the project is undoubtedly supportive of other land uses and activities, (e. g. , housing for industrial workers) said project shall be allowed. B. Allowance for future development

Project design should consider not only the reduction of cost of development to a minimum but also provision for possible future improvement or expansion, as in the prescription of lot sizes, rights-of-way of roads, open space, allocation of areas for common uses and facilities. C. Land Allocation 1. Saleable and non-saleable are There shall be no fixed ratio between saleable portion and non-saleable portion of a subdivision project. 2. Area allocated for Circulation System The area allocated for the circulation system shall not be fixed, as long as the prescribed dimension and requirements for access (to both the project site and to dwelling units) specified in these Design Standards are complied with. 3. Area allocated for community facilities

Sites for community facilities shall be reserved or allocated by the developer, where such facilities may be constructed/put up the Homeowners Association as the need arises. Said sites shall be used exclusively for these facilities as defined in Rule II, and the area shall be exclusive of that area intended for park/playground. The area allocated for community facilities shall vary with the density of the subdivision, i. e. , number of lots and/or living units whichever is applicable, as shown in Table I. TABLE I REQUIRED AREA FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES ACCORDING TO DENSITY No. of lots and/or living units Areas for Community Facilities per ha. % of gross area of subdivision 150 and below 1% 151 to 225 1. 5% above 225 2. 0%

Community facilities shall be centrally located where they can serve maximum member of population, preferably near or side by side the park/playground. 4. Area allocated for Park/Playground Provision for park/playground is required in all cases. Allocation of areas for parks and playgrounds shall be exclusive of those allocated for community facilities and shall vary according to the density of lots and/or living units in the subdivision, whichever is applicable, as shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 REQUIRED AREA FOR PARK/PLAYGROUND ACCORDING TO DENSITY Area for Park/ Density Playground No. of lots and/or living % of gross area of units per hectare subdivision 50 and below 3. 5 151 to 225 7. 0 above 225 9. 0 Location of parks shall be based on hierarchy, accessibility and shall be free from hazard, risks, barriers, etc. Landscaping (sodding and tree-planting) shall be done by the subdivision developer/owner. Minimum size for a pocket park is 100 square meters. D. Integration of project site with adjacent property and to the total development context of the city/municipality. Land allocation and alignment of the various utilities (roads, drainage, power and water) of the subdivision should align and be integrated with those of existing networks as well as projects outside the boundaries of the project site, e. g. access roads (road connecting project site to the nearest public road) should follow the standard specification of the MPWH. Hierarchy of roads (with respect to function and dimensions) shall be observed when planning the road network within the project site such that no major or minor road align with an alley or footpath. Sec. 7. Design Standards and Planning Considerations. — The following design standards and planning considerations shall be observed by all projects covered by these Rules. A. Water Supply 1. Underdeveloped Area Minimum requirement shall be provision of communal wells. Water supply must be potable and adequate at least 43 liters per capita per day. Supply source shall be identified and developed by the project developer/owner.

Whenever a body of water shall be utilized for community waters supply, permits from the National Water Resource Council (NMRC) shall be obtained. Standards set by the Regional Water Resource Council (RWRC) on water source development shall be complied with. Each well shall be allocated approximately four (4) square meters area which shall form part of the area for community facilities (as defined in Rule II) and shall not encroach on any saleably lot or right of way. 2. Developed Area Whenever a public water supply system exists, connection to it by the subdivision is mandatory. Each lot and/or living unit shall be served with water connection (regardless of the type of distribution system).

Water supply provided by the local water district shall be complemented/supplemented by other sources, when necessary, such as communal well which may be located strategically for ease and convenience in fetching water by residents and at the same time not closer than 300 meters from each other. If public water supply system is not available, the developer shall provide for an independent water supply system within the subdivision project. Minimum quantity requirement shall be 75 liters per capita per day. Likewise, required permits from the NWRC shall be obtained and standards of the Local Water Utilities Administration shall be complied with. If ground reservoir is to be put up, and area shall be allocated for this purpose (part of allocation for community facilities).

The size shall depend on volume of water intended to be stored. Provide for protection from pollution namely, buffer of at least 25 meters from sources of pollution/contamination. For elevated reservoir, structural design shall comply with accepted structural standards. B. Circulation System 1. Circulation system shall be the same in both Underdeveloped Area and a Developed Area projects except for type of pavement which is adopted on regional or locational peculiarities of the project site. TABLE 3 HIERARCHY OF ROADS Type of Right-of Maximum Road Way Carriageway Length Major 8. 00 6. 00 Minor 6. 50 5. 00 120 m. (dead end), provide for turn around space. If 50 m. or less, turn around space not required.

Alley 3. 00 3. 00 150 m. (both ends connecting to a Minor road), 75 m. (dead end) Footpath 2. 00 2. 00 100 m. (both ends connecting to an alley), 50 m. (dead end) TABLE 4 . MAXIMUM SIZES OF PROJECTS PER HIERARCHY OF  ROAD Project Size Range Road Network above 0 — 2. 50 has Minor road, alley footpath above 2. 50 — 15. 00 has Major road, minor road alley, footpath. above 15. 00 — 30. 00 has Model B’s major road, then major road to footpath as cited in Table 3. (Model B of PD 957) above 30. 00 Model A’s collector road, service road, then major road to footpath as cited in Table 3. Model A of PD 957) TABLE 5 PAVING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION PER TYPE OF ROAD

