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.

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Page No.: 44-58

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.

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Page No.: 59-73

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.

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Page No.: 74-90

This study examines the implementation of Green Public Procurement (GPP) in Quezon City by assessing its legal framework, institutional mechanisms, and documented procurement practices. It employed a qualitative doctrinal and documentary research design to analyze relevant laws, policies, government issuances, and procurement records. The study examined 16 purposively selected procurement projects and 40 implementation records covering goods, services, and infrastructure projects. Findings revealed that Quezon City has established a formal GPP framework through Ordinance No. SP-3107, S-2021, supported by national policies, including Republic Act No. 9184 and Republic Act No. 12009. Environmental considerations were incorporated into various procurement stages, including planning documents, technical specifications, bidding requirements, contracts, and infrastructure designs. However, the extent of implementation varied across projects. Gaps were identified in the consistency of environmental criteria, disclosure of evaluation methods, application of lifecycle costing, verification procedures, and availability of evidence demonstrating actual environmental outcomes. The study concludes that Quezon City has progressed from policy adoption toward operational implementation of GPP. However, strengthening standard criteria, procurement documentation, monitoring systems, and outcome-based reporting remains necessary to ensure that sustainability principles are effectively translated into measurable environmental benefits. The findings highlight the importance of aligning procurement planning, tender requirements, contract obligations, and performance monitoring to promote transparency, accountability, and value for money in sustainable public procurement.

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Page No.: 25-32

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a rewards system in promoting compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) among local government units (LGUs) in the Municipality of Aurora, Province of Isabela, Philippines. Anchored on Vroom's (1964) Behavioral Theory, Putnam's (1995) Social Capital Theory, and the Brundtland Commission's (1987) Sustainable Development Framework, the research employed a descriptive-correlational design with regression analysis, involving 378 household heads selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered through a validated, reliability-tested structured questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.913 for the rewards system; α = 0.920 for CLUP compliance). Findings revealed that the overall rewards system was perceived as effective (M = 3.23, SD = 0.67), with monetary incentives registering the highest mean (M = 3.33). CLUP compliance was rated compliant overall (M = 3.22, SD = 0.68), with urban planning and development practices showing the strongest adherence (M = 3.26). Pearson correlation confirmed significant positive relationships between all rewards system components and CLUP compliance, most notably access to resources (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified monetary incentives (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and access to resources (β = 0.591, p < 0.001) as the most significant predictors of CLUP compliance, collectively accounting for 64.4% of its variance (R² = 0.644). The study concludes that a well-structured, multi-component rewards system significantly enhances CLUP compliance, and recommends integrating performance-based financial incentives, resource provisioning, and inclusive stakeholder participation into land use governance frameworks.

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Page No.: 33-43

Mangrove forests play an important role in protecting coastlines and storing large amounts of carbon; however, many stands in Davao del Sur continue to experience disturbance and declining species diversity. This study assessed mangrove diversity, ecological characteristics, ecosystem carbon stocks, and management implications in Barangays Tuban, Bato, and Cogon–Punta Biao, Davao del Sur, Philippines. Field measurements of trees, litter, downed wood, and soil were conducted to estimate ecosystem carbon stocks, while ecological indices were used to characterize mangrove communities. Seven mangrove taxa were recorded across the three sites. Mangrove diversity remained very low (H′ = 1.399–1.556), indicating simplified stand structures dominated by Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba, which also exhibited the highest ecological importance, as indicated by the Importance Value Index (IVI). Total ecosystem carbon stocks varied considerably among sites, with Cogon–Punta Biao recording the highest carbon storage (1,342.37 Mg C ha⁻¹), followed by Bato (1,162.83 Mg C ha⁻¹) and Tuban (925.83 Mg C ha⁻¹). Live biomass constituted the largest carbon pool, while soil organic carbon contributed to long-term carbon sequestration. Based on these findings, a site-specific Sustainable Mangrove Management Framework was developed to support biodiversity conservation, blue carbon management, and sustainable coastal planning in Davao del Sur. The findings further contribute to broader sustainability objectives related to climate action and ecosystem conservation under SDGs 13, 14, and 15.

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Page No.: 17-24

Sultan Kudarat, as a basis for developing a policy framework. The study evaluated the levels of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of coastal barangays to hazards including coastal flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating survey data through key informant interviews, group discussions, and the review of relevant secondary sources among 300 households across six coastal barangays. The findings revealed high levels of vulnerability driven by fragile housing conditions, limited livelihood diversification, and inadequate disaster preparedness systems. Coastal flooding emerged as the most significant hazard, with substantial impacts on livelihoods, shelter, and public health. Adaptive capacity was found to be low to moderate due to limited access to protective infrastructure and weak institutional coordination. The findings provide a basis for evidence-based policy formulation to improve resilience in coastal communities.

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Page No.: 7-16

This study evaluated the implementation of the Traffic Management Code in Davao City to identify gaps between policy awareness and infrastructure utilization. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, gathering data from 400 purposively selected road users, including commuters, drivers, and transport planners. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed a very high level of policy awareness (M = 4.55), particularly regarding traffic signals and signs. However, awareness of technology adoption and the economic impacts of congestion were rated lower, at high levels. While stakeholders perceived enforcement as fair and consistent, the utilization of public infrastructure, specifically road connectivity and width, received the lowest relative scores (M = 4.00). The study concluded that high theoretical knowledge among road users does not automatically translate to optimized traffic flow due to infrastructure limitations and behavioral non-compliance. These results imply a critical need for shifting from purely educational campaigns to technology-driven infrastructure management. A proposed mitigation plan was developed, emphasizing intelligent transport systems and multi-sectoral safety councils to reclaim lost productivity and reduce the economic burden of urban congestion.

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