Philippine Journal of Public Administration

**NEW ARTICLE ALERT!**

Air Transport Governance in the Philippines from the Lens of New Institutional Theory

by Doreen R. Zules

This study examines the evolution of air transport regulation in the Philippines through new institutional theory, focusing on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). It aims to analyze air transport regulation using the institutional theory lens, assess CAAP’s institutional logics and complexities through Besharov and Smith’s framework, and evaluate organizational strategies for reforming Philippine aviation governance. Findings reveal that CAAP’s legitimacy rests on both coercive (global safety compliance) and normative pressures (internal professionalization). CAAP operates within overlapping logics—state (regulation), professional (competence), market (efficiency), and community (accountability). While state logic dominates, conflicts emerge from CAAP’s multiple roles. The most critical tension lies in its investigatory function: CAAP investigates incidents despite being both regulator and operator, raising concerns over impartiality, public trust, and adherence to international safety standards. To address these complexities, the study recommends decoupling CAAP’s conflicting roles, guided by comparative lessons from Southeast Asia and Ghana. Supporting legislative proposals for structural separation is crucial to strengthening legitimacy, enhancing accountability, and aligning Philippine aviation governance with international best practices. Institutional restructuring is therefore essential for ensuring safer, more credible, and globally compliant air transport regulation in the Philippines.

The full article can be viewed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17731946

The unprogrammed appropriations have recently gained recognition after being used as a funding source for some questionable infrastructure projects that are currently under investigation. Asst. Prof. Kim Robert De Leon's paper aims to trace the roots of the unprogrammed appropriations, as a peculiar element of the Philippine budgeting process, its evolution, intended use, and actual utilization as a form of standby authority under the government’s budget. Published information from the Department of Budget and Management was used and analyzed together with available public proceedings about the unprogrammed appropriations. It identified several policy issues on the legal basis and utilization of the unprogrammed appropriations and recommended mechanisms that can take its place for greater fiscal discipline.

For the full paper, kindly check out this link:
https://bit.ly/43xBRYd

**NEW ARTICLE ALERT!**

Data Management in Local Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines: Scenarios and Strategies

by Xavier Venn A. Asuncion, Gerard Martin C. Suarez, Lourdes V. Santos, and Reginald G. Ugaddan

Within the administrative structure of the Philippine government, local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role as frontline agencies for disaster risk reduction - climate change adaptation (DRRCCA). However, many LGUs continue to struggle with data management, an essential component of effective DRR-CCA interventions. This study explores this challenge by examining emerging trends and issues in the local DRR-CCA data management landscape through a futures thinking lens, adding value to the existing body of knowledge by looking into a myriad of factors that affect data management for local DRR-CCA and by systematically imagining and describing potential future scenarios. Drawing from literature reviews and key informant interviews, the study identifies five key driving forces—or influential factors—that affect local DRR-CCA data management: institutional capacity, level of digital technology diffusion, standards for data management, the digital divide, and emerging technologies. These factors served as the foundation for developing potential future scenarios, including a preferred scenario, along with corresponding goals and strategies for the year 2050 that can guide future institutional and policy reforms. These outputs were validated through consultations with scholars and practitioners via email interviews.

The full article can be viewed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17074858

**NEW ARTICLE ALERT!**

Analysis of Loss and Damage in Philippine Agriculture Due to Natural Hazards: Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations for Climate Adaptation

by Saturnina C. Halos, Alicia G. Ilaga, and Abraham J. Manalo

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, especially typhoons, floods, and droughts. This study analyzed Department of Agriculture (DA) data from 2011 to 2020 to assess the impact of six hazard types—typhoons, floods, moisture stress, pests and diseases, earthquakes, and volcanic activity—on the agriculture sector. Loss and damage reports were compiled under the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Manual. Using descriptive statistics, frequency mapping, and index calculations, the study quantified commodity-specific losses and provincial hazard exposure. Climate-related hazards accounted for about 99% of the PHP295 billion in total losses, with typhoons alone responsible for PHP262 billion (88%). Rice was the most affected crop, with over PHP112 billion in losses, primarily due to typhoons and flooding. Luzon provinces experienced the highest frequency of typhoons, followed by parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies, such as adjusting planting calendars, improving disaster response funding, and promoting climate-resilient farming practices. The study provides strong empirical support for policy reforms aimed at reducing the impacts of extreme weather events on food security and agricultural productivity in one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

The full article can be viewed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16893150

**NEW ARTICLE ALERT!**

We are delighted to announce the publication of the first article for Volume 69 (2025) of the PJPA.

