FMDS Theses and Dissertations
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Theses and dissertations by graduate students from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
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ItemFrom Gap Analysis to Action Plan: A Strategic Roadmap for the PNOC Industrial Park's EIP Transformation( 2025)This paper is an evaluation of the manner of management of the PNOC Industrial Park, located in Mariveles, Bataan, analyzing its current practices and performance and comparing them against International Frameworks for Eco-Industrial Parks. A comprehensive analysis of the a. PNOC Industrial Park’s management services, b. environmental, c. social, and d. economic performance was conducted. Through this comprehensive analysis, several gaps were identified, of which includes gaps in the availability of critical structure, in governance and in being a proactive Park manager. The study further showed that the PNOC Industrial Park has not updated its Locator or Legal Agreements since the issuance of the Programmatic ECC in 2001, which may have limited its potential as an industrial park. As a result of the analysis, a three-phased implementation roadmap was proposed. This shall include a. foundational governance and data gathering, b. strategic planning and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructures and finally, c. long-term green investment. The transformation of the PNOC Industrial Park into an Eco Industrial Park will pave way to resolve long overdue operational issues, in attracting new investors and developing the Industrial Park into a thriving and profitable asset to help PNOC economic sustainability.
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ItemStrategic Reorganization of a Research and Development Center in a National Defense Organization( 2026)The study focused on evaluating the current organizational structure of the National Defense Agency Research and Development Center (NDA RDC) in relation to its planned elevation as a higher-tier unit within the National Defense Agency. It was found out that the NDA RDC current organizational structure is misaligned with the Center’s expanding mandate. There could be structural inefficiencies created, fragmented project ownership, not maximization of existing resources, and reduced levels of innovation output if the dependence on this model continues to exist. The methods used in this study was qualitative research design which included qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), document review and benchmarking with specific local government research & development organizations (RDOs). These methods were utilized to identify the existing structural gaps and develop a proposed organizational restructuring that can effectively respond to the expanded mandate. In addition, the best practices in R&D management were incorporated to ensure that the proposed organizational structure supports efficient and aligned organizational operations. The results of the study revealed that the current process-based organizational structure was not responsive to the demands of a modern RDO. Bureaucratic delays, resource constraints, weak technology transfer mechanisms, absence of intellectual property management functions, and institutional trust gap were among the other identified challenges. Drawing from this body of evidence and applying relevant theories and principles in R&D management, the study proposed a specialization-based, project- oriented, and innovation-driven organizational structure. The proposed organizational restructuring includes the establishment of R&D divisions for specialized domains and enhancement of R&D support systems, particularly the addition of intellectual property management and technology transfer functions. It was concluded that organizational restructuring is vital for enabling NDA RDC to improve organizational efficiency and effectively fulfill its expanded mandate in accordance with the planned elevation, as well as in strengthening its contribution to national defense innovation as a responsive RDO.
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ItemOccurrence of Microplastics in the Sediments Across Various Habitats within the Las Piñas Paranaque Wet Land Park (LPPWP)( 2026)The Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park is an ecotourism site and one of the two (2) remaining protected areas located in a highly urbanized city of Metro Manila, tagged as the “Last Coastal Frontier”. It holds the densest cover of mangrove within NCR, and is further recognized as an important migratory bird hotspot (Ramsar Site) or Wetland of International Importance. However, despite the area’s ecological importance, LPPWP, faces multiple threats like chronic water-quality issues, habitat destruction, and wildlife disturbance. In many coastal habitats like the LPPWP, the presence of microplastics has emerged as a significant environmental threat due to the increasing population in nearby communities and various unregulated pollution sources. This study aims to provide essential baseline information that can support and help in the updating of the protected area management plan for LPPWP, particularly in areas related to waste pollution, habitat conservation, and long-term ecological monitoring, considering that there is an information gap on the prevalence of existing microplastics within the area. In this study, microplastics were found in all of the three (3) sampling stations representing various habitats in LPPWP. Fragments were the most common type of microplastic observed, accounting for 50% of the total MP load. The study revealed presence of PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene), and PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, often Teflon) type of polymer plastics. This finding indicates that the wetland is already being impacted by microplastic pollution, likely driven by continuous waste inflow from surrounding household communities and large industries. The origins of the microplastics across sedimentswere attributed to three (3) main sources: (a) linkage to waterways and river channels, (b) direct introduction by visitors, and (b) weathering breakdown of macro or meso plastics debris from nearby industrial areas. The result of the study highlights the urgent need for integrated management of plastic and targeted interventions for the protection of identified important habitats, as well as the existing biodiversity in the area. Some of the identified actions that can be taken into consideration of the management of LPPWP includes prioritizing strong waste-source reduction program; institutionalizing a Habitat Sediment Quality and Microplastics Monitoring Program through regular temporal sampling of sediments; strict implementation of RA 11898 Extended Producer Responsibility Act by integrating EPR-related requirements in business permit renewal of industries; promote waste diversion and recovery initiatives; and developing a GIS- based microplastic pollution zoning map.
