The International Journal of Gender Studies
The International Journal of Gender Studies serves as a platform where scholars investigate and critically examine gender-related matters across fields of study. The journal aims to enhance comprehension of gender dynamics and gender equality and encourage research that tackles the intricacies of gender in today’s society. The journal, originally known as the PSU Journal of Gender Studies, was renamed to expand its reach and support an international platform for scholarly publications. eISSN: (In Process) Journal Type: Single-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, and Open Access Journal Publication Frequency: Semi-Annually Publisher: Pangasinan State University Address: Alvear Street, Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines Journal Template: The Journal Template Focus The International Journal of Gender Studies (IJGS) is committed to advancing the understanding of gender-related issues through the publication of high-quality, original research that explores the complexities of gender in various cultural, social, economic, and political contexts. The journal serves as a forum for academics, researchers, and practitioners to engage in critical discussions, offering insights that contribute to the global discourse on gender equity and social justice. Scope 1. Articles that examine the roles, expectations, and experiences of different genders within society, including studies on gender norms, identities, and relationships. 2. Research that explores the intersection of gender and education, including gender disparities in access to education, gendered experiences within educational institutions, and the impact of education on gender equality. 3. Studies focused on gender dynamics in the workplace, addressing issues such as gender discrimination, the gender pay gap, work-life balance, and career advancement. 4. Research on gender-specific health issues, healthcare access, and the impact of gender on physical and mental health outcomes. 5. Analyses of how legal frameworks and public policies affect gender equality, including studies on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and gender-sensitive legislation. 6. Articles exploring the representation of gender in media and popular culture, as well as the role of media in shaping gender perceptions and stereotypes. 7. Research that examines the impact of technology on gender, including studies on digital gender divides, gendered experiences in STEM fields, and the influence of technology on gender relations. 8. Studies on the intersection of gender and environmental issues, focusing on how gender influences and is affected by environmental policies, practices, and climate change.
PROCEDURAL CONSTRAINTS EXPERIENCED BY WCPD IN HANDLING VAWC CASES IN SELECTED AREAS IN PANGASINAN
Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) remains a critical issue, hindered by an execution gap between Republic Act No. 9262 and frontline police operations. This descriptive phenomenological study examined the procedural constraints encountered by Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) personnel in San Carlos City, Alaminos City, and Lingayen, Pangasinan. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with purposively selected WCPD officers and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. The findings revealed that WCPD officers navigate dual, conflicting roles, balancing emotional, victim-centered support with rigid legal documentation mandates. However, case progression is severely hindered by three core procedural constraints: victim reluctance and complaint withdrawal due to trauma or family pressure; institutional limitations including severe manpower shortages, lack of private interview rooms, and heavy workloads; and inter-agency coordination gaps among barangays, social workers, and courts. These systemic bottlenecks prolong legal processes, cause secondary victimization for survivors, and diminish public confidence in the justice system. The study concludes that procedural delays require holistic institutional interventions that merge structural legal processes with trauma-informed care. It recommends that local governments and law enforcement agencies augment funding for dedicated facilities and equipment, deploy additional personnel to alleviate heavy workloads, implement continuous stress management training for officers, and establish a standardized, streamlined inter-agency referral protocol to ensure a more integrated and survivor-centered approach to justice.
WCPD (Women and Children Protection Desk)
VAWC (Violence Against Women and Their Children)
Copyright (c) 2026 The International Journal of Gender Studies
THE GENESIS OF INCLUSIVE PEDAGOGY: MAPPING GENDER PERSPECTIVES IN FIRST-YEAR BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CULTURE
This study investigates the cultural and gender perspectives of first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) students at Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus. It focuses closely on their foundational ideas, beliefs, pedagogical interests, classroom values, and routine habits regarding gender inclusivity in early childhood education. The results reveal a distinctly progressive trend among incoming educators, characterized by a highly liberal stance toward diversity, gender equity, and inclusive language. Students expressed deep commitments to dismantling traditional gender stereotypes before they solidify in young learners' minds, while actively championing gender-neutral classroom environments. Ultimately, this study provides an essential baseline of the evolving student teacher culture. It emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity and gender-fair literacy early in college courses to prepare future elementary teachers for building equitable and nurturing learning spaces in a diverse society.