**Business Enterprises Act of 2002: A Policy Evaluation Using National-Level Data**

by Deemee Shawn P. Manalo and Lianne Angelico C. Depante

While micro, small, and medium enterprises are widely considered the backbone of the Philippine economy, their potential to contribute more to development is often hindered by high levels of informality. To help address the issue of enterprise informality, the government enacted the Barangay Micro-business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002, with the aim of formalizing microenterprises through the provision of incentives. Using data from a national-level census of BMBEs and business counselors directly involved in the implementation of the law, this study sought to evaluate the BMBE Law vis-à-vis its goal of reducing informality. In doing so, it focused on evaluating business registration, incentives, and benefits received by the BMBEs, impact on microenterprises’ formalization rate, and impact on BMBEs’ business operations and development. Results from the descriptive statistics reveal that the law has been largely ineffective in addressing informality and fostering microenterprise development. In this light, this study recommends policy amendments to account for the recent enactment of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, administrative burdens, and conflicting regulatory priorities. However, given the lengthy legislative amendment process, a more immediate approach would be for implementing agencies to update the implementing rules and regulations and conduct awareness campaigns to enhance the policy’s reach and impact.

The full article can be viewed at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15796587

NEW ARTICLE ALERT!

From Leadership to Performance: A Serial Mediation Model of Performance Management System Effectiveness and Public Service Motivation in the Public Sector

(Reginald G. Ugaddan)

The drive for reform has focused on performance management
and the professionalization of public sector management. While public organizations strive to achieve efficiency, effective internal processes, and performance gains, public managers and employees still need convincing of the benefits of adopting performance management systems. This study examines how performance management system effectiveness (PMSE) influences individual motivation and employee outcomes. First, recognizing leadership as a critical variable, the study investigates the relationship between leadership styles and PMSE. Second, guided by the path-goal theory and the process theory of public service motivation
(PSM), the study tests a serial mediation model in which PMSE and
PSM sequentially mediate the effects of leadership styles on employee outcomes, including mastery orientation, performance orientation, and job performance. A sample of local government employees in the Philippines was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings indicate that participatory and instrumental leadership styles significantly predict PMSE, enhancing PSM. The serial mediation analysis results confirm that leadership’s influence on employee outcomes is transmitted through the combined pathway of PMSE and PSM.

Access the full article here: https://zenodo.org/records/15743081

NEW ARTICLE ALERT!

The Philippines’ Agrarian Reform: An Unfinished Business?
(Genalyn G. Aquino-Arcayera and Enrico L. Basilio)

The Philippines’ agrarian reform can be divided into first and
second generations. The programs of the first generation are limited to the regulation of tenancy arrangements and land reforms in response to rural unrest rather than achieving rural economic or social objectives. The second generation’s objective is to go beyond limited land distribution. With the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the coverage of land for acquisition and distribution included all types of farmlands and all kinds of crops. The beneficiaries of CARP received not only support services but also legal services involving agrarian conflicts. This explains why the second generation is a period of agrarian reform, wherein policy objectives and scope of reform are quite comprehensive. Such a change in terms of policy paths proves Torfing’s (2009) path dependence argument, saying that these paths are not static. Instead, they are bound to change eventually. Although the second generation may be comprehensive, it is not holistic in the sense that the government failed to provide complementary reinforcing mechanisms. Since the government is still settling land distribution, it is unable to make bigger improvements in support services, rural infrastructures, agricultural technologies, agricultural markets, etc. Thus, institutional limits and constraints are not only a hindrance to bringing about significant changes in policies, as argued by Torfing (2009). Instead, the findings show that these constraints, such as the changing priorities of the different administrations, continued resistance from landowners, and lack of political will, have limited the outcomes and impacts of the country’s agrarian reform efforts.

