FMDS Student Papers
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Research outputs by graduate students of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
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ItemStatus Review of Guinayangan Quezon Mangrove Forest: An Assessment of Species Diversity and Habitat Analysis( 2026)This study was conducted to determine the status of the Mangrove Walk located in Brgy. Calimpak, Guinayangan, Quezon. Three main procedures were undertaken: species identification; habitat analysis using percent crown cover, regeneration per m², and average height; and the computation of diversity indicators such as species richness, relative abundance, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and species evenness using PAST software. A total of 183 mangrove trees were recorded across three transect lines and two quadrats. Seven (7) out of the 23 mangrove species listed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for the Municipality of Guinayangan, Quezon were identified at the study site, representing three families: Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, and Rhizophoraceae. In the habitat analysis using the parameters by Deguit et al. (2004), the results showed that the average percent crown cover of 5.63 falls under the poor condition category, as it lies within the 0–25% crown cover range. The average tree height of 9.04 meters is classified as excellent, as it exceeds the 5-meter threshold. For regeneration density, the computed value of 0.83 individuals per m² is considered good, as it falls within the range of 0.7 to less than 1 individual per m². In terms of diversity indices, relative abundance across all sampling stations showed that the dominant species were Sonneratia alba (39%), Avicennia marina (16.5%), and Rhizophora mucronata together with Sonneratia apetala (11.0%). Sonneratia alba was observed to dominate all three transects and two quadrats. In contrast, species with lower relative abundance included Bruguiera cylindrica (9.9%), Bruguiera parviflora (9.9%), and Rhizophora apiculata (2.7%). In terms of species richness, Transect Lines 1 and 3 recorded the highest values with seven species each, followed by Transect Line 2 with six species. Quadrats 1 and 2 recorded the lowest species richness, each with five species. For the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Transect Line 3 obtained the highest value (1.83), followed by Transect Line 2 (1.71), Transect Line 1 (1.64), Quadrat 1 (1.43), and Quadrat 2 (1.42). Based on the interpretation scale, all transects, and quadrats exhibited a poor Shannon–Wiener diversity status. However, species evenness across all sampling units was balanced. In terms of species richness, all sampling units recorded values above five, indicating an integrated mangrove community structure.
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ItemVoices from the Field: Exploring the Perceived Impact of the Riceboost Initiative Package of Technology on the Livelihood and Farming Practices of Rice Farmers( 2026)The RiceBoost Initiative is a field-based technology demonstration platform that promotes improved rice production through certified inbred seeds, recommended crop management practices, mechanization, and other science-based technologies. This study assessed the perceived impact of the RiceBoost Initiative Package of Technology on rice farmers, focusing on technology acceptance, livelihood effects, and factors influencing adoption. A qualitative exploratory design was used involving farmer-cooperators and RiceBoost personnel from eight branch stations. Data were gathered through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and field observations and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed improved access to quality seeds and technologies, experiential learning, increased openness to innovation, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and perceived improvements in productivity and income. However, delayed inputs and financial support, transportation and manpower limitations, environmental conditions, and coordination challenges constrained implementation. Overall, the initiative was perceived as a platform for technology dissemination, farmer capability development, experiential learning, and stakeholder collaboration. The study recommends timely resource provision, stronger coordination, adaptive approaches, continued field-based learning, and regular monitoring of technology adoption and livelihood outcomes.
