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.
Paghu-bad sa Kainayahan sa Piling Kuwentong Pambata: Pagpopook sa Lumad ng Mindanao (Desecration of Life in Selected Children's Story: Place-making among the Lumads of Mindanao)
This study examines intersemiotic translation (from text to image) in three selected radical children’s stories from the Batang Katutubo Series published by Adarna House that depict the conditions of the Lumad communities in Mindanao: Sula Wants to Go to School, Laleng and the Mobile School, and Defenders of the Ancestral Land. The primary theoretical framework employed is Pereira’s (2008) methodology for translating words into images, which consists of three approaches: the literal translation of textual elements, the emphasis of specific narrative elements, and the adaptation of images to convey a particular ideology or artistic perspective. Roman Jakobson’s (1959) theory of creative transposition also serves as a framework for examining illustration as a process of re-creation. Beyond its linguistic and visual dimensions, the analysis is anchored in legal instruments that protect the rights of Indigenous children, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA, Republic Act No. 8371), and Department of Education Order No. 62, s. 2011. The study analyzes the page layouts through both vertical and horizontal reading strategies to identify counter-hegemonic symbols that foreground the lived realities of the Lumad people’s struggle, militarization, and displacement. The findings reveal that the images and illustrations in these stories function not merely as secondary artistic elements but as powerful political and radical instruments that challenge dominant social conventions, represent the realities of internally displaced Indigenous communities, and advocate for social and environmental justice for Indigenous peoples.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alyssa Teodoro, Jamil Carvajal, Federico Jr. Rivera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Ang ideolohiya ng Rebolusyong 1896 at ang tunggalian ng burgisya sa loob ng Katipunan (The ideology of the 1896 Revolution and the struggle of the bourgeoisie within the Katipunan)
Historians debate whether Bonifacio’s Katipunan and the Bourgeois Revolution of 1896 had an ideology comparable to that of the Creole and anti-colonial revolutions, which later evolved into the anti-imperialist revolutions like the Chinese, Vietnamese, Cuban, and Indonesian revolutions. Some claim that this ideology can be discerned in the writings of Bonifacio and Jacinto, which supposedly drew inspiration from the French Revolution and its foundational liberal philosophical tradition, together with the doctrines of the Masonic movement. Others insist that the writings of Bonifacio and Jacinto should be reread and reviewed repeatedly because it is there that this ideology may be found, and not in Rizal or in the tradition of protest during the long period of Spanish colonial rule. What exactly is this ideology or theory of revolution, if it indeed existed? Was it the philosophical foundation of the Katipunan that ignited the uprising? Or was the Revolution of 1896 essentially a purely spontaneous armed mass movement, with the formation of the Katipunan being the result of Bonifacio’s agitation and that of the radical stratum of the petty bourgeoisie linked to the tradition of protest in the face of the decaying colonial regime in the Philippines? By way of a bibliographic review and an examination through a Marxist lens, this paper will discuss this ideology—or its absence or insufficiency—in the Revolution of 1896. It will likewise examine the struggle among bourgeois factions within the Katipunan that led to the liquidation of Bonifacio and the dissolution of the Katipunan in the face of the counterrevolutionary violence of the Caviteño haciendero-bourgeoisie.
