Bedan Research Journal

Fossil-Fuel Emission Reduction after COP28: Global Climate Politics through Pope Francis’ Integral Ecology

2026-10-17T06:02:41+00:00

Reducing fossil-fuel emissions is necessary to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The slow progress results from competing political and economic interests that shape climate negotiations. From a realist perspective, various countries prioritize energy security, economic growth, and national sovereignty. Political-economy and climate-justice perspectives reveal how fossil-fuel corporations influence policy, petrostates resist transitioning away from oil and gas, and the North–South divide delays agreements on climate finance, historical responsibility, and transition costs. This study examines these political barriers through Pope Francis’ framework of integral ecology. It employs qualitative interpretative analysis and triangulates UNFCCC and COP documents, the writings of Pope Francis—particularly Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, and Laudate Deum—and expert opinions from peer-reviewed works. The findings indicate that the COP28 commitment to transition away from fossil fuels remains constrained by continued fossil-fuel subsidies, inadequate climate finance, unequal technological capacity, corporate lobbying, and weak accountability mechanisms. They further show that technological innovation and diplomatic commitments alone cannot ensure an equitable transition when developing countries lack sufficient financial and institutional support. Integral ecology strengthens political and climate-justice perspectives by connecting environmental responsibility with human dignity, the global common good, intergenerational justice, and concern for vulnerable communities. The study recommends the gradual but time-bound removal of fossil-fuel subsidies; reinvestment of public funds in renewable energy, energy efficiency, public transportation, and worker retraining; expanded grants and concessional financing for developing countries; stronger support for adaptation and Loss and Damage mechanisms; renewable-technology transfer; and transparent monitoring of national commitments. The paper is relevant because it presents integral ecology as a basis for building partnerships that promote sustainable progress and responsible innovation while advancing environmental justice through equitable climate finance, accountable governance, and a just energy transition.

Calibrated Psychological Capital: A Curvilinear Model of Financial Advisor Sales Performance and Retention

2026-10-17T06:11:16+00:00

Developing sustainable sales productivity and retaining sales employees are emerging challenges in human resource management, sales management, and positive organizational psychology. While psychological capital (PC) and supervisory leadership are proximal antecedents to the staying and sales performance of commission-based employees, little is known about how these predictors interact to yield superior sales performance and employee retention. This empirical investigation identifies how transformational leadership, optimism, and sales-centric self-efficacy jointly predict the performance and intention to stay of 138 financial advisors employed by three life insurance companies in Metro Manila. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with WarpPLS 8.0, the findings reveal that leaders best cultivate optimism and self-efficacy. Optimism robustly predicted employees’ intention to stay but did not significantly predict sales performance, while self-efficacy predicted intention to stay through a linear pathway and related to sales performance only through a curvilinear, inverted U-shaped pathway rather than a linear one. Transformational leadership had little direct effect on performance or employees' intentions to stay. In contrast, self-efficacy followed an inverted U-shape: higher self-efficacy was associated with higher sales performance, but only up to a point. Results also indicated that experience moderated the leadership–performance and self-efficacy–performance relationships such that years of experience positively predicted the leadership–performance relationship but negatively predicted the self-efficacy–performance relationship beyond an optimal threshold. A three-dimensional Performance Zone Framework integrating leadership exposure, career experience, and sales output classified advisors into six exploratory, theory-derived zones, each with distinct intervention requirements. These findings underscore that calibrated, rather than maximized, psychological capital, combined with leadership matched to the career stage, predicts both retention and productivity in commission-based sales work.

The Effect of Spiritual Nature Connectedness and Positive Relations on Burnout of BPO Employees

2026-10-17T06:14:56+00:00

Burnout adversely affects occupational well-being, manifesting as negative work-related attitudes, reduced performance, and maladaptive behaviors. Nonetheless, an elevated level of spirituality diminishes the incidence of burnout. Despite these findings, the impact of spiritual nature connectivity and positive relationships on burnout has not been investigated in any study. Thus, this study investigates the effect of spiritual nature connectedness and positive relations on burnout among BPO employees, using a causal-comparative research design and a cross-sectional survey. Data were obtained from 514 BPO employees in Manila using non-probability purposive sampling with participants required to have a minimum of one year of tenure and be at least 18 years old. Participants were chosen based on their freely given informed consent and the completion of standardized assessments evaluating spiritual nature connectedness, positive relations, and burnout levels. Findings reveal that BPO employees possess a keen sense of spiritual nature connectedness, have moderately prominent levels of positive relations, and have elevated levels of burnout. Moreover, there are substantial positive correlations between spiritual nature connectedness and positive relations, but both variables are negatively associated with burnout. Further, the results indicate that spiritual nature connectedness and positive relations serve as effective mechanisms for alleviating burnout among BPO employees. Based on findings, it is recommended that future research should examine the long-term effects of these protective factors to ascertain if their buffering ability remains consistent over time or declines under escalating systemic pressure. Furthermore, BPO industries may want to transition from conventional, transactional wellness programs to emphasize relational and ecological treatments.

