The Social Sciences and Development Review Journal (SSDR) is an open-access university journal of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), under the Research Publications Office of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development. Beginning with its 2025 issue, SSDR is published biannually and features peer-reviewed articles in the social sciences and development studies, preferably those focusing on the Asia-Pacific context. The journal promotes critical, multidisciplinary, and constructive discourses in the social sciences and allied disciplines. Articles that seek to synthesize normative fields such as religious studies, theology, or philosophy with the social sciences are likewise welcome. Social Sciences and Development Review Journal aims to publish articles from a wide variety of methodological and disciplinary perspectives to serve the interests of a wide range of thoughtful readers, students, and academic scholars of the social sciences and development such as sociologists, anthropologists, historians, economists, psychologists, political scientists, as well as social development and cooperative scholars. It also aims to publish special issues on important and urgent social concerns that affect the local and global society.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Articles published in the SOCIAL SCIENCES AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW will be Open-Access articles distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). This allows for immediate free access to the work and permits any user to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles, crawl them for indexing, pass them as data to software, or use them for any other lawful purpose.
Deepening Critical Engagements with Power, Identity, and Development in the Philippine Context
Copyright (c) 2025 Mary Joy S. Parajas (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Floods, Fault Lines, Futures: Rethinking Development through Social Science Research in the Philippines
A Critical Analysis of Identity Formation Amongst Closeted Filipino Youth through Judith Butler's Gender Trouble
Filipino society is often regarded as being pervasively conservative and a stickler for heteronormativity, putting young people identifying within the queer umbrella under significant pressure to conform to traditional gender and sexual norms. This environment fosters a dual performative identity, where closeted individuals present a “cisnormative” front in the face of traditionally restrictive spaces while exploring and expressing a more authentic identity within supportive communities. Queer theory, which challenges binary conceptions of gender and sexuality, frames this exploration by validating the fluidity of non-traditional labels as tools for self-expression, even if only within specific contexts. Feminist theory adds further depth by acknowledging the compounded constraints faced by queer individuals at the intersection of gender, sexuality, and cultural expectations in the Philippine context. Butler’s concept of gender performativity provides an explanation for the usage of labels to “do” gender in a way that enables the balance between maintaining social security and self-expression. This act of labeling, however, is a complex process. At the same time, labels offer a sense of belonging and visibility; they can also confine individuals, as external expectations often “freeze” identity in a way that hinders the ongoing process of identity formation. This study provides a critical analysis of these dynamics, offering insights into how emergent labels serve as both vehicles for self-individuation and as the framework in which closeted Filipino youth navigate their identities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nikky Garo, Samantha B. Cancino, Dhenissa B. Dugat, Patricia Suzanne J. Mahawatta, Julianne Margarette C. Ocampo, Jared Emeric G. Sanchez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for the Urban Poor in Brgy. Payatas, Quezon City: Towards an Enhanced Policy
The National Government of the Philippines has implemented various poverty-alleviating programs, such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). However, despite these efforts by the government, the issue of poverty remains. While previous studies have provided analysis on the program implementation, there still persists a knowledge gap on this topic. Thus, this study applies the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework by Scoones (1998), aiming to understand the need to recognize the significant roles played by the vulnerability context of the urban poor, their livelihood assets, the presence of structures and processes, and livelihood strategies in improving the livelihood conditions of the urban poor. The quantitative and qualitative aspects of this paper revealed the importance of incorporating and understanding how the variables present in this study contribute to the goal of the program. While these findings may be limited in scope, they present several policy implications, suggesting the need to streamline implementation guidelines, reinforcement of collaboration efforts with interrelated agencies, alignment with urban livelihood realities, and fostering connections with the target participants and private organizations to ensure operational efficiency and better public service delivery. This study contributes not only to ensuring the successful implementation of the program but also to the existing gap in studies grounded in DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ella Marie A. Erana, Mariellah C. Azaña, Dorothy P. Denorog, Ma. Alexandra P. Occidental, Krippe Anthony Ramos (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Women as Drivers of Philippine Rural Development: Analyzing the Role of Women’s Employment in Shaping Regional Poverty Dynamics and Human Development Using Seemingly Unrelated Regression