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ItemAssessment of Monitoring Compliance to Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) Conditions: Two Cases in Metro Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines( 2016)Project proponents are mandated by the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) System through the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to prepare Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and Environmental Monitoring Plans (EMoPs). But studies have indicated that organizations would go through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in order to obtain an ECC with none to limited follow-through in terms of implementing the EMPs and EMoPs. The focus of this study is to examine the actual environmental compliance monitoring conducted by Orient Foods Industries Corporation (OFIC), a food processing facility that is not strictly covered or does not need to undergo the process of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and get an ECC; Dumaguete Business Park Incorporated (DBPI), that owns and manages a property intended for mixed-use development, thus required to have an ECC; and the Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU) of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) that monitors projects in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The research design adopts a qualitative case study that looks into pertinent documents, conducts interviews of key personnel, and observes the site of OFIC, DBPI, and the EMB PEMU. The collected data are subjected to thematic and cross- case comparison analysis in order to characterize the policies or practices in monitoring environmental compliance as well as assessing its extent and frequency, and identifying implementation gaps and constraints. The result of the investigation shows contrasting environmental compliance monitoring practices. OFIC is not strictly covered, but it has an in-house Pollution Control Officer (PCO) that manages and monitors the facility’s environmentalrequirements by undergoing regular testing of air and water quality and wastewater treatment, submission of self-monitoring reports, and coordination with the EMB for the issuance of its permits and other regulatory requirements. DBPI, on the other hand, is covered by the PEIS system documentary requirements and was issued an ECC. But it has not fully implemented the conditions that were laid down in the ECC, such as organizing a Multi-Partite Monitoring Team, and does not have an accredited PCO or similar technical personnel appointed to manage environmental compliance. The main problem lies in the fact that when the ECC was granted to DBPI, there was no proper turnover of the documents to the new management during organizational transition. The EMB PEMU has a very lean staff, comprising only of two (2) personnels that include the unit head. With the vast workload of monitoring the entire Negros Oriental province and Siquijor, it became a challenge for this local regulatory agency to do field inspections, reports, and providing guidance and follow-up to project proponents. The findings indicate that the success of the PEIS system is not only about a project having an ECC and its accompanying strict monitoring requirement, but it also depends on how fully committed and capable the project proponents are as well as the effectiveness of the EMB PEMU to monitor, guide, and ensure that conditions are followed. The study concludes that the monitoring phase is where the PEIS system is put to the test. In projects granted with an ECC, inadequate staffing, poor communication channels and internal systems can pose as a significant challenge to compliance. Consequently, the study recommends that the EMB PEMU should augment its workforce, enhance its presence in the field, and implement systems to help proponents get oriented and be reminded about the roles of the Multi-PartiteMonitoring Teams and the PCO. Furthermore, the study suggests having clear guidelines on delineating the responsibilities of personnel involved in ECC-related tasks when management changes. Finally, the study recommends conducting further in-depth research on how to monitor compliance in other areas and places.
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ItemLocal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Values of Earthworms for Biodiversity Conservation in Mt. Guimba, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines( 2026)Earthworms are keystone species that indicate soil fertility; however, their kinds are threatened by unsustainable practices. This study assessed the species composition, local knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on values of earthworms potential for conservation, particularly from relatively disturbed sites in Barangays Oy and Jimiian within Mt. Guimba, Loboc, Bohol. Using an explanatory sequential research design, the study integrated ecology of earthworms and qualitative inquiry to develop a broader understanding of earthworm biodiversity and community perspectives. Published and unpublished studies were collected for content analysis to determine species’ ecology. Key Informant Interviews comprising of eight sectors were purposively selected using modified questionnaire tailored to the communities and ecosystem to assess KAP until data saturation was achieved. Findings revealed a diverse composition (63 species, 8 genera, 3 families) of earthworms in the Philippines and common in Mt. Guimba were Pheretima, Polypheretima, and Pontoscolex corethrurus. Species of Pheretima were abundant and distributed across islands especially in karst and deep forest habitats, however few manifestations in forest-edge. Polypheretima is considered both as a native and exotic while Pontoscolex corethrurus is invasive. Local knowledge on earthworms was limited to soil fertility and agricultural productivity (100%), with minimal awareness of their broader ecological functions (18.75%-21.88%). However, key informants have negative attitudes such as fear and disgust (50%) that remain evident in the community. Existing practices such as vermicomposting, tree planting, and environmental initiatives demonstrate the potential for community-based biodiversity conservation and sustainable management strategies in Mt. Guimba.
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ItemEvaluation of an RDO's Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) for Compliance with the Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS) Philippine National Standard (PNS)( 2026)This study explored how an RDO, through its subsidiary, can strategically expand and promote technology acceptance and utilization of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), in the Philippine public transportation sector. Specifically, this study aims to assess the RDO’s capabilities against the requirements needed to fulfill the business and operational rules in operating a local AFCS infrastructure. In line with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR) is the government’s initiative to implement an Interoperable Automated Fare Collection System (IAFCS). The IAFCS applies to all public transportation modes for the improvement of the public transport environment, passenger convenience, and the implementation of the transfer system among all public transportation modes. In 2024, the RDO and its subsidiary along with other partner organizations, had successfully launched a proof of concept in implementing an interoperable automated fare collection system among identified buses within Metro Manila. Following this success, the RDO’s subsidiary agreed to conduct research that focuses on evaluating the conformance of an RDO’s AFCS solution that is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine National Standard.