An Assessment of Sustainable E-learning in Facebook-based Remedial Reading Classes

2026-10-17T06:22:20+00:00

The Department of Education Memorandum No. 173, s. 2019, titled “HAMON: Bawat Bata Bumabasa," aims to enhance the reading proficiency of Filipino learners. This study assesses the Grade 7 remedial reading program (Lunas-Basa) of two public schools. Specifically, it seeks to 1) determine the readiness of the Facebook-based remedial reading program using Edralin and Pastrana’s Organizational Readiness in E-learning measure; 2) assess the dimensions of the Lunas-Basa program in terms of learners, teachers, content, technology, administrative, financial, and learning environment support; and 3) recommend a program of action for further enhancement of the program. Results showed that across all seven dimensions, both students and teachers/administrators reported favorable perceptions of the Facebook-based remedial reading program. Among students, mean scores ranged from 4.10 to 4.46, whereas among teachers/administrators, mean ratings ranged from 4.33 to 4.54. For students, the highest-rated dimension was content/curriculum (M = 4.46, SD = 0.52), then technology (M = 4.40, SD = 0.55) and administrative support (M = 4.38, SD = 0.56). For teachers/administrators, administrative support obtained the highest mean (M = 4.54, SD = 0.74), followed by technology (M = 4.49, SD = 0.72) and financial support (M = 4.49, SD = 0.76). The ANOVA showed that only the student group demonstrated statistically significant variation in ratings across dimensions. Exploratory factor analysis further demonstrated that the seven dimensions—learner, faculty, content/curriculum, technology, administrative support, financial support, and learning/organizational environment support—loaded onto a single higher-order factor interpreted as sustainable e-learning readiness. This finding suggests that although the dimensions are conceptually distinct, respondents tended to perceive them as closely integrated aspects of overall readiness for sustainable Facebook-based remedial reading. The stronger factor loadings among teachers/administrators indicate a more consolidated perception of sustainable e-learning readiness than among students. The recommended program of action includes enhanced learner engagement, faculty development, administrative support, technology access, content enhancement, financial support, and a collaborative learning environment.

Macroeconomic and Bank Specific Risk Determinants of Credit Losses in the Philippine Setting: A Panel FMOLS Approach

2026-10-17T06:33:41+00:00

The level of credit losses plays an important part in determining the bank’s soundness. Its primary concern is the ability to meet long-term obligations and generate income. Despite the fast technological changes and various studies on techniques in reducing bank credit losses, there was scanty empirical evidence in the long-run interaction between macroeconomic conditions and bank-level risk factors. This study aimed to probe the sustainability of growth in the banking system and to maintain financial flexibility by employing variables related to macroeconomic conditions and bank-level risk factors. This study considered macroeconomic factors encompassing economic activity, unemployment, interest rates, exchange rates, and stock market performance, as they influenced borrowers’ repayment capacity and loan performance. On the other hand, bank-level risk variables included the ability to generate profit, be able to meet current obligations, adequate capital, and lending assertiveness, which indicate the quality of management in the organization and risk-taking behavior of the borrower. This study employed a quantitative and descriptive correlational research design, which utilizes secondary panel data from key banking subsectors in the Philippines. The research employed both the Panel Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) estimation techniques to examine the long-run relationships between credit losses and their determinants, focusing on non-stationary properties and cointegrated relationships. The scope of years included in the study was from Q1 1999 to Q3 2025, totaling 107 quarters, while the cross-sections included the 5 banking subsectors in the Philippine banking system. Together, these specific corrective measures had been employed to ensure the reliability of the T-statistic values as well as the robustness of the standard errors generated from the Group-Mean Panel FMOLS and DOLS estimations. The empirical results showed strong evidence of long-run equilibrium or cointegrating relationships between the NPLs across the Philippine banking system and the selected macroeconomic factors, as well as bank-specific determinants, as revealed by the conducted Pedroni Panel Cointegration test and the aforementioned panel cointegrating regression estimations. Results of the study will enable banks, bank regulators, and policymakers to further enhance monitoring of credit losses to ensure systemic stability and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in line with SDG 8 and SDG 10.

