Instabright International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Towards Decent Work & Economic Growth: The Case of the Hope Project by NKGT And BJMP In Alignment with SDG 8

2026-02-14T12:12:55+00:00

Rehabilitation programs have increasingly focused on empowering Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) by equipping them with skills for sustainable livelihoods. This qualitative study explored the implementation of the Hope Project, a collaborative initiative between the Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng General Trias (NKGT) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in General Trias City, Philippines. Data from interviews with key stakeholders were analyzed thematically. The analysis revealed that the Hope Project provided PDLs with a sense of hope and empowerment, facilitated financial stability, and fostered community reintegration. However, the project faced challenges such as resource limitations, marketing difficulties, and societal stigma. The findings suggest that by addressing these challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, rehabilitation programs can effectively empower PDLs and contribute to community development.

Life Satisfaction and Spirituality Among Filipino Deconverts: A Narrative Study

2026-02-14T12:14:01+00:00

As secularism in a third world collectivist religious country continues to rise, a new field in religious deconversion is emerging. With that, the study sought to explore the deconverts’ narratives regarding their experiences before, during, and after deconversion, as well as to explore their views about their life satisfaction and spirituality. The study utilized a narrative research design and utilized purposive sampling to gather four Filipino deconverts, and the data was analyzed through thematic network analysis. The first research question was answered by three global themes that shows the deconverts’ experiences before, during and after deconversion wherein the themes was named: Religious Experience Turned from Sweet to Sour, Deconversion is a Conviction, and In Losing Religion, Liberation, respectively. Furthermore, to answer the second research question, the global theme Inverse Relationship of Deconverts’ Life Satisfaction and Religiosity emerged. And lastly, the third research question was answered by the global theme Religion was a Gateway for Spirituality. In conclusion, the narratives of the deconverts showed that deconversion started from doubts in the religious teachings, in God, and practices which stemmed from the religious community, accompanied by declining life satisfaction. In the end, however, deconversion has made the participants freer and more autonomous.

A Study on Filipino Protocol Officers in Diplomatic Ceremonial Events

2026-02-14T12:15:20+00:00

This study explored the roles and challenges encountered by Filipino Protocol Officers in managing diplomatic ceremonial events. These officers played a vital role in ensuring the seamless execution of formal state functions and diplomatic interactions, balancing respect for tradition with the evolving demands of modern diplomacy. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research examined the officers’ preparation strategies, adherence to established protocol, and navigation of cultural nuances. Key findings underscored the critical importance of meticulous planning, cultural sensitivity, and effective inter-agency coordination. The study also identified major challenges, such as communication gaps, conflicting customs, and workload-related stress, along with the strategies employed to address them. Overall, this study contributed to a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in diplomatic protocol and offered recommendations for improving ceremonial event management practices in the Philippines.