Mangrove forests play an important role in protecting coastlines and storing large amounts of carbon; however, many stands in Davao del Sur continue to experience disturbance and declining species diversity. This study assessed mangrove diversity, ecological characteristics, ecosystem carbon stocks, and management implications in Barangays Tuban, Bato, and Cogon–Punta Biao, Davao del Sur, Philippines. Field measurements of trees, litter, downed wood, and soil were conducted to estimate ecosystem carbon stocks, while ecological indices were used to characterize mangrove communities. Seven mangrove taxa were recorded across the three sites. Mangrove diversity remained very low (H′ = 1.399–1.556), indicating simplified stand structures dominated by Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba, which also exhibited the highest ecological importance, as indicated by the Importance Value Index (IVI). Total ecosystem carbon stocks varied considerably among sites, with Cogon–Punta Biao recording the highest carbon storage (1,342.37 Mg C ha⁻¹), followed by Bato (1,162.83 Mg C ha⁻¹) and Tuban (925.83 Mg C ha⁻¹). Live biomass constituted the largest carbon pool, while soil organic carbon contributed to long-term carbon sequestration. Based on these findings, a site-specific Sustainable Mangrove Management Framework was developed to support biodiversity conservation, blue carbon management, and sustainable coastal planning in Davao del Sur. The findings further contribute to broader sustainability objectives related to climate action and ecosystem conservation under SDGs 13, 14, and 15.

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Page No.: 17-24

Sultan Kudarat, as a basis for developing a policy framework. The study evaluated the levels of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity of coastal barangays to hazards including coastal flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating survey data through key informant interviews, group discussions, and the review of relevant secondary sources among 300 households across six coastal barangays. The findings revealed high levels of vulnerability driven by fragile housing conditions, limited livelihood diversification, and inadequate disaster preparedness systems. Coastal flooding emerged as the most significant hazard, with substantial impacts on livelihoods, shelter, and public health. Adaptive capacity was found to be low to moderate due to limited access to protective infrastructure and weak institutional coordination. The findings provide a basis for evidence-based policy formulation to improve resilience in coastal communities.

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Page No.: 7-16

This study evaluated the implementation of the Traffic Management Code in Davao City to identify gaps between policy awareness and infrastructure utilization. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, gathering data from 400 purposively selected road users, including commuters, drivers, and transport planners. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed a very high level of policy awareness (M = 4.55), particularly regarding traffic signals and signs. However, awareness of technology adoption and the economic impacts of congestion were rated lower, at high levels. While stakeholders perceived enforcement as fair and consistent, the utilization of public infrastructure, specifically road connectivity and width, received the lowest relative scores (M = 4.00). The study concluded that high theoretical knowledge among road users does not automatically translate to optimized traffic flow due to infrastructure limitations and behavioral non-compliance. These results imply a critical need for shifting from purely educational campaigns to technology-driven infrastructure management. A proposed mitigation plan was developed, emphasizing intelligent transport systems and multi-sectoral safety councils to reclaim lost productivity and reduce the economic burden of urban congestion.

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