Governance & Public Administration

Sympathetic Experiences and Challenges of Barangay Secretaries in Samar: Managing the Work Weight (SEC of BSec in Samar)

['Refuncion', 'Opre']

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences, training needs, and work performance challenges of Barangay Secretaries in the municipalities of San Sebastian and Talalora, Samar. Using a phenomenological approach guided by Colaizzi’s method, in-depth interviews were conducted to examine administrative strain, skill limitations, technological barriers, and community pressures. Findings revealed dominant themes including role overload, inadequate training, infrastructure limitations, weak institutional support, and communication challenges. Despite these constraints, participants demonstrated resilience and commitment to public service. The study recommends strengthening capacity-building programs, improving technological infrastructure, enhancing institutional support mechanisms, and promoting continuous professional development to improve administrative efficiency and grassroots governance.

Leadership Practices through Appreciative Inquiry for Improved Governance

['Rosales', 'Manicani', 'Amos', 'Cabaguing']

This study utilized Appreciative Inquiry using the 5D model to explore leadership practices for improved governance in selected barangays in Samar. Using a strengths-based and collaborative approach, the research examined leadership development and organizational change across participating communities. Findings revealed recurring themes in each phase of the 5D cycle, including recognition, transformational leadership, sustainability, strategic planning, and community transformation. The study showed that leadership practices discovered through Appreciative Inquiry promote a culture of positive learning and shared responsibility. It recommends institutionalizing Appreciative Inquiry in local governance processes, strengthening participatory leadership, and sustaining best practices to encourage continuous organizational development and effective public service delivery.

On the Borderlines of Peace: Lived Experiences of Former Rebels in Samar

['Quilatan', 'Bajado', 'Cabaguing']

his study explored the lived experiences of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar who surrendered and reintegrated into mainstream society. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted to examine their struggles, motivations, and post-conflict realities. Findings revealed major themes including personal hardship, family-centered motivations, government assistance, and perceived needs for sustainable livelihood. The study highlights the importance of psychosocial support, skills training, and inclusive reintegration programs in facilitating long-term peace and social stability. It recommends strengthening inter-agency coordination, ensuring timely delivery of benefits, and expanding community-based support mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of reintegration initiatives.

Enhancing Local Governance Through Development of Cloud and Mobile-Based Barangay Documents Management System in Catbalogan City, Samar

['Niego', 'Escalante', 'Candido']

This study focused on the design, development, and pilot implementation of a cloud- and mobile-based Barangay Document Management System (BDMS) in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, Samar. The system aimed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in barangay governance by digitizing records and automating workflows. Using a developmental research design guided by Rapid Application Development, the system was evaluated based on ISO 9126 quality standards, including functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability. Results showed high user satisfaction and improved service delivery. The study recommends continuous system enhancement, regular staff training, data security strengthening, and wider system deployment to maximize governance impact.

Beyond the Surface: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Political Campaign Slogans in the 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections

['Gatil', 'Acosta', 'Macawili']

This study investigates the rhetorical and ideological functions of political campaign slogans used during the 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections, focusing on local candidates in Samar Province. It analyzes how language is employed to influence voter perception, construct political branding, and reflect ideological positioning. Using rhetorical analysis and discourse-analytic frameworks, the study examines semantic density, persuasive strategies, and cultural framing embedded in campaign slogans. Findings reveal that slogans function as powerful symbolic tools that shape electoral narratives and voter attitudes. The study emphasizes the importance of critical language awareness and recommends promoting media literacy, ethical campaign communication, and inclusive political discourse to strengthen democratic participation.

Critical Discourse Analysis of Campaign Slogan: Exploring the Language of Politics and the Politics of Language in Samar

['Gatil', 'Acosta']

This study analyzed the meanings embedded in a political speech concerning the long-standing road issues in the Samar segment of the Maharlika Highway, delivered during a national budget hearing. Using Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework, the research examined rhetorical strategies such as implicature, presupposition, hyperbole, metaphor, actor description, and epistemic stance. Findings revealed two dominant themes: optimism amid infrastructure deprivation and public highways as a foundation for economic development. The study highlights how political language constructs development narratives and shapes public perception. It emphasizes the role of rhetoric in influencing policy discourse and recommends strengthening critical language awareness to improve development communication and democratic engagement.

Civil Society Participation in Governance: The Samar Experience

['Cabaguing', 'Villanueva', 'Patosa']

This study explores the participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in governance in Samar, focusing on their involvement in budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation of public programs and projects. Using a qualitative single-case study approach and purposive sampling, the research examines the experiences and challenges faced by CSOs in engaging with Local Government Units. Findings reveal low participation levels, limited competencies, and weak monitoring mechanisms that constrain effective engagement. The study highlights the importance of strengthened stakeholder support, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional partnerships to empower CSOs. It recommends enhancing technical assistance, improving access to resources, and establishing sustainable collaboration mechanisms to promote inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance in Samar.

Bridging Justice Gaps: Evaluating the Functionality of the Katarungang Pambarangay in Samar

['Labrague', 'Cabaguing', 'Quilatan']

This study evaluates the functionality of the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) system in Samar as a local-level dispute resolution mechanism. It examines KP performance based on accessibility, efficiency, fairness, and community participation using secondary data and performance indicators. Findings reveal varying levels of effectiveness across municipalities, with many barangays rated as “Very Poor” and “Poor,” indicating systemic challenges in grassroots justice delivery. The study highlights issues such as inadequate training, limited resources, and weak institutional support. It recommends strengthening capacity-building programs, improving monitoring systems, enhancing logistical support, and institutionalizing standardized procedures to promote efficient dispute resolution and reinforce community trust in local justice mechanisms.

Assessment of Samar LGUs Readiness in Establishing Research Unit Assessment of Samar LGUs Readin…

['Rosales', 'Cabaguing', 'Quilatan', 'Labrague']

This study aims to assess the readiness of Local Government Units (LGUs) in establishing a research unit to support the achievement of data-driven governance. It examines organizational alignment, management capacity, and operational capacity as key indicators of readiness. Using quantitative methods, the study identifies the municipality most prepared to institutionalize a research unit for evidence-based planning and decision-making. Findings serve as a basis for policy formulation and extension initiatives of Samar State University. The study recommends strengthening leadership support, enhancing staff research competencies, improving infrastructure, and fostering university–LGU partnerships to ensure sustainable research operations and promote effective utilization of research outputs in local governance.

Leadership Communication in Digital Media: A Study on Communication Practices of Youth Leaders in Samar

['Gatil', 'et al']

Youth leaders in Samar are increasingly adopting digital media to communicate, engage, and lead effectively within their communities. This study explores the social media usage patterns, challenges, and the impact of these platforms on leadership communication. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from 85 youth leaders across municipalities and cities in Samar. Social governance. The findings reveal that Facebook dominates as the primary platform, facilitating community outreach, transparency, and advocacy. Interestingly, Waray-waray is the common language used by participants in digital communication. However, challenges such as misinformation, poor internet connectivity, and balancing personal with public identities persist. Insights from this research contribute to understanding the transformative role of social media in modern leadership, particularly within rural and local governance contexts.