Type of Road Underdeveloped Developed Footpath aggregates (stones, aggregates rocks, pebble, gravel) Alley aggregates aggregates Minor road aggregates macadam Major road Macadam asphalt Note: Paving material for roads adopted from Models A and B (PD 957) shall have the same paving materials as cited herein, i. e. , asphalt. 2. Planning Considerations or Circulation Layout a) Observance of the hierarchy of roads within the subdivision. b) Conformance to natural topography. c) Consideration for access and safety e. g. adequate radius, minimum number of roads at intersections, moderate slope/grade, adequate sight distance, no blind corners, etc. ) Optimization as to number of lots to lessen area for roads, at the same time enhance community interaction. e) There shall be no duplications of street names and such names shall not bear any similarity to existing street names in adjacent subdivision, except when they are in continuation of existing ones. Street names shall be recognizable and readable. The developer shall bear the cost of purchase and installation of street names/signs coincident with the construction of streets and utilities. f) Sidewalks shall not be required when drainage system is through open canals; when drainage canals are covered or underground, the space above the canals shall be utilized as sidewalk. C. Drainage System

Drainage system shall be required in all projects. An open canal on each side of the circulation network shall be provided. Said canal shall have appropriate slope to effect good drainage. Moreover, the sides of the open canal shall be lined with grass or stones to prevent erosion. See illustration below. In case of non-existence of drainage system in the locality, catchment area for drainage discharges shall be provided for and developed by the developer/owner in consultation with local authorities or private entities concerned, to prevent flooding of adjacent property. Moreover, said catchment are shall be made safe and maintained and shall form part of the park/playground requirement. D.

Sewage Disposal System The minimum requirement for sewage disposal shall be the use of septic tank. For single detached units and multi-unit buildings, communal septic tanks may be allowed. Drainfield area of affluent shall be 25. 00 meters minimum distance from any sources of water (well, spring, etc. ). E. Electrical Power Supply 1. Underdeveloped Area Electrical power supply is optional. However, the developer shall allocate sufficient land area for easements for power supply facilities based on existing laws and regulations. 2. Developed Area When power is available within the locality of the project site, its connection to the subdivision is required.

Actual connection, however, may depend on the minimum number of users as required by the power supplier. Installation particles, materials and fixtures used, shall be in accordance with the provisions of the existing rules and regulations of the Electrical Code of the local power utility company. F. Lot sizes 1. Minimum lot area requirement shall be as follows: a) Detached dwelling unit — 72. 00 sq. meters b) Semi-detached dwelling unit a. corner lot — 54. 00 sq. meters b. row house d. u. — 36. 00 sq. meters 2. Lot Planning consideration (applicable to both Underdeveloped Area and Developed Area Projects). a) A lot shall either be served by a road, motor court, an alley or a pathway. b) Deep lots and irregularly shaped lots shall be avoided. ) Lot elevation may be at grade, lower or higher than the elevation of the street but should not be so excessive as to effect good utility connection/run. d) Lot lines shall be perpendicular or radial to street lines in appropriate cases. e) Lot shall be protected against non- conforming uses and/or other risk through provision of adequate buffer strip, protective walls, and roads or other similar devices. On the other hand, lot shall be laid out that they front desirable views, such as parks, lagoon, etc. f) Lot shall be so laid out that water courses/drainage ways do not bisect the lots. g) Minimum lot frontages: Single detached — 8. 00 meters Single attached — 6. 00 meters Row house/irregular lot — 3. 0 meters G. Block Length Maximum block length is 250 meters. Block length exceeding 250 meters, but not beyond 400 meters, shall be provided by an alley at midlength. H. Easements Provisions for easements in both Under-developed Area and Developed Area projects shall be integrated with utility network/part of right of way. I. Other Facilities 1. Garbage Disposal System Garbage disposal shall be undertaken by the local government or in the absence thereof by individual lot owners, but shall always observe sanitary practices and methods. 2. Firefighting The Homeowners Association shall form fire brigade in collaboration with the barangay fire brigade.

Water for fire fighting shall be part of the water supply requirement and shall comply with the requirements of the local/district fire unit of the Integrated National Police. Sec. 8. Building Design Standards and Guidelines. — Projects incorporation housing components shall comply with the following design standards and guidelines. A. Single Family Dwelling 1. Height Limitation — Maximum number of stories is two (2). 2. Unit Planning a. Access to the Property. — Direct access to the single-family dwelling shall be provided by means of an abutting public street, alley or pathway. b. Access to the dwelling unit. — An independent means of access to the dwelling unit shall be provided without trespassing adjoining properties.

Acceptable means of access to the rear yard of the dwelling unit shall be provided without passing through any other dwelling unit or any other yard. c. Open space requirements. — Open spaces shall be located totally or distributed anywhere within the lot in such a manner as to provide maximum light and ventilation into the building. TABLE 6 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT Percent of Open Space Type of Lot Residential All Others a. Interior lot (located  in the interior of a  block made accessible  or alley by means of a  private access road). 50% 25% b. Inside lot (non-corner  or single frontage lot) 20% 15% c. Corner and/or through  lot 10% 15% d.

Lots bounded on three  3) or more sides by public open spaces such  as streets, easement of  seashores, rivers,  esteros, etc. 5% 5% d. Sizes and Dimensions of Courts and Yards. — The minimum horizontal dimension of courts and yards shall be not less than 2. 0 meters. All inner courts shall be connected to a street of yard, either by a passageway with a minimum width of 1. 20 meters or by a door through a room or rooms. Every court shall have a width of not less than 2. 0 meters for one and two-storey buildings. However, this may be reduced to not less than 1. 50 meters in cluster living units such as quadruplexes, row-houses and the like one or two storeys in height with adjacent courts with an area of not less than 3. 00 square meters.

