Land degradation (LD) is one of the problems in the upland areas that can be examined using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Framework to help understand its cause and effect relationships. The objectives of the study were to determine what are the drivers, pressures, state, and impact of LD, and the corresponding response to LD in La Libertad, Negros Oriental. This study addressed the problem of land degradation and the need for a planning tool in mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management in the land use plans of the Local Government Units (LGUs).Results showed that the significant drivers of land degradation in the upland areas of La Libertad were population growth, steep slope farming, household income, and land tenure- all of which contributed to land cover change. Most of the Conservation Farming Village (CFV) barangays, which were the areas of study, are located on a slope ranging from 18-30% (rolling to moderately steep), 30-50% (steep to very steep) and above 50% (very steep hills and mountains). Land cover change analysis done showed that large portions of grassland in 2003 were converted to cropland in 2010 and 2015. The state and trend of land degradation was determined using the indicators on land cover, land productivity dynamics, and soil organic carbon. It was found out that the shift from shrubland/grassland to cropland was the prominent trend of LD observed in the upland areas. This study shows that the impacts of land degradation are soil erosion and decrease in soil fertility. Sustainable land Management (SLM) technologies using contour hedgerows, rockwall, multi-storey cropping, natural vegetative strips, mulching, and vermicomposting were implemented in response to land degradation. The resulting environmental impacts of these were shown to be improved soil fertility, land cover, and reduction in soil erosion. Low erosion rates ranging from 8.5 to 11.9 tons/ha/year and with eighty percent (80%) of the CFV barangays with stable or improved landcover were seen. On the other hand, the economic impact increased agricultural production and farm income along with improved market access. Lastly, the socio-cultural impact was observed in improved decision-making, attitude towards conservation, and the level of living. This study advocates the DPSIR Framework as a useful tool in mainstreaming SLM in land use planning.

This research correlates housing to the Socio-economic improvement of marginalized Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their resilience to flooding. The first part presents their predicaments and how shelter, being one of the basic needs, has been neglected in any PWD program-both national or local. Their right to proper housing, at par with others, is justified in the study framework. Empowerment enables them to become better in life and contribute to the growth of society. A well-planned PWD housing has been identified a tool to achieve these. This research occurred in the outbreak of COVID-19. We have witnessed how the poorest of the poor-including PWDs, have tremendously suffered during the lockdown and imposed community quarantine. Job loss loomed and they had no choice but to rely on various assistance. Aside from the pandemic, we recall how flash floods towards the end of 2020 affected urban and rural landscapes, damaging properties and leaving pointless deaths. This research gives a timely and relevant position on how to address the needs of PWDs in providing a long-term solution.

The integration of resettlers in the host community is needed in every resettlement plan. While most resettlement planners in the Philippines focus on providing assistance to those who will be relocated, the needs of the host community and the impact of the sudden change in the local population are usually neglected.

The thesis “Social Impact of Kasiglahan Village-I Resettlement on the Host Community: Social Services Sharing and Perception of Residents of Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez Municipality” aims to determine the impact of resettlement on the social services and facilities provided by the local government to the host community through the local residents’ perceptions, with Barangay San Jose; Rodriguez, Rizal as the selected study area.

The main objectives of this study are (1) to determine the perception of local residents about the impact of resettlement programs in Rodriguez, (2) to provide an overview on the social concerns that may arise after resettlement, (3) to assess the availability of social services for the local population (education, health, employment opportunities, housing, and protective services) through the perceptions of the local residents, compare the perceptions of the host community residents with the perceptions of resettlers about the social services provided to them, and (4) to propose policy and program recommendations for the Rodriguez project and for future housing resettlement projects.

A survey questionnaire was distributed among local residents of Barangay San Jose who have stayed in the said Barangay since 1995-1998 before resettlers transferred to Kasiglahan Village-I. They were asked to rate specific social services including housing, labor supply and business, education, peace and order, and health services twice: for the period 1995-1998 (before resettlement) and for 2012 (after resettlement). Archival data was also gathered and interviews with key informants done to study the situation before and after the resettlement. Kasiglahan Village-I resettlers were asked to rate the services provided to them as a basis for the comparison of the services received by the host community.

