https://hdl.handle.net/10419/126737 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:01:22 GMT 2026-10-06T21:01:22Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339237 Title: Dreams and small means: Career aspirations of children in the Philippine 4Ps Program Authors: Melad, Kris Ann M.; Abrigo, Michael Ralph M.; Diola, Douglas Kurt Gregor C.; Pablo, Centene V. Abstract: This study examines the career aspirations of economically disadvantaged Filipino children participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Philippines' flagship conditional cash transfer program. Using data from 9,958 children aged 10 to 25 collected through the Fourth Wave Impact Evaluation Survey, we document children's preferred occupations and analyze how these aspirations relate to individual, household, and program participation factors. Children in both 4Ps and non-4Ps households demonstrate ambitious career aspirations, predominantly targeting professional and service occupations that represent substantial upward mobility relative to their parents' current employment in elementary or agricultural work. These aspirations remain stable across ages 10 to 25, suggesting that children form career goals relatively early and maintain them through adolescence into early adulthood. Using regression discontinuity design, we find no detectable causal effect of 4Ps eligibility on children's career aspirations. Program participation does not influence the income levels associated with children's dream occupations, and the probability of aspiring to professional careers, or aspirations for service/sales work. These null findings are robust across multiple specifications, bandwidth choices, and outcome measures. Multinomial logit analysis reveals that parental aspirations are the dominant determinant of children's career goals, with coefficients far exceeding other factors in the model. When parents aspire for their child to become a professional, children are substantially more likely to hold professional aspirations themselves (coefficient = 3.167, z = 24.06). Gender also matters significantly: boys are much less likely to aspire to professional or service occupations. Individual characteristics such as grit and functional literacy show modest positive associations with professional aspirations, but their effects are small compared to parental influence. Our findings indicate that while 4Ps has been shown in prior evaluations to improve education outcomes, it does not expand children's career aspirations. Cash transfers alone may be insufficient on their own to reshape aspirations; additional interventions targeting parental knowledge and expectations, providing career information and guidance, and creating exposure to diverse role models may be necessary to broaden what disadvantaged children perceive as feasible career options for their futures. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339237 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339210 Title: A comprehensive economic analysis of the coffee value chain in Region X: Advancing sustainability and empowering local communities Authors: Medalla, Jerelyn B.; Orlanes, Glenda T.; Ampoloquio, Ereca P.; Tagas, Precious Dane P. Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive examination of the economic, structural, and sustainability dimensions of the coffee value chain in Region X (Northern Mindanao), with emphasis on the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental two areas recognized as emerging centers for both Robusta and Arabica production in the Philippines. This research reflects the increasing importance of coffee in the national agenda as highlighted in the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap, as well as the growing interest in specialty coffee, value- added processing or postharvest processing and climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods among upland farmers. A mixedmethods design was employed to capture the multifaceted nature of the value chain and the diverse experiences of industry actors. Quantitative data were gathered from 150 coffee farmers through structured surveys, while qualitative insights were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with cooperative leaders, traders, processors, and local government representatives. These primary data were complemented by secondary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and selected studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). Porter's Value Chain Framework was used to analyze both primary activities input procurement, farm production, postharvest handling, processing, marketing and support functions such as extension services, financing, training, infrastructure, and governance. Profitability assessments were carried out using standard farm-management indicators, specifically Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Sales (ROS), to determine the economic viability of various coffee product forms. The findings indicate that value addition is the most decisive driver of farmer profitability. ROI increases substantially when producers engage in drying, hulling, and quality upgrading rather than selling cherries immediately after harvest. Profitability for fresh cherries ranged from 55-60%, whereas dried parchment and hulled beans generated ROI values between 85-95%. Arabica green beans posted the highest overall profitability (ROI 95%, ROS 40%), reflecting the premium potential of high-altitude Arabica from Bukidnon. Robusta, particularly when processed into dried or hulled form, also yielded competitive returns, illustrating its continuing commercial relevance in Region X. However, economic gains are moderated by persistent structural constraints, including limited access to certified seedlings, weak and inconsistent drying infrastructure, inadequate mechanization, low cooperative participation, and the continuing dominance of trader-driven markets with limited transparency. SWOT and TOWS analyses reveal several opportunities for upgrading, including regional branding initiatives, digital traceability systems, farmer clustering, and cooperative consolidation. At the same time, risks remain, particularly climate variability, aging and unproductive trees, and price volatility in both domestic and international markets. The study concludes that improving postharvest systems, strengthening extension and technical services, and establishing unified regional governance mechanisms are essential to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Region X coffee value chain. These recommendations align closely with the Philippine Coffee Roadmap's objectives of improving productivity, quality, and long-term resilience across the sector. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339210 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339253 Title: Towards a clearer ecosystem for social enterprises in the Philippines: Identity, certification, and policy implications Authors: Rivera, John Paolo R.; Alcantara, Lailani; Vergara, Kimberly Christie S. Abstract: We probed the evolving landscape of social enterprises (SEs) in the Philippines by examining how practitioners define their identity, legitimacy, resilience, and ecosystem support needs. Using key informant interviews (KIIs) with SEs affiliated with The Spark Project (TSP), we unpack grassroots perspectives on certification, government engagement, and the risks of "social washing." Our findings revealed that while SEs share a strong social mission and community focus, the lack of a harmonized definition and inclusive certification system hinders trust-building and policy integration. Respondents express the need for flexible legal recognition, context-sensitive standards, and government support beyond regulation, including access to finance and storytelling. By situating practitioner voices within global SE typologies and aligning them with national innovation policy frameworks, we provide actionable insights for building an enabling environment that fosters authenticity, inclusion, resilience, and impact. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339253 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339156 Title: The middle class and vulnerability to income poverty: Implications for social protection in the Philippines Authors: Cabalfin, Deanne Lorraine D.; Albert, Jose Ramon; Mahmoud, Mohammad A. Abstract: The Philippines aspires to become a predominantly middle-class society by 2040. Significant strides have been achieved in the reduction of extreme poverty. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of recent gains and the vulnerability of many households to economic shocks. This study examines the dynamics and characteristics of the middle-income class and analyzes household vulnerability to income poverty using the Family Income and Expenditure Survey and Labor Force Survey data from 2018, 2021 and 2023 using the methodology developed by Chaudhuri and Datt (2001). Traditional poverty measures underestimate the at-risk population. Vulnerability affects 30.0 percent of Filipino households, 2.75 times higher than the household poverty incidence of 10.9 percent in 2023. Households face vulnerability for distinctly different reasons. Eighty-six percent of vulnerable families experience income volatility, while seventy-three percent of the highly vulnerable have persistently low incomes. Stark rural-urban disparities also persist, with rural vulnerability incidence at 43.0 percent in contrast with 20.0 percent in urban areas. Regional variations of vulnerability range from 9.0 percent in the National Capital Region to 76.0 percent in rural BARMM. These findings have significant implications for the motivation and design of social protection systems in the country. Social protection must evolve from reactive poverty relief to a broader and proactive focus on resilience building. Differentiated interventions must be based on needs of specific segments: insurance and income stabilization mechanisms for the vulnerable majority who experience income volatility, and poverty reduction programs targeted for the low-income vulnerable. Infrastructure development, education, sectoral transition from agriculture to the highly productive sectors in services, industry and manufacturing, as well as climate risk management emerge as critical protective factors. Achieving the 2040 vision requires bold policy reforms that expand social protection to universal coverage aligned with upper middle-income country standards, strengthen household resilience, and address the structural factors that perpetuate vulnerability across sectors. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/339156 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z