THE OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION & GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
A faculty member of the Department of Biology under the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Sciences, Mr. Jake Joshua Garces, has published a sole-authored research paper in the Asian Journal of Agriculture, a Clarivate Analytics– and Scopus-indexed journal (Vol. 9, Issue 2).
The study, titled “Sustainable development goals and agricultural service subscriptions: Consumer behaviors in Cebu, Philippines,” explores a growing paradox in the country’s food system.
Despite strong public support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many Filipinos remain hesitant to participate in agricultural subscription services. These services are designed to link consumers directly with local farmers, reduce food waste, and strengthen sustainable food systems.
According to the study, which drew on survey data from 488 respondents across Cebu, participation in agricultural subscription programs is shaped not only by considerations of price and product quality but also by the extent to which consumers’ values align with sustainability principles.
“The study highlights how deeper integration of SDG principles corresponds to more consistent engagement in sustainable food systems,” according to the research.
The research contributes to ongoing discussions on consumer behavior, sustainable agriculture, and policy development, offering insights that may help farmers, service providers, and policymakers design more inclusive and sustainability-driven food distribution models.