Based on the ratings given by the host community, the social services in Rodriguez, Rizal improved after the resettlement. However, certain problems were also found, which were mostly about the peace and order situation in the barangay and inadequacy of social facilities because of the increase in population and lack of funds of the local government of Rodriguez to support both the local residents and the resettlers.

To address the social problems that are brought about by resettlement projects to host communities, the following recommendations are made: (1) Formulation of a law to support host communities financially, (2) Establishment of a grievance committee for host community and resettlers, (3) Social preparation and meaningful participation of affected groups (resettlers and host community) in all stages of resettlement planning, (4) Regular updating of host community profile and development plans, (5) Improvement of social services and facilities such as drainage systems, sidewalks, street lights, (6) Reinforcement of the police force, (7) Construction of new classrooms, rural health units, police substations, and recreational areas to meet the prescribed national standards.

Flooding is the perennial problem in the city of Marikina that is expected to occur 3 to 4 times in a year. It has been reported that communities along the river and along the creeks are more affected by flood disaster in terms of social, economic, and environment. However, after each flood incidences, the communities go back to their areas and continue with their normal life. This made the curiosity of the researcher to find out the preparedness mechanisms by the community and the local government in reducing the effects of floods in the city.

The stuff was conducted in the barangay of Nangka, Tumana, and Malanday which were identified as the most flood prone areas in the city of Marikina. A total of 96 respondents from the three vulnerable barangay were conveniently selected and interviewed. Questionnaire survey to the household heads and key informants interviews were the main tools used in data collections, the tools were supplemented by secondary sources such as local government reports from the city and barangays which were related to flood preparedness mechanisms. The analysis of household questionnaires was done by using descriptive statistics (tables and graphs) through SPSS computer program while key informant interviews were done qualitatively. Other methods used in data analysis include desk study and brainstorming especially in the recommendation part.

The study revealed that majority of the respondents was aware on what to do and where to evacuate during flooding disaster. Further, it was found that they were very much aware on the effects associated to floods and factors contributing to floods in their areas. Education and outbreak of water related diseases were found as the most case-effects and improper waste disposal as the main factor contributing to floods. Although the majority of the respondents were aware on the effects of flooding, the study revealed that preparedness were insufficient as majority were only able to prepare some basic needs like food, clothes, and medicines; Being prepared also depend on the income level of the respondents, that is the higher the income, the more preparations of those things.

In terms of local government preparedness mechanisms, the study found that there were various Ordinances used to implement flood management in general although some of the Ordinances were not fully implemented. Structural and non-structural flood preparedness activities were all undertaken in the city, the challenges or problems found in those activities were: inadequate trainings on flood preparedness to the grassroots community, inadequate evacuation centers and rooms specially for pregnant women, elderly, disabled, and children were not specified in the evacuation centers, manual reading of water level (which may not be on time) and the LGDRRMC focusing more on the preparation and distribution of relief goods making the community to increase the level of dependency and expectation that the LGU will provide them food.

The study found that there were high cooperation between the community and the local government, whereby community had direct cooperation and coordination with their BDRRMC and the leaders in their community organizations while their BDRRMC and the leaders of the organizations have direct cooperation and coordination with the MCDRRMO. According to overall findings of the study, there shall be a comprehensive implementable plan as well as policies so as to find a permanent and doable solution to assist the community in flood prone areas and be able to overcome flood impacts through sustainable ways of preparedness.

"The study focused on investigating physical, financial, and institutional factors that affect access to finance by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malolos City, Bulacan. Results of the survey of 54 sample manufacturing firms in the study indicated that SMEs have limited access to financial institutions due to factors other than physical. SMEs in Malolos City who have availed of loans were able to access financial institutions due to high density of bank branches and local cooperatives in the area.

Interest rate is the only financial factor that significantly affected SMEs’ access to finance. The likelihood of SMEs borrowing from financial institutions was less likely to occur due to the high interest rate. Many SMEs could not afford the interest rate charged by financial institutions, making it difficult to finance their business operations through loans.

Based on the results, the recommendations were proposed for improving the bankability and credibility of SMEs by enhancing the government’s support and providing capacity building programs for SMEs and creating the awareness of government financing programs and credit guarantee schemes among SMEs. Other recommendations were to encourage and strengthen the role of non-bank financial institutions; to develop alternative sources of financing; to make financial service information available to SMEs; and cooperation of SMEs in improving their access to finance.
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