SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences
SUKISOK, an Ilocano term meaning “to search or investigate exhaustively,” is an official research and development journal of the Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus. This open-access annual publication serves as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research across the arts and sciences, showcasing scholarly work from faculty members, researchers, and students alike. As a venue for rigorous academic discourse, SUKISOK aims to foster intellectual engagement, encourage critical inquiry, and promote innovative research that spans various disciplines. The journal features a diverse range of topics, including but not limited to language, literature, political science, governance, psychology, environmental studies, social sciences, and emerging trends in the arts and sciences. Scope and Aims Our journal aims to publish high-quality research articles across various fields in the Arts and Sciences. We welcome submissions from these fields and encourage interdisciplinary research. For submissions, please email your manuscript to sas.cauayan@isu.edu.ph.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
STUDENTS’ ADVERSITIES, COPING, AND ANXIETY ON LEARNING IN THE NEW NORMAL
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the educational sector, resulting in school closures due to lockdown measures. In response to this unprecedented situation, educational institutions swiftly transitioned to alternative learning modes. A new standard educational system emerged after the pandemic, necessitating significant modifications in students’ learning processes. This study examined students’ adversities, coping mechanisms, and anxiety levels in the context of the new normal while also comparing these variables across different demographic profiles, namely sex and age. A cross-sectional comparative non-experimental quantitative research design was employed to address these questions. Data were collected using the Adversities Questionnaire developed by Musingafi et al. (2015), the Brief COPE Questionnaire by Carver (1997), and W. K. Zung’s self-rating scale (William, 1971) among third-year Bachelor of Elementary Education students at a State University in Cagayan Valley. The results indicate that students generally experience low levels of adversities in learning during the new normal. Moreover, students’ coping strategies in this environment are predominantly adaptive, while anxiety levels related to learning are notably high. Furthermore, irrespective of students’ sex and age, similar patterns of adversities, coping strategies, and anxiety levels in learning during the new normal were observed.
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Leaving the Jungle: The Lived Experiences of Rebel-Returnees in the Province of Isabela
The experiences of former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels are worth investigating as they provide insights that may support community intervention programs. The objectives of this study were to unfold rebel returnees’ experiences before joining the NPA, their experiences as members, and their motivations for surrendering. The research identified the experiences of 12 rebel returnees before, during, and after surrendering to the government. Using snowball sampling and a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study revealed that their lives were difficult due to poverty before joining the NPA. Motivations for joining included the desire to help the community, positive assumptions about the group, the power of words, the attractiveness of the NPA, safety concerns, wanting to be with a spouse, promises of a better future, and an introduction to ideologies that promised to protect their rights. Family objections did not influence their decision. Active rebels recruited them, and a division of labor was evident inside the camp. Life as a member was challenging, marked by deprivation of basic needs and uncertainty about the future. Surrendering was either voluntary or through capture, requiring a pledge of allegiance to the government. Informants warn others to avoid militant groups and to learn from their experiences. The former NPA rebels' journey confirms that recruitment is primarily driven by socio-economic vulnerability, as individuals join due to poverty and gaps in government service, seeking promises the group ultimately fails to deliver. While returnees are grateful for current government livelihood programs, their experiences emphasize a critical need for sustained, holistic, and comprehensive long-term assistance.
Copyright (c) 2025 SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Habi ng Pagbasa sa Liwanag ng Teoryang Kapwa: Epekto ng Pagsasanib ng Repleksyon at Diskurso sa Pag-unawa ng Akdang Pampanitikan
This study aims to examine the effects of the combined reading methodologies—reflection and discourse—on the level of comprehension of literary works among 30 students enrolled in GE FIL 3: Dalumat ng/sa Filipino. The research is grounded in Enriquez’s Theory of Kapwa, which emphasizes relational interaction as the foundation of learning, and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, which focuses on experience, reflection, abstract conceptualization, and active application in reading. The sequential learning cycle was tested through the integration of the two reading modalities. The researchers utilized a self-made comprehension test (pre-test and post-test), validated through peer review, as well as qualitative data from journals, transcriptions, and notes from semi-structured interviews. Through thematic analysis of participants’ responses, the study identified linguistic, motivational, and other factors affecting comprehension. The results revealed the importance of integrating reflection and discourse in the development of cognitive and interpretative skills, as well as in the formulation of meaningful strategies for reading literary texts.
