Philippine Social Science Journal

Financial Independence, Operational Challenges, and Best Practices of the Sangguniang Kabataan in a Highly Urbanized City in Western Visayas, Philippines

2025-12-21T08:40:46+00:00

Rooted in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act of 2015, this study evaluates the financial independence of SK officials in a highly urbanized city, Western Visayas, Philippines. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, the research assessed SK autonomy regarding allocation, disbursement, and liquidation. Quantitative findings indicate robust financial independence across all barangay income levels. However, qualitative insights reveal a complex reality: while independence fosters empowerment, policymaking, and social inclusion, it is simultaneously hampered by strict fidelity bonding, limited training, and rigorous liquidation requirements. To cope, officials employ best practices such as inter-council collaboration and professional engagement. The study concludes that while the legal framework successfully establishes financial autonomy, significant operational hurdles remain. These findings provide critical baseline data for government agencies to refine capacity-building programs, ensuring that SK financial independence translates into effective youth empowerment and accountable governance.

Perceived Effectiveness, Financial Viability, Barriers, and Opportunities of a Pediatric Telemedicine Service in Negros Occidental

2025-12-21T08:40:18+00:00

Accelerated by the pandemic, telemedicine offers significant potential for pediatric care in Negros Occidental, yet it faces distinct implementation hurdles. This study evaluated its effectiveness, barriers, and financial viability through a survey of 160 pediatricians and a financial analysis of ten private clinics. Findings reveal that while physicians value telemedicine for its convenience and ability to reach remote patients, they consider it less effective for diagnosis than in-person examinations. Widespread adoption is further hindered by inadequate equipment, and legal concerns. Conversely, financial data indicates promising profitability and long-term sustainability for clinics. To unlock telemedicine’s full potential, the study recommends prioritizing infrastructure improvements and advanced diagnostic training to bridge current gaps. Future research should focus on validating virtual diagnostic tools and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring that telemedicine becomes a reliable, sustainable model for expanding healthcare access in underserved communities.

Online Activism in Pinoy Battle Rap: A Qualitative Analysis of FlipTop Emcee Verses

2025-12-21T08:40:32+00:00

Online activism has grown significantly with technological advancements, using tools like petitions, micro-blogging, and social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. This qualitative study explores an unconventional form of online activism found in the rap verses of FlipTop artist BLKD, a prominent figure in the Philippine battle rap scene. The research identifies categories of online activism in these verses, analyzes the thought processes behind the messages conveyed by the battle rappers, and uncovers common themes. By establishing the characteristics that define this unique form of online activism, the study assesses its potential for lasting impact, effective audience engagement, and significant social change. Additionally, it highlights how traditional activism adapts to digital platforms, providing insight into the evolving nature of advocacy in contemporary society. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding of online activism while emphasizing the role of hip-hop culture in shaping political discourse and mobilizing communities.

Challenges, Business Resiliency Strategies and Opportunities of Accommodation Establishments in Coron, Palawan: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods

2025-12-23T00:37:29+00:00

This study investigated the challenges, business resilience strategies, and growth opportunities of Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishments in Coron, Palawan, in the post-pandemic landscape. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the research identified major operational hurdles, including operational setbacks, fluctuating market demand, workforce deficiencies, and financial constraints. Quantitative results indicated that while challenges were significant across the sector, they were more pronounced in larger, long-standing hotels and resorts. To navigate these issues, establishments implemented highly effective resiliency strategies such as competitive positioning, enhancing workforce stability, operational continuity solutions, financial stability initiatives, and leadership in crisis management approaches. Beyond survival, the recovery period revealed substantial opportunities for business growth, sustainable operations, organizational talent development, and stakeholder engagement. The findings culminated in a business resilience framework providing a strategic blueprint for local hospitality providers to mitigate future risks and leverage emerging tourism trends for long-term sustainability.

Strategic Professionalization: A Best Practice Model for Early Childhood Education Community Extension of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental

2025-12-21T08:40:00+00:00

High-quality early childhood care and education is essential for long-term development, yet many Child Development Workers (CDWs) lack formal academic credentials. This paper evaluates the "Certificate in ECE Program," a transformative community extension model developed through a strategic partnership between the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos and the Guihulngan City LGU. Utilizing a multi-method approach, the study validates a six-month professionalization pathway that successfully equipped 73 CDWs with essential pedagogical competencies and instructional strategies. Findings demonstrate that the program significantly enhanced educator confidence, professional efficacy, and personal growth while fostering essential attributes like empathy and patience. Ultimately, this zero-revenue, cost-sharing model bridged critical knowledge gaps and aligned local practices with national standards. The initiative serves as a replicable blueprint for institutionalizing collaborative partnerships to permanently elevate foundational education quality in marginalized communities.