Provided, further, that the separation walls or fences, if any, shall be not higher than 2. 00 meters. Irregularly shaped lots such as triangular lots and the like whose courts may be also triangular in shape may be exempted from having a minimum width of 2. 0 meters, provided that no side thereof shall be less than 3. 0 meters. e. Abutments. — Abutments may be permitted on all sides provided that: a. A fire wall starting from the ground level and extending at least 0. 30 meters from the roof line is constructed. b. There shall be no opening on the party fire wall. c. The fire wall shall have a minimum of one-hour fire resistive rating. 3. Building Design Standards a. Space Standards. Spaces within the dwelling structure shall be distributed in an economical, efficient and practical manner so as to afford the maximum living comfort and convenience and to insure health and safety among the occupants. It shall provide complete living facilities for one family including provisions for living, sleeping, laundry, cooking, eating, bathing and toilet facilities. b. Floor Area Requirement. — The minimum floor area requirement for single-family dwelling shall be 20. 00 square meters. c. Ceiling Heights 1. Minimum ceiling height for habitable measured from the finished floor line to the ceiling line. Where ceilings are not provided, a minimum headroom clearance of 2. 00 meters shall be provided. 2.

Mezzanine floors shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 1. 80 meters above and below it, provided that it shall not cover 50% of the floor area below it. d. Openings 1. Doors a. A minimum of one entrance/exit shall be provided where the number of occupants is not more than 10; two (2) entrance/exits where the number of occupants is greater than 10. b. Doors shall have a minimum clear height of 2. 00 meters. Except for bathroom doors and doors in the mezzanine which shall have a minimum clear height of 1. 80 meters. c. Minimum clear widths shall be the following: Main Door 0. 80 meters Service Door/ Bedroom Door 0. 70 meters Bathroom Door 0. 60 meters 2. Windows A.

Rooms for habitable use shall be provided with windows with a total free area of openings equal to at least 10% of the floor area of the room. B. Bathrooms shall be provided with window/s with an area not less than 1/20 of its floor area. C. Required windows may open into a roofed porch where the porch: a) Abuts a court, yard, public street or alley, or open water course and other public open spaces;  b) Has a ceiling height of not less than 2. 00 m. e. Interior Stairs. — The stairs shall ensure structural safety for ascent and descent, even in extreme cases of emergency. It shall afford adequate headroom and space for the passage of furniture. 1. Width. — Stairways shall have a minimum clear width of 0. 60 meters. 2. Rise and Run. — Stairs shall have a maximum riser height of 0. 5 meters and a minimum tread width of 0. 20 meters. Stairs treads shall be exclusive of nosings and/or other projections. 3. Headroom Clearance. — Stairs shall have a minimum headroom clearance of 2. 00 meters. Such clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a place parallel and tangent to the stairway tread moving to the soffit above all points. 4. Landings. — Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway. Maximum height between landing shall be 2. 60 meters. 5. Handrails. — Stairways shall have at least one handrail on one side provided there is a guard or wall on the other side.

However, stairways have less than four (4) risers need not have handrails, and stairs with either a guard or wall on one end need not be provided with a handrail on that end. 6. Guard and Handrail details. — The design of guards and handrails and hardware for attaching handrails to guards, balusters or masonry walls shall be such that these are made safe and convenient. a. Handrails on stairs shall not be less than 0. 80 meters nor more than 1. 20 meters above the upper surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the lending edge of the tread. b. Handrails shall be so designed as to permit continuous sliding of hands on them and shall be provided with a minimum clearance of 38 mm. from the wall to which they are fastened. c.

The height of guards shall be measured vertically to the top guard from the leading edge of the tread or from the floor of landings. It shall not be less than 0. 80 meters and no more than 1. 20 meters. Masonry walls may be used for any portion of the guard. 7. Winding and circular stairways. — Winders and circular stairways may be used if the required width of run is provided at a point not more than 300 millimeters from the side of the stairway where the treads are narrower but in no case shall any width of run be less than 150 mm. at any point. The maximum variation in the height of risers and the width of treads in any one flight shall be 5 mm. 8. Ladders. — The use of ladders be allowed provided that the maximum distance between landings shall be meters. f. Roofing. Roofing material that is impervious to water shall be provided. g. Electrical Requirements. — There shall be provided at least one light outlet and one convenience outlet per activity area. h. Fireblocks. — When any two (2) living units abut each other, a fireblock shall be required in which case the fireblock shall be the masonry construction (e. g. , cement hollow blocks, bricks, reinforced concrete, etc. ), at least 4″ thick, and shall extend from the lowest portion of the wall adjoining the 2 living units up to the point just below the road covering or purlins. i. Abutments. — Whenever a dwelling abuts on a property line a fire wall shall be required.

The fire wall shall be of masonry construction, at least 4″ thick, and extend vertically from the lowest portion of the wall adjoining the living units up to a minimum height of 0. 30 meters above the highest point of the roof attached to it the fire wall shall also extend horizontally up to a minimum distance of 0. 30 m. beyond the outermost edge of the abutting living units. No openings whatsoever shall be allowed except when the two abutting spaces of two (2) adjacent living units are unenclosed or partially open, e. g. , carports, terraces, patios, etc. ; instead a separation wall shall be required. B. Multi-Family Dwellings 1. Plot Planning a. Access to the property. Direct vehicular access to the property shall be provided by means of an abutting improved public street or alley. b. Access to the dwelling. — An independent means of access shall be provided to each dwelling, or group of dwellings in a single plot, without trespassing adjoining properties. Each dwelling must be capable of maintenance without trespassing adjoining properties. Utilities and service facilities must be independent for each dwelling unit. Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a sanitary means for the removal of garbage and trash. c. Access to living units. — An independent means of access to each living units shall be provided without passing through any yard of a living unit or any other yard. d. Non-residential use. Portions of the property may be designed or used for non-residential use provided the type of non- residential use is harmonious or compatible with the residential character of the property. Some examples of allowable non-residential uses are garages, carports, cooperative store, and structures for the homeowners’ association. Any non-residential use of any portion of the property shall be subordinate to the residential use and character of the property. The floor area authorized for non-residential use, whether in the principal dwelling structure or in any accessory building, shall not exceed 25% of the total residential area. The computation of the non-residential area shall include hallways, corridors or similar spaces which serve both residential and non-residential areas. e. Open Space Requirements. Portions of the property shall be devoted to open space to provide for adequate light, ventilation and fire safety. 1. Setbacks from the property line shall be maintained, the minimum of which shall be the following: Kinds of Total Lot Open MINIMUM SETBACK REQUIREMENT PER STOREY Space  Required 1 & 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Interior 50% Inside 20% Corner/ Through 10% 2. 0 2. 3 2. 6 2. 9 3. 2 3. 5 3. 8 4. 1 4. 4 4. 7 5. 0 Lot abutting  3 or more  streets, alleys,  rivers, esteros. 5% 2. Distance between building shall also be adequately maintained to ensure light and ventilation. In general, the minimum distance between 2 buildings in which the taller buildings has not more than two (2) storeys shall be 4. 00 meter.