This research examines the impact of women’s employment on poverty dynamics and human development in the rural regions of the Philippines. Despite progress in gender equality legislation, women’s participation in the labor force remains constrained by traditional gender roles, cultural expectations, and institutional barriers. Anchored in Social Role Theory and Gender Schema Theory, the study examines how these frameworks influence women’s labor market outcomes and socioeconomic contributions. Using panel data from 16 rural regions between 2018 and 2023, the research employs Pearson Correlation and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) to examine the relationships among women’s labor force participation rate (WLFPR), number of employed women (NEW), poverty incidence (PVI), and the regional human development index (RHDI). Findings indicate that higher female employment and labor force participation are significantly correlated with reduced poverty incidence and improvements in human development. However, results also highlight the limitations of relying solely on employment indicators, pointing to the need for broader measures of gender equality, such as the gender wage gap, sectoral employment distribution, and legal frameworks as identified in the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) Compendium of Indicators for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). The study concludes that empowering women through employment is essential to rural development, but the scope of analysis is limited to 16 regions and PSA census-based data, which requires cautious interpretation. Policy recommendations include childcare support, skills development programs, and reforms aimed at dismantling restrictive gender norms. By addressing both socio-cultural and institutional barriers, this study provides insights for policymakers to promote inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Celso G. Tan Jr. (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
bell hooks’ Sisterhood Model: An Integration of Religious Congregations and Women’s Advocacy in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Catholic religious sisters serve their communities as teachers, nurses, leaders, and companions, as a commitment to their chosen vocations. While their acts of service and charity is a sincere commitment to Gospel, their identities continue to be veiled and shaped by the enduring image of a Madonna: a symbol of womanhood inspired in the figure of Mary characterized by purity, chastity, obedience, and maternal devotion. This image, although revered, also places expectations on how sisters are seen and see themselves creating tension between ecclesial identity and public advocacy. This study explores how Filipino Catholic sisters reconcile traditional Marian ideas with emerging forms of feminist agency. Through the lens of bell hooks’ Sisterhood Model, and Luce Irigaray’s Strategic Essentialism, this research explores how religious sisters engage in this negotiation without fully abandoning their ecclesial identity. By employing a feminist power analysis, the study examines how power—expressed through formation systems, religious vows, and authority structures—shapes their roles and spiritual practices. The study utilizes qualitative interviews with two women from active religious congregations, centered in their lived experience as sites of institutional negotiation and feminist transformation. Findings show that these women viewed religious life as an awakening of consciousness with social concerns grounded on traditional symbols and doctrines, rather than as a life in seclusion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ariane Shelley Pepito (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Phallikong Pananagisag sa mga Terestriyal at Aquatikong Hayop sa Kapaligirang Pilipino (Phallic Symbolism of Terrestrial and Aquatic Animals in the Philippine Environment)
This research aims to explore the somatic study of the Filipino body, with particular attention to the genitalia (butò, titi, phallus, or penis), while concurrently examining the cultural perception of the Filipino environment, specifically focusing on fauna. In various societies, including Filipino culture, animals have often been symbolically associated with genitalia. Despite this, the use of such symbolism in daily communication and cultural expressions remains under explored in academic discourse. This study will examine a range of terrestrial animals, including birds, aquatic species such as fish and trepang (sea cucumber), and semi-aquatic creatures like crocodiles and snakes, which have frequently been attributed phallic symbolism. Additionally, the research will integrate insights from folk narratives and draw upon comparative cultural knowledge from other society to substantiate the symbolic and associative relationship between animals and genitalia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Axle Christien Tugano (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Exploring Political Neutrality and Disengagement: The Experiences of Jehovah’s Witnesses Students in Educational Settings
Schools are tasked with instilling civic and social responsibility values, and such means are achieved through political activities. However, for Jehovah’s Witness (JW) students, participation in such activities can conflict with their religious convictions, presenting a unique challenge as they navigate educational expectations while striving to uphold their beliefs. Hence, this study explores the experiences of JW students regarding their political neutrality and disengagement in educational settings. Utilizing qualitative interviews and document analysis, the research identifies the political activities and challenges JW students face and the coping mechanisms they employ to reconcile their religious commitments with political expectations. Findings reveal that nationalistic ceremonies, student government elections, partisanship, and military-related activities significantly affect JW students' faith. Consequently, they face challenges that lead to psychological distress, peer pressure, academic strain, social stigmatization, and verbal bullying. The study further discusses how Merton's Strain Theory elucidates the coping strategies utilized by these students, including silent observation, respectful withdrawal, and, to some extent, conformity. Overall, this research suggests the necessity for schools to foster an inclusive atmosphere that respects diverse beliefs, addressing the implications of social stigmatization on students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kurt Zeus Dizon (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Community Development Initiatives Implementation and Disaster Risk Management Practices in Calamba City Barangays
