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CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 1 Title Exploring the Legal Challenges of Filming in Public Spaces in Metro Manila: A Guide for Student Filmmakers SOPs SOP 1: What are the specific legal challenges faced by student filmmakers when...

CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 1 Title Exploring the Legal Challenges of Filming in Public Spaces in Metro Manila: A Guide for Student Filmmakers SOPs SOP 1: What are the specific legal challenges faced by student filmmakers when complying with regulations for filming in public spaces in Metro Manila? (Quantitative) a) Reservation of Venue b) Accessibility of Filming Permits c) Restrictions on the Use of Filming Equipment SOP 2: How do the rules and regulations of filming in public spaces affect the creative freedom of student filmmakers in Metro Manila? (Qualitative) This will explore the impact of: a) Regulatory limitations on creative expression b) Barriers to utilizing desired public spaces c) Impact of equipment restrictions on artistic vision SOP3: Based on the findings from SOPs 1 and 2, what strategies or resources can be proposed to help student filmmakers understand and navigate the legal requirements for public filming in Metro Manila? Background of the Visual story-telling has currently been rising in popularity as we proceed into study the 21st Century. Components such as the growing significance of social (Danna Pascual) media, the decrease of audience attention span, and the fast production and development of visual material, has contributed to the quick rise of popularity of this art form. A study done by Cisco has predicted and proven that by 2022, 82% of the consumer behavior of people online would make up the consumption of videos, it was also found that media such as videos are 66% more likely to be shared by netizens. The recent PISA results have shown that Filipino students are currently low in creative thinking, in light of this, creative freedom has been honored among student outputs and the importance of utilizing public space to express their creativity has been made more prominent over the years. As this continues to grow in relevance, especially among student filmmakers, an important note to keep in mind is the importance of familiarizing oneself with the legal framework to pursue the art of filming in public. Despite its large contribution to further expanding opportunities for creative freedom for the student filmmakers, shooting in public spaces however, presents a number of legal difficulties for students, especially among the public spaces available in Metro Manila. With ordinances such as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 wherein videos containing personal information of a person cannot be released without lawful basis, a difficult thing to comply with when filming in public with numerous bystanders present in the background. ​ Metro Manila is described to be the center of our nation’s culture and activity, with the buzzing lifestyle of both modern and traditional cultures and  sceneries encapsulating the beauty of our country and its culture. Aside from being home to numerous prominent film schools it also homes parks, tourist spots, and other public spaces that provide abundant opportunity for documenting. However, each of these areas are governed by a number of laws to preserve public safety and order. These laws include limitations strictly implemented unless the presence of a permit or contract is available. Due to the expected tight budgets and resources students are able to provide, student filmmakers are not equipped with the legal expertise needed to adhere to these rules, which could result in legal issues such as fines reaching up to Php 500,000 at most, equipment confiscation, the prohibition to film overall, or even imprisonment for 3 to 7 years. ​ The issue is further made complicated by the confusion within how our constitutional rights collide with the laws and policies implemented by the local government units. The rights of both student filmmakers and property owners must be balanced in situations like this, a contrast between a person’s right to freedom of speech and expression, and a person’s right to property. With this, there is room for confusion especially for filmmakers who have no prior clarification on issues such as privacy concerns, commercial use, or their rights in general. Although studies have been made about the rights of filmmakers in our country, and the different ordinances in line with the act of filming in public, a clear guide for student filmmakers simply filming for academic purposes has yet to be released. Due to the oversight of academic purposes in the ordinances discussed, student filmmakers have yet to receive a clear framework for the do’s and don’ts of filmmaking. This study aims to provide student filmmakers with a comprehensive guide that addresses the primary legal concerns they may encounter when filming in public spaces. Through case studies, interviews with those experienced, and an analysis of existing regulations, this project seeks to provide student filmmakers the skills they need to create compelling content while adhering to the law through a legal guide to help them further comprehend the ordinances and consequences of certain actions. Understanding these legal frameworks is essential for both their current and future undertakings in the highly regulated media industry. Related Resource The goal of this literature review is to increase students' general understanding and awareness of the legalities of venue utilization by Literature analyzing the current bylaws implemented in the area of Metro Manila. A deeper dive into the legal framework behind these ordinances will be taken (Danna Pascual) look into, along