This study investigated the challenges, business resilience strategies, and growth opportunities of Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishments in Coron, Palawan, in the post-pandemic landscape. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, the research identified major operational hurdles, including equipment deterioration, fluctuating market demand, workforce deficiencies, and financial constraints. Quantitative results indicated that while challenges were significant across the sector, they were more pronounced in larger, long-standing hotels and resorts. To navigate these issues, establishments implemented highly effective resiliency strategies such as competitive digital marketing, continuous workforce upskilling, and prudent cost management. Beyond survival, the recovery period revealed substantial opportunities for business expansion, sustainable eco-friendly operations, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The findings culminated in a business resilience framework providing a strategic blueprint for local hospitality providers to mitigate future risks and leverage emerging tourism trends for long-term sustainability.

Accelerated by the pandemic, telemedicine offers significant potential for pediatric care in Negros Occidental, yet it faces distinct implementation hurdles. This study evaluated its effectiveness, barriers, and financial viability through a survey of 160 pediatricians and a financial analysis of ten private clinics. Findings reveal that while physicians value telemedicine for its convenience and ability to reach remote patients, they consider it less effective for diagnosis than in-person examinations. Widespread adoption is further hindered by inadequate equipment, and legal concerns. Conversely, financial data indicates promising profitability and long-term sustainability for clinics. To unlock telemedicine’s full potential, the study recommends prioritizing infrastructure improvements and advanced diagnostic training to bridge current gaps. Future research should focus on validating virtual diagnostic tools and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring that telemedicine becomes a reliable, sustainable model for expanding healthcare access in underserved communities.

Rooted in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act of 2015, this study evaluates the financial independence of SK officials in a highly urbanized city, Western Visayas, Philippines. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-method design, the research assessed SK autonomy regarding allocation, disbursement, and liquidation. Quantitative findings indicate robust financial independence across all barangay income levels. However, qualitative insights reveal a complex reality: while independence fosters empowerment, policymaking, and social inclusion, it is simultaneously hampered by strict fidelity bonding, limited training, and rigorous liquidation requirements. To cope, officials employ best practices such as inter-council collaboration and professional engagement. The study concludes that while the legal framework successfully establishes financial autonomy, significant operational hurdles remain. These findings provide critical baseline data for government agencies to refine capacity-building programs, ensuring that SK financial independence translates into effective youth empowerment and accountable governance.

Welcome to the first issue of Volume 8 of the Philippine Social Science Journal. As we step into 2025, the academic landscape continues to reflect a world in flux—one where traditional structures in religion, education, and the workplace are being reshaped by migration, technology, and the evolving human search for meaning. This issue brings together nine diverse studies that, while distinct in their disciplines, collectively explore how individuals and institutions are adapting to these dynamic shifts. From the quiet therapy of companionship to the bustling corridors of multi-specialty clinics and international classrooms, this collection offers a panoramic view of resilience and innovation.

This study examined the impact of training, performance, and job satisfaction on employee retention, specifically analyzing if these relationships differ by employment status. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-correlational design with 348 respondents, the study found that both regular and temporary staff report high levels of training, performance, and satisfaction. While training and performance consistently predicted retention, moderation analysis revealed that employment status did not significantly alter the effect of job satisfaction on retention. This suggests that talent management strategies need not differentiate based on contract type but should instead focus on universal drivers like employer branding and engagement. Future research is recommended to employ serial mediation analysis to further explore the complex mechanisms linking talent management components to employee retention.

In today’s competitive academic and economic landscape, working students face distinct challenges to their mental health. This study examines the relationship between self-confidence and psychological well-being (PWB) among 84 student assistants at a higher education institution in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research utilized Kelsey Perkins’ model for self-confidence and Carol Ryff’s six-factor model for PWB. Results reveal that while respondents maintained high to very high levels of self-confidence, their PWB scores varied across different dimensions. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between self-confidence and overall PWB; however, the strength of this association was inconsistent. While some areas showed strong correlations, specific dimensions—including self-efficacy, autonomy, self-compassion, personal growth, and purpose in life—exhibited only weak correlations. These findings suggest that high self-confidence does not guarantee well-being in all aspects, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these specific psychological gaps.

To address the impact of unresolved complaints on institutional credibility, West Visayas State University – Himamaylan City Campus (WVSU-HCC) developed a secure, web-based Complaint Management System (CMS) to replace inefficient manual processes. This scalable solution streamlines operations through intelligent routing, real-time tracking, automated notifications, and robust analytics, ensuring transparency and accountability. Built on Agile methodology, the platform meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards and strict data protection regulations while delivering high availability and rapid response times across devices. The project demonstrated strong economic viability with a projected 750% ROI and achieved high user satisfaction scores for its interface and security features. Ultimately, the CMS successfully automated workflows to reduce resolution times, with future recommendations prioritizing AI integration and cloud migration to ensure sustained scalability.

This study examined the correlation between perceived organizational diagnosis and employee commitment at a Maritime School in Western Visayas. Utilizing a descriptive survey design with standardized instruments, the research revealed that the institution functions optimally across all diagnostic areas, a status that significantly correlates with high levels of affective, continuance, and normative employee commitment. This finding indicates that effective management directly fosters staff dedication. Consequently, the study recommends that administrators prioritize these elements to ensure high-quality education and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the research highlights the practical value of maintaining a positive organizational environment while providing a foundation for future inquiries into institutional effectiveness.

Addressing the critical shortage of nurses in Philippine public hospitals, this study examines the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intentions among 103 nurses in Northern Negros Occidental. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, the research reveals a strong inverse relationship between the two variables: while nurses generally reported high job satisfaction, turnover intentions remained moderate, particularly among older, male, and married individuals. The findings identify civil status as a key demographic factor and underscore the need for healthcare organizations to implement evidence-based retention strategies, such as mentorship and stress-reduction programs. To further understand these dynamics, future research should explore qualitative factors like workplace culture and employ longitudinal designs to track causality over time.

This study developed the Student Performance Analytics and Grading Automation System to modernize traditional grading processes at Colegio de Santa Rita de San Carlos Inc. Built using Laravel and modern web technologies, the system automates grading and provides real-time performance analytics while ensuring seamless online and offline functionality. Key features include role-based access control, data encryption, and optimization for low-spec hardware to ensure accessibility. User evaluations rated the system’s performance as "Excellent," highlighting its intuitive interface, reliability, and security. By streamlining administrative tasks and offering predictive insights, the platform enhances data-driven decision-making and aligns with the institution's digital transformation goals. Future development will focus on advanced predictive modeling, regulatory compliance, and scalable adoption across broader educational networks.