Correlational Analysis on the Profile and Greening Practices of Small Manufacturing Enterprises in Nueva Ecija
This study, anchored on the Green Business Theory, is aimed at determining the greening practices of small manufacturing enterprises in Nueva Ecija, assessing the benefits and challenges in adopting such practices, and exploring the relationship of the respondents’ profiles with their greening practices. This research centers on the seven greening hotspots of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Green Economic Development (GED) initiative, namely the management of natural resources, energy efficiency, wastewater, solid and toxic waste, transport, local supplies, and raw materials. The study employed a quantitative research design utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire composed of survey items and open-ended questions. Data collection was facilitated with the assistance of Negosyo Center Business Counselors. Using statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, weighted mean, and Spearman’s rho, the responses of 78 small manufacturers were analyzed to determine patterns, relationships, and levels of significance. It was found that small manufacturers in Nueva Ecija generally engage in greening initiatives. Variations in perceptions and practices were evident across key demographic and organizational variables, including the sex of the owner, type of ownership, number of employees, and years in operation. Greening efforts were perceived to enhance regulatory compliance, stakeholder well-being, and corporate and product image. However, small manufacturers face constraints such as a lack of budget, low employee awareness, and weak implementation. These challenges, particularly low awareness and poor implementation, were closely linked to budget limitations, as effective training and sustained implementation require sufficient funding.
Measuring Legal Literacy on Constitutional Rights: A Quantitative Analysis of Layperson Understanding
This study investigates the level of legal literacy among laypeople in Cauayan City, Isabela, focusing specifically on their understanding, awareness, and knowledge of constitutional rights. Recognizing the critical role legal literacy plays in empowering individuals to assert their rights and engage with legal institutions, the research addresses a significant knowledge gap concerning marginalized workers in the informal transport sector. Using a descriptive-correlational design and survey methodology, the study involved tricycle drivers as respondents (N=351) and analyzed data through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal that while the respondents exhibit generally high self-perceived understanding and awareness of constitutional rights, particularly their right to vote, significant gaps persist in procedural knowledge and access to formal legal education. The results show that educational attainment and years of experience significantly influence legal literacy, whereas age and income do not. Statistical analysis warrants the conclusion that there is an urgent need for accessible, community-based legal education programs tailored to the realities of informal workers. Strengthening legal literacy among tricycle drivers can foster a more informed citizenry, reduce vulnerability to rights violations, and promote more equitable engagement with legal and civic processes.
Quantifying Data Privacy Proficiency: An Analysis of Data-Sharing Behavior and Data Privacy Concerns among Digital Consumers
In the Philippines, where online transactions and social media usage are widespread, safeguarding digital privacy is crucial for consumer protection. Existing studies have extensively explored data privacy concerns and behaviors in urban and international contexts. However, there is a lack of empirical studies that assess data privacy proficiency and its behavioral determinants among digital consumers in the Philippines, especially in provincial settings such as Cauayan City, Isabela. This study then assessed the data privacy concerns and data-sharing behaviors of digital consumers in Cauayan City. It also sought to determine how attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence their intention to share personal data, using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the study framework. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed. A structured questionnaire was administered to 500 respondents who regularly engage in online transactions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicated that, while consumers are moderately to highly concerned about data privacy, they continue to share personal data such as names, contact information, and addresses on platforms like Facebook, GCash, and Shopee. Results also showed that attitude and subjective norms significantly influence data-sharing intention, while perceived behavioral control has a weaker effect. This reflects the “privacy paradox” phenomenon, where expressed concern does not translate into cautious behavior. This study concludes that digital consumers in Cauayan City demonstrate moderate data privacy proficiency, but their behavior often prioritizes convenience and trust in platforms over caution.
