Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development in Sulu: Among Local Government Employees’ Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the environmental awareness and capacity building for sustainable development in Sulu during the Fiscal Year 2025. It employed descriptive-correlational research design with 200 respondents taken through purposive sampling procedure, and treated data through weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test for independent samples, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s test of correlation. The following are the findings: 1) Nearly three-fourth or majority of the are within the 31-39 years old of age range, mostly female, with almost equal number of single and married employees, majority have Bachelor’s degree, have in service for 5 years & below, and mostly with permanent status; 2) On the average, employees are highly aware of environmental issues and challenges, including their causes and effects; 3) On the average, Local Government agencies in Sulu are apt in developing and enhancing the skills, knowledge, and resources of individuals and organizations to improve their ability to address specific challenges; 4) Employees within 40-49 years old, with master’s and doctorate degree, and with casual status of appointment are better perceivers of the level of environmental awareness for sustainable development; 5) Employees within 40-49 years old, with bachelor’s degree with master’s units, and with casual status of appointment are better perceivers of the level of capacity building for sustainable development; 6) High environmental awareness is related to high capacity building for sustainable development among Local Government agencies in Sulu. This study seems to support Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Capacity Development Framework. Social Cognitive Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the dynamic interplay between personal factors, behavioural patterns, and environmental influences. It posits that individuals learn and develop their capabilities through observation, imitation, and experience.