02/07/2026
A total of 44 students successfully defended their theses at the Department of Economics, Visayas State University, from June 5 to 20, 2026.
The batch consisted of 4 BS in Agriculture students majoring in Agricultural Economics and 40 BS Economics students, of whom 7 majored in Environmental and Development Economics and 33 in Business Economics. These thesis defenses were attended by the students' respective research committee chairpersons and committee members.
For this batch of students, common research areas included agricultural economics and agribusiness, entrepreneurship, MSMEs and business development, finance, and consumer economics and marketing.
Among the studies in agricultural economics was conducted by Shannen Grace G. Villalino, a BS in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics. She examined the effects of credit availment on the food insecurity of vegetable farmers in Baybay City, Leyte. Her findings suggest that access to credit alone is insufficient to reduce food insecurity unless it translates into higher farm incomes and improved profitability. Furthermore, she shared that the study made her realize that farmers need more than access to credit or general assistance. They need sustainable programs that enhance farm productivity, increase profitability, and improve their long-term livelihoods.
Students also explored labor, environmental, and sustainability issues. One notable study was conducted by a BS Economics major in Business Economics, Ronnalyn A. Cabantug, whose deep respect for Filipino workers inspired her to examine the effects of minimum wage variations on labor migration and regional economic performance in the Philippines.
Her findings revealed that minimum wage changes do not significantly influence labor migration. However, excessive increases in the minimum wage may hinder economic output, particularly in less developed regions where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have limited capacity to absorb higher labor costs. From this, she emphasized that minimum wage policies should be complemented by support programs for SMEs to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Many studies relied on primary cross-sectional data collected from communities in Baybay City, including Visayas State University (VSU). One of these studies was conducted by Cristina Venice C. Cañete, a BS Economics major in Business Economics. She examined the adoption of green business initiatives among retail micro-enterprises in the MAPAGUAPA and Poblacion barangays of Baybay City, Leyte. Her study found that positive attitudes toward environmental sustainability and strong future intentions were among the most influential factors driving the adoption of green business practices. The findings also revealed that implementing green initiatives significantly reduced packaging costs, demonstrating that sustainability can generate tangible economic benefits even for retail micro-enterprises.
Cristina shared that one of her primary motivations for conducting the study was her desire to give back to VSU, where she had spent ten years of her education from high school through college. She hoped to contribute to the university's vision of becoming a globally recognized green university by generating evidence that supports the promotion and adoption of sustainable business practices.
Research also extended to Ormoc City, Palo, Tolosa, and other municipalities in Leyte, as well as Southern Leyte, Cebu, and Bohol.
In Maasin, Southern Leyte, Ellianah Caindoy, a BS Economics major in Environmental and Development Economics, examined the utilization of the social pension stipend among indigent senior citizens. Her findings showed that most beneficiaries primarily use their social pension for food and medicines. This highlights the program's important role in helping them meet their daily needs. While the respondents generally expressed positive perceptions of the program and encountered few difficulties in claiming their benefits, many believed that the amount provided was still insufficient to cover all their basic necessities.
Ellianah shared that her inspiration for the study came from growing up with her grandmother and frequently seeing elderly individuals who continued to work despite their age. These experiences motivated her to better understand the social pension program and assess its impact on the lives of senior citizens. Reflecting on her research journey, she said that interviewing the beneficiaries allowed her to hear stories of resilience, gratitude, and hardship, making the study a meaningful experience that extended far beyond the data she collected.
At the macroeconomic level, several studies employed secondary panel data to examine macroeconomic issues in the Philippines, across ASEAN countries, and across Asia.
Using secondary panel data, Chesca L. Tonido, a BS Economics major in Environmental and Development Economics, examined the relationship between digital technology and employment rates in selected ASEAN countries. One of her key findings revealed that increasing levels of digital technology are associated with declining agricultural employment. This suggests that as economies become more digitalized, farmers may face a greater risk of job displacement if they are unable to adapt to technological changes.
Reflecting on her findings, Chesca emphasized the need for government policies that strengthen farmers' capacity through training, education, and upskilling initiatives. She noted that supporting farmers in developing digital and technical skills is essential to ensure that they are not left behind as economies continue to embrace technological advancement.
Overall, this batch of students demonstrated their ability to apply economic principles and research methods to examine a wide range of issues at the local, national, and regional levels. More importantly, they learned to look beyond theories and numbers and uncover the stories, realities, and insights that data alone cannot fully capture.
Congratulations, mga !
As you move forward, may you pursue a meaningful life not only for yourselves but also for the benefit of others. May your knowledge, compassion, and commitment continue to make a positive difference wherever life leads you.