Byung-Chul Han on the De-Ritualization of Academic Lifeworld in the Age of Student-Centered Learning
The overarching objective of this study is to examine how student-centered learning (SCL) functions as a vehicle for advancing neoliberal agendas in Philippine higher education. Drawing from Byung-Chul Han’s critique of neoliberal achievement society, the study argues that universities are undergoing a process of de-ritualization, where communal academic practices are displaced by individualized, performance-oriented structures. Through a qualitative critical-philosophical analysis of higher education discourse and policy, this study reveals how the rhetoric of autonomy and personalization, which SCL promotes, aligns education with market logics. Student-centered learning is designed to empower learners; however, this study argues that its neoliberal appropriation has led students to being reduced as self-optimizing and performative agents governed by hyper-individualistic views compelled by neoliberal notion of freedom. This shift transforms education into a site of consumption rather than formation as HEIs prioritize employability over collective reflection and meaning, while paradoxically claiming that today’s schooling focuses on students’ holistic growth. This study concludes by advocating for the reintegration of academic rituals that nurture community, restore depth, and reaffirm the university’s transformative purpose.
Volume 5, Issue 3 of the SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences presents a multidisciplinary collection of peer-reviewed articles that examine how power is exercised, negotiated, and experienced through institutional structures, everyday practices, and forms of participation across contemporary social contexts. The contributions in this issue reflect the journal’s commitment to empirically grounded, theoretically informed, and context-sensitive scholarship across the humanities and social sciences.
Prevalence and Resolution of Road Incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela: A Study on Law Enforcement Strategies
Road incidents remain a major public safety concern in the Philippines, yet localized analyses of law enforcement responses are limited. This study examined the prevalence of road incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela, from 2020 to 2024, and assessed strategies employed by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to prevent and resolve these incidents. A mixed-methods approach combined quantitative analysis of official vehicular accident statistics with qualitative interviews of HPG officers (N=7). Results show a total of 4,016 accidents over five years, with motorcycles involved in 65.78% of cases. The most common risk factors were driving under the influence (51.54%), operating without a license (51.39%), and non-use of helmets (46.74%). Incidents peaked during holidays, at night, and in identified high-risk locations. Law enforcement strategies included checkpoints, traffic education programs, and inter-agency collaborations, but were hindered by manpower shortages, limited equipment, low public compliance, and systemic enforcement gaps. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, enhanced enforcement resources, and community-based safety initiatives to reduce accidents and improve public compliance with road safety laws.
Critical Discourse Analysis of Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego’s 1932 Monograph “The Language Problem of the Filipinos”: A Study of Postcolonial Linguistic Perspectives
This paper examines the life and works of Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego (1893–1976), a Filipino lawyer, scholar, educator, and statesman, by critically analyzing his 1932 monograph “The Language Problem of the Filipinos.” The study aims to elucidate Gallego’s linguistic and educational philosophies embedded in this work and to assess their impact on national discourse and policy. Guided by the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method, the research utilized primary written sources—including his published books, archival photographs, and newspaper articles—as well as unwritten sources, notably an oral interview with his grandson, Dr. Joseph L. Gallego. The analysis revealed five key thematic findings: (1) the need to elevate scholarly discussions on Gallego’s intellectual legacy; (2) the historical roots of current linguistic challenges in the Philippines; (3) the significance of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) at the elementary level; (4) political institutionalization as essential for language intellectualization; and (5) the urgent need to establish a theoretical foundation for the Gallegan Philosophy course (SSC 111/SSC 112) to advance discourse in both vernacular and national languages. In conclusion, the paper underscores Dr. Gallego’s active role in addressing educational and linguistic issues, particularly through the founding of the Central Luzon Education Center (CLEC), now Manuel V. Gallego Foundation Colleges (MVGFC). It recommends further in-depth studies on his writings and contributions to vernacular language development and the national language policy, areas that remain largely unexplored in Philippine scholarship.