Copyright (c) 2026 Valila Jacinto, Jr. (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Pagtataguyod sa Búhay, Dangal, at Ginhawa: Ang Pilosopiya ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (Nurturing Life, Dignity, and Comfort:The Philosophy of Philippine History)
Among the studies on our nation’s history, the schools of historical thought that have long inspired and guided us while we delve into the past stand out. There are the Filipino lens by Rizal, the “nationalist history” by Agoncillo and Constantino, the “history from below” by Ileto, the pantayong pananaw (from-ours-to-ours perspective) by Salazar, and the kaloobang bayan (nation’s virtues) by Villan. Laudable are these contributions by our esteemed historians, since they help us in digging deeper into what has our race experienced. However, by and large, the studies have not yet fully grasped what our nation’s history is really for. Using primary and secondary sources and contemporary studies, this paper aims to prove that championing our people’s virtues such as búhay (life), dangal (dignity), and ginhawa (comfort) is the goal, philosophy, or for what the history of the Philippines really stands.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jon Royeca (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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/
Symbols and Archetypes: A Formalist and Archetypal Analysis of Peter Solis Nery’s Three Hiligaynon Short Stories
Philippine regional literature, specifically Hiligaynon, encompasses a multifold of genres that reflect the region’s culture and literary excellence. Authors in the language excel in the craft of putting narrative and other elements together to create stories that provide insights into the lives and values of the Hiligaynon community. This study aims to contribute to the visibility of regional literature in academic research by exploring Hiligaynon literature through the works of Peter Solis Nery, particularly in the aspect of symbolism. Employing a Qualitative Textual Analysis design, this study sought to find (1) the symbolisms in the short stories Lirio, Donato Bugtot, and Si Padre Olan kag ang Dios, and (2) how the symbols align with or diverge from universal archetypes. Using I.A. Richard’s Formalism, the study examined the symbolisms in the three short stories to uncover layers of representations and meanings. Guided by Carl Jung’s Archetypal Theory, the symbols were then compared to collective mental constructs that have resonated among individuals for thousands of years. The findings show that the symbols play important roles in the stories, serving as vessels through which the characters’ struggles, experiences, and faith are illustrated, illuminating the truths often unspoken within Filipino society, such as abuse, social rejection, and the struggle of faith. Among the eighteen symbols, fifteen were found to align with universal archetypes, highlighting the universality of Hiligaynon literature. Meanwhile, the three symbols, specifically the lily flower, Donato’s hump and kidney, hold distinct meanings in the narratives, showing the contextual nature of symbolism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Atasha Rose Salva, Pearl Joy Materbonia, Ma. Rebecca Canono, Alyka Marie Guanzon, John Jonathan Normandia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Artificial Intelligence: Examining Its Effects on DOT Accredited Metro Manila Travel Agencies' Operation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer in many industries, transforming our way of life and working. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are part of our everyday life. The stories on how AI has affected travel agencies’ operations were covered in this study. The study intends to dissect, through interviews, how AI-related chatbots, personalized recommendation engines, and predictive analytics are becoming necessary obstacles, opportunities, tactics, and perceptions. Furthermore, this study revealed new information for travel companies, offering a qualitative comprehension of AI’s function in changing interactional and operational systems. The plot revolves around several themes, including value formation, the impact of AI in the future years, and the effect of AI on travel companies. This study also intends to investigate the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential for developing cutting edge travel experiences and goods. Furthermore, findings have shown how AI, particularly chatbots and ChatGPT, has revolutionized the way travel agencies operate. The study also revealed the negative side of AI as perceived by some travel agencies, including job displacement, diminished social interaction, and undermined human productivity. Despite these concerns, many travel agencies are actively seeking ways to integrate AI responsibly and ethically. The ongoing evolution of AI suggests that its role in the travel industry will only grow stronger, shaping strategic decision-making. However, increasing reliance on AI could also lead to negative consequences such as job displacement and decreased human interaction.
