The Philippines stands out as both one of the world’s largest rice producers and importers, presenting a significant challenge in feeding its growing population through 2050. This study explores the future of rice production, sufficiency, and resilience in the country by combining three analytical methods: (1) regional production trend analysis using Philippine Statistics Authority data from 2013 to 2025 across all 17 regions; (2) forecasting production, area harvested, and yield through 2050 using Holt’s double exponential smoothing; and (3) assessing regional self-sufficiency under land conversion scenarios. Between 2013 and 2023, national palay production rose modestly from 18.44 million to 20.06 million metric tons, while the harvested area stayed steady at about 4.7 million hectares. Yield improvements from 3.89 to 4.17 MT/ha drove production gains. However, rice imports surged from 0.89 million MT in 2017 to an estimated 4.68 million MT in 2024, pushing the import dependency ratio to 28%, it’s highest since 1988. Projections show production could reach 22.5 million MT by 2050, yet this falls short of the projected milled rice demand of 16.5 million MT, with a baseline production deficit of 2.4 million MT. Accounting for ongoing land conversion, this deficit could expand to 8 million MT, raising import dependency to 48%. Regionally, by 2050 only three of sixteen regions will remain self-sufficient, with Central Luzon traditionally the rice granary dropping below 100%, while eleven regions face deficits. Without major farming and land protection improvements, the Philippines will grow more import-dependent with less resilient food production.

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Page No.: 41-52

This paper examines the environmental governance obligations of local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines through a doctrinal analysis of the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code of 1991, major environmental statutes, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and local implementation tools. It argues that LGUs are not merely administrative extensions of national environmental agencies, but frontline institutions of ecological governance. The constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology supplies the normative foundation, while Article X of the Constitution provides the institutional basis for localizing that mandate through local autonomy, decentralization, fiscal authority, inter-LGU cooperation, and accountable local governance. The Local Government Code operationalizes these principles through the general welfare clause, devolved basic services, local legislation, consultation, intergovernmental collaboration, and environmental administration. Sectoral statutes further define LGU responsibilities in solid waste management, water and air quality, fisheries, environmental impact assessment, protected areas, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and governance accountability. Supreme Court decisions, including Oposa v. Factoran, Laguna Lake Development Authority v. Court of Appeals, Tano v. Socrates, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority v. Concerned Residents of Manila Bay, and Boracay Foundation, Inc. v. Province of Aklan, clarify that environmental duties are legally meaningful and, in proper cases, enforceable. The paper further identifies local planning, permitting, fiscal, monitoring, and enforcement tools through which LGUs give operational effect to environmental mandates. It concludes that LGU environmental governance is best understood as a system of devolved ecological responsibility: constitutionally grounded, statutorily particularized, judicially enforceable, and operationally implemented at the local level.

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Page No.: 24-40

This paper develops and presents an Integrated Logical Framework for MSME Capability Context in Flood Risk Management in the 3rd District of Albay, synthesizing government support, recurring challenges, and best practices into a diagnostic and developmental model that strengthens enterprise resilience, continuity, and community safety within the Quinali “A” Watershed. The study employed a descriptive-assessment method using surveys, interviews, and document reviews, guided by structured rubrics to evaluate MSMEs’ flood risk management capabilities, practices, government support, and resilience gaps in the study area. The study found that MSMEs in Oas, Polangui, and Libon demonstrate moderate capability (2.5 to 3.4 rating) in flood risk management, with strengths in asset protection and adaptive operations but persistent weakness in financial preparedness and government support. Best practices were largely adopted (3.5 to 4.4) in Oas, while Polangui and Libon showed only partial adoption (2.5 to 3.4), reflecting uneven resilience capacities across municipalities. Overall, MSMEs “often” (3.4 to 4.4) encounter gaps in finance, market retention, and policy implementation, underscoring the need for target interventions, strong PPP engagement, and proactive government support to achieve sustainable resilience.

