Investigating the Presence of Regional Economic Growth Convergence in the Philippines using Kalman Filter

This paper investigates the presence of stochastic and dynamic convergence of the 14 regional economies in the Philippines in terms of per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) using regional panel data from 1988 to 2007. Stochastic convergence, which indicates convergence of regions in the long-run, is tested using Levin, Lin & Chu (LLC) and Im, Pesaran & Shin (IPS) panel unit root tests. The presence of convergence, on one hand, indicates that the economically laggard regions are gaining on the economically better-performing regions with respect to per capita GRDP. On the other hand, the lack of convergence indicates a need to reevaluate existing regional and national economic policies on development. Dynamic convergence reveals several convergence characteristics of individual regions over time. Dynamic convergence is determined by the time-varying parameter (TVP) model derived using the Kalman Filter. The paper proceeds to examine the individual convergence behavior of each region based on the value of the estimate of the parameter of the TVP. The results show that out of the 14 regions studied, seven regions are found to converge towards the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over 1988 to 2007 while six regions lag behind the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over the same period. No region converges towards the economic growth rate of National Capital Region, the lead region used in the study.Panel Unit Root Test, Time-varying Parameter (TVP) Model, Kalman Filter, Stochastic Convergence, Dynamic Convergence

The Economic Transition and Growth of Philippine Regions

The paper applies the economic transition models and econometric convergence tests proposed by Phillips and Sul (2006) using data on per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (1988-2008) to determine if 14 Philippine regional economies converge to a steady state path over a period of time. The paper explores modeling and analyzing the economic transition behavior of the regions. Regional relative transition paths are investigated to generate a graphical overview of the behavior of the regional economies. The log t convergence test, which is constructed from a transition differential decay model, is used to establish if a region converges to a steady state path or diverges from a steady state path. The test basically provides the basis for a stepwise clustering algorithm in finding convergence clusters and analyzing transition behavior between clusters. The paper identifies convergence clubs and determines divergent regional economies using a recursive procedure that revolves around the log t convergence test.log