Exploring the Income Gap in the Gig Economy Versus Traditional Employment

2026-10-17T06:44:02+00:00

The gig economy has emerged as a significant force in the global market, now accounting for as much as 12 percent of the global workforce, a figure that surpasses earlier estimates. In the Philippines, this shift toward flexible, freelance, and project-based work is especially evident as an increasing number of Filipinos turn to digital platforms to access employment opportunities both locally and internationally (8.2). This growing sector is emerging as a promising opportunity for traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women and young people, particularly in developing nations where formal job opportunities may be limited (8.5). Despite its potential to promote economic inclusion and flexibility, the rapid expansion of the gig economy also highlights significant gaps in social issues. Therefore, it is essential to investigate whether the job satisfaction of gig workers is a pressing concern to create effective, inclusive policies in this sector (8.8). A recent World Bank report (2023) underscores the lack of social security, job stability, and legal safeguards for gig workers, making them vulnerable to exploitation and economic insecurity. Despite these challenges, demand for online gig work continues to surge, fueled by technological advancements and the global shift toward remote labor. While these issues become increasingly urgent to address, there is a need for policymakers, platform providers, and global institutions to work collaboratively to create inclusive labor frameworks that ensure fair compensation, benefits, and rights for gig workers (8.3). By analyzing both the earnings and income gap of these two labor groups, this paper aims to investigate the potential change in the landscape of job opportunities of Filipino gig economy workers vis-à-vis traditional employees and to assess whether such digital work arrangements can be viable and sustainable as a livelihood strategy under current conditions and regulatory frameworks. Determining the effect size of these disparities is crucial for understanding whether the flexibility of independent work outweighs the financial security and psychological satisfaction traditionally provided by salaried or traditional employment.

Towards a Skills-based Curriculum of Readings in Philippine History

2026-10-17T06:51:08+00:00

The Readings in Philippine History course is a key part of the updated General Education curriculum, but there is a scarcity of research on how well they help students to develop skills they can use in their fields of specialization. Most studies focus on the course’s goals such as promoting critical thinking, analyzing sources, and fostering civic awareness. They do not discuss how the course intends students to learn or how useful these skills are in real-life situations. This study aims to fill that gap by looking at the practical value of the course and how it prepares students for academic and professional challenges. The researchers applied the qualitative research design using content analysis as methodology in analyzing the primary source, the curriculum guide for Readings in Philippine History provided by the Commission on Higher Education (2013). Cross-referencing of learning outcomes, methodology, and assessment according to the keywords stipulated in Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning (2002) and De Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning (2013) produced two matrices that revealed that the current Readings in Philippine History curriculum concentrate on the cognitive domain as reflected in the use of teaching methodologies and assessment that are in the factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive thinking processes. While it addresses the development of a historical and critical mind, it visibly lacks the employment of digital literacy skills and how these skills are employed in the students’ field of specialization. The researchers propose a skills-based framework that centers on history while incorporating 21st-century skills, Filipino values, and digital tools for honing the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains. The main contribution of the study in pursuing SDG 4-Quality education is a skills-based curriculum that helps students build their understanding of history, think critically, develop digital skills, and apply what they have learned to real-world situations.

Correlating Peace Pedagogy and Perceived Justice: Teachers' Implementation of SDG Target 4.7 (Promotion of Peace in Schools) and SDG 16.3 (Perceived Access to Justice) in Conflict- Affected Mindanao

2026-10-17T06:58:49+00:00

This descriptive-correlational study examined the association between teachers' reported implementation of peace education aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 4.7 and their perceptions of access to justice and school conflict-resolution mechanisms aligned with SDG Target 16.3. Fifty-four school teachers from conflict-affected communities in Mindanao completed a 30-item self-report questionnaire comprising two 15-item scales. A 10-respondent pilot test produced a Cronbach's alpha of .895 for the full instrument. Respondents reported high peace-education implementation (M = 4.71, SD = .31) and generally favorable justice-related perceptions (M = 4.45, SD = .49). The composite scores were moderately and positively correlated, r(52) = .623, p < .001, 95% CI [.43, .76]. The association does not establish that peace pedagogy causes favorable justice perceptions; it indicates that higher reported peace-education implementation tended to occur alongside more favorable perceptions of school and community justice mechanisms. Item-level results identified comparatively lower ratings for explicit human rights and global citizenship instruction, confidence that local justice systems are free from bias or political influence, and perceived fairness and effectiveness of community justice mechanisms. These areas provide evidence-based priorities for institutional support and further study.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting and Mitigating Cyber Threats in Philippine Government Institutions

