The Journal of Public Affairs and Development (JPAD) is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal published annually by the College of Public Affairs and Development. Published in both print and online format, the journal aims to provide a venue to discuss topics related to public affairs and development, particularly, development management and governance, strategic planning and public policy, agrarian and rurban development studies, agricultural and extension education, community development, and education management.

The first research article in JPAD Volume 5 is a case study that examined the supply chains of the Philippine markets for chicken meat, chicken egg, and pork. Elca, Gordoncillo, Neric, and Curibot noted commonalities and uniqueness among these supply chains. Moreover, the authors identified several competition issues that present or may lead to potential violations of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA). To address these competition issues, the authors recommend exploring the following corrective measures: (1) promoting backyard farming to increase participation of backyard farmers; (2) pursuing a credit guarantee system between the private sector and the government that will benefit small scale producers; (3) upgrading locally registered meat establishments to National Meat Inspection Service-accredited facilities; (4) incorporating the dimension of smuggling as a competitive issue; and (5) overhauling the system of livestock auction markets to ensure that these livestock auction markets remain faithful to their functions.

Atando’s paper, on the other hand, reviewed the governance strategies in managing the potential impacts of earthquakes in Panay Island in the Philippines. Using case study research design, Atando found that through good governance resulting from collaborations among various societal institutions, the vulnerability of communities in Panay Island to tsunami and earthquake hazards can be reduced. He reported that in the case of Panay Island, collaborators were all involved in planning and carrying out earthquake countermeasures. Atando thus concluded that limitations of local governments to address the threats of earthquakes can be addressed through successful collaborations and partnerships. Accordingly, he presented organization, technical, practical, and policy recommendations to improve the level of preparedness against destructive earthquakes.

In their paper, Gasmen, Baconguis, and Quimbo examined the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) personnel’s organizational identification during the peak of ATI’s rationalization process. Data were primarily collected through a survey among staff members of ATI’s operating units. Their research findings reveal the following: (1) ATI personnel had an overall moderate OID score; (2) highest rating was on its affective component indicating their OID was largely based on emotion; (3) OID scores appeared higher with males, management, administrative, central office, and affected personnel categories; and (4) technical and non-affected personnel had low scores despite being favored by the rationalization. Considering the findings of the study, Gasmen et al. argued that efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of organizational change is critical in improving personnel OID during a major restructuring. Management must thus explore ways to create an environment to improve personnel OID.

Meanwhile, Alinsunurin analyzed the time-use of women beneficiaries and the program effects on household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamiyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Using a time-use analysis approach and qualitative information from in-depth household interviews and observations, the study was conducted among selected 4Ps beneficiaries in Calauan and the City of San Pablo in Laguna, Philippines. Results show that “meeting program co-responsibilities have an impact on their household tasks, especially in supporting children’s education.” Furthermore, Alinsunurin found that “despite the transfers, gender and power dynamics within the household remain the same.” Accordingly, she concluded that while there is evidence that 4Ps responds to the practical needs of women and children, it falls short on transforming women’s positions within their family. As the results of the study reveal the persistence of inequalities despite the increased roles and responsibilities of women beneficiaries, it was recommended that policy design must be proactive in responding to these realities.

Using data from survey, key informant interviews, and review of secondary data, Dy assessed the knowledge and practices on family development among the 4Ps beneficiaries in hard-to-reach areas in Camarines Sur. Results indicate that there is a high satisfaction level among respondents who attended the family development sessions. These sessions contributed to increased awareness, knowledge, and practices towards holistic well-being of families. In addition, almost all respondents considered the family development sessions effective, relevant, interesting, and easy to apply. Respondents also shared that they conveyed to their children the lessons that they learned from these sessions. While the assessment is generally positive, Dy noted that the 4Ps as a human development approach of the government for overall community development can still be improved. Hence, monitoring and evaluation is crucial in ensuring that 4Ps remains adherent to its mandates, goals, and objectives while catering to the needs of its beneficiaries.

The final article in this volume used case studies to document and analyze best practices in organic agriculture. There have been various initiatives to encourage the adoption of organic farming; however, small farmers still hesitate to adopt the practice. De Luna, Matienzo, and Tenorio used the framework on the multidimensional approach to examine the facilitating factors in OA adoption and promotion and the sustainability plans to respond to issues that may be identified. Responses from the three case study sites were consolidated and analyzed using the social, technical, economic, environmental, and political framework. Through this study the authors were able to identify factors that facilitate OA promotion and advocacy: (1) Support from the local government; (2) strong linkages with national and international organizations that advocate for OA; (3) organized farmer’s group advocating for OA; and (4) presence of relevant infrastructure such as the learning center, technology demonstration farms, and organic trading posts. Recommendations were also forwarded to improve the OA promotion and advocacy, which may consequently improve farmers’ adoption of OA.

All in all, the research articles in JPAD Volume 5 emphasize the relevance of empirical research not only in understanding issues and challenges in public affairs and development but more so in formulating policies that could help address these issues and challenges. The research findings and recommendations presented in each article can form the basis for the policies necessary for more effective management and governance of various development interventions and initiatives.