Social Development Research Center - De La Salle University

25/05/2026

𝗦𝗗𝗥𝗖 𝗮𝘁 𝟰𝟳 | 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁

The Social Development Research Center (SDRC) culminated its 47th Anniversary celebration on May 21, 2026 at the Roof Deck of Henry Sy Sr. Hall, DLSU Manila. SDRC Staff, researchers, and members of the DLSU community gathered to celebrate nearly five decades of advancing knowledge and deepening social impact.

The celebration carried the theme “SDRC at 47: Advancing Knowledge, Deepening Impact” and reflected SDRC’s continuing commitment to generating socially responsive and policy-relevant research in service of communities.

The program opened with an invocation led by Ms. Joanna Cayton-Velante and was hosted by Ms. Maria Margareth M. Geluz and Mr. Bernard Eseo. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Homer J. Yabut, Director of SDRC, followed by the presentation of the SDRC Highlights Video (2025). Dr. Raymond Girard R. Tan, Vice President for Research and Innovation, delivered the remarks of circumstance and reflected on the continuing importance of research in creating meaningful societal impact.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the tribute video presentation and awarding ceremony for the Evolutio Socialis Distinguished Researcher Award, which honored individuals whose scholarship and leadership have made enduring contributions to social development research. This year’s awardees were Dr. Carmelita I. Quebengco, Chancellor Emeritus and University Fellow, and Prof. Ma. Angeles Guanzon-Lapeña, SDRC Research Fellow.

The event also featured the launch of Pagsasaayos: Kaayusan, Komunidad, at Identidad, edited by Dr. Antonio P. Contreras and published by DLSU Publishing House. Dr. Contreras shared reflections on the book and recognized its contributors. The ceremonial presentation of the first copy was led by Dr. Jose Isagani B. Janairo, Associate Publisher of DLSU Publishing House, together with Dr. Homer J. Yabut and Dr. Ador R. Torneo, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Dr. Torneo delivered the closing remarks and reflected on the continuing importance of research and the social sciences in creating meaningful impact.

Stay tuned for our succeeding posts this week as we feature the recipients of the Evolutio Socialis Distinguished Researcher Award and highlight Pagsasaayos: Kaayusan, Komunidad, at Identidad.

24/05/2026

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 (𝗥𝗖𝗖𝗥) 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗟𝗦𝗨

Members of the Research Consortium on Children’s Rights (RCCR) gathered at De La Salle University - Manila on 19 May 2026 for the 2nd Regular Meeting of the Consortium for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The meeting was held at A1506, Br. Andrew Gonzales Hall brought together representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, development organizations, and research networks working to strengthen children’s rights research in the Philippines.

The RCCR is a multi-sectoral platform led by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). It serves as a venue for collaboration among institutions engaged in child-focused research, policy, and practice. Members contribute to identifying research priorities and promoting evidence that may inform child-responsive policies, programs, and services. One of its major initiatives is the development of the Child Rights Research Agenda (CRRA), which aims to guide research directions on children’s rights in the country.

Mr. Vladimir B. Cabrera, Planning Officer V and Division Chief of the Policy, Planning, and Research Division of CWC, presided over the meeting. Ms. Aiza A. Cabrera, Head of the Research Unit of CWC and member of the RCCR Secretariat, facilitated discussions on updates to RCCR membership, the finalization of the CRRA, preparations for the CRRA launch, the presentation of the updated draft of the CRRA Popular Version, and capacity-building initiatives for Consortium members. Members also participated in the election of RCCR officers.

Participating institutions included the Philippine Statistics Authority Department of Education, Philippine Children Research Network of the Philippine Social Science Council, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Consuelo Foundation, ChildFund Philippines, Terre des hommes Netherlands, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, World Vision Philippines, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, Miriam College, and the University of the Philippines of Family Life and Child Development.

Representing DLSU through the Social Development Research Center were Dr. Homer J. Yabut, SDRC Director, and Ms. Joanna Cayton-Velante, Coordinator for Research Dissemination and Publications.