student culture, gender perspective, BEEd freshmen, inclusivity, elementary pedagogy, ethical awareness
MAPPING THE GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE LANDSCAPE OF GENDER-INCLUSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Gender-inclusive English language education has emerged as an important area of educational research in response to growing global commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusive teaching practices. Despite the increasing volume of publications, a comprehensive understanding of the field's intellectual structure, research trends, collaboration patterns, and thematic development remains limited. This study mapped the global knowledge landscape of gender-inclusive English language education through a bibliometric analysis of 5,419 English-language articles and review papers indexed in the Scopus database from 1989 to 2026. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package (Biblioshiny), while VOSviewer was employed to visualize keyword networks and research hotspots. The findings revealed a strong annual publication growth rate of 18.89%, reflecting the rapid expansion of the field over the past three decades. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, followed by China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, while TESOL Quarterly and the Journal of Language, Identity and Education were identified as the most influential publication sources. The analysis also demonstrated increasing international collaboration and interdisciplinary research, with teacher education, inclusive pedagogy, language learning, multilingualism, social justice, critical pedagogy, and gender representation constituting the dominant research themes. Emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, educational technology, digital literacy, gender-fair language, intersectionality, and Global Englishes indicate evolving directions for future research. Further, the study demonstrates that gender-inclusive English language education has developed into a dynamic and globally significant research field and provides a comprehensive knowledge map that can inform future scholarship, curriculum innovation, teacher education, and evidence-based policies promoting equitable and inclusive English language education worldwide.
RESILIENCE AND COPING MECHANISM AMONG ALLIED HEALTH LEARNERS IN A PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN CAVITE
This study aimed to determine the resilience and coping mechanism of the allied health learners from a selected private higher education institution in Cavite, Philippines during academic year 2024-2025 as a basis for action plan. The respondents were allied health learners classified according to course, year level, primary source of educational support, age, sex, civil status, family type, order of birth, religion, number of memberships in organizations (academic and socio) and average family monthly income (in Philippine Peso) from a selected private higher education institution in Cavite. The study used a descriptive-correlational design to analyze the relationship between the demographic profile, level of resilience, and level of utilization of coping mechanism among allied health learners. The findings of this study will contribute valuable insights for the development of an action plan that enhances the resilience among allied health learners. In the resilience of allied health learners evaluated across four dimensions such as Mindset/Self-Efficacy, Social Support, Faith/Spirituality, and Parental Expectations, students exhibit a strong sense of confidence in their abilities to overcome setbacks, indicating high resilience levels. Allied health learners experienced considerable stress during their education, which necessitates the use of effective coping mechanisms to foster resilience and prevent burnout. Their coping strategies fall into three main categories: Problem-Focused, Emotion-Focused, and Meaning-Focused coping. Overall, the findings emphasize that higher resilience levels are associated with more effective coping strategies. An action plan was created based on the study findings to promote and enhance resilience and coping mechanism of allied health learners.
Resilience, coping, allied health, education institution, Cavite
ATTRIBUTES OF 21ST CENTURY WOMAN EXECUTIVES: BASIS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
The study seeks to address the gap between the evolving attributes of modern women executives and the organizational structures that either enable or hinder their effectiveness. The descriptive-evaluative method of research was utilized in the study to gather information to describe and interpret the effects of self-efficacy, strategic leadership and organizational commitment of 21st century woman executives: basis for promoting gender equality in the workplace. Data were gathered through a questionnaire administered to women executives and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, and correlation coefficient. Findings show that women executives report strong self‑efficacy and leadership engagement but continue to experience limited opportunities for advancement, the presence of a glass ceiling, gender discrimination, and inadequate work–life balance initiatives. Higher engagement was observed among executives in their prime career years and those with higher income levels, indicating stronger organizational commitment. A proposed plan of action is recommended to help organizations create environments where women executives can thrive, thereby improving organizational efficiency and advancing gender equality in the workplace.