with the creative and logistical limitations these rules suggest. Background of Legal Student filmmakers in the Philippines encounter numerous legal challenges that restrict their production and creativity. With limited budgets, most cannot Struggles Specific to afford to build custom sets or secure exclusive access to essential filming locations. This forces them to navigate through policies that further reduce Student Filmmakers their already limited options. While filming in public spaces is generally allowed when the intent is harmless, many establishments require permits to (Anica Goco) ensure the safety and privacy of bystanders. However, the permit application process, while relatively straightforward for professionals, proves difficult for students who lack the necessary resources, knowledge, or experience. Permit approvals, which typically take 3-7 days, require familiarity with local regulations and coordination with a location manager, an area where student filmmakers often struggle. Without proper guidance, they face delays or are denied permission altogether. Adding to their challenges, common venues like parks, malls, and similar public spaces have strict policies against the use of professional cameras without proper authorization. This forces students to either compromise their creative vision or resort to less suitable locations, which may not align with their story’s requirements. Moreover, privacy laws impose strict guidelines on filming in public areas to protect individuals’ dignity and prevent legal disputes. While these laws are crucial, they often leave student filmmakers unsure about what is legally acceptable. This lack of clarity and support pushes many to adopt an overly cautious approach, hindering their ability to explore creative ideas or take necessary artistic risks. This study highlights the challenges faced by student filmmakers, particularly the limitations of filming in public spaces, which significantly impact their creative decisions. By addressing these issues, students can gain a better understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities, enabling them to navigate these obstacles with confidence. This knowledge will not only support their current projects but also prepare them for a professional environment that encourages creativity within legal boundaries. (Hoodlum, 2024.) Justification of LGUs Privacy Rights. The right to privacy is still safeguarded under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, even though there may be a lower expectation of for Public Space privacy in public areas. According to Article III, Section 3: Ordinances "The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires (Danna Pascual) otherwise, as prescribed by law." This is especially applicable if there is confidential or personal information captured within the recording without the individuals’ consent. A Variety of Laws and Regulations in Commercial Locations. Although public spaces such as malls, parks, museums, etc. are open to the majority, they are often owned by private organizations. With this, these “public” spaces often have their own sets of rules and regulations that vary from one institution to another. These regulations are out of the local government unit’s control as the right to control these bylaws are completely given to those in ownership of these commercial spaces. (Respicio, 2024) Legal Mechanisms That Oppose the Right to Free Expression. The Philippines, despite being a country that generally promotes the ideal of free speech and expression, has also implemented ordinances that set further boundaries in terms of the nation’s privacy in public spaces.  This includes The National Privacy Commission's Advisory No. 2020-04 which offers detailed recommendations for the usage of CCTV in both public and private areas. The NPC guideline describes the need for signage indicating the existence of these surveillance cameras, the duration of data retention, access restriction, and security measures to prevent unwanted access to the videos. (Anlim, 2024) Significance of Public space often affects the themes and emotive values of a story. Students can enhance the authenticity and creativity of their projects through the use of Public Space in the public spaces. Art of Film Public spaces serve filmmakers as a grounding of their stories in realistic and relatable settings. These environments enhance the authenticity and (Arianne Bandril) atmosphere of a film often reflecting shared experiences, cultural identities and find a deep emotional depth and visual richness of a film. Filmmakers using public spaces can easily capture the essence of a community that explores human connection and benefits from unpredictability in those environments. (Rangshila Theatre Group, 2023) Understanding public spaces in cinema provokes a lot of critical thinking and interdisciplinarity. Students analyze films about public spaces and can understand ways through which the settings comment on social norms or historical contexts in which directors position them. This stimulates relations between the knowledge derived from different branches of science, thus making learning more efficient. (Edinbox Team, 2024) Public spaces are crucial because they help filmmakers depict a vibrant setting of human interaction, cultural identity, and expression. Such a setting enables the filmmaker to capture real-time subjects with which the audience can easily identify themselves and afford to create a meaningful narrative. Interaction with public spaces encourages creative thinking and creation of relatable narrations. This experimentation opportunity challenges them to create conventional ideas and boundaries and find their unique artistic expressions. Synthesis (Danna P) Filmmakers frequently find it difficult to use public locations