Copyright (c) 2026 David John D. Apigo, PhD, Randy Cortes, Alliyan Jeanine L. Fulgencio, Shanien Mhyr M. Rosales, Eliezer Gideon P. Valdeavilla, Jerome Amiel S. Vicencio (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Who’s to Blame? The Politics of Recognition in Ayta Land Claims under IPRA
With the enactment of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997, the Philippines became one of the first Asian countries to legally recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Yet many Indigenous communities continue to struggle to realize the very promises that the law was intended to fulfill. This paper therefore examines how IPRA has shaped—and continues to shape—the Ayta’s efforts to assert ownership and control over their ancestral domain. Drawing on multi-sited ethnography conducted in selected Ayta communities, the study reveals that IPRA remains a paradox. While it has heightened the Ayta’s awareness of their rights and strengthened their political mobilization, it has largely failed to protect the lands and rights it promised. Both IPRA and its implementing agency, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), are widely perceived by the Ayta as “toothless” and “inefficient,” largely due to their failure to address longstanding land issues that continue to produce marginalization and dispossession. As these issues persist, Ayta communities and the NCIP often blame one another for perceived irregularities, inefficiencies, and lapses in responsibility. Ultimately, this paper underscores the need to revisit and strengthen IPRA, while also fostering a more collaborative relationship between Ayta communities and the NCIP to advance their shared goal of fully realizing Indigenous Peoples’ rights and dignity.
Copyright (c) 2026 John Albert Dela Rosa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Pragmatic Analysis of AI Image-to-Text Generation: The Case of ChatGP
The study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini to evaluate their capacities in image-to-text generation. The researcher utilized three AI-generated image prompts from Canva, which were processed through the mentioned generative AI (GenAI) models. With the aid of a standardized text prompt, each model was instructed to produce eighteen descriptive sentences corresponding to the prompts. The study examined the contextual alignment, pragmatic appropriateness, as well hallucinations and pragmatic errors present in the generated sentences through pragmatic analysis. The analysis revealed the use of appropriate referents, modal markers, and descriptive details that contributed to contextually and pragmatically accurate descriptions of the images. Despite this, several structural inconsistencies and lexical ambiguities surfaced. While the outputs demonstrated logical coherence through the recognition of lexical patterns, the findings indicate that the models heavily rely on probabilistic associations rather than genuine semantic understanding. The limitations of GenAI became evident in descriptions that contained hallucinations, excessive inference, and syntactic errors, particularly in cases where visual evidence was absent or insufficient to support the inferred content. Overall, Gemini outperformed the other models in producing accurate and meaningful descriptions with high contextual and pragmatic precision, followed by ChatGPT, whose outputs showed some structural flaws, Grok produced the highest number of hallucinated outputs and pragmatic errors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ariel Bosque (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Navigating Acceptance: Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Students in a Tertiary Institution in the Southern Philippines
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other sexual (LGBTQIA+) community is continuously facing local and international challenges. There is an increasing social integration of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including different forms of discrimination and abuse. Despite worldwide movements and advocacies aiming for gender equality and inclusivity, many are still undergoing social adjustment for acceptance. Various universities and academic institutions are not always pillars of education but can be axes of prejudice and exclusion. By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study aims to investigate the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students in a conservative community of Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines. This research used survey questionnaires (n=50) and focus group discussions to capture respondents’ demographic profiles, challenges, experiences, and gender inclusivity within the academic institution. The findings revealed that most of the respondents were aged 20 to 21, identified as bisexual, and were enrolled as second-year undergraduates. Verbal abuse (44%) appeared as the most common form of discrimination, with the lesbian (39%) and bisexual (39%) respondents reporting having experienced frequent discrimination within the academic institution, compared to queer (37%) and gay (25%) respondents. Despite these commonly experienced challenges, most LGBT individuals feel included, enjoying freedom of self-expression within the institution. Thus, the LGBT students can safely and liberally embrace themselves even in a highly Muslim-dominated province of Tawi-Tawi.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mur-hamida Eldani, Robin A. Amil Jr. (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/
Childhood Trauma, Mental Health, and Crime Commission among Persons Deprived of Liberty in a Selected City Jail: Toward a Trauma-Informed Intervention Program
