The first semester issue of the Philippine Journal of Development for 2025 features a diverse set of articles that explore key development concerns in the Philippines, including the fishery sector, free trade agreements, persons with disabilities, and senior high school graduates. The first article evaluates the impact of the Fisheries, Coastal Resources, and Livelihood Project—implemented by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources—on the income and wealth of fishing households in Eastern Visayas. The second article investigates the factors influencing the utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs) in the country, emphasizing the need for initiatives to address firm-level challenges and improve data collection for long-term performance assessments. The third article, part of the Wheels of Justice project, examines the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in Valenzuela City on their access to public infrastructure, transportation, and information and communications services. Rounding out the volume, an article analyzes the labor market outcomes of senior high school (SHS) graduates and highlights the importance of reassessing the SHS program’s employment and entrepreneurship objectives.
We dedicate this issue to Dr. Roberto S. Mariano, who passed away earlier this year. He served on the PJD Editorial Board beginning in 2022, providing insight, rigor, and unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.