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Page No.: 19-23

This study focused on assessing the level of Occupational Safety and Health compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in Albay, Philippines, with particular attention to perceived compliance, local practices, challenges, and the development of policy recommendations. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with a Likert-scale survey to measure OSH compliance across the six indicators among SMEs in the study area, followed by key informant interviews with OSH officers, medical officers, and the CEOs to provide qualitative insights that explained and enriched the survey findings. Findings revealed that Urban districts like Legazpi City and Daraga lead in compliance because of strong governance, training, and inspections, while Tabaco City and Ligao City show moderate compliance but struggle with cultural resistance, slowing adoption of safety practices, and rural districts such as Polangui, Oas, Guinobatan, and Camalig lag behind due to weak incentives, limited resources, and poor training access. The SME-Integrated OSH Compliance Model ties these insights together, showing that governance, culture, inspections, incentives, and training must work together to build a sustainable safety culture across Albay. The assessment of SME-Integrated OSH compliance in Albay highlights a clear tiered performance across districts, with urban centers leading through strong governance and structured training, mid-tier districts struggling with cultural adoption, and rural areas lagging due to resource and training gaps. Urban best practices such as leadership commitment, inspections, and incentives, offer replicable models, but persistent challenges like weak incentives, resistance to change, and limited resources confirm SMEs’ structural disadvantages compared to larger firms. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions and support mechanisms is essential to ensure equitable compliance outcomes. The SME-Integrated OSH Compliance Model provides a comprehensive framework that integrates governance, culture, inspections, incentives, and skills development, converging on the goal of building a sustainable workplace safety culture across Albay. The practical implication of this study is that policymakers must apply a tiered approach, replicating urban best practices, strengthening communication in mid-tier districts, and expanding incentives and training access in rural SMEs to build a sustainable workplace safety culture in Albay.

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Page No.: 14-18

The uncontrolled generation of solid waste that drains through the waterways of the Province of Cavite into Manila Bay poses a serious environmental threat to the bay's natural environment and biodiversity. In response to the Supreme Court's Writ of Continuing Mandamus under G.R. No. 171947-48, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR–PENRO) Cavite, through the Manila Bay Site Coordinating/Management Office (MBSCMO) Cavite, installed 49 trash traps strategically positioned along the six major river systems of the province as part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program (MBRP). This baseline study employed a mixed-methods research design using the nested (embedded) approach, with data analyzed through the percentage method. Monitoring was conducted over three years (2021–2023). Results revealed that, on average, 66% of installed units were functional while 34% were non-functional across the monitoring period. Despite this, the installed units collectively captured a total of 2,037,227 kilograms (approximately 2,005.1 metric tons) of mixed solid wastes. Waste collection increased by 72% from 2021 to 2022 (669,091 kg to 928,754 kg), partly attributed to COVID-19-related healthcare waste. A notable decrease of -211% was recorded in 2023 (as of the 3rd quarter), reflecting positive outcomes from intensified Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns, establishment of barangay ecological gardens, and other solid waste management interventions. The study concludes that trash traps are effective solid waste interception mechanisms and recommends their turnover to respective Local Government Units (LGUs) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the replication of the project in applicable waterways.

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Page No.: 1-13

The Environmental and Urban Planning International Journal (EUPIJ) was established to serve as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas from the fields of environmental and urban planning. With the growing need for research in environmental and urban planning that addresses complex global challenges, this journal aims to foster collaboration among scholars, researchers, and professionals from diverse academic backgrounds. By providing a space for high-quality research in fields such as environmental sciences, natural sciences, aquatic sciences, technology, and urban development, EUPIJ contributes to the development of solutions that are both innovative and comprehensive. The journal’s primary goal is to enhance academic discourse and promote the dissemination of cutting-edge research, offering valuable insights that can inform policy, improve practices, and inspire future studies. By covering a wide range of topics, from urban planning development to environmental issues, the journal reflects the diverse and interconnected nature of today’s environmental and sustainability landscape. Its intra- and interdisciplinary approach allows for the examination of issues from different angles, helping to create more robust and holistic solutions that address urgent global challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and resource management. EUPIJ also plays a crucial role in advancing the academic community by providing a platform for emerging voices and encouraging scholarly engagement across borders. Through its rigorous peer-blind review process, the journal ensures that only well-researched, impactful, and scientifically rigorous articles are published, maintaining its academic integrity and reputation. This process not only supports researchers but also engages a broader audience, including policymakers and practitioners, by bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application. It also allows the journal to maintain a diverse pool of contributors, ensuring that the content is reflective of a global and multi-perspective view on environmental and urban planning issues. In line with the vision of Zas Digital Institute Training and Development Services (DITADS), EUPIJ aims to contribute significantly to both local and global research communities. It is committed to promoting academic excellence and fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary issues that affect societies worldwide. As part of its mission, the journal encourages collaboration between academic institutions, government bodies, private sectors, and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to solving environmental and urban planning challenges. This journal represents a vital tool for the ongoing development of knowledge and innovation, making it an indispensable resource for researchers, academics, and professionals who are committed to making a positive impact on society. EUPIJ is not only an academic publication but a catalyst for action, driving change through research that empowers communities and fosters sustainable development across the globe.

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Page No.: 1-51