This study examined the relationship between community development frameworks and disaster risk management (DRM) practices using a quantitative descriptive correlational design. Data were gathered from 150 respondents, 40 barangay officials, and 110 community members from Barangays Palingon, Lingga, and Sampiruhan in Calamba City through a validated researcher-made survey (CVR = 1.00) utilizing a four-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included a paired T-test (.05 significance level) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Findings indicated that community development initiatives and DRM practices were generally "Fully Implemented" and "Fully Manifested," with Self-Understanding (3.49) and Preparedness (3.62) receiving the highest ratings, while Engage and Empower, Reflect and Celebrate (3.35), and Recovery (3.46) were the lowest. Significant differences were observed in Preparedness (p = 0.001) and Reflect and Celebrate (p = 0.044), while Self-Understanding (p = 0.175) showed no significant difference. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships, with Engage and Response (p = 0.001) as the strongest and Reflect and Preparedness (p = 0.026) as the weakest, while no significant relationship was found in Reflect and Mitigation (p = 0.877). To enhance disaster preparedness and response, an action plan was proposed to equip barangay officials with hands-on training in Incident Command System (ICS) Level 1.
Community development, community frameworks, disaster risk management, initiatives implementation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jose Roderick Aguila (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Rethinking Governance: Public Choice Theory and the Modern State
This study critically reexamines governance in the modern state through the lens of Public Choice Theory, which challenges the traditional assumption that government officials always act in the public interest. Developed by economists James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock, Public Choice Theory posits that political actors, like individuals in markets, are motivated by self-interest, which can lead to government inefficiencies such as corruption, rent seeking, and policy outcomes that favor private gains over public welfare. By synthesizing recent empirical and theoretical literature from 2020 to 2025, this research explores how individual incentives and institutional arrangements influence bureaucratic behavior, governance styles, and political dynamics. The study highlights the underutilization and misapplication of Public Choice Theory in contemporary governance frameworks, particularly in bureaucratic decision-making and public service delivery. It further investigates the impact of technological advancements like artificial intelligence on governance accountability and public trust. The analysis underscores the importance of transparency, citizen engagement, and polycentric governance models to mitigate government failure and enhance state responsiveness. Drawing from qualitative thematic analysis of peer-reviewed sources, the study proposes pathways for reforming governance structures to align better political incentives with collective action and long-term public welfare. Finally, this work advocates for a realistic and nuanced understanding of political behavior to design more effective, accountable, and people-centered modern states.
Copyright (c) 2025 John Carlo Colot (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Profile, Trends, and Determinants of Pregnancy Termination Among Filipino Women
Cultural and legal barriers force many Filipino women to undergo unsafe and secret abortions. This study examines the profile of women who terminated pregnancy among those who gave birth in the last five years according to selected independent variables, and the trends in pregnancy termination from 1992 to 2022 all National Demographic and Health Surveys. It also identified the determinants of pregnancy termination and estimated its likelihood. The analysis accounted for the complex survey design. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression were employed. Results show that nearly 13% of women who gave birth in the last five years experienced pregnancy termination, and the distribution varies according to selected independent variables. Termination rates remained from 1997 to 2007 but declined in 2022. Logistic regression identified age as the strongest predictor, with odds rising sharply over time. Belonging to wealthier quintiles and having good self-rated health reduced the likelihood of termination, while education, marital status, religion, and residence showed no independent significance. Older, low-income, and poor health remain at higher risk, highlighting the need for targeted support. Expanding access to family planning, improving maternal healthcare, and addressing economic vulnerabilities can help reduce unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Strengthening reproductive rights policies and ensuring access to safe abortion-related care and the legalization of abortion in the country are also crucial steps in promoting women’s health and well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mejedin Tena (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Healthcare Advocacy & Legislation in the Philippines: Social Movement/Civil Society Alternatives to Privatization & Commodification
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) financial situation is in dire straits, with an official claiming that its actuarial life would last until 2027 only. To achieve free universal healthcare, alternative financing options for the Philippines’ national health care system would have to be considered. This paper aims to analyze historical government health care reform policies vis-à-vis social movement/civil society alternatives – and the corresponding paradigm shifts that they present – which culminate in the recently filed House Bill 9515 (“An Act Providing for a Free, Comprehensive, and Progressive, National Public Health Care System”) authored by the Makabayan Coalition – a bloc of grassroots partylists with strong links with social movements. House Bill 9515’s provisions would bring the Philippine system closer to Cuba’s and the United Kingdom’s systems which both offer useful springboards in making public health care free for all. Thus, the bill can potentially help the Philippines transition from privatization & commodification which have characterized the prevailing framework in the country’s health care system for decades now.