The Influence of Military Discipline Practices on the Interpersonal Relationships of Criminology Students: A Case Study of CCJE
relationships of criminology students at the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE). Using personal interviews and a focused group discussion approach, it explores the types of military discipline enforced, the degree to which students integrate these practices into their daily lives, and the consequent effects on their interactions with family and friends. Findings suggest that students adopt various military discipline practices—such as maintaining proper appearance, respecting the chain of command, and observing military courtesy—which contribute to the development of qualities like punctuality, obedience, and self-regulation. These internalized behaviors appear to positively influence students’ social skills, fostering trust, communication, and cooperation within their personal relationships. The study concludes that military discipline significantly contributes to the personal development and social functioning of criminology students. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing potential issues related to blind obedience in the implementation of military discipline within educational settings. Recommendations for mitigating such concerns, as well as suggestions for future research, are also provided.
“Tatay Digong” as Prototypical, Political Metaphor: A Content Analysis of Senator Bong Go’s Prayer Rally Speech on March 15, 2025, at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila
This study examines the metaphorical framing of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as “Tatay Digong” in Senator Bong Go’s prayer rally speech amid Duterte’s International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation. Drawing on Conceptual Metaphor Theory (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) and Prototype Theory of Meaning (Allan, 2015), the analysis explores how familial metaphors recontextualize political leadership through culturally embedded notions of Filipino fatherhood. A qualitative content analysis of Go’s speech reveals recurring rhetorical patterns of paternal care, sacrificial suffering, and moral obligation, positioning Duterte not as a politician facing legal scrutiny but as a vulnerable patriarch deserving loyalty. Themes of familial framing, emotional blackmail through loyalty, and religious and moral sacralization illustrate how the “tatay” metaphor transforms legal accountability into an affective and moral narrative. Rather than making broad claims about public perception, this study highlights how such metaphors create interpretive scenarios that can obscure institutional processes by reframing governance as kinship. By situating Duterte’s “tatay” persona within both Philippine cultural values and broader Southeast Asian populist traditions, the findings underscore the political power of familial metaphors in legitimizing authority and insulating leaders from critique. Future research could extend this approach by analyzing similar metaphors in other political speeches or digital discourse, offering comparative insights into how familial frames sustain affective loyalty in populist regimes
Epekto ng Modalidad ng Pagbasa sa Komprehensyon ng mga Mag-Aaral sa Tekstong Pangkasaysayan
This study employed a quasi-experimental design grounded on Flavell’s metacognitive theory, Vygotsky’s social constructivism, and Bartlett’s schema theory. It aimed to examine the effect of individual and group reading modalities (as the independent variables) on the level of comprehension (as the dependent variable) of 15 students enrolled in GE 2: Readings in Philippine History at NEUST–Atate Campus. In the individual reading phase, Piedad-Pugay’s (2012) article on the two faces of the Cavite Mutiny (1872) was used, while in the group reading phase, the students discussed the peace agreement between the United States and Spain (Office of the Historian, 1898). Quantitative data were collected through researcher-made comprehension tests administered after each modality and enhanced via peer review, cognitive interviewing, and pilot testing based on difficulty and discrimination indices; qualitative data, on the other hand, were drawn from guided written responses and focus group discussions. The numerical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and paired-samples t-test (p<0.05) to compare the mean comprehension scores, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative responses to uncover linguistic, motivational, knowledge heterogeneity, and distraction-related challenges. Findings revealed that the group modality yielded greater improvement in mean comprehension scores compared to the individual modality. Hence, the study recommends strengthening facilitator-led reading groups, utilizing scaffolding techniques, and designing high-quality instructional materials to further enrich independent comprehension of historical texts.