And the minimum horizontal clearance between the two roof eaves shall be 1. 50 meters. The minimum distance between two buildings wherein the taller building has three (3) or four (4) storeys, shall be 6. 00 meters. And the minimum horizontal clearance between the two roof eaves shall be 2. 00 meters. The minimum distance between buildings with more than four (4) storeys shall be 10 meters. The minimum horizontal clearance shall be 6 meters. Except, however, in cases when the two sides of the buildings facing each other are blank walls, i. e. , either there are no openings or only minimal openings for comfort rooms, the minimum distance between the buildings shall be 2. 00 meters.

And the horizontal clearance between the roof eaves shall be 1. 00 meter. In the measurement of distances between two buildings, measurement shall be made where the distance between the two buildings is shortest. f. Parking Requirements. — For multi-family dwellings, a minimum of one (1) parking space for every twenty (20) living units shall be provided. 2. Building Design Stamps a. Living Units. — In general, all building design standards for the single-family dwelling shall apply for all living units of multi-family dwellings, except that, the minimum floor are of living unit in multi-family dwellings shall be 36. 00 square meters. b. Exits. Exit requirements of a building or portion thereof shall be determined by the occupant load which gives the largest number of persons. No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of an exit except projections permitted by these implementing rules and regulations. The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be determined by multiplying the no. of living units by six (6). 1. No of Exits. — Every multi-family dwelling or usable portion thereof, shall have at least one exist. Floors above the first storey shall have at least two exists, which shall be remote from each other, irrespective of the occupant load in the same storey.

The number of exits required from any storey of a building shall be determined by using the occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under consideration as follows: 50% of the first adjacent storey above (and the first adjacent storey below, when a storey below exits through the level under considerations) and 25% of the occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum number of exits required for any storey shall be maintained until egress is provided from the structures. For purposes of this Section basement or cellars and occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for storeys. 2. Width. — Exits serving living units with occupant load of 50 or less shall have a minimum width of 0. 80 meters. For every additional occupant load of 25 or fractions thereof, and additional width of 0. 15 meters shall be provided. The total exit width required from any storey of a building may be ivided approximately equally among the separate exits, provided the minimum width of 0. 80 meters is maintained. The total exit width required from any storey of a building shall be determined by using the occupant load of that storey plus the percentage of the occupant loads of floors which exit through the level under consideration as follows: fifty (50) of the occupant load in the first adjacent storey above and the first adjacent below when a storey below exits through the level under consideration and twenty-five (25) percent of occupant load in the storey immediately beyond the first adjacent storey. The maximum exit width from any storey of a building shall be maintained. 3. Arrangement of Exits. Distance between any two exits shall be such that they shall be remote from each other and as arranged and constructed to minimize any possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition, provided that it shall not be less than one fifth the perimeter of the area served, measured in a straight line between the exits. 4. Distance to Exits. — No point in a building shall be more than 45. 00 meters from an exterior exit door, a horizontal exit, exit passageway, or an enclosed stairway, measured along the line of travel. In a building equipped with the complete, automotive fire extinguishing system the distance from exits may be increased to 60. 00 meters. 5. Automatic Smoke Detection Alarm Initiating Device. — Automatic smoke detection alarm initiating devices shall be installed in every family dwelling unit located and adjusted to operate reliably in case of abnormal accumulation of smoke in any part of the protected area.

Installation of smoke detection alarm initiating device shall be approved for the particular application, location and spacing. c. Corridors and Exterior Exit Balconies. — The provisions herein shall apply to every corridor and exterior exit balcony serving as a required exit for an occupant load of more than fifty (50). 1. Width. — Every corridor or exit balcony shall not be less than 1. 20 meters in width. 2. Projections. — The required width of corridors and exit balconies shall be unobstructed. Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width of the corridor by more than one-half. 3. Access to Exits. — When more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged to allow going to either direction from any dead end point. 4. Dead Ends. Corridors and exterior exit balconies with dead ends are permitted when the dead end not exceed 12. 00 meters in length. 5. Construction. — Walls of corridors above the first storey shall be of masonry (e. g. CHB, bricks, titles, etc. ). Ceilings shall likewise be fire-resistive Provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to corridors formed by temporary partitions. Exterior exit balconies shall not project into an area where protected openings are required. 6. Openings. — Where corridor walls are required to be fire-resistive, every interior door opening shall be protected as set forth in generally recognized and accepted requirements for dual purpose fire exit doors.

The total are of all openings other than doors, in any portion of an interior corridor wall shall not exceed twenty-five (25) per cent of the area of the corridor wall of the room being separated from the corridor. 7. Ramps. — Changes in floor elevation of less than 300 meters along any exit serving a tributary occupant load of 10 or more shall be by means of ramps. The maximum allowable slope for ramps is fifteen (15) percent. d. Common Stairways. — Except for stairs or ladders used only to serve as access to equipment, every stairway inside a multi-family dwelling serving two or more living units shall conform to the following design requirements:  1. Width. — Stairways serving two or more living units with an occupant load of 50 or less shall have a minimum clear width of 0. 90 meters.