MAPPING GLOBAL RESEARCH ON GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) have become fundamental pillars of sustainable development, equitable governance, and inclusive societal progress. Despite the increasing volume of research in this field, the scientific literature remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, making it challenging to identify global research trends and emerging knowledge domains. This study aimed to map the global research landscape on gender equality and social inclusion through a multidisciplinary bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database, and after applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 613 English-language articles and review papers published between 1970 and 2026 were included in the analysis. Bibliometric performance indicators were generated using the Bibliometrix package through the Biblioshiny interface, while VOSviewer (version 1.6.21) was employed to visualize keyword co-occurrence networks and thematic relationships. The findings revealed a sustained increase in scientific production, particularly after 2018, reflecting growing international interest in gender equality and social inclusion. The analysis identified influential publication sources, productive authors, collaborative research networks, and major thematic clusters centered on gender equality, diversity, inclusion, empowerment, education, health, and sustainable development. Overall, the study demonstrates the multidisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature of GESI research and provides valuable insights into its knowledge structure and emerging research directions. These findings can inform researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers in advancing evidence-based strategies and fostering more inclusive and equitable societies.
LOWERING THE AGE OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY: A SELECTED SECTOR PERCEPTION IN DAGUPAN CITY
This study examines the perceptions of key sectors in Dagupan City regarding the controversial proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal liability from the 15-year-old threshold established by Republic Act No. 9344. Driven by the core tension between public safety and child welfare, the study evaluates the policy's perceived impact on crime deterrence, parental accountability, the psychological well-being of the child, and the operational readiness of local rehabilitation facilities. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-comparative approach, data were gathered from a stratified sample of 208 respondents representing law enforcement, the academe, barangay officials, parents, and religious/NGO groups across Dagupan City. The findings reveal widespread public support for lowering the age of criminal liability, yielding a grand mean of 2.85 ("Agree"). Notably, respondents expressed the highest confidence in the readiness of local rehabilitation facilities, which garnered a sub-mean of 3.27 ("Strongly Agree"). The dimensions of crime deterrence (sub-mean = 3.03) and parental accountability (sub-mean = 2.67) also received positive consensus. Conversely, the psychological impact on the child scored the lowest (sub-mean = 2.43, "Disagree"), indicating that public sentiment heavily prioritizes legal accountability over developmental considerations. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) demonstrated no significant difference in perceptions across the sectors (F = 1.018, p = 0.399), indicating a unified community view. The study concludes with practical recommendations to bolster family-centered interventions, improve Bahay Pag-asa centers, and establish child-sensitive training protocols to maintain a balanced juvenile justice model.
SPATIOTEMPORAL TRENDS OF REPORTED GENDER-BASED CRIMES IN PANGASINAN, PHILIPPINES FROM 2020 TO 2025
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a persistent public safety and human rights concern that disproportionately affects women and children. This study examined the trends and distribution of reported gender-based crimes in Pangasinan, Philippines, from 2020 to 2025, focusing on rape, violations of Republic Act No. 9262 (the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act), acts of lasciviousness, and sexual harassment. Using a descriptive trend analysis design, secondary data were obtained from police records maintained by the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office. A total of 4,312 reported GBV incidents were recorded during the study period. Rape accounted for the highest proportion of reported cases, followed by violations of Republic Act No. 9262, acts of lasciviousness, and sexual harassment. Trend analysis revealed a significant overall decline in reported GBV incidents across six years. Spatial analysis showed that Urdaneta City, Dagupan City, and San Carlos City consistently recorded the highest numbers of reported cases, while temporal analysis indicated that most incidents were reported during the evening (PM) hours. Despite the observed downward trend, the findings demonstrate that gender-based violence remains a significant concern in Pangasinan. The study underscores the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms, enhance public awareness initiatives, and expand victim protection and support services. These findings provide an evidence base for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and local government units in developing targeted prevention strategies and improving interventions to reduce gender-based violence.