The meeting reaffirmed the Consortium’s shared commitment to advancing research that supports the promotion, protection, and fulfillment of children’s rights.

23/05/2026

𝗦𝗗𝗥𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Social Development Research Center (SDRC) conducted a Risk Management Meeting on May 13, 2026 at the SDRC Conference Room as part of DLSU’s implementation of the Centralized Risk Management Framework led by the Risk Management, Compliance, and Audit (RMCA) Office.

The session was led by Dr. Homer J. Yabut, Director of the Social Development Research Center, and Ms. Joanna Cayton-Velante, Coordinator for Research Dissemination and Publications, and was attended by SDRC staff.

The meeting reviewed key concepts in risk management, introduced the SDRC Risk Register, and initiated the Center’s risk assessment process through initial risk identification across SDRC processes, and discussion of probable causes and process-level risks.

This initiative forms part of SDRC’s continuing efforts to strengthen institutional governance and support more proactive and informed decision-making across research and operations.

21/05/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗼𝗰 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿!

The Social Development Research Center warmly greets our Director, Dr. Homer J. Yabut, on his birthday.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and fulfillment in the year ahead. May your day be meaningful and the year ahead bring new opportunities and continued impact in your work and endeavors.

19/05/2026

HAPPENING NOW | 𝐒𝐃𝐑𝐂 𝐱 𝐍𝐁𝐒𝐂 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

The DLSU Social Development Research Center (SDRC), in partnership with Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC), is conducting its capacity building training workshop, "From Project Report to Publishable Journal Article: A Two-Day Faculty Writing Bootcamp."

This writing bootcamp is part of the Center's partnership with NBSC, helping faculty members in their goal of publishing in high-impact journals. Aligned with this goal, the bootcamp expects its participants to be able to submit their manuscripts in a chosen journal publisher at the end of its sessions.

📋 May 19-20, 2026
📍 Dream Golftel, Camp Philips Road, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 / 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬:
Dr. Marites M. Tiongco, Professor, Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, De La Salle University
Dr. Zaldy C. Collado, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University

15/05/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 | 𝗖𝗟𝗔’𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗬𝗖𝗨 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

SDRC shares the College of Liberal Arts’ recent engagement with delegates from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan, held on May 14, 2026.

The meeting explored opportunities for international collaboration in health and social science research, including joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and future interdisciplinary partnerships aligned with SDRC’s ongoing research efforts.

Learn more through the shared post below.

13/05/2026

𝗥𝟰𝗧𝗕𝗩 𝗦𝗗𝗥𝗖 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗔

The Social Development Research Center (SDRC) team for the Ready for TB Vaccine (R4TBV) – Philippines project conducted the Region XIII (CARAGA) Field Staff Orientation and Training on May 8–9, 2026, at Hotel Oazis, Butuan City. This activity continued the earlier field staff training sessions conducted for sites in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A (CALABARZON).

The two-day training covered the project’s research objectives, ethical standards, methodological approach, field protocols, and data collection procedures. Field staff were also trained in the use of KoboToolbox and the survey application’s embedded tools in preparation for the start of data collection on May 11, 2026.

Members of the SDRC team who facilitated and participated in the sessions included Dr. Zaldy C. Collado (Project Lead), Dr. Marites M. Tiongco (Co-Investigator), Mr. Bernard Eseo (Project Manager), Ms. Maria Margareth Geluz (Research Assistant), Ms. Raine Beatrx Cuvin (Research Assistant), and Ms. Dianna Yzabelle Alba (Research Assistant). Following the training, members of the research team, together with Dr. Homer J. Yabut (Co-Investigator), proceeded to support the initial phase of field data collection.

The Ready for TB Vaccine (R4TBV) – Philippines project assesses the country’s preparedness to introduce new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. The study examines health system readiness, vaccine delivery considerations, and decision-making factors influencing the administration and acceptance of TB vaccines among different stakeholders and population groups.