because of the many restrictions, regulations, and complicated laws that are imposed according to the preferences of the setting. Due to their limited funding, resources, and general understanding of the industry's mechanisms, student filmmakers are particularly affected by this problem. (Hoodlum, 2024) The mere lack of knowledge on one's rights and the laws in line with them is an issue that can summarize the struggles most student filmmakers face when filming in public. The laws and limitations implemented in Metro Manila are complex and difficult to work around without the proper knowledge and understanding. Despite the complexities of these bylaws, filmmakers still believe in the integrity of utilizing the space open to all in their art as it can further support their creativity and increase their authenticity. (Rangshila Theatre Group, 2023) As different struggles such as reservation of venues, filming equipment restrictions, and availability of filming permits are studied, this paper aims to free student filmmakers from the struggle of rules and regulations when  filming outside of their own campus; allowing them to bring out the most of their creativity as they utilize bigger spaces in their art. Framework Theoretical -​ Theoretical This study projects “Creative Freedom Theory” as its foundation to explore the legal challenges student filmmakers face when filming in public spaces. (Anica Goco) This theory expounds on the balance between fostering artistic expression and adhering to the rules and regulations present. -​ Conceptual The Creative Freedom Theory stems from broad discussions about the role of (Arianne freedom in artistic and cultural production. Scholars such as Banks and McRobbie have emphasized the barriers between creative expression and Bandril) law. This theory argues that environments with the least constraints encourage creative expression and in-depth storytelling. Whilst over excessive regulation can create inequities for under-resourced creators such as student filmmakers. In the music industry, copyright laws have been examined for their dual role in protecting intellectual property while potentially stifling innovation. In street art, zoning laws have been critiqued for limiting access to public spaces essential for artistic expression. In filmmaking, location permits and equipment restrictions have been identified as common barriers to creative freedom, particularly for independent or student. Justification of Framework Student filmmakers often operate on limited budgets and lack institutional support, making them particularly vulnerable to the unintended consequences of legal restrictions. Creative Freedom Theory underscores the importance of addressing these barriers to create a more equitable and supportive environment for emerging artists. By explicitly linking the theory to the research objectives, this framework ensures that the study remains grounded in both theoretical and practical considerations. Sources and Citations Banks, M., Gill, R., & Taylor, S. (2022). Theorizing Cultural Work: Labor, Continuity, and Change in the Cultural and Creative Industries. McRobbie, A. (2020). Feminism and the Politics of “Resilience” in Neoliberal Times. Johnson, D., & Wilkins, K. (2021). Creative Constraints: How Regulations Shape Independent Film Production. Morris, E., & Rojas, A. (2020). Public Space and Creativity: Urban Policy and Artistic Freedom. Kim, H., & Park, J. (2022). Digital Creativity and Copyright: The Challenges of Transformative Works. Conceptual INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT Factors required of the 1.​ Develop and To create a respondents: distribute a survey website with ​ Creates video with both qualitative steps students outputs filmed in and quantitative should follow and public settings for formatted questions. regulations to academic 2.​ Use the responses abide by in public purposes from the quantitative filmmaking and ​ Experienced section of the survey allow students to direct or indirect to identify and share unique encounters of analyze common insights and ask public authority tendencies and about personal warnings variables from the challenges they respondents’ faced in certain experiences with spaces within public filmmaking. their city. 3.​ Use the responses from the qualitative section of the survey for developing the proposed strategies and resources to aid student filmmakers in public filming. The study utilized the Input-Process-Outcome model in the study, whereby the students of Metro Manila and their legal awareness on public filming are analyzed. The Input for this study focuses on academically produced video outputs produced in public spaces in Metro Manila. These initiatives provide a foundation for investigating the legal issues surrounding public videography. The purpose of these video outputs highlights their academic value, offering the beginning of investigating the difficulties of entering public areas while abiding by laws and social practices. This information lays the framework for comprehending the interactions and difficulties that follow during the filmmaking process. The Process involves collecting and analyzing data from student filmmakers at St. Paul College Pasig to assess how various challenges in the legal aspects of the making impact their experiences. Quantitative and qualitative questions such as questions about the overall impact of their experiences will be used to format questions After distributing the survey, responses will be analyzed to identify the most common and significant legal obstacles faced by these students. Followed by proposing an agreement of possible strategies to be used to assist the students involved. The Output had the aim of publishing the research findings through the creation of a website. This serves as a guide for