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION DESK (WCPD) IN HANDLING CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW (CICL) CASES IN SELECTED CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES IN PANGASINAN
Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) require specialized interventions that balance public safety with the protection of children's rights under the Philippine juvenile justice system. Despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 9344, as amended by Republic Act No. 10630, Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officers continue to encounter operational challenges that affect the effective implementation of child-sensitive procedures. This study assessed the operational challenges experienced by WCPD officers in handling CICL cases in selected cities and municipalities in Pangasinan and examined whether these challenges were associated with the officers' demographic characteristics. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 45 WCPD officers from six police stations selected through total enumeration. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings revealed that officers encountered moderate challenges during the initial contact, actual investigation, and logistical phases of handling CICL cases. The most common operational concerns included verifying the child's age due to the absence of birth records, parental interference during investigations, delays in coordination with the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) and Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), inadequate child-friendly facilities, and insufficient logistical and financial resources. Correlation analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between officers' demographic profiles and the operational challenges they encountered, indicating that the identified problems are largely institutional rather than individual. The study recommends strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing specialized training, improving logistical support, upgrading child-friendly facilities, and increasing institutional investment in juvenile justice implementation to ensure more effective and child-sensitive policing.
Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
FROM RISK TO RESILIENCE: ASSESSING BARANGAY CAPACITY FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
This study investigates the disaster preparedness and response capacity of selected barangays in Sual, Pangasinan, Philippines—specifically Cabalitian, Sioasio East and West, and Pangascasan. It aims to assess community readiness for natural calamities such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, while identifying gaps in early warning systems, evacuation planning, and search-and-rescue operations. Using a quantitative descriptive design, data were gathered from 200 respondents through a validated survey instrument employing Likert scale items. Quota sampling ensured proportional representation of barangay officials and residents aged 18–70 with at least five years of residency. Findings reveal a high level of disaster preparedness among residents, demonstrated through consistent practices like emergency planning, survival kit assembly, and active participation in community drills and awareness campaigns. Barangay officials effectively implemented structured disaster response activities, supported by inter-agency collaboration and public education efforts. However, the study highlights areas needing improvement, particularly in risk awareness related to dike and dam stability and secondary hazards such as chemical spills. The research concludes that while the barangays exhibit commendable disaster readiness, sustained efforts in education, resource allocation, and inter-barangay coordination are essential to enhance resilience. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and local leaders aiming to strengthen grassroots disaster risk reduction strategies.
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON GENDER AWARENESS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE DISTRICT OF LINGAYEN II
This study focused on determining the awareness of the elementary school teachers in the District of Lingayen II. It includes the awareness of gender concepts and implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) laws. The study's respondents covered the public elementary school teachers in the District of Lingayen II. This study employed a quantitative research design, specifically a descriptive-correlational research design, to determine the socio-demographic profile of elementary school teachers in Lingayen II District, explore their level of awareness of gender concepts, and the relationship between teachers’ profiles and their level of awareness. Frequency counts, percentages, average weighted mean, spearman rho, and chi-square test, were used to treat the data statistically. The socio-demographic profiles such as age, sex, highest educational attainment, type of family and highest income earner show a significant relationship with their level of awareness regarding gender concepts employing Chi-Square Statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation. Results showed that the relationship between awareness of gender concepts and the implementation of GAD laws is highly significant, which reveals crucial implications for achieving gender equality. The substantial and positive relationship suggests to conduct gender concept awareness campaign or training starting with the stakeholders, teachers, DepEd officials, and community leaders, promoting gender-neutral language using inclusive and avoiding gender-specific assumptions as well as comprehensive gender education through integrating gender concepts in the curricula.
VOICES OF LGBTQIA+ LEARNERS ON GENDER SENSITIVITY IN STAKEHOLDER INTERACTION
Gender sensitivity in education is often discussed in terms of awareness, yet it remains underexamined as a relational and interactional construct within everyday school settings. This study examines how LGBTQIA+ learners understand and experience gender sensitivity through their interactions with classmates, teachers, and school staff. Using a phenomenological research design, the study explores the meanings learners attach to their lived experiences through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that gender sensitivity is constructed through everyday encounters shaped by respect, inclusion, and recognition. Participants described both affirming interactions that foster belonging and instances of restriction linked to institutional practices and peer behavior. These experiences show that gender sensitivity is not a fixed condition but an evolving, relational process, offering insights for developing context-responsive school practices and professional learning initiatives.