13/05/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗶𝗿 𝗥𝗵𝗲𝘆!

The Social Development Research Center warmly greets Mr. Reynaldo V. Porsuelo, Assistant for Logistics and Messengerial, on his birthday.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and continued blessings in the year ahead. May you have a wonderful celebration with your loved ones.

From your SDRC Family

12/05/2026

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿. 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗖. 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝘆

The Social Development Research Center (SDRC) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Virgel C. Binghay, Director of the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC) at the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR), respected labor educator, researcher, and SDRC Faculty Associate.

Dr. Binghay served as Co-Investigator for SDRC’s Fairwork Philippines initiatives and as an Advisory Group member and consultant for Resilient Platform Work PH. His expertise in labor relations, platform work, and workers’ welfare contributed significantly to discussions on fairness, labor governance, and the future of work in the Philippines.

Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Binghay will be remembered for his mentorship and dedication to public service. His work and advocacy continue to inspire students, researchers, labor practitioners, and institutions working toward more humane and inclusive workplaces.

The SDRC community joins UP SOLAIR, his colleagues, students, friends, and loved ones in mourning this profound loss.

Maraming salamat, Dr. D**g, for your service, scholarship, and lasting contributions to labor education and social development.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢 𝐤𝐚, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐠: 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐂. 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐲
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟, 𝑀𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐻𝑅 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑡-𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟
September 19, 1963 - May 2, 2026

Nitong Ika-2 ng Mayo 2026, tahimik nang namaalam si Dr. Virgel C. Binghay o Dr. D**g, ngunit mananatiling buhay ang kanyang alaala sa puso at diwa ng UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR), at ng maraming mag-aaral at propesyunal na kanyang tinuruan at hinubog.

As a Full Professor, Quality Assurance Officer, and Director of the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC) of UP SOLAIR, Dr. Binghay dedicated his life to advancing the fields of human resource management, labor relations, and workers’ development in the Philippines. Kaya naman nito lang nakaraang taon, kinilala siya bilang isa sa mga “Pillars of HR” ng Philippines HR and Leadership Summit 2025.

Dr. D**g also served for many years as the Director and lead resource speaker of the Certificate Course in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management (IRHR) of UP SOLAIR. Bilang propesor ng mga kurso sa HR at organization development, hindi lamang teorya ang kanyang itinuturo kundi aktwal na paglilingkod at pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad. Sa kanyang mga klase, hinihikayat niya ang mga estudyante na magsagawa ng mga proyektong may tunay na ambag sa lipunan: gaya ng mga symposium, job fair, trainings, at seminars na libre at bukas sa publiko.

Noong nakaraang taon, pinasinayaan ang Learning Session Series ng CIPC, monthly free training-workshop para sa HR practitioners at leaders mula sa iba’t ibang sektor, na nakatuon sa mentoring, coaching, at learning needs analysis. Sa pamamagitan ng mga programang ito, lalo niyang pinagtibay ang kanyang adhikain na gawing mas makatao, mas ingklusibo, at mas makabuluhan ang paghubog ng mga lider at manggagawa.

For decades, he taught with both rigor and compassion. Sa kanyang mga aral at palihan, paulit-ulit niyang ipinapaalala na ang manggagawa ay hindi lamang bahagi ng sistema kundi lakas at sentro ng matatag na lipunan. He believed that organizations thrive when people are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Malaki ang kanyang naging ambag sa pagpapalalim ng diskurso hinggil sa transformative HR, performance management, total rewards systems, workplace mentoring and coaching, organizational development, at future of work. His work helped shape not only HR practices but also the values that should guide leadership and management.