Copyright (c) 2025 David Michael San Juan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR AND INTENTION TO QUIT: MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB BURNOUT AMONG CALL CENTER AGENTS IN METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and turnover intention, with the mediation of job burnout among call center agents in Metro Manila. A total of 175 participants were recruited through snowball sampling and responded to an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the average levels of OCB, job burnout, and turnover intention among respondents. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between these variables, while mediation analysis using the Med-Mod module in JAMOVI assessed the mediating role of job burnout. Results revealed that job burnout fully mediates the relationship between OCB and turnover intention. These findings highlight the importance of promoting organizational citizenship behavior to mitigate turnover intention by addressing job burnout.
Copyright (c) 2025 Redmund Joseph Diaz Tocle (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Experiences of BA Sociology Students from a Philippine State University: Recruitment, Retention, and Future Aspirations
Sociology as an undergraduate program in the Philippines has expanded significantly. A total of 49 higher educational institutions offer an undergraduate degree in Sociology; 20 of which are in Luzon and 8 are in Metro Manila. Despite this growth, Sociology departments face challenges in recruiting and retaining students amidst a competitive academic landscape. This study was conducted with students from a Philippine state university, exploring their motivations for enrolling, reasons for staying, perceived strengths and weaknesses of the program, and their post-graduation plans. The insights gained from this research could guide future improvements to Sociology programs to better meet the needs and aspirations of students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mark Anthony M. Quintos, Minami O. Iwayama (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
PAGSIPAT SA KAISIPAN NINA OROZCO AT DEMETERIO HINGGIL SA FERTILITY DANCE NG OBANDO, BULACAN GAMIT ANG KASAYSAYANG PASALITA (EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVES OF OROZCO AND DEMETERIO ON THE OBANDO, BULACAN FERTILITY DANCE THROUGH ORAL HISTORY)
This study examined Orozco and Demeterio’s research work on the history of the Obando Fertility Dance. This research seeks to trace its origins through preliminary historical tracing from the perspective of the older Obandenyo, aged 60 to 90. The study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) What is the chronology of Obando’s patrons, as well as the actual ritual performed for San Pascual Baylon, Santa Clara, and the Blessed Virgin of Salambao? (2) How do the images and rituals associated with the celebration in Obando, Bulacan, transform each May? (3) What is the historical context and form of the ritual dance in Obando, Bulacan? It was analyzed in this research that Orozco and Demeterio’s thoughts coincide with oral histories shared by eight older Obandenyos. The Obando fertility dance may not be a product of Christianity, nor it was a version of a ritual by the Tagalogs even before the arrival of the Spanish. This may have started when the Spaniards arrived and when the patrons arrived. The majority of participants are unable to recall the term “Kasilonawan,” which could be the origin of the fertility dance that has just become Christianized.
Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepcio de Salambao
Copyright (c) 2025 Jennifer Delfin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
PARA LANG PO SA TABI: MAKA-PILIPINONG KATANGIAN NG LALABINTAUNIN SA PAGBUBUO NG KÁPWA SA KAPWA PASAHERO NG DYIP (Para lang po sa Tabi: Filipinonize Traits of Teenagers in Building Kápwa with Fellow Jeepney Passengers)
The jeepney is hailed as the "king of the road." This monarch of the streets is often adorned with vibrant colors, intricate decorations, and an extravagant design. Though an unseen part of our daily lives yet, it carries profound cultural significance symbolizing our Filipino identity. Within the jeepney the Filipino value of pakikipagkapwa is strongly manifested as the heart or most important among our Filipino values according to Virgilio Enriquez from the perspective of Sikolohiyang Pilipino. This study sought to explore how the concept of kapwa is formed among passengers who interact daily within this shared space. Employing the indigenous Filipino research methods of pagtatanong-tanong and pakikipagkuwentuhan by Javier, narratives were gathered and analyzed from ten lalabintaunin (adolescents). These narratives were interpreted using Enriquez's Antasan ng Pagtutunguhan to provide a clear and in-depth discussion of how the concept of kapwa is developed. The study identified the following positive Filipino traits that emerge from this sense of shared identity among jeepney passengers: a. bayad po; b. pára po sa tabi; c. tinginan at pakiramdaman; d. kuwentuhan; e. limos at malasakit; and f. punuan at bigayan. On the other hand, certain negative Filipino traits among passengers also surfaced such as: a. pagwawalang bahala o walang pakialam; b. pagkagalit at pagdadabog; c. tsismisan; d. siksikan at singitan; e. budol; f. lamangan; and g. pakutuban.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eldrin Jan D. Cabilin, Aurora S. Buquir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Ritual and Sacred Space: The Role of Ritual in Shaping the El Shaddai Community
This study aims to examine the role of ritual in shaping sacred space and community within the El Shaddai fellowship. Using an ethnographic approach, observations were conducted over five consecutive Saturdays at Amvel City, Parañaque City, to identify and describe the rituals performed during the group’s weekly gatherings. The research found seven primary rituals, referred to as “spiritual activities,” which serve as essential components of the members’ spiritual lives. Additionally, the study highlights the role of the stage as a “sacred space” that functions as the focal point of ritual performance. The analysis reveals that ritual is not only a spiritual practice but also a form of communication that strengthens collective identity and unity within the community. This perspective aligns with James Carey’s Ritual Communication Theory, which posits that communication is a means of meaning-making and fostering participation in a faith-based community. Overall, the research demonstrates that both the performance of rituals and the presence of sacred space contribute to the spiritual development and social connection of El Shaddai members. This study may serve as a foundation for deeper analysis of the role of ritual in various religious communities in the Philippines.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joven Makiling (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
An Analysis of the Experiences of Lawyers Handling Criminal Law Cases within the Philippine Court System through a Weberian Lens
In accordance with the Weberian tradition of classical public administration, the core responsibility of the Philippine Public Administration is the efficient delivery of public services to its constituents. In the case of the Judicial branch of the government, this responsibility manifests in the form of a quick disposition of cases filed before its courts. This is particularly important in criminal cases where people may be deprived of liberty while awaiting conviction from the Court – leading to the sentiment that “justice delayed is justice denied.” This study aimed to explore the challenges observed in the Philippine court system by focusing on the lived experiences of lawyers handling criminal law cases and the difficulties they encountered both in the courtroom and while navigating the broader judicial landscape.The study identified the systemic challenges that affected the efficiency and effectiveness of criminal litigation and described the experiences of lawyers in their attempts to advocate for their clients during three different stages of the judicial process (arraignment, pre-trial, and trial) for criminal cases that required the active involvement and appearance of private lawyers in courts excluding post-judgment remedies. At the end of this paper, the authors also proposed recommendations aimed at enhancing support systems for criminal lawyers and improving the overall functioning of the Philippine judicial system to ensure fair trial rights are upheld.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mark Anthony Quintos, Atty. Minami O. Iwayama (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
The Pursuit of Fulfillment: A Phenomenological Study of Street Sweepers in the Philippines
Street sweepers are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers nowadays due to their working conditions, tenure of employment, health issues, and socio-economic status. Nevertheless, they are the driving force behind the maintenance of solid waste management and the cleanliness of cities. Using the Self-Determination Theory as the framework of this study, this paper aims to explore the sense of fulfillment experienced by street sweepers in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. Using phenomenological research design, eight (8) street sweepers were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide questionnaire. The gathered data were transcribed, validated, and analyzed using the Braun and Clarke thematic analysis approach. Results revealed four (4) emerging themes: maintaining community cleanliness and orderliness, upholding professional integrity and work ethic, being acknowledged and respected in the community, and supporting family livelihood and well-being. In conclusion, the sense of fulfillment of street sweepers is driven by their sense of orientation, commitment, and accountability, how the community values them, and how the work sustains the physiological needs of their families. The city government should recognize the invaluable contributions of street sweepers by ensuring fair wages, benefits, job security, and recognition initiatives, which can foster greater motivation and job satisfaction. Future research could explore ways to improve job security and benefits for workers in similar sectors, ensuring their efforts are recognized and adequately rewarded.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joseph Seclot (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Reconceptualizing Political Socialization in the Philippines