INTERNATIONALIZATION INITIATIVE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: BASIS FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGY FRAMEWORK
Internationalization has become a cornerstone of higher education in Southeast Asia, enabling universities to enhance global competitiveness, foster cross-cultural competencies, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. This study examines the internationalization initiatives of selected universities in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, analyzing strategies such as student and faculty mobility programs, international partnerships, curriculum internationalization, and virtual exchange initiatives. Employing a qualitative multiple-case study design, data were gathered through document analysis, key informant interviews, and comparative benchmarking against global standards, such as those of the International Association of Universities (IAU). Findings reveal common enablers, including government policies and digital infrastructure, alongside challenges such as funding constraints and geopolitical tensions. These insights form the basis for a proposed Internationalization Strategy Framework that emphasizes adaptive, context-specific models integrating regional ASEAN priorities with universal best practices. The framework offers actionable guidelines for Southeast Asian universities to strengthen their global engagement.
internationalization strategies, Southeast Asian universities, higher education mobility, comparative benchmarking, strategy framework
“THEY ASKED ‘US’ TO BE NICE ANGELS”: WOMEN’S IDENTITY (RE)CONSTRUCTION IN POSTCOLONIAL SRI LANKA
According to the historical and socio-cultural trajectory of Sri Lanka, women’s identities have been shaped by intertwined forces of patriarchy, colonialism, religion, and nationalism. With successive waves of South Indian influence and nearly 450 years of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British empires, the island’s political, economic, and cultural structures were profoundly transformed. Within this milieu, the Victorian notion of respectable femininity, intermingling with indigenous cultural traditions and patriarchal norms, continues to play a significant role in constructing women’s identity in the postcolonial Sri Lankan context. Drawing on postcolonial feminist critiques, particularly the concept of double colonisation, this literature analysis explores how Sri Lankan women’s identity construction reflects the convergence of colonial power and patriarchy. Even as women enter the workforce in modern contexts, expectations of morality and respectability continue to regulate their behaviour, dress, speech, and professional choices. Thus, respectable femininity operates as a normative framework through which postcolonial women negotiate their identities within a hybrid cultural order. Therefore, this study reveals that the construction of women’s identity is far more complex in a postcolonial context.
GENDER-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP STYLE OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEADS: BASIS FOR A CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM
This study was conducted to determine the level of manifestation of gender-oriented leadership styles of the public elementary school heads in the City Schools Division of Alaminos during the school year 2024-2025. This study employed descriptive survey cross-sectional design. The City Schools Division of Alaminos comprises 38 public elementary schools with 432 teachers and 34 school heads. However, only the 24 school heads were assessed. There are 177 teacher-respondents who were randomly selected from the 327 teachers in the 24 public elementary schools included in this study. The data were treated using descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency counts, percentage, rank, average weighted mean, MANOVA, ANOVA, and independent sample t-test. Statistical results revealed that the public elementary school heads have highly manifested gender-oriented leadership style as perceived by the heads themselves and the teachers as indicated by the grand mean values of 4.43 and 4.38, respectively. As per the school heads, gender-oriented leadership style manifested the most along performance and recognition, creating a culture of respect and inclusion, as well as inclusive curriculum and teaching practices. Overall average weighted mean values of 4.67, 4.65, and 4.63 were computed and descriptively rated as very highly manifested. The teachers, however, believed that gender-oriented leadership style was manifested the most by the school heads, along with creating a safe and supportive work environment, followed by creating a culture of respect and inclusion and an inclusive curriculum and teaching practices. Overall average weighted mean values of 4.54, 4.52, and 4.51 were computed, respectively, descriptively rated as very highly implemented. Given the high manifestation of gender-oriented leadership styles among public elementary school heads be maintained and continuously enhanced, particularly those related to performance and recognition, creating culture of respect and inclusion, and inclusive curriculum and teaching practices, by providing trainings and seminars related to gender-oriented leadership styles to foster a gender-responsive educational environment that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and equity within schools.