This study explores the relationship between childhood trauma and mental health among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the Philippine jail system, focusing on Baliuag City Jail, Region III. It also examines whether significant differences in trauma and mental health exist across crime categories. While trauma-crime linkages are widely studied in Western contexts, research remains limited within Philippine jail/correctional settings. Grounded in General Strain Theory and supported by Social Learning Theory, Differential Association Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care Model, the study uses a descriptive correlational and comparative research design. A stratified sample of 212 PDLs completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). Results show that while reports of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse were limited, high rates of emotional neglect (41%) and physical neglect (62.3%) were observed. Despite generally normative mental health scores, 17% and 20.3% of respondents showed signs of depression and anxiety, respectively. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive relationships between trauma and mental health, particularly between physical neglect and depression (r = .551, p < .001) and emotional abuse and stress (r = .539, p < .001). MANOVA results indicated statistically significant differences in trauma and mental health scores across crime types. The study recommends integrating trauma-informed care into rehabilitation programs. It proposes Bagong Pilipinas: Pagbangon at Pag-asa sa pamamagitan ng Trauma-Informed na Programa, a national initiative to train jail personnel, expand mental health services, and foster supportive, rehabilitative correctional environments throughout the Philippine jail and prison system
Copyright (c) 2026 Gerardo Gonzales Jr, Elmer De Jose (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Politeness Theory sa Konteksto ng Mamasapano-Era Senate Hearing: Pagsusuri ng Interaksyon ng mga Senador at Resource Speaker (Politeness Theory in the context of the Mamasapano-era senate hearing: Examining interactions between senators and resource speakers)
Senate hearings are defined as a type of public political discourse that is rich in interpersonal communication. Among of the characteristics of a senate hearing are senators’ adopting of the roles of investigator and interrogator; prevalence of interactivity between senators and resource persons; dominance of formality, which is palpable especially in status-related differences between senators and resource persons; and accessibility to the general public through live broadcasts on traditional and social media. This study is anchored on Brown and Levinson’s Politeness, which focuses on positive and negative politeness strategies. The data used consisted of transcripts from the senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident in 2015, and these were examined in terms of the dominant politeness strategies. The results generally revealed that the majority of the politeness strategies were negative, which are due to the formal orientation of senate hearings, the requirement that resource persons narrate events truthfully, and the presence of explanations. The study recommends that other senate hearings be examined and that face-threatening acts be examined in order to investigate other aspects of politeness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eduardo Teodoro Jr Ramos (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Lunan, Gunita, Emosyon: Isang Deskriptibong Pag-aaral ukol sa mga Pilipinong Pamanang Bayan na Kinanlong ng Kabanwahang Lunan ng Musée du Louvre at American Museum of Natural History (Space, Memory, Emotion: A Descriptive Study on Filipino Cultural Heritage Housed in the Foreign Spaces of the Musée du Louvre and the American Museum of Natural History)
At the dawn of the 21st century, one notable feature in the flow of diplomatic and cultural relations among nations is the assertion and participation in cultural repatriation, restitution, and/or rematriation through international adjudication and civil litigation, or the recovery of national heritage and/or artifacts that were illicitly taken by foreign Western powers from their former colonies. Evidence of widespread illicit appropriation is typically found in prominent and “renowned” museums worldwide. This study aims to employ Filipino conceptualizations of national heritage to understand the relationship between the Philippines and foreign countries. As part of its methodology, the author draws on a “local context” approach (kontekstong kabanwahan), reflecting personal visits to museums in Europe, with a particular focus on the Musée du Louvre (MDL) in Paris, France, and the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City, United States of America, as distinctive case studies and examples of these connections. These museums house artifacts that originate from the Philippines. The study introduces three factors that constitute the understanding of national heritage: space, memory, and emotion. In its straightforward aim, the research centers on presenting several cases of illicit appropriation of Philippine artifacts abroad, as well as their eventual recovery and/or restitution through what the study terms the “diplomacy of emotion,” although ideally, these national treasures should be remembered and honored by Filipinos within their own country. The research is heuristic in nature, as it is preliminary and prescriptive, proposing that the Philippines should undertake a comprehensive effort to reclaim its national heritage currently held overseas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Axle Christien Tugano (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/