Political socialization is a lifelong process of learning about political beliefs, attitudes, and motivations. Studies that have attempted to uncover political socialization in the Philippines have associated socialization with political participation and political cynicism; such an association imposes limits on how political socialization is viewed. Thus, this paper attempts to reconceptualize political socialization in the Philippines by introducing nuances and developments in the field of political participation, political socialization, and Philippine society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nathan Go (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Gender Representation of Selected Women Politicians in the Digital Era: A Textual Analysis
The study explored the relationship between Filipino women politicians and their political roles as depicted in media interviews to generate new findings and broader societal perspectives on gender representation. Sandra Harding’s Feminist Standpoint Theory was applied to the research, which offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between gender, power, and political agency, ultimately illuminating how female politicians shape and transform contemporary governance. The study adopted qualitative research and textual analysis to examine the content of media interviews. It seeks to reveal the rich tapestry of meanings embedded within the text, showcasing the multiple interpretations that can arise and the depth of the text’s significance. Research findings showed that women politicians adeptly negotiate power dynamics by balancing their political roles and individual identities. They assert their authority in diverse ways, even in challenging circumstances. Each politician’s interactions are shaped by their gender. For instance, they manifested different levels of assertiveness, vulnerability, strength, and confidence between the interviews. Moreover, the interviews contributed to a wide-ranging discourse on gender equality and political empowerment. Women politicians are encouraged to actively use media institutions to highlight their leadership and policy knowledge. Strategically interacting with the media could shift public opinion, refute disinformation, and promote causes significant to women and society in the digital era. The findings highlighted the influence of women politicians on policy-making and their impact on future generations of leaders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ruby Villaster Asoy, MC (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Privileging Marginalized Voices through Advocacy Research
Copyright (c) 2024 Gerlie Caspe-Ogatis (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Babaeng Frontliner at COVID-19 sa Pilipinas: Batayan para sa Isang Epektibong Tugon sa Pandemya na Nakatuon sa Gender (Female Frontliners and COVID-19 in the Philippines: Basis for a Gender-Responsive Pandemic Response)
While the mortality rates for men are higher, the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic hit women differently. This qualitative study examines the experiences of eight Filipina frontliners who continued to work during the General Community Quarantine in Metro Manila. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling. The primary data collection method was in depth interview. Phenomenological study was utilized for data analysis. The research resulted in three major themes which emerged out of the experiences shared by the female frontliners (1) there exists a problem in safety and transportation among female frontliners; (2) stress develops from a high-risk work task; (3) coping strategies are utilized to manage daily stressors. Paying attention to concerns of female frontliners can potentially improve preventive practices and positive behaviors in combating the pandemic. There should be a gender lens on the response to COVID-19 to ensure that the unique needs women are addressed not just in the Philippines but in the whole world. Frontline female responders must be guaranteed protection safe working conditions support and fair compensation that answers their needs. Also, there is a necessity for sex and age disaggregated data to further understand how this crisis is impacting women and men differently and to support the data collected from the respondents in implementing gender sensitive an effective response to pandemics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arianne Nicole Fernando (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Maximization and wise use of financial resources in the University of Northern Philippines is undeniably critical to its operation. Greater and better quality of outputs are derived and the university become doubly productive. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and management of infrastructure projects in UNP with emphasis on the allocation and utilization of financial resources for such projects. The study covers all infrastructure projects implemented under the administration of its president, Dr. Gilbert R. Arce in his attempt to make the university “A Global University Anchored on Excellence.” As part of the 10 Governance Initiatives of Pres. Gilbert R. Arce to attain Quality and Excellence, prioritization expenditures shall govern spending and judicious utilization of resources shall be ensured. Consultation and empowerment shall guide the process of policy formulation. As such, leadership with good governance shall be guided by the principle of transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity, economy, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability and strategic vision. The University of Northern Philippines’ good governance is epitomized by predictable, open, and enlightened policy making institution imbued with a professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, and transparent process. This paper utilized the qualitative method of research and made use of the Program Project Management Plan, Annual Procurement Plan, Bids and Awards Committee documents and information, and data provided by the Directors of the University Planning Office, Finance Services Division, and Infrastructure Planning and Development Office of the University.