Rethinking Moral Education: Unpacking Its Foundations and Relevance
The general education course Ethics is required of all higher education students in the Philippines. Envisioned as a course that explores the principles of ethical behavior in modern society at various levels of existence, the general education course Ethics aims to expose students to the intricacies of morality and equip them with skills and knowledge to make informed moral decisions by employing moral frameworks in analyzing and resolving moral dilemmas. Recently, however, education policymakers and government legislators in the Philippines have identified the course as one of the redundant ones that may be eradicated to shorten formal education in the country. This paper revisits the long history of moral education. It attempts to unpack its rich tradition, not just in the Philippines but across the globe, as an essential aspect of both basic and higher education. By employing document analysis, conceptual analysis, and philosophical research, the paper aims to solidify the place of moral education in any curriculum by pointing out that any educational endeavor should always have a place and space for moral education as ultimately, education is a process of transforming and making individuals better human beings, the core thrust of any moral education framework. The paper will also argue, by presenting data across time and space, that moral education has always been a crucial inclusion in higher education because of the benefits it offers in any society that continues to put its trust not just in a productive, but ultimately, a moral citizenry.
It is with great honor that I present Volume 5, Issue 2 (August 2025) of the SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences. This issue embodies the journal’s commitment to advancing scholarly inquiry across the arts and sciences, foregrounding research that is both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant. The articles in this release not only address pressing issues within their respective disciplines but also collectively underscore the enduring responsibility of academic research to contribute to knowledge, policy, and practice in Philippine society and beyond. The opening article, “Rethinking Moral Education: Unpacking Its Foundations and Relevance” by Bernardo N. Caslib, Jr., offers a philosophical re-examination of moral education amidst current debates on the removal of Ethics as a required course in higher education. Through conceptual and philosophical analysis, the study underscores the irreplaceable role of moral education in cultivating ethical awareness and moral responsibility among students. It demonstrates that ethics education is not a redundant subject but a crucial element in preparing individuals for meaningful and responsible participation in society. The second article, “Epekto ng Modalidad ng Pagbasa sa Komprehensyon ng mga Mag-Aaral sa Tekstong Pangkasaysayan” by Dara Mae T. Fernandez and Rene Boy E. Abiva, employs a quasi-experimental design to compare the effectiveness of individual and group reading modalities in developing historical comprehension. Anchored in metacognitive theory, schema theory, and social constructivism, the study concludes that collaborative reading yields higher comprehension outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for pedagogical practice in Philippine higher education, particularly in strengthening literacy and critical thinking skills in General Education courses. The third article, “Tatay Digong as Prototypical, Political Metaphor: A Content Analysis of Senator Bong Go’s Prayer Rally Speech on March 15, 2025 at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila” by Willies Winsor Gutierrez Gabitan, examines the rhetorical framing of former President Rodrigo Duterte as “Tatay Digong” during a politically charged moment amid his International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation. Grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Prototype Theory of Meaning, the study reveals how familial metaphors of fatherhood—invoking care, sacrifice, and moral authority—transform legal accountability into narratives of loyalty and vulnerability. By analyzing Senator Bong Go’s prayer rally speech, the paper demonstrates how cultural prototypes of Filipino fatherhood can reinforce populist politics, legitimizing authority while obscuring democratic accountability In “The Influence of Military Discipline Practices on the Interpersonal Relationships of Criminology Students: A Case Study of CCJE” by Grace H. Lupao, Rubelyn P. Castillo, Grace Ann V. Mabao, and Samuel Jr. M. Ucol, the authors examine the integration of military discipline practices within criminology education and their influence on students’ personal and social relationships. Through qualitative inquiry, the study identifies both the constructive outcomes of such practices—such as punctuality, respect, and strengthened trust—and the potential risks of overemphasis on obedience. The article highlights the need to balance discipline with the cultivation of critical reflection and autonomy, particularly in the formation of future law enforcement professionals. The fifth contribution, “Critical Discourse Analysis of