Stairways serving living units with an occupant load more than 50 shall not be less than 1. 00 meter in width. 2. Rise and Run. — Stairs shall have a maximum riser height of 0. 20 m. and minimum tread width of 0. 25 m. Stairs shall be exclusive of nosing and/or other projections. The maximum variation in the height of risers and the width of treads in any one flight shall be 5 m. 3. Landings. — Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the width of the stairway, however, such dimension need not exceed 1. 20 meters when the stair has a straight run. Landings shall not be reduced in width by more than 100 millimeters by a door when fully opened. 4. Basement Stairways. When a basement stairway to an upper storey terminate in the same exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing on to the basement. Directional exit signs shall be provided. 5. Distance between Landings. — There shall not be more than 3. 60 meters vertical distance between landings. 6. Handrails. — Stairways less than 3. 00 m. in width shall have at least one handrail on one side, provided there is a guard or wall on the other side. Stairways measuring 3. 00 m. to 3. 50 m. in width shall have two handrails. Stairways more than 3. 50 m. wide shall have at least one intermediate handrail for every 3. 00 m. of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the stairway.

Except that stairways having less than four (4) risers need not have handrails and stairs with either a guard or wall on one end need not be provided with a handrail on that end. 7. Handrail Details. — Handrails shall be placed not less than 0. 80 m. nor more than 1. 00 m. above the nosing or treads. Ends of handrails shall terminate in newel pests or safety terminals. 8. Distance to Stairs. — Per floors above the first storey, the maximum travel distance from the exit door of a living unit to the stairway shall be 24. 00 meters. 9. Stairway to Roof . — In every building four or more storeys in height, one stairway shall extend to the roof unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3. 10. Headroom. — Every common stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 2. 00 meters.

Such clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a plane parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosing to the soffit above all points. e. Utilities and Services. — To ensure healthful and livable conditions in the project, basic utilities and services shall be provided, the minimum requirements of which shall be: 1. Water Supply. — Water supply shall be adequate in amount and reasonably free from chemical and physical impurities; a main service connection and a piping system with communal faucets to serve the common areas like the garden, driveways, etc. shall be provided. Pipes branching out from the main water line shall service the individual units which shall be provided with individual water meters. 2. Power Supply/Electrical Service. If available in the vicinity, a main power service shall be provided with a main circuit to service common lighting as well as common power needs of the dwelling. Like the water system, however, branch circuits with separate meters shall service the individual living units. 3. Drainage System. — Surface run-offs shall be channeled to appropriate repositories. 4. Sewage Disposal System. — Sewage disposal may be accomplished by any of the following means:  a. Discharge to an existing public sewerage system. b. Treatment in a community disposal, plant, or communal septic tank. c. Treatment in individual septic tanks with disposal by absorption field or leaching pit. 5. Garbage Disposal System.

There shall be provided adequate services for the regular collection and disposal of garbage and rubbish. C. General Construction Requirements 1. Structural Requirements All construction shall conform with the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine Structural Code. 2. Electrical Requirements All electrical systems, equipment and installation shall conform with the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine Electrical Code and the requirements of the electric utility that serves the locality. 3. Sanitary Requirements All sanitary systems, equipment and installation shall conform with the provisions of the latest edition of the National Plumbing Code. 4. Construction Materials

The use of indigenous materials for site development and construction of dwellings shall be encouraged, as long as these are in conformity with the requirements of these Rules and ensures a building life p of at least 25 years, or in a RULE IV APPLICATION AND APPROVAL OF PLANS AND BUILDING DESIGNS Sec. 10. Approval Required. — No development of economic and socialized housing projects shall be allowed without having complied with the standards and approval procedures set forth in these Rules. Sec. 11. Approval of Proposed Residential Houses of Average and Low-Income Earners. — Individual lot owners who are average and low-income earners as defined by BP 220 may construct their individual residential houses in the manner provided by these rules, provided that: 1.

They secure project approval from the Ministry of Human Settlements prior to their construction; and  2. They utilize MHS approved stock plans or they submit their proposed building plans to the Ministry for approval. Whenever applicable, the procedures and documents required under this Rule in the case of other housing projects shall also be observed in case of individual residential projects. Sec. 12. Establishment of an Integrated Approval System. — There is hereby established and INTEGRATED APPROVAL SYSTEM which shall be applicable exclusively to the evaluation and approval of all proposed economic and socialized housing projects whether the development is for a house and lot or for a house or lot only.

Upon the effectivity of these Rules, all proposed economic and socialized housing projects shall be required to secure only the INTEGRATED APPROVAL set forth herein which shall take the place of permits and clearances required under Presidential Decree Numbers 957, 1216, 1096 and 1185 and their implementing rules and regulations. Sec. 13. Where Application for Integrated Approval Made. — Applications for integrated approval shall be made with the Ministry of Human Settlements through its regulatory arm, the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission which is hereby authorized to prescribe application requirements and impose the necessary conditions on approvals and applications. Sec. 14.

