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Recent Published Article

Development and PQF Level Alignment of a Professional Specialization in Nature-based Solutions and Resilient Urban Design

Leonardo Jr Del Carmen, Rosemary Del Carmen, Maria Ana M. Pulido

Philippines

Volume 1, Issue 2, July 2026 - September 2026

This study develops and analytically evaluates a proposed Level Alignment Matrix (LAM) for a post-licensure specialization in Nature-based Solutions and Resilient Urban Design (NbS–RUD) within Philippine environmental planning. Using a design-science approach that combines documentary synthesis, doctrinal legal analysis, competency modelling, constructive alignment, evidence-centered assessment design, and evaluability-to-decision analysis, the study derives a qualification artifact grounded in Republic Act No. 10587 (Environmental Planning Act), the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act as broadened by Republic Act No. 12313, PQF-NCC Resolution No. 2026-02, PRC CPSP–CATS issuances, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act. The artifact comprises eight Professional Practice Outcomes, 32 Intended Learning Outcomes, six non-compensable award gates, a programmatic assessment architecture, and a three-state Level Alignment Matrix. Independent three-state coding of all 256 Intended Learning Outcome-to-descriptor relationships identified 66 complete, 59 partial, and 131 no-alignment judgments; every PQF Level 7 descriptor component retains at least one completely aligned outcome. Requirements-traceability testing, adjacent-level counterfactual analysis, negative-case and adversarial testing, comparator differentiation, and scenario demonstrations converge on PQF Level 7 as the most coherent classification for the complete role, while a reduced role fits Level 6 and a universal frontier-knowledge requirement would demand Level 8. All research questions and pre-specified analytical tests are closed within the study’s documentary design-science scope. The qualification remains a proposed artifact requiring independent occupational, stakeholder, assessment, workload, institutional, and regulatory validation before recognition or award.

Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA)-Guided Prioritization of Multi-Hazard Nature-based Solutions for Resilient Land Use Planning in General Luna, Surigao del Norte

Leonardo L. Del Carmen Jr., Rosemary E. Del Carmen, Christopher F. Gilos

Philippines

Volume 1, Issue 2, July 2026 - September 2026

This study develops a Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA)-guided framework for prioritizing multi-hazard Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in General Luna, Surigao del Norte. A qualitative-dominant mixed-methods, planning-oriented case-study design integrates documentary and policy analysis, CDRA extraction, exposure and vulnerability analysis, barangay-level screening, ecological-asset inventory, hazard-NbS matching, local multi-criteria analysis (MCA), sensitivity analysis, planning-mainstreaming analysis, and a non-compensatory diagnostic screen based on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, Second Edition. The eight locally derived MCA criteria rank alternatives; they are analytically distinct from IUCN's eight integrity criteria and 27 indicators. General Luna is exposed to flooding, rain-induced landslide, storm surge, tsunami, liquefaction, sea-level rise, karst subsidence, and erosion. The coastal mangrove-beach forest buffer and shoreline setback system ranks first across all weighting scenarios, followed by tourism-corridor green streets and permeable public realm and riparian-waterway rehabilitation with sustainable drainage systems. The IUCN crosswalk shows strong planning-level coverage of problem definition and systems integration but incomplete evidence for stakeholder-led prioritization, biodiversity baselines, alternatives-based economic justification, secured finance, agreed grievance processes, and implemented adaptive management. Findings are planning-level decision support, not IUCN conformity, measured performance, completed ecological validation, or formal local-government approval.

Designing an Implementable National Land Use Act for the Philippines: An Expert Legal, Planning, and Institutional Analysis of the Proposed National Land Use Act Bills

Leonardo L. del Carmen Jr., Rosemary E. del Carmen

Philippines

Volume 1, Issue 2, July 2026 - September 2026

Philippine land-use governance remains fragmented due to overlapping laws, sectoral policies, local planning systems, and regulatory frameworks. This study evaluates the proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA) measures in the Twentieth Congress by examining their alignment with Republic Act No. 12145, Republic Act No. 10587, existing sectoral laws, and interdisciplinary evidence. Using a qualitative multi-method documentary design, the study employed doctrinal legal analysis, comparative review of legislative proposals, thematic analysis of committee records, literature review, and SWOT-TOWS analysis. A Legislative Fitness Framework was used to assess legal coherence, spatial integration, institutional coordination, rights protection, professional accountability, and implementation capacity. Findings show that while the proposed bills share a common goal of integrated land-use governance, significant amendments are needed before enactment. Major gaps include unclear institutional arrangements, uncertain legal hierarchy of plans, weak integration of environmental risk considerations, incomplete protection of critical land systems and vulnerable sectors, limited operationalization of professional accountability, and inadequate mechanisms for funding, monitoring, and enforcement. The study concludes that a comprehensive NLUA should strengthen national coordination while respecting existing sectoral authorities, local governance, environmental regulations, and professional standards. It recommends a risk-informed, rights-based, and adaptive land-use framework that links planning decisions with investments, permits, and monitoring systems. House Bill No. 8466 may serve as a legislative foundation if supported by amendments that establish a coherent and implementable national land-use governance system.