Dr. Manuel Viola Gallego’s 1932 Monograph “The Language Problem of the Filipinos”: A Study of Postcolonial Linguistic Perspectives” by Rene Boy E. Abiva, reintroduces and critically examines the intellectual legacy of Dr. Manuel V. Gallego. Through Critical Discourse Analysis informed by postcolonial theory, the paper uncovers Gallego’s contributions to the discourse on language, education, and national identity, positioning him as a significant yet underrecognized voice in Philippine intellectual history. By revisiting Gallego’s works, the study provides an important historical lens for understanding contemporary debates on language policy, education, and cultural sovereignty. Finally, “Prevalence and Resolution of Road Incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela: A Study on Law Enforcement Strategies” by Princess Mae S. Sebastian and Carla Joy T. De Castro, investigates the patterns of road incidents in Cauayan City from 2020 to 2024 and the strategies employed by law enforcement in response. Using a mixed-methods design, the study highlights the predominance of motorcycle-related accidents and the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement, including limited manpower, inadequate resources, and issues of public compliance. The findings call for a comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable approach to road safety, with strong implications for public policy and community engagement. Collectively, the articles in this issue advance critical discussions at the intersections of philosophy, education, criminology, linguistics, and political discourse. They demonstrate the capacity of scholarship not only to generate theoretical insight but also to inform institutional practices, public policy, and societal transformation. On behalf of the editorial board, I extend my deepest appreciation to the authors for their contributions, to our peer reviewers for their rigorous evaluations, and to our readership for their continued engagement with the journal. It is our hope that this issue will serve as a meaningful resource for scholars, educators, policymakers, and practitioners committed to advancing knowledge and fostering positive change in their respective fields.
Urban Green Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Correlational Analysis on Stress and Preferences of Gen Zs and Millennials in Pampanga
The COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines has caused the urban population to experience high levels of stress and other negative impacts to their wellbeing. Urban green spaces (UGS) are known to promote mental health, given the proper features. This study aimed to describe the usage and identify the preferred characteristics and activities of Gen Zs and millennials when visiting UGS in Pampanga. Online and field surveys used Nystrom’s SCI-93 to identify the stress levels (α = 0.781), the preferred activities were classified using an instrument from China (α = 0.794), and 24 UGS characteristics was classified using the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSDs) to identify the preferred characteristics of the participants (α = 0.886). Descriptive analysis revealed that the majority (35.5%) of millennials and Gen Zs of Pampanga seldom visited UGS during the pandemic, and 29% stayed an average of 1 to 2 hours, often in sports and exercise areas (56.1%). Majority or 81% of the participants were found to engage in social and quiet activities, while public participation was least preferred wherein 69.2% mentioned they did not do this during the pandemic. Serene quality of urban green space is found to be the dimension that is most sought after with M = 4.5 using descriptive analysis, while UGS with Culture are least favored (M = 3.42). Correlational analysis found that stress levels are correlated with Refuge (r = 0.390), Nature (r = 0.261), Space (r = 0.256), Prospect (r = 0.251), and Serene (r = 0.213) dimensions. These findings will be crucial in designing UGS features to ensure that the preferences of the public will be integrated with planning to promote wellbeing during times of stress.
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English-Only Policy in the Classroom: Benefits and Drawbacks in Language Acquisition
This study explores the benefits and drawbacks of the English-only policy in students' language acquisition and how it aids teachers in teaching the English language. This study used a qualitative descriptive research design, wherein observation, interview, and focus group discussion were administered face-to-face to the 15 participants, who were teachers and students. The study revealed that the English-only policy improved communication skills, enhanced English knowledge, developed Students' language proficiency, and increased confidence in speaking. Meanwhile, the drawbacks found in the study that students usually encountered were difficulty in communication, in Limited classroom interaction, violation of the policy, and decreased self-confidence. Also, the policy aids teachers in using teacher instructional clarity, classroom engagement, and teaching enhancement. Lastly, the study concluded that the English-only policy has more benefits than drawbacks for students acquiring the English language.