How Application Made. — Application for Integrated Approval shall be made by accomplishing in duplicate copies an application form duly prescribed by the Commission. The application form shall be accompanied by the following documents:  a) Development cost estimate and payment scheme for amortization;  b) Statement of potential and funding sources, preferably attested to by an accountant; c) Program of development, indicating phasing and schedule;  d) Locational Clearance issued by the Commission; e) Certified xerox copy of owners certificate of title or other sufficient evidence of ownership; if applicant is not the owner, authority to develop and sell; ) At least two (2) sets of sketch plan and site development plan, showing general pattern and layout of development, including location of streets and proposed access roads, power and other utility lines, residential areas and open spaces for parks, playgrounds and community facilities;    g) Location and vicinity map, drawn to a required scale, indicating location, intensity and nature of surrounding land uses within one (1) kilometers radius;  h) Written options to avail of the MHS Stock Plans, indicating specific model(s) desired, or in the absence thereof, at least two (2) sets each of the following: 1. Architectural drawing 2. Detailed structural plans and specification including cost estimates  3. Detailed engineering drawing ) Certification from the Ministry of Agrarian Reform that the Land is not tenanted and/or is not covered by operation land transfer;  j) Sworn statement as to nature, number and income level of beneficiaries. Sec. 15. Evaluation of Land Development and Structural Design Components of Project. — Should the project be found locationally viable, the Commission shall proceed to determine whether the land development scheme and building design is in accordance with the standards set forth in these Rules. Where the developer or applicant has opted to avail of the pre-approved plans of the Commission, there shall be no necessity for evaluating building esign except with respect to the suitability thereof to project site and its harmony/compatibility with the land development scheme. Should the design be found unsuitable/incompatible, the developer may be asked to alter/revise his choice. The Commission may extend technical assistance in the choice of the appropriate model. Where the developer does not avail of said plans and presents his own design and specifications, the Commission shall evaluate the building component of the project as to structural, fire safety and functionality. The review of such building plans and specifications shall be in accordance with the standards set forth in these Rules. Sec. 16.

Pre-Approval of Building Plans. — The Commission shall formulate model building plans and design or may approve plans submitted by duly qualified professionals which plans shall be considered pre-approved and may be utilized by the developer/proponent. sec. 17. Validity of Development Approval. — Development permits shall be valid for a period of one (1) year and should activity be not commenced within said period, the grantee of the permit may apply for its revalidation within the next succeeding year. Thereafter, no development shall be allowed unless a new application for approval is filed. Sec. 18. Survey and Approval of Subdivision Plan. Upon the issuance of Integrated Approval to an economic and socialized housing project, the developer shall refer the final subdivision plan together with the parcellary map to the Bureau of Lands for the conduct of verification survey and approval of the subdivision scheme. Upon accomplishment thereof, the Bureau shall submit its finding to the Commission. RULE V REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING PROJECTS Sec. 19. Registration of Project. — No subdivision or condominium intended for economic and socialized housing shall be sold unless it has been registered and issued a license to sell in accordance with these Rules.

Upon receipt of the Survey Returns and Approval of Subdivision Plan from the Bureau of Lands, the Commission shall notify the developer of economic and socialized housing project, which have been granted Integrated Approval to submit the following documents to have his project registered under these Rules. 1. Certificate of Title or other sufficient evidence of ownership;  2. Affidavit attesting that the data submitted in the Original Application Forms and attachments thereto have remained the same, or if there have been any changes, incorporating therein the nature and surrounding circumstances thereof;  3. Articles of incorporation or partnership or association, with all amendments thereto, and existing by-laws, if developer is a corporation, partnership or association;  4.

If property is mortgaged, mortgage contract and status of loan certified by mortgagee; in addition an undertaking by mortgagee to release the mortgage on any subdivision lots or condominium units as soon as full purchase price is paid;  5. Submit certification of availability of water supply, if proponent/developer intends to utilize existing water system; or permit from the National Water Resources Council, if he intends to put up a centralized deep well distribution system; or certificate of water potability, if he intends to leave the establishment of individual wells to lot/unit owners from the appropriate government agency. Sec. 20. Notice of Publication. Upon evaluation of the completeness and veracity of the documents submitted, this Office shall cause the publication at the expense of the applicant a Notice of Pending Application for Registration and License to Sell in one newspaper of general circulation in English or in Pilipino reciting therein that an application for registration and License to Sell for the sale of subdivision lots and condominium units has been filed with the Commission and that the aforesaid application papers as well as the documents attached thereto are open to inspection during business hours by interested parties. In addition, a 3 x 6 billboard notice of the project shall be posted on the project site until the issuance of the License to Sell.

Upon completion of the publication, the proponent shall submit Proof of Publication executed by the Publisher and an affidavit attesting to the posting of the Billboard Notice on the site. Sec. 21. Registration of Project. — Ten days from the completion of the publication and submission of the proof of publication, the Commission shall, in the absence of an opposition to the Registration of the Project, issue a Certificate of Registration. No opposition shall be entertained after the above period. Sec. 22. Opposition to Registration. — Complaints and opposition to the registration shall be filed with the Commission within ten (10) days from the date of publication.

Proceedings for registration and license to sell shall be, in the meantime, suspended upon an initial finding that the same is meritorious. Sec. 23. License to Sell. — No owner or developer shall sell any disposable subdivision lot or condominium unit in a registered property without a license to sell issued by the Commission. Upon submission of a Performance Bond in the forms of a Surety Bond to the amount of Ten Percent (10%) of the total estimated development cost of the project issued by a duly accredited bonding company and acceptable to the Commission, or a certificate of guarantee from any bank or financing institution of good standing addressed to the Commission for the total development cost, the Commission shall cause the issuance of a License to Sell for the project.

Whenever it shall appear that the Performance Bond is, or for any cause has become worthless, inadequate or insufficient after the License to Sell has been issued, the owner/developer shall, after due notice, be required to give an additional performance bond or replace the worthless bond within ten days from receipt of such notice. Meanwhile, the License to Sell shall be deemed suspend or revoked. Sec. 24. Monitoring of Project. — The Commission shall have the power to monitor projects granted Integrated Approval and License to Sell under these Rules to ensure faithful compliance with the terms, standards and conditions thereof. It may exercise visitatorial powers and in case of violation or non-compliance of the terms, standards and conditions set forth in the approval and the license issued, it may institute revocation proceedings and impose appropriate fines and penalties. RULE VI COMPLAINTS, HEARINGS AND PENALTIES Sec. 25.