Copyright (c) 2016 Antonio P. Agustin, DPA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/y/4.0/
The Revolution in support of women’s rights began in America in the 1960s. But, asks a leading expert and theorist, have those considered being role models in the US lost their way- and are the true fighters for feminine dignity and equality now to be found in the developing world?
Copyright (c) 2016 Susan Faludi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Million People March Against Pork Barrel: From Potentiality to Actuality
In this essay, I endeavor to ask how virtual reality becomes a public space for advocacies and a venue for crowd mobilization in the Philippines. I particularly analyze the Million People March (MPM) against pork barrel, which happened on August 26, 2013 at Luneta Park in Manila. I also discuss how micro-blogging sites (facebook and twitter) on the cyberspace stirred up the event even before becoming a physical and material event. I try to use the concepts of public sphere introduced by Jurgen Habermas (1989) and as expanded by Lincoln Dahlberg (2007) as cyberpublic, and as virtuality by Hayles and Deleuze (as quoted in A. de Souza e Silva & Sutko, 2011). I also discuss the limitations and constraints to the participative and democratic potentials of blogosphere as explained by Cammaerst (2008).
Copyright (c) 2016 Kriztine R. Viray (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/y/4.0/
The article presents a different perspective on militarization and wars of aggression waged, historically and currently, by the United States of America against nations and peoples in South and South East Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Latin and South America. It zeroes in on the enormous money-making dimension of the US-mongered armed confrontations. Also, the paper examines the role the US has played in fanning the flames of war among countries fighting for full-fledged independence and sovereignty. It exposes the real reasons why the US is so into these wars and who really benefits from its arms requirements amounting to billions of dollars.
Copyright (c) 2016 Rolando M. Covero Jr. (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/by/4.0/
A Review of Martin Luther King’s LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Copyright (c) 2016 Hilda Felipe San Gabriel (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Kamalayan ng Babae Bilang Manunulat Tungo sa Mapagpalayang Praktika: Babae sa Kilusan,Panitikan ng Uring Anakpawis at Pagbabagong Panlipunan (Woman’s Introspection as a Writer Toward Emancipatory Praxis: Women Activists, Proletarian Literature and Social Change)
In this critical essay, I will explore the prospect of “new mass literature” reflected mainly in the creative non-fiction of Lualhati Milan Abreu. On new mass literature, I refer to the thoughts of Gelacio Guillermo that it asserts the right of the people for national sovereignty, unite them on the basis of this right, and cultivate everything that can enhance this unity and national dignity. I will start by outlining the main thoughts about the function of each citizen in the social whole. Then, I will give a short note on who Lualhati Milan Abreu is. After which, I will outline her main thoughts reflected mainly in her Agaw-dilim, Agaw-liwanag. Lastly, I will scrutinize how these thoughts mirror the so called women empowerment, mass literature and societal change through literature.
Copyright (c) 2016 Romeo P. Peña (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/y/4.0/
Psychological Attributes, Stressors, and Coping of Older Adults Teaching in Selected State Universities in Manila, Philippines
This paper examined the psychological attributes of older adults ranging from 55 years old and above who teach in selected state universities in Manila, Philippines. Psychological attributes, in this study, include self concept, and their perception about the changes in their bodily, cognitive, and social attributes. Two hundred six (206) pre-retirees (55 to 64 years old) and retirees (65 years old and above) participated in the study. Results revealed that the older adults described themselves as generally friendly and generous, feel secured and competent, assertive, emotionally strong, and are contented and happy about life. They graciously acknowledged the changes in the physical, physiological, cognitive, and social attributes concomitant with aging. The stressors experienced by some of them within the last two years include: bereavement stressors—death of spouse, death of a family member and a close friend; family-related stressors —separation with child, and serious illness/injury of a family member; and work-related stressors—conflict with superiors and/or subordinates, and major career changes. Few have disclosed having experienced incidence of physical and verbal assaults, and financial exploitation. Various spiritual, cognitive, and social support mechanisms were resorted to by the respondents to cope with the experienced changes and stressful events. Implications for practice and research were discussed.
Copyright (c) 2016 Elmer G. De Jose (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/y/4.0/