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ItemEvaluating Solid Waste Management Alternatives in Selected Municipalities of Surigao Del Norte Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)( 2025)Significant environmental and operational challenges in municipal solid waste management (MSW) are persistent in island municipalities, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Del Carmen and General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines. To evaluate and rank solid waste management alternatives in these areas, this study uses multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) which combines the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. Environmental, economic, social, and technical factors in SWM were considered in the identified evaluation criteria. The waste treatment and disposal scenarios determined include S1: 100% Sanitary Landfill, S2: MBT & Recycling, S3: Pyrolysis & Anaerobic Digestion, S4: MRF & Composting, and S5: SLF + Energy Recovery. The perspectives of eleven (11) experts were used for pairwise comparison of evaluation criteria and evaluating scenarios through online surveys. Criteria such as reducing waste leakage (0.23), mitigating pollution and health risks (0.15), and recovering resources (0.13) were the top priorities based on experts’ preference. Out of the five scenarios assessed, all types of waste go to sanitary landfill was the most feasible disposal option (0.92). This option is aligned with local government capacities, operational costs, and technical feasibility. Conversely, advanced technologies such as MBT, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion offered environmental benefits but limited by cost, technical complexity, and logistical issues specific to the islands. MRFs and composting appeared to be important based on results but not enough as standalone solutions. Integrating waste reduction, recycling, circular economy measures, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks with sanitary landfill operations are recommended to address issues in SWM. Additionally, the study suggests establishing clustered SLF supported by strong monitoring and evaluation systems, capacity-building, and infrastructure investments. Protected area management and enforcement should also include solid waste management to maintain ecological integrity. These findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and local governments. They aim to help design sustainable, resilient, and context-specific waste management systems that protect human health and fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.
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ItemGIS-Based Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Cover Changes in Barangay Monte Calvario with Buhi-Barit Watershed, Buhi, Camarines Sur (2015-2024)( 2026)This study titled “GIS-Based Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Cover Changes in Barangay Monte Calvario within the Buhi-Barit Watershed, Buhi, Camarines Sur (2015– 2024)” examined the spatial and temporal patterns of land cover transformation and their implications for watershed health and sustainability. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Sentinel-2 satellite data, and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) land cover maps, the research analyzed environmental dynamics over a nine-year period. The findings revealed a dominant tree cover that expanded from 83% in 2017 to nearly 90% in 2024, reflecting ecological regeneration and reforestation efforts. However, concurrent increases in built-up areas and transitions in cropland and rangeland underscore continuing anthropogenic pressures from agriculture and settlement expansion. The integration of ground truthing proved vital to the accuracy of this study, as field validation uncovered misclassified features such as informal housing, mixed cropping systems, and degraded lands inaccurately represented in satellite imagery. These findings highlighted the limitations of remote sensing alone in heterogeneous rural landscapes and reinforced the need for a hybrid approach that combines geospatial analysis with on-site verification. Recommendations emphasize adopting a hybrid monitoring framework that institutionalizes regular ground truthing alongside satellite- based classification to improve land use mapping, policy planning, and watershed governance. Such integration ensures data accuracy, supports participatory management, and strengthens adaptive, community-based environmental strategies. Ultimately, the study contributes to developing sustainable and climate-resilient land use policies that balance ecological preservation and local development within the Buhi-Barit Watershed system.