Authority to Issue Rules and Procedures. — The Commission is hereby authorized to issue Rules of Procedure to govern the conduct of Hearings before it on complaints or proceedings against owners, developers, dealers, brokers and salesmen arising under these Rules. Until the issuance of such Rules, the present Rules of Procedure to govern the conduct of Hearings before the Human Settlements Regulatory Commission shall apply. Sec. 26. Mediation/Conciliation of Complaints. — It shall be mandatory on the part of the Commission to conduct mediation or conciliation on complaints or opposition filed with it before the same could be subjected to a formal hearing. Sec. 7. Suspension of License to Sell/Cease and Desist Order. — The Commission may, in its discretion or upon notice and hearing immediately suspend the owner’s license to sell and issue a Cease and Desist Order pending investigation and hearing of the case for the following reasons: a. Upon verified complaint filed by a buyer of a subdivision statement lot/house or any interested party;  b. In its opinion, any information in the registration statement filed by the owner/dealer is or has become misleading, incorrect, inadequate or incomplete or the sale or offering for sale of the project may work or tend to work a fraud upon prospective buyers; c.

When it appears to the Commission that the owner/dealer is engaged in any act or practice which constitute or shall constitute a violation of the provisions of these Rules. The suspension order/cease and desist order may be lifted if, after notice and hearing, the Commission is convinced that any deficiency in the sworn registration statement has been corrected or supplemented, or that the sale to the public of the subdivision project shall neither be fraudulent nor result in fraud. It shall also be lifted upon dismissal of the complaint. Until the final entry of an order of suspension, the suspension of the right to sell the project, through binding upon all persons notified thereof, shall be deemed confidential unless it shall appear that the order of suspension has in the meantime been violated. Sec. 28.

Revocation of the Registration Certificate and License to Sell. — The Commission may, motu propio, or upon verified complaint filed by a buyer revoke the registration and license to sell of any subdivision project or subdivision lot/house in said project or condominium unit if upon examination of the affairs of the owner or dealer, during a hearing conducted it shall appear there is prima facie evidence that the said owner or dealer: a. Is insolvent; or b. Has violated any of the provisions of the law and its rules and regulations or any undertaking of his/its performance bond; or  c. Has been or engaged in fraudulent transaction. Sec. 29. Administrative Fines and Penalties. Violation of any of the provision of these Rules and Standards shall be subject to the Fines and Penalties as provided for under PD’s 957, 1216, 1096 and 1185. RULE VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Sec. 30. Conformance to the Requirements of other pertinent laws, rules and regulations. — Unless otherwise amended or expressly provided, the provisions of Presidential Decree 957 and its Implementing Rules on the following Sections are hereby adopted in these Rules: a. Submission of Semestral Reports on Operations b. Advertisement c. Time of Completion d. Extension of Time for Completion e. Alteration of Plans f. Non-Forfeiture of Payments g. Registration of Conveyances h. Mortgages i. Take-over development j. Phases of Subdivision k. Realty Tax and Other Charges Sec. 31. Non-Development. Failure on the part of the owner or developer to develop the project in accordance with the approved project plans and within the time herein specified shall subject the owner/developer to administrative sanctions and penalties. Sec. 32. Organization and Registration of Homeowners. — The owner or developer of a socialized and economic housing project shall initiate the organization of a homeowners association among the buyers and residents of the project for the purpose of promoting and protecting their mutual interest. Said homeowners association shall register with the Commission and the latter is hereby authorized to accredit and determine the legitimate homeowners association of the housing project for purposes of applying the pertinent provisions of these Rules. Sec. 33.

Donations of Roads, Open Spaces and Water Supply. — The owner or project developer shall donate the roads and open spaces found in the project to the local government of the area after their completion had been certified to by the Commission and it shall be mandatory for the said local government to accept such donations. Parks and playgrounds may be donated to the duly accredited Homeowners Association of the project with the consent of the city or municipality concerned under PD 1216. The water supply system of the project may likewise be donated to the duly accredited homeowners association after certification by the Commission of its completion and of its being operational.

Should the homeowners not accept the donation, the owner or developer of the project shall collect reasonable rates to be determined by the Commission in consultation with the National Water Resources Council or the Local Utilities Administration. The proceeds thereof shall be used exclusively for the maintenance and operation of the water system by the developer. Sec. 34. Fees. — Until such time that the Commission shall have adopted new schedule of fees for economic and social housing projects, it shall apply and collect the fees provided for under the implementing Rules of PD’s 957, 1096 and 1185. Sec. 35. Authority to Issue Supplemental Rules, Directives and Interpretative Memorandum and Circular. — In the implementation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 20 and these Rules and Standards, the Commission, through its Chief Executive Officer, is hereby authorized to issue supplemental rules, directives and interpretative memorandum and circulars. Sec. 36. Separability Clause. — The pr

The Road Not Taken Explication Stanzas 1 and 2: It is evident that the scene in the poem takes place during an autumn setting which is implied when line 1 it states, “TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood”. The “yellow wood” simply means that the leaves are changing colour; therefore, it is autumn. Frost also portrays the narrator as observant and cautious speaking with an almost regretful tone. This can be seen in line 2 where he says “And sorry I could not take both”, the narrator’s observant behaviour is also evident in line 3 and 4 when he says, “And looked down one as far as I could/To where it bent in the undergrowth;”.

The road that branches off in two different ways gives the narrator a difficult time with choosing which way to go and this adds confusion and uncertainty in the atmosphere as well as a calm and reflective mood. In stanza 2, it describes the physical appearance of the two paths stating that neither best the other; “Then took the other, as just as fair,/… Had worn them really about the same,”. The diction also amplifies the idea of equality within both roads; words include “fair” and “same”.

