Wisdom Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Making Growth Reach People: A Practical Agenda for Poverty Alleviation

Stephen Naul — 2025-11-26

This position paper argues that poverty reduction in the Philippines hinges less on new diagnostics and more on execution that lowers the “cost of survival,” moves jobs closer to people, protects incomes from shocks, and rebuilds human capital fast. Synthesizing recent evidence, it proposes a production-centered, 10-pillar playbook that is nationally scalable yet locally executed—through sari-sari “rice pass” quotas and price transparency; cold-chain and storage to cut spoilage; municipal “deal rooms” to site micro-plants near high-poverty barangays; employer-led apprenticeships tied to signed MOUs; school feeding and 1:3 tutoring corps; PhilSys-enabled e-KYC and zero-fee basic wallets; and EODB/ARTA delivery sprints. A 6–18-month roadmap pairs each initiative with citizen-verifiable metrics—effective rice price gaps for the bottom three deciles, insured fishable days, 12-month job retention, Grade 3 reading gains—so progress is seen and sustained. The paper stresses institutional, financial, and environmental sustainability and builds “learning loops” (pilot, measure, scale or retire) to adapt quickly. Making growth portable to barangays, classrooms, RHUs, markets, farms, and coasts is the central test; when identity, payments, logistics, and information flow with low friction, households can convert growth into mobility.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of High-Value Vegetable Production in Alangalang, Leyte, Philippines

Ruben Remetilla — 2025-11-26

This study was conducted to evaluate the different factors influencing the adoption of high-value vegetable production in Alangalang, Leyte, Philippines. A total of 110 randomly selected farmers serve as respondents of this study. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. The data were gathered using an interview schedule, and descriptive statistical measures were performed to analyze the data. Results revealed that most of the respondents (44.5%) were senior adults (60 years old or above). The majority were male (54.5%) and married (83.6%). Most (50.9%) of the respondents were at the elementary level, and all (100%) of them were tenants. And it is also found that factors influencing the adoption of high-value vegetable crops were a) economic, b) institutional, and c) technological. In addition, results also revealed that the serious problems in the adoption of high-value vegetable crops include the losses of vegetable production due to natural calamities (2.92%), lack of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds (2.68%). The study recommends that farmers must adopt HYV vegetable seeds since it is evident that they can increase yield, profit, lower the production cost, save time and effort, and reduce crop losses. Moreover, technical help from the agricultural extension agent of the Local Government Unit (LGU) should always be present and support farmers, especially in dealing with the losses of vegetable production due to natural calamities.

The Application of Development Ethics in Accordance with the Muslim Community Way of Life for Participatory Waste Management in Yi-ngo Sub district, Yi-ngo District, Narathiwat Province

Assuwan pohha — 2025-11-26

The application of ethical principles to address problems and foster development has become an increasingly compelling approach, particularly in the area of community well-being. This qualitative research aims to: 1) investigate the existing problem situation, and 2) examine the use of development ethics in waste management within a Muslim community in Yi-ngo Subdistrict, Narathiwat Province. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and observations involving 38 representatives from both public and civil sectors. Content analysis was applied to categorize the data, which were then presented through descriptive discussion. The results: (1) before the local administrative organization’s waste management system was introduced, households primarily managed their waste through burning and burying. After the system was implemented, household waste—amounting to 428.91 tons per year—was disposed of in designated dumping pits, though source reduction efforts were also underway. (2) The application of ethical principles included communicating with the public through religious lectures, raising awareness and offering reminders using moral symbols, and encouraging participation through merit-making activities—all aimed at fostering a collaborative multi-stakeholder process.

Influences of Social Media Marketing Communication and Religious Motivation on Tourists’ Decision-Making Along the Ashtavinayak Yatra, Maharashtra, India

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2025-11-26

This research investigates the perceptions of Social Media Marketing Communication (SMMC), faith-based motivation, and travel decision-making among Thai tourists on the Ashtavinayak Yatra pilgrimage in India, and analyzes the influence of the former two factors on travel decisions. The sample consisted of 377 Thai tourists who had traveled or planned to travel the route. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings revealed that tourists' overall perceptions of SMMC, faith-based motivation, and travel decision-making were at a high level (mean scores ~4.00-4.10). All components of SMMC demonstrated a statistically significant positive influence on travel decision-making (p < 0.05). Direct Marketing had the strongest effect (β = 0.265), highlighting the importance of personalized digital interaction. Similarly, all components of faith-based motivation significantly positively influenced travel decisions (p < 0.05), with Activities having the strongest impact (β = 0.557), underscoring that well-organized religious rituals are the primary driver. Consequently, it is recommended that marketers develop social media strategies centered on faith-based narratives and legendary storytelling. Strengthening Direct Marketing channels to provide timely and accurate information is crucial. Furthermore, ensuring the authenticity, completeness, and safety of religious activities along the route is paramount to fostering sustainable travel decisions and positive word-of-mouth. The study is limited to Thai tourists and self-reported data, which may affect generalizability. Ethical principles of voluntary participation, confidentiality, and informed consent were upheld.

Editorial Note

Vichian Puncreobutr — 2025-11-26