students to gain deeper knowledge on the real-world ideas of legal principles in public filming through collective learning. Through the website’s FAQs tab, students, through a  discussion forum, will have the freedom to share their own personal challenges and concerns, as well as provide assistance for other users. In another tab named ‘Map’, students can access a map showing Metro Manila wherein certain highlighted public locations can be selected and shown the process of filing a permit for filming. Through these tools, students can have an easier and efficient way of preparing for filming and avoid altercations with public authority. Hypothesis (Anica Null Hypothesis: The legal requirements for filming in public spaces in Metro Manila, including Goco) acquiring permits and following the law, do not significantly impact the ability of student filmmakers to produce content. Alternative Hypothesis: The legal requirements for filming in public spaces in Metro Manila, including acquiring permits and following the law, significantly hinders the ability of student filmmakers to produce content. Significance of the The findings of this study have an effect on society, specifically the film education in the area of Metro Manila. The goal of this study is to collect Study necessary information to build a guide in relation to legal frameworks of filming in public spaces for the following individuals: (Danna Pascual) The Students This study aims to take a look at the legal struggles faced by student filmmakers given their lack of knowledge, resources, and guidance from the current government. This data will then be collated to create a needed guide for maneuvering around the ordinances that cause these struggles, in hopes of creating better opportunity for their creative liberty as they utilize common spaces in their area. The Educators Given their power to judge the quality of students’ work, this study may aid educators as a framework for their understanding and criteria for the rubrics of tasks and outputs. As they are made aware of the difficulties and challenges faced by their students, they are able to make fair judgments depending on the accessibility and feasibility of the task to the students. The School Administrators This study will contribute to help school administrators create feasible plans and papers to support their students against unreasonably difficult bylaws that affect their creativity. As the foundation of these students’ education, these administrators are held accountable for ensuring that they have the opportunity to achieve their visions, and this guide will help them understand which challenges students need their assistance on. The Film Society The contribution this study will make to the film society of the Philippines is that it is able to cover a guide to further enhance student filmmakers education. Given that they are the future of our film industry, the society will greatly benefit from this guide as we ensure that student filmmakers are given all the proper opportunity to grow into better artists.  The Future Researchers Based on the responses of student filmmakers and the outputs of our research, this paper will serve as a framework for future researchers to navigate their way into studying other ordinances and bylaws that may affect a group of people in society. Scope and This research paper is limited to the difficulties faced by Metro Manila’s film students due to the laws and regulations that prohibit them from filming in Limitations public spaces in the area. However, given factors such as limited time to gather respondents, and the limit of numbers of respondents in itself, the (Danna Pascual) scope of the research is quite limited. Factors such as the rationale behind these ordinances, and solutions and repercussions to following them were focused on as they directly affect the students’ abilities to film in these areas. Although the rationale behind these ordinances are explained and accessible to the public, the scope of the current information on hand is quite shallow and further study of these reasons should be conducted to help different cases of filmmaking. Definition of Terms Public Spaces: Open environments owned by government entities within (Arianne Bandril) Metro Manila to which student filmmakers utilize to create academic film projects. Privacy: The state of being free with the protection of the personal rights of everyone involved in the filmmaking process. Legal Challenges: The formal obstacles experienced by student filmmakers in providing contracts, permits, and other legal requirements, necessary to bring before legal authority in the creation and distribution of films. Student Filmmakers: An individual enrolled in an educational program who directs or produces movies for the theater or television that will be used as academic training. Establishments: A formal foundation that provides resources for filmmaking pursuits such as financial security and project framework. Ordinances: The local laws and regulations of a municipal authority made to ensure legal and safe film production. These are relevant for student filmmakers for acquiring permits, public safety, environmental protection, and more. References: Anlim, A. (2024, April 29). Privacy rights in public places | DivinaLaw. DivinaLaw. https://www.divinalaw.com/dose-of-law/privacy-rights-in-public-places/ Hoodlum — Film Fixers Filming on Location in the Philippines https://hoodlum.tv/film-fixers-filming-on-location-in-philippines/  Respicio, H. (2024, October 2). Legality of Recording Videos in Public Places Under Philippine Law — Respicio & Co. Respicio & Co. https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/legality-of-recording-videos-in-public-places-u nder-philippine-law Respicio, H. (2024, October 2). Someone Took a Video of Me in a