The road is also describe to be well worn meaning that many people have passed by facing the same situation and seemed to have chosen the two paths equally as well. The path is likely to be a symbol of the different choices that a person must make and while both are equal and alike in many ways, it remains a concern to whoever the decision maker is due to the possibility of choosing the worse of the two. Stanzas 3 and 4: More information on the setting has been stated, it’s an autumn morning in a forest with a lot of yellow leaves on the ground.

In line 13, “In leaves no step had trodden black. ”, it means that the narrator is alone. The narrator later says that once he has picked his path, he can no longer go back. The roads have now become a symbol of pivotal moments in which the narrator has only one chance to make a decision. This adds tension to the atmosphere because, although there is no time frame, the narrator is still force, by his conscience, to pick a path which, in turn, takes away his ability to pick the other path.

Lastly in stanza 4, the narrator decides to pick one road deeming it the different one because, even though both roads were the same, what makes them different is that one has been chosen by him to walk on. Overall, this poem shares mostly the emotion of regret due to the fact that regardless of how joyful the narrator is of picking one road, there is still “what if” hanging in the back of both the narrator and the readers mind.

In February 2012, President Aquino has reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, and vowed to work double time in order to fulfill the different targets under the MDGs with only 4 years left (“Aquino:PHL… ”, 2012). The Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs, is an effort launched by the United Nations in order to improve the living conditions in different nations, by seeking to battle different social and economic problems such as hunger, poverty, violence, and other deprivations.

Signed upon by all 193 UN member states in September 2000, the Millennium Development Goals comprise eight (8) development goals that each member-constituent must fulfill in 15 years, which is in 2015. The goals are: (1) eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, (2) achieving universal primary education, (3) promoting gender equality and empowering women, (4) reducing child mortality, (5) improving maternal health, (6) combatting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, (7) ensuring environmental sustainability, (8) developing a global partnership for development. UNDP website, retrieved August 2012. ) Aside from the perennial problems of battling poverty and eradicating different epidemics, the 5th goal, improving maternal health, remains an underlooked but equally pressing concern in the country. In a 2011 report by the Department of Health (“Philippines ranks 48… ”, 2010) , not only has the Philippines failed to improve the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), but the figure of mothers dying during childbirth has even ballooned, from 162 deaths in 100,000 live births in 2009, to 221 deaths in 100,000 live births in 2011.

The statistics is definitely alarming, especially when compared to the figures of other nations such as 110 in Thailand, 62 in Malaysia and 14 in Singapore, all in 100,000 live births. The target that we have to reach is 55-60 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is a far cry from where the Philippines stands now. According to the report from the United Nations, the causes of maternal death in the country are hemorrhage, sepsis, obstructed labour, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and complications of unsafe abortion, most of which are preventable with proper diagnosis and intervention (“Philippines… , 2010). Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona expressed the same sentiment when he explained that maternal deaths could be easily prevented with “effective family planning services, antenatal care, and access to health facilities capable of handling complications” (“RH Bill key to attaining MDG – Sec Ona”, 2012). These figures should definitely be a cause for alarm. More women actually die of complications each year, which not only stalls our progress in lowering the MMR in the country, but ultimately makes any hopes of fulfilling it much bleaker.

The worsening state of maternal care in the Philippines is very telling of our healthcare system, and how ill-equipped it is to address a long-standing problem. The call for improvement in maternal health is not an arbitrary cause. In fact, the achievement of this goal is essential in order to fufill the other targets such as poverty reduction, hunger, and promoting gender equality. Ameliorating the plight of maternal health does not only mean improving the quality of life of newborns and their respective families, but by also giving mothers informed choices.

Maternal care, after all, does not begin and end with pregnancy and childbirth; it also includes taking into account the responsibility of conceiving life. Hence, as it has always been established, efficient and effective family planning is the main solution. As reiterated earlier, it is also important to note that family planning also entails the power of allowing women to make informed choices. Empowering women to decide whether or not to reproduce based on given facts would help a large deal in keeping them at bay from potential health risks, as well as rearing of children whom they are not able to provide their needs for.

The ability for health facilities to care for those mothers with complications, as well as the widespread training of more midwives to better assist in childbirth is something that the government is lagging behind to deliver. In order to impose an urgency to provide better facilities and more skilled professionals, a carefully-structured and comprehensive legislative framework is in order to be able to more effectively address the reproductive health services the Filipinos need.

The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act Bill, or House Bill 4244 is an example of an effort to bring RH services to the Filipino people. One of the bill’s mandates is to centralize the local government units to provide easy access to care and treatment for reproductive health, and make family planning supplies available for regular purchase at drugstores and hospitals. Moreover, the bill would also allow the deployment of more midwives in different regions in order to attend to more deliveries.

Especially important is the access to information for couples and individuals alike to adopt family planning, and the education on reproductive health. (HB 4244, 2011). Responsible parenthood and informed choices are key in the house bill. The bill would also spearhead a maternal death review, in order to better understand past trends in maternal mortality and to determine how to improve these conditions. Ensuring the passing of the bill is the best effort that the country can hope for in order to create significant progress in the improvement of maternal health.

However, given the time we have left, it is still unlikely that we would reach the actual target specified in the MDGs. Still, the enactment of the RH bill can promise significant change in the predicament of maternal care. Unless the government would concentrate on concrete legislative solution such as HB 4244, the 2015 goal for maternal health remains hopeless and the future of of mothers, uncertain. Sources: The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development Act of 2011, H. B. 4244, 15th Cong. 1st Sess. (2011). Ng, Jennifer. (2012, February 12). ‘Aquino: PHL to achieve MDGs in 4 years’. Business Mirror. Retrieved from http://businessmirror. com. ph/home/top-news/23195-aquino-phl-to-achieve-mdgs-in-4-years? tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page= Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. (n. d. ) Philippines ranks #48 in Maternal Mortality. Retrieved from http://www. pogsinc. org/v2/index. php/component/content/article/10/58-philippines-ranks–48-in-maternal-mortality Alave, Kristine. (2012, June 18).