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How enabled is civil society in the Philippines' local environmental management scene? A systematic review with predetermined criteria identified 21 studies that describe the contributing roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) in their environmental initiatives. The review reveals that CSOs in the Philippines take roles as Advocate, Giver, Mediator, and Partner. Key enabling indicators influencing their effectiveness include their ability in providing mutual benefits, engaging operationally, resolving conflicts proactively, adapting to dynamic settings, incorporating local knowledge, building social trust, and harmonizing stakeholder knowledge. Despite their strong potential, CSOs in the country face challenges such as divergent stakeholder interests, bureaucratic weaknesses, community unacceptability, weak local tourism control, biodiversity blind spots, and legal resistance. Understanding the dynamics of CSO engagement leverages their strengths while addressing their barriers to realize their full potential as actors in local environmental management. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance CSO engagement in the Philippines and within the broader discourse of sustainable development in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the livelihood resiliency of selected informal sectors in Cebu City, the Philippines. It employed a mixed-method approach to describe how informal sectors responded to external shocks. A quantitative approach was used to measure three resilience capacities: absorptive, adaptive, and transformative resilience. The results revealed that both street and platform vendors showed high resilience capacities. When relationships between gender and resilience capacity levels were tested for street and platform vendors, only gender and adaptive capacities showed significant relationships at the .02 and .04 levels, respectively. By contrast, their absorptive and transformative resilience capacities showed no significant differences. Qualitative findings revealed that informal sector street and platform vendors were vulnerable in times of economic shock due to their irregular incomes, poor working conditions, and struggles to sell their products. Despite external shocks, they attempted to cope by looking for alternative sources of income, utilizing their savings, and receiving assistance from the government, along with support from their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delved into the critical roles played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting anti-poverty programs of Local Government Units (LGUs) in Barangay Pasil, Cebu City. It involved three NGOs that were selected based on their experience, collaboration agreements, and poverty-fighting program designs. Employing a qualitative approach, the experiences and perspectives of the participating NGOs were examined through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was then utilized to extract key themes from the rich qualitative data. The NGOs' profiles, programs, and strategies were explored, revealing their crucial roles in tackling the complex issues of poverty. The findings revealed that these NGOs provide significant contributions to community development, and were strongly dedicated to enhancing marginalized communities' well-being through varied missions, funding sources, and innovative programs. Furthermore, collaboration between the NGOs and LGUs supported governmental efforts, shaped local policies, and improved service provision, underscoring the value of strategic partnerships for sustainable development. The strategic sharing of resources underscored the importance of a unified approach in effectively addressing multifaceted community needs. Persistent collaboration and joint endeavors between NGOs and LGUs can help establish resilient, empowered communities, promoting inclusive development and a promising future for Pasil, Cebu City residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the inner strength and coping strategies of women who were victims of domestic violence. A case study method that utilized purposive sampling, interviews, observation, and focus groups was employed to explore the experiences of three women survivors of domestic violence. The findings revealed that they adopted creative strategies to survive by utilizing their inner strength, leading to successful adaptation to difficult situations, and finding meaning amid abusive relationships through their cherished hopes and dreams of "pag sinabtanay" (peace), "panag-hiusa" (reconciliation) and "matarong ang kinabuhi sa mga anak" (to better the lives of their children). Furthermore, their stories revealed the reasons why they chose to stay in the abusive relationships, namely, (a) the need to protect their children, (b) economic need (lack of shelter and financial support), and (c) strong emotional attachment with their abusive partner who was intermittently kind, and promised that the abuse would never happen again. The women victims' inner strength stemmed from the need to ensure their children's security and their faith in God. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]