Public Administration and Governance Studies Journal
The Public Administration and Governance Studies Journal (PAGSJ) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of public administration, governance, and policy studies. PAGSJ serves as a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share cutting-edge research, theoretical insights, and practical applications that address contemporary challenges in governance and public sector management. The journal welcomes interdisciplinary contributions that explore innovative strategies, critical issues, and transformative practices in public administration. Topics include, but are not limited to, governance frameworks, public policy analysis, ethical leadership, participatory governance, sustainable development, digital transformation in the public sector, and comparative studies on public administration systems. With a commitment to fostering global dialogue and impactful solutions, PAGSJ aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, providing valuable resources for the academic and professional communities alike.
JMCFI Research Development and Publication Office
Awareness of college students on Davao City’s Anti-Smoking Ordinance (City Ordinance No. 0367-12 s. 2012) and their smoking behavior
Tobacco control ordinances reduce smoking prevalence only when target populations are aware of their provisions. Among college students—a critical period for health habit formation—the link between ordinance awareness and smoking related cognitions remains understudied in the Philippine local governance context. This study examined awareness of Davao City’s Anti Smoking Ordinance (City Ordinance No. 0367 12 s. 2012) among 272 college students, described their smoking behavior across four belief dimensions, and determined correlations between ordinance awareness and smoking beliefs. Using a quantitative descriptive correlational design with stratified random sampling, data were collected via adapted instruments. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank order correlation were applied. Students demonstrated very high ordinance awareness. Authority enforcement and penalty clarity received the highest ratings, while community dissemination and monitoring were slightly lower. Health related consequences of smoking yielded the highest behavioral mean, negative behavioral beliefs were high, and positive behavioral beliefs were moderate. Spearman’s correlations showed that ordinance awareness was positively associated with negative behavioral beliefs, health related results, and complicating control beliefs. No significant correlations emerged for positive behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, or facilitating control beliefs. High ordinance awareness strengthens recognition of smoking’s negative health consequences and perceived barriers to smoking, but does not appear to operate through social normative pathways. These findings support sustained health education and visible enforcement as tobacco control mechanisms in educational settings, while identifying social norm interventions as an underserved complementary strategy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Herzel Miles Abendan, Brian Dave Laude, Katrina Angela Madulin, John Vianne Murcia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Social, economic, and political challenges of women in local political leadership: a convergent mixed-methods study in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, Philippines
Women’s involvement in local political leadership continues to face intersecting social, economic, and political obstacles. These barriers remain insufficiently explored in Philippine governance research, especially at the barangay and municipal levels. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, this study examined the lived experiences, difficulties, and adaptive strategies of elected female officials in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. Quantitative data came from the complete demographic records of all 26 women holding elected office in the municipality. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews with eight purposively selected women leaders. Demographic findings showed that most female officials are married, representing 65.4 percent of the sample. The majority belong to middle aged or older cohorts, with 70.8 percent aged 42 years or above. Most occupy barangay level positions, with 84.6 percent serving as Barangay Councilors. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed three domains of challenges: social, economic, and political. Corresponding coping responses were also identified. Social themes centered on managing the dual identity of wife and leader, confronting gender stereotypes in traditionally male dominated fields such as peace and order, and using maternal resilience as a leadership asset. Economic themes highlighted persistent financial obstacles to entering and advancing in office, limited formal education among participants, and the emphasis on practical experience over academic credentials. Political themes documented ongoing gender based skepticism during elections, the reframing of political doubt into motivation, and the adoption of collectively oriented governance values. Integrating quantitative and qualitative results showed that the prevalence of married, older women in formal leadership positions reflects social norms that equate maturity with legitimacy. However, these norms also add domestic responsibilities. The study concludes that gender responsive governance frameworks are essential for enhancing women’s meaningful participation in Philippine local governance. These frameworks include targeted financial assistance, leadership mentoring, and work family policy changes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jayzyl Queen Failaman, Mervin Gascon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Distributive justice and locus of control as correlates of correctional officers’ well-being
This study examined the influence of distributive justice and locus of control on the occupational well-being of correctional officers at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Panabo City, Philippines. Employing a non-experimental, quantitative-correlational research design, the study surveyed 300 correctional officers selected through random sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Standardized instruments were administered via survey, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s r, and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed high levels of perceived distributive justice and occupational well-being, while locus of control was rated at a moderate level. A strong positive correlation was found between distributive justice and occupational well-being, and a weak positive correlation was observed between locus of control and occupational well-being. Furthermore, the combined influence of distributive justice and locus of control was found to significantly predict occupational well-being. These findings underscore the importance of equitable organizational practices and psychological agency in enhancing employee well-being within correctional institutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Public Administration and Governance Studies Journal
Youth participation in the implementation of Marine Protected Area (MPA) program: The case of MPAs in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur
This descriptive-phenomenological research study explored youth perceptions regarding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, focusing on their awareness, involvement, and the perceived benefits of these conservation efforts. The study utilized thematic analysis to examine responses from key informant interviews (KIIs) with seven participants (KII 1-7). There were six global themes on the perception of the youth towards MPA, which include fish habitat and food, protection of marine species against big/disastrous waves, source of living, more fish for human consumption, and environmental stewardship. In addition, two global themes emerged as the prevailing reason for the youth's implementation of MPA. These include community-driven conservation and empowerment and the presence of barriers to participation. Furthermore, two global themes were developed on the youth's initiatives in implementing MPA, including educational empowerment, awareness building, community integration, and active participation.
Reframing ethical banking: Dimensions of governance and customer perspectives on universal bank practices in the post-pandemic Philippines
Ethical dilemmas in banking—ranging from conflicts of interest to weak consumer protection—pose persistent challenges for universal banks tasked with balancing profit motives and public accountability. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these tensions, reshaping regulatory expectations, accelerating digital transformations, and raising new concerns over transparency, client trust, and institutional integrity. Despite these developments, there remains a limited understanding of how universal banks in developing economies, particularly in the Philippines, have realigned their ethical practices in response to the pandemic’s governance implications. Anchored in public administration and stakeholder theories, this study investigates the evolving contours of ethical banking practices through the lens of customer experience in Davao City. Utilizing a descriptive-exploratory design and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), data were gathered from 202 universal bank clients using a 45-item scale instrument developed from in-depth interviews. The results surfaced five critical dimensions of ethical banking: security and fraud prevention, customer relationship and support, digital banking and payment innovation, credit management and monitoring, and lending flexibility and support. These findings not only contribute to the empirical refinement of ethical banking frameworks but also offer actionable insights for regulators, financial intermediaries, and policymakers aiming to uphold ethical standards in line with the Financial Consumer Protection Act (RA 11765), BSP Circular No. 1140 on cybersecurity, and the broader public governance agenda of inclusive and accountable financial systems.