Gendered Perspective Flexible Learning Modality in Social Science: Navigating Students’ Attitudes and Challenges to Achieve SDG 5 Gender Equality
This study explores the attitudes and challenges faced by students of various genders in Flexible Learning Modality (FLM) within Social Science subjects. It highlights their perspectives and struggles while aiming to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality in education. The researcher administered a questionnaire to a representative sample of 365 students across different genders. The findings reveal that students generally hold positive attitudes toward FLM and value its role in facilitating interactive learning. While some challenges may vary across genders, common issues—such as internet connectivity, time management, and the cost of engaging in FLM—were experienced by all genders and were not explicitly linked to gender differences. The researcher observed subtle differences in levels of agreement and experiences among male, female, gay, bisexual, and transgender students. The study underscores the need for inclusivity, flexible learning environments, gender-sensitive training for educators, and continuous feedback to address emerging challenges, including those with moderate agreement. By addressing these challenges and nurturing a more inclusive attitude toward flexible learning, schools can create digital spaces where all students, especially those marginalized gender groups, feel seen, supported, and valued in learning environments. In doing so, they take meaningful steps toward achieving SDG 5 and building a more equitable education system.
Rugged Guy Haven: A Perception of the Tondoeños as a Community of Toughies through Film Productions
This study examines the social history of Tondo as the social network that demonstrated the existence of livelihood and community became a factor in the growth of Manila. This cycle continued from time to time, yet it achieved a common goal to survive and blend with the existing norms in the community. Much has been written about the emerging problems accompanying rapid economic growth and the spread of poverty, criminality, financial stability, and the worsening condition of society and humankind attached to the Tondoeños. The social fabric of Tondo is further enriched through films, which became the subject of perception of social situations, especially in the post-war period; hence, this study will use the triangulation of analysis on the selected Filipino films and historical analysis in the district of Tondo. To understand the societal conditions of Tondo Manila, Herbert Spencer’s Social Darwinism will be used to interpret the human development of the selected film from Post-War to Contemporary, the theory of Robin Woods’ Author, Genre, and Auteur, which will discuss the central theme of the selected films despite multiple issues to be discussed in the selected Philippines films.
Seeing through the Filipino Glass Children: Lived Experiences of Typically Developing (TD) Siblings to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Isabela
Glass Children are siblings of a person with special needs. Current research on this population remains limited. Consequently, the impact of their complex experiences and unique needs is often overlooked, particularly within the Philippines. Employing a phenomenological framework, the purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences and family life of Filipino “Glass Children” in terms of their family dynamics and routines and its impact in their inter and intrapersonal development. Photo-elicitation interviews were used to generate rich, detailed depiction and descriptions of the phenomenon. Thematic analysis subsequently illuminated five distinct themes; participants reported: 1) feelings of being “different” from peers, 2) emotional and psychological struggles due to the internalization of family roles or life conditions, 3) financial and therapy-related problems 4) the journey behind developing a growth mindset, and lastly 5) receiving and giving social support. Findings of this study shed light on the cruciality of processing the experiences of typically developing siblings, hence an urge to also address their psychological and social needs. Furthermore, these findings support the use of a family-centered approach and family education in therapy services when working with individuals with ASD and tailoring interventions to support the needs of all.
Aftermath of Incarceration: A Phenomenological Investigation of Ex-Inmates’ Reintegration to Society1
This study investigated the reintegration experiences of ex-inmates in a rural province in Northern Philippines, focusing on the challenges they encountered and the support they received. The research aimed to understand the life of ex-inmates before, during, and after incarceration and to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of government-provided transitional services. Utilizing a qualitative design guided by Moustakas’ (1994) transcendental phenomenology, the study utilized purposive sampling in recruiting five ex-inmates and conducted in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Results revealed significant barriers to reintegration, including societal stigma and financial difficulties, alongside inadequate transitional support. Yet, insights from the interview also showed a renewed sense of purpose for the ex-inmates and support from their family and friends. The findings revealed the complex challenges and the critical need for comprehensive reintegration programs and support. The study concludes that improved support systems and policies are necessary to ensure the successful societal reintegration of ex-inmates, reducing recidivism rates and ultimately promoting social harmony.
This issue of SUKISOK Journal of the Arts and Sciences brings together diverse yet converging scholarly voices that speak to lived experiences, inclusive education, urban resilience, and cultural narratives in the Philippines. The six articles published here reflect the journal’s commitment to research that is local in context yet global in implication, critical in scope yet grounded in human experience.