2026-10-17T07:06:23+00:00

This paper presents the increasing complexities that cyber threats bring to the government of the Philippines. With the role of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in combating cybercrime-related incidents, AI plays a particularly important role in governing cybersecurity by detecting and predicting technology-based threats and implementing automated mitigation strategies. With the alignment of this paper to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 16, which organizes and advances peace, justice, and robust institutions, this research paper discovers AI-driven answers to protect public organizations from cyberattacks. It investigates artificial intelligence's position in characterizing threat intelligence in controlling response times. Additionally, this research aims to minimize false positives when addressing data privacy issues. This paper also examines the effects of adversarial attacks, weaknesses in artificial intelligence systems, and the need for people-centric controls. This study presents perceptions on safeguarding public organizations against advancing cyber risks while establishing SDG 16’s objective of creating strong and secure technological structures through an evaluation of artificial intelligence’s effectiveness in cybersecurity.

Developing a Quality Assurance Framework for Post‑Pandemic School Guidance Services

2026-10-20T07:19:09+00:00

The COVID-19 crisis significantly disrupted the Philippine educational system and impacted the students’ emotional, social, and psychological well-being. Anxiety, isolation, stress, and loss of interest in school became more pronounced. School guidance offices served as important places in providing students with the assistance needed to navigate these challenges. The interest given to school guidance programs has increased in response to emerging student concerns. However, research on the evaluation and program impact of these guidance-related activities remains limited.

To address this gap, this study examines the PAASCU Basic Education Instrument and the experiences of guidance counselors in highly PAASCU-accredited basic education schools to identify limitations in the established guidance program standards. The researcher employed qualitative content analysis by conducting document review and in-depth interviews with guidance counselors to attain the objectives of the study. Research findings indicate that many of the established guidance program standards continue to serve their purpose. However, several standards require reassessment to better respond to the current needs of students in basic education schools. These points refer to the evolving trend in guidance practice and the changing nature of responsibilities assumed by guidance counselors in the post-pandemic learning environment.

This study developed a proposed Guidance Services Delivery Quality Assurance Framework, composed of seven interconnected standards, namely stakeholder-centered programming, resource management, collaborative networks, structured operations, outcomes-based monitoring, continuous improvement, and data protection and privacy. Anchored in the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model, this proposed framework explains how schools' resources and processes contribute to student well-being, the impact of the services provided, and how satisfied stakeholders are with these services. Moreover, the framework provides schools with a well-defined mechanism for implementation to ensure that guidance programs and services remain relevant, accountable, and responsive.

Decent Work Practices Incorporated in the Work Arrangements and Work Conditions of Mountain Guides in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal

2026-10-26T06:09:26+00:00

The four Decent Work Pillars of the International Labour Organization (ILO) - Employment Opportunity, Rights at Work, Social Protection, and Social Dialogue - were introduced to establish a balanced, integrated approach to addressing social issues in the world of work. Tanay is a municipality in Rizal composed of 20 barangays. Barangay Cuyambay offers popular hiking and camping services to local and foreign tourists, and informal mountain guides work there. Despite their critical role in economic development and in promoting mountain-based destinations, these workers lack formal employment, enforceable rights at work, social protection, and strong workers’ representation, which are key parameters of decent work. The study analyzed work arrangements and conditions using the decent work pillars to translate the aims of SDG#8 for mountain guides. A descriptive design with purposive sampling was used to understand respondents’ work experiences. Thematic content analysis was used to examine the transcribed lived experiences of 35 mountain guides and to empirically test the researchers’ proposed schema. Findings reveal a structural paradox in Barangay Cuyambay’s ecotourism sector. In line with the ILO’s Decent Work Framework, the experiences of mountain guides revealed a deep conflict. On the one hand, workers report profound psychological fulfillment and general satisfaction with their jobs. On the other hand, they face extreme economic insecurity, systemic exposure to physical hazards, and an absence of institutional social security nets. The development of the Mountain Guide Decent Work Schema (MGDEWS) aims to address these deficits and help workers reclaim their influence in the tourism industry.