Education & Human Development

Culture Redefined via Digital Media: A Sociolinguistics Analysis

['Sultan', 'Salcedo', 'Agbon']

This study examined sociolinguistic strands evident in digital-social context utterances of Samar speech communities. It analyzed texts and subtexts present in social media interactions to identify emerging cultural patterns expressed through language. Using textual analysis, the study evaluated verbal, presentational, and cognitive themes reflected in online discourse. Findings showed that social media discourse reveals linguistic structures, vocabulary patterns, and cultural meanings that influence social interaction and identity formation. The results indicate that digital communication contributes to the reconstruction of cultural narratives and shapes public discourse in contemporary communities. The study highlights the role of digital platforms in reflecting and transforming cultural expressions through language use.

Learning Behind Bars: Inmates’ Aspirations and the Transformative Potential of Adult Education and Literacy Programs

['Tadios', 'Dela Cruz', 'Gabon']

This study investigated the educational aspirations of incarcerated individuals and the impact of adult education and literacy programs in the Catbalogan City District Jail. Using pretest–posttest assessments, interviews, and focus group discussions, the research examined inmates’ literacy skills, communication competencies, problem-solving abilities, and personal development. Findings revealed significant improvements in reading comprehension, writing skills, and communication confidence after program participation. Demographic factors such as age, education, and length of incarceration influenced learning outcomes. The study highlights the transformative role of education in rehabilitation and social reintegration. It recommends strengthening institutional support, expanding learning resources, integrating vocational training, and sustaining partnerships between LGUs, BJMP, and academic institutions to enhance lifelong learning opportunities for inmates.

Developing Psychological Capital, Resiliency, Self-Efficacy, and Risk-Taking Mindsets Among Marginalized Communities in Samar

['Cinco', 'Nacionales', 'Flores']

This study examined the relationship between psychological capital, resiliency, self-efficacy, and risk-taking mindsets among marginalized individuals in Samar. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from community members in Western Samar. Pearson correlation and regression analyses revealed significant positive relationships between entrepreneurial identity and self-efficacy, resilience, and social support, while perceived discrimination showed a negative association. Findings indicated that psychological capital plays a crucial role in strengthening entrepreneurial confidence and adaptability. The study recommends integrating leadership training, community mentoring, and psychosocial support into extension programs. Strengthening these factors may improve livelihood sustainability, resilience, and economic participation among marginalized populations.

Examining the State of Human Rights Temperature (HRT) of Local Officials in Samar, Philippines: A Phenomenological Study

['Quiña', 'Labid', 'Alegro', 'Ranjo', 'Canayong']

This study examined the lived experiences of local officials in Catbalogan City, Samar, in understanding and practicing human rights through the Human Rights Temperature (HRT) framework. Guided by Husserlian phenomenology and Colaizzi’s method, in-depth interviews explored officials’ awareness, interpretation, and application of human rights principles in governance. Findings revealed that human rights practices are shaped by role-based responsibilities, institutional constraints, political pressures, and evolving professional identities. Participants emphasized the importance of ethical accountability, service-oriented leadership, and continuous learning. The study recommends strengthening institutional support systems, expanding human rights education programs, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, and promoting participatory governance to ensure consistent, rights-based public service delivery.

Phase 1 of the Samar Island Socio-Economic Development Roadmap: Academic Perspectives (Northern Samar)

['Orale', 'et al']

This study presents Phase 1 of the Samar Island Socio-Economic Development Roadmap: Academic Perspectives, which aims to formulate a long-term, systems-oriented development pathway toward 2045. It establishes baseline conditions, identifies systemic constraints, and articulates a development perspective using Northern Samar as a pilot case. The study employed secondary data analysis, policy document review, thematic analysis, limited key informant inputs, and comparative case analysis. Findings reveal fragile and cyclical development patterns caused by persistent poverty, disaster vulnerability, and governance limitations. The study recommends expanding the framework across Samar Island, strengthening inter-provincial coordination, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and institutionalizing participatory validation processes to support sustainable and inclusive regional development.