Public Place, Is That Legal? — Respicio & Co. https://www.respicio.ph/features/someone-took-a-video-of-me-in-a-public-place-is-that-legal Respicio, H. (2024, September 1). The Legal Implications of Taking Videos Without Consent in the Philippines — Respicio & Co. https://www.lawyer-philippines.com/articles/the-legal-implications-of-taking-videos-without-consent-in-the- philippines Team, K. (2024, February 16). Why Setting is Important for Screenwriting. Kinolime Blog. https://blog.kinolime.com/articles/setting-the-setting Townsend, P. by B.J. (2024) The DOS and don’ts of filming in Public Spaces, ByteStart. Available at: https://www.bytestart.co.uk/dos-donts-filming-public-spaces Vermaanurag1994. (2023, October 6). Location is everything: How the right setting elevates filmmaking. Rangshila Theatre Group. https://rangshila.com/location-is-everything-how-the-right-setting-elevates-filmmaking/ Team, E. (2024, October 4). Cultural context: Films as reflections of society. https://edinbox.com/2731-cultural-context-films-as-reflections-of-society CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 2 COMMENTS FROM SIR Research Design A study on the legal challenges that hinder student filmmakers from (Arianne Bandril) utilizing public spaces In Metro Manila for academic filming. This study is a practice of a Sequential Explanatory mixed research approach design. This two-phase approach is done by gathering and examining quantitative data first, to be followed by explaining the findings through qualitative data. (Creswell, J.W., & Creswell, J.D., 2018). The combination of Quantitative and Qualitative research methods are vital for this study containing multiple layers and a wide range of research. The Explanatory design of research allows the researchers to first gauge the numerical data of individuals affected by the concern of this topic, and consequently minimizes the range of their study moving forward as they are given a clearer vision of the main legal concerns. Afterwards, non-numerical data gathered through interviews give the researchers deeper knowledge of the different facets such as the effects of these challenges on the filmmakers’ creativity. Research Locale The study was conducted within the National Capital Region (NCR) of (Anica Goco) the Philippines, otherwise known as Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila in short. Metro Manila, the country's largest metropolitan area, is made up of sixteen densely populated cities that drive the nation's overall development as a political, economic, and—above all—cultural hub. In addition to having several historically significant buildings and well-developed areas, this area is home to a large number of high schools and colleges with highly regarded filmmaking programs, including the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and the UP Film Institute. The researchers have chosen this area for their study due to its compatibility and relevance to the topic. Participants of the Study The participants of the study are the Senior High School students of S.Y. (Danna Pascual) 2024-2025 that are enrolled under the Arts and Design academic strand offered by the nation’s country’s curriculum. This consists of grade 11 and 12 students primarily from St. Paul College Pasig, with a select few from other institutions such as De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and the like. Although the researchers are prioritizing the data coming from the students of SPCP, students from other institutions have also been contacted to gain alternative perspectives, those coming from outside the area of Pasig. This is to ensure that they are able to cover the majority of possible challenges faced by these aspiring filmmakers across the region. The participants’ identities as student filmmakers were authenticated by their recent involvements in film production that followed a thorough  coursework for its accomplishment. Population and Sampling As the researchers start with the quantitative survey being published to (Arianne Bandril) their target audience, they’ve settled on the expected sample size given the estimate of forty (40) students making up the population of St. Paul College Pasig’s Arts and Design program, to be twenty-eight (28) with a 95% confidence level and with 10% margin of error. Once the data from the respondents have been settled, the researchers then proceed with the qualitative portion of their study. In hopes of getting thorough and insightful responses from the interviews, the researchers have opted to use purposeful sampling to determine the participants of this portion. Fifteen (15) students who have firsthand experience filming in public environments were selected by the researchers based on knowledge, expertise, and work quality. In the case that the gathered data from the interviews were insufficient, the researchers have also utilized simple random sampling among the SPCP respondents as they’ve chosen random class numbers and coordinated with the class officers of the designated A&D sections to determine the corresponding students to the five (5) random values. Research Instruments Within this study, the research instruments put into practice were a (Anica Goco) Rating System and Face-to-Face Interviews. To first assess the particular struggles of student filmmakers and the severity of their cases, a Google Form questionnaire was released to the intended demographic. The form contained different examples of possible judicial hurdles they may have faced in the past, such as: A.​ Difficulty in Reserving Filming Venues B.​ Low Accessibility of Filming Permits C.