Ngunit higit sa kanyang mga titulo at tagumpay, mas nagmarka sa alaala ng marami ang kanyang pagiging approachable, witty, at tunay na mentor. To his students, he was more than a professor. Siya ay naging “Dr. B”: may pagkaistrikto ngunit maalalahanin; minsan ay masungit pero laging handang makinig at magbigay-payo. Marami sa kanyang mga tinuruan ang naging HR leaders, labor advocates, researchers, at public servants, mga taong dala-dala hanggang ngayon ang kanyang mga aral tungkol sa leadership, malasakit, at dignidad sa paggawa.

In his passing, the nation loses a respected HR expert and labor educator. Ngunit ang kanyang legasiya ay patuloy na mabubuhay sa bawat organisasyong naging mas makatao dahil sa kanyang impluwensiya, sa bawat manggagawang nabigyang-boses ng kanyang adbokasiya, at sa bawat mag-aaral na natutong mamuno nang may dangal at malasakit.

Labis na nagluluksa ang UP SOLAIR sa paglisan ng isa sa mga mohon ng Paaralan, at taos-pusong nakikiramay sa naiwang anak at pamilya ni Dr. Binghay.

As Dr. D**g's remains are in the process of being repatriated from London, details regarding the wake, memorial services, and other arrangements, including the date and location, will be announced at a later time. We respectfully ask for continued prayers, understanding, and privacy for the family as they grieve during this difficult period of mourning.

Thank you, Dr. D**g, for a life devoted to service, scholarship, and nation-building.

𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑖, 𝐷𝑟. 𝑉𝑖𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑙 𝐶. 𝐵𝑖𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑎𝑦.

08/05/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 | 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗗𝗲𝘃 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

DLSU-SDRC shares this post from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on the Management Response and Action Planning (MRAP) Workshop for the Process Evaluation of the PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package held on April 30, 2026.

The process evaluation was commissioned by DEPDev in collaboration with UNDP Philippines through the Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation Project (SMEP) and conducted by the DLSU Social Development Research Center.

Please see DEPDev’s original post for more details.

07/05/2026

𝗦𝗗𝗥𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗥𝗔𝗣 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙀𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩

The DLSU Social Development Research Center (SDRC) participated in the Management Response and Action Planning (MRAP) Workshop for the Process Evaluation of the PhilHealth Konsulta Package, held on April 30, 2026 at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Mandaluyong City. The evaluation study was conducted in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Konsulta Package, now referred to as YAKAP, is PhilHealth’s primary care benefit under the Universal Health Care Law, providing all Filipinos with access to essential outpatient services, including consultations, selected laboratory tests, and medicines through accredited primary care providers.

The evaluation used a simultaneous mixed methods approach to examine program implementation across different settings, drawing on multiple sources of evidence, including performance, finance, and accreditation data from 2021 to 2024. The study covered seven regions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: NCR, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and SOCCSKSARGEN. It focused on access, service delivery, provider participation, and system performance, and assessed the program’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, and sustainability, aiming to identify key challenges, good practices, and actionable recommendations to strengthen primary care delivery under YAKAP.

The workshop brought together representatives from DEPDev, PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other stakeholders to translate these findings into concrete actions.

Dr. Marites Tiongco, Lead Investigator, presented the key findings and recommendations, providing a basis for agencies to assess the feasibility, urgency, and alignment of proposed reforms. She was joined by Dr. Jeriel de Silos (Co-Investigator), Dr. Lalay Jimenez (Evaluator), Mr. Bernardo Cielo (Evaluator), and Ms. Joanna Cayton-Velante (Project Manager), who supported the workshop discussions. The evaluation team also includes Dr. Zaldy Collado (Co-Investigator) and Dr. Albert Lamberte (Evaluator).

The session included two guided workshops where participants developed management responses and action plans, identifying responsible agencies, timelines, and implementation arrangements. A key focus was the prioritization of recommendations, clarifying how “high,” “medium,” and “low” priority levels correspond to immediate, short-term, and medium-term actions.

The MRAP serves as a critical step in ensuring that evaluation findings move beyond analysis and translate into practical, system-level improvements, particularly in implementation, coordination, and service delivery under YAKAP.