Gender, leadership styles, public elementary school heads
Copyright (c) 2025 The International Journal of Gender Studies
ASSESSING TEACHERS’ COMPETENCIES IN INDIGENOUS EDUCATION IN BATAAN, PHILIPPINES: INPUT FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
This study examined the competence level of IPEd teachers instructing in the public elementary schools of the Schools Division of Bataan during the school year 2023-2024. The purpose of the study was to assessed the competence of teachers and determine the challenges they face while offering culturally responsive education in IPEd schools. The descriptive quantitative approach and total enumeration sampling were used in this study, with 11 school administrators and 86 teachers of IPEd participating. A survey tool, designed by the researcher, was administered to measure teacher competence in five areas: inclusive curriculum, cultural competence, responsive pedagogy, professional growth, and community engagement. The findings revealed that overall, teachers possessed a high level of competence, especially in the implementation of Indigenous knowledge and the creation of inclusive learning environments. However, a low level of competence was observed in the implementation of Indigenous languages and cross-cultural communication, which is reflective of critical areas of need improvement. The most prominent issues recorded were low instructional leadership, lack of contextualized teaching materials, and low levels of parental involvement. Whereas attendance at training sessions had a low relationship with professional development, demographic variables were not statistically linked with teacher competence. Based on these findings, the study offered “Project KATUTUBO,” a strategic framework to enhance the capacity of teachers through specific training programs, enhanced resource support, and responsive policy response that addresses the particular needs of Indigenous students.
IMPLEMENTATION ON THE REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCE INTO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OF PANGASINAN
This research is about the implementation of rehabilitation and protection of water resource for irrigation system particularly the Dumuloc River Irrigation System and Dumuloc Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bugallon covering eight irrigation associations. The respondents of this study are the officers of these irrigation associations and the National Irrigation Administration. The irrigators associations are categorized as national irrigation system. NIA employees and IA officers generally perceived high accomplishment on goals of rehabilitation and protection of water resource into the irrigation system in terms of level of accomplishment of goas of the project, and the level of performance of duties of NIA on rehabilitation of water resource. IA and NIA indicate high and very high performance of duties of the DENR on assisting NIA in identification of irrigation projects. IA and NIA officers indicate high satisfaction for the duties of NIA on assisting the DENR in the preparation and implementation of integrated watershed management plans and programs and on duties of DENR-FMB on confiscation and take custody of forest products illegally cut or collected. The respondents have issues on increase variability and uncertainty of water availability, increase risk of droughts and floods, inadequate water supply, and vested interest and political interference. The remedies that are deemed most important by the respondents are participation of IA in monitoring of construction work, and continued irrigation research. It recommended that DENR should deputize NIA field personnel as environment and natural resource officers to perform duties and responsibilities in the rehabilitation and protection of water resource. There should be sustainable collaboration between DENR-FMB with NIA for efficient and effective implementation of rehabilitation and protection of water resource in the irrigation system, It is also recommended to participate the IAs in monitoring of construction of irrigation facilities and NIA should conduct research and monitoring activities of ongoing and completed irrigation and watershed projects to lessen the concerns of IAs on water sources due to droughts and climate change.
rehabilitation of water resource, irrigation system, watershed management
ENHANCING TECHNICAL EDUCATION LEARNING SPACES: DEVELOPMENT OF LABORATORY MODEL FOR TECHNICAL DRAFTING IN VOCATIONALSCHOOLS IN BATANGAS
In today's rapidly evolving technological and industrial landscape, vocational education is undergoing a necessary transformation, with institutions worldwide recognizing the critical need to modernize curricula and training environments. This adaptation is especially crucial in technical education, where updated laboratory models, teaching facilities , and curricula aligned with current industry standards are vital for effectively preparing students with the competencies required to thrive in the modern labor market. This study assessed the current state of technical drafting learning spaces in vocational schools in Batangas, Philippines. Data were collected via surveys from 277 students and 8 instructors at Bauan National and Vocational Integrated High School, Bauan Technical Integrated High School, and Malvar National High school, using stratified random sampling. Findings indicated that while instructors had advanced qualifications and industry experience, both students and instructors perceived deficiencies in infrastructure , equipment, industry alignment, and instructional materials. Students' primary motivation was career prospects, yet they rated the curriculum's relevance to industry standards lower than instructors. The study concludes that there is a need to improve and modernize technical drafting learning spaces to better align with industry standards, enhance students engagement, and bridge the perceptual gap between instructors and students. The development of a model laboratory is proposed to address these shortcomings.