​ Unclear Guidelines of Rules and Regulations of the Area These examples will be rated by a 5-level scale known as the Likert Scale. The options on this scale include choices like “Strongly Agree”, “Agree”, “Neutral”. “Disagree”, and “Strongly Disagree”. In addition to the survey, the researchers also conducted onsite interviews with the participants selected during the prior random sampling. Through these interviews, a deeper exploration of student insights were gathered through questions that focus on the filmmakers’ creativity, such as: A.​ Do the regulatory limitations that come with the use of public spaces affect your intended creative expression? B.​ How has the restriction of equipment used impact your artistic visions? Lastly, the input of the respondents and other case studies of real-life examples from filmmakers who encounter similar obstacles in Metro Manila, are used to create an extensive guide of strategies and solutions to the aforementioned legal pitfalls. Validation of Instruments The research instruments used were validated by a scholar (Danna Pascual) having extensive knowledge of the practical research process and personal experience in carrying it out.  It was also validated by an educator with the expertise of the subjects being focused on within the Arts and Design curriculum, not only having a connection with the field being studied but also the students the study is aimed to benefit. With the validation from these individuals, it is ensured that the interview questions and survey questionnaires are credible and can sufficiently aid the study at hand. Regardless, the researchers who aim to guarantee the utmost efficiency of their instruments also decided to conduct a pilot study with a small group of experienced student filmmakers who are not a part of the Art and Design track. The validated forms and questions were released to these individuals and the researchers based the effectiveness of the instruments on the data gathered in the pilot process. Data Gathering Procedures (Arianne Bandril) The researchers first curated the initial survey form to be executed through the platform Google Forms. The content is first validated by an educator with experience of gathering data from respondents before they proceed with conducting the main study, or otherwise known as the release of the forms to the target demographic. After two weeks of gathering respondents, the researchers then did a thorough study of the quantitative data obtained from the survey, translating it into statistical values which was then used as a basis for their interview questions. Again, the interview questions were first validated by a professional with the expertise of the field being studied before the researchers released the consent forms to the handpicked respondents for the interview. Once the consent forms were accomplished, the researchers conducted the interviews face-to-face with the individuals, taking close record of all qualitative input shared during this period. Finally, the researchers began a comprehensive analysis of all the collected data. Analysis of Data In order to adequately address and answer the first statement of (Anica Goco) the problem, the researchers performed Descriptive Statistical Analysis. In this Quantitative research method, data collection is followed by statistical methods that are applied to produce descriptive statistics, such as means, frequencies, or percentages, which offer a numerical summation of the study's conclusions. Through this, the researchers are able to narrow down the broad phenomenon of legal pitfalls to the relevant struggles being faced contemporarily. (Unimrkt, 2023) Afterwards, the researchers conduct a thorough analysis of respondent experiences through the practice of Thematic Analysis, a qualitative research method which entails finding and assessing common themes and trends among a large volume of text-based data. (Perenara-Wilkinson, 2024). The analysis of data through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis helps the researchers in accomplishing an in-depth perspective of the distinct conflicts student filmmakers have with public legislation and the similar experiences faced by this demographic. Allowing the researchers to have a summation of data to be used as the basis of the proposed strategies and remedies for these obstacles. Ethical Consideration (Danna Pascual) Within the initial survey form, the respondents are given a thorough explanation of the content being requested from them. In line with this information, a consent form may also be found in the questionnaire; this contains details such as the purpose of the study to gather data on current legal challenges being faced by student filmmakers. The benefit of the expected output of the study—the legal guide for student filmmakers in public spaces—was also mentioned in the consent form. Additionally, the form, although only released to a specific demographic, was not deemed as a “requirement,” ensuring that none of the respondents felt compelled or forced to participate if they were unwilling. Additionally, the researchers assured the participants that all information shared will be protected and kept confidential among the researchers as they abide by the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Logistically, this is accomplished as all data is kept within password-protected files exclusive to the researchers. The respondents’ identities have also not been revealed, and any necessary quotations of their inputs have been done so with aliases. The wellness and privacy of the respondents were heavily taken into consideration by the researchers as a show of respect for their time and effort to aid the study. Given this, if the respondents were to decide to withdraw their participation and any shared data to the study at any point, would be abided by the researchers on the grounds of a valid reason being provided by the respondent. This agreement will be included in the consent form found in the initial survey released.