Access the full article here:
https://zenodo.org/records/15726585

In line with the founding anniversary of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), this virtual issue of the Philippine Journal of Public Administration highlights some of the most influential ideas and debates in the study and practice of Philippine public administration. Written by renowned scholars who have bequeathed to UP-NCPAG a rich intellectual legacy, these works examine the discipline’s foundations, challenges, and ongoing transformation in relation to broader issues in society, politics, and governance.

View the special virtual issue here: https://bit.ly/404voSP

NEW ARTICLE ALERT!

Process Evaluation of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development's Oral Health Program for Older People in CALABARZON
(Angelo Rafael B. Nacionales and Camila Christian C. Cruz)

This process evaluation research examined the DOH Center for Health Development CALABARZON’s implementation of the oral health program for individuals aged 60 and above, focusing on program fidelity, service target achievement, and facilitators and barriers. From 2009 to 2022, the DOH reached at least 30% of the older population in half of those years. Factors that facilitated this output included an improved dentist-to-population ratio and dental missions. However, challenges, such as uneven support from local government units (LGUs), the absence of a law mandating LGUs to follow oral health guidelines, and the non-inclusion of preventive dental services in PhilHealth packages, hindered access to basic oral health care. Additionally, the centrality of the Orally Fit Child program within the country’s oral health framework may have detracted attention from the dental needs of older adults.

Access the full article here: https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pjpa

PJPA 2023 is out now!

We are pleased to announce that limited copies of Vol. 67 (2023) of the Philippine Journal of Public Administration (PJPA) are now available for sale at Php 600 per copy.

For inquiries and orders, you may send us an email at [email protected] or call us at (632) 8981 8500 local 4160.

Contents:

Regular Articles

"Responding to the Plastic Crisis: Local Government Plastic Bans and Consumer Behavior Towards Single Use Plastic Bags in Tarlac, Philippines" (Julia Crowley)

"For Better or For Worse? Assessing the Impact of Monitoring and Benchmarking on the Fiscal Performance of Local Governments in the Philippines" (Marl Jinno Gooc)

"Regulating Wastewater Discharge and Effluent in Laguna de Bay: Issues, Challenges, and Lessons" (Rosalina B. Yokomori)

"National-Local Dissonance and Exacerbated Vulnerabilities: COVID-19 and PH Governmental Response" (Maria Elissa J. Lao, Pilar Preciousa P. Berse)

"One Hundred Years of Solicitude: A Path Constitution Analysis of Philippine Basic Education Assessments and Reforms in the Past 100 Years, 1921-2020" (Alex, Jr. B. Brillantes, Herisadel P. Flores, Melanie G. Riva)

Reflections from Scholars and Practitioners
"Southeast Asia's Resilience Must Match Rising Climate Risks" (Vinod Thomas)

"Mitigating corruption in the Philippines through holistic governance?" (Rizal G. Buendia)

Book Review
"Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism" (Honey Tabiola

In Memoriam
"In Memoriam: Mila A. Reforma (1943-2023)" (Eula Mangaoang)

We are also online! The PJPA, an open-access journal, is available via UP Diliman Journals and HeinOnline. Please check the comments box below for the links to these sites.

Although cycling has become an ubiquitous mode of transportation in urban areas in the Philippines, there is still a lack of a policy framework to support the development of cycling-related infrastructure in the country. Joey Reyes Loristo, a University Extension Specialist from the Center for Policy and Executive Development, conducted a research study examining how local governments initiate the construction and designation of bicycle lanes to ensure cyclists' safety. In this working paper, Loristo presents the case of Marikina City, a local government unit considered to have pioneered the development of bike lanes and other cycling-related facilities in the country in the early 1990s. Loristo provided a detailed historical narrative of the introduction of the bike lane network in Marikina, and identified the factors that contributed to its success and the continuity of the program's implementation.

For the full paper, kindly check out this link:

https://ncpag.upd.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/LORISTO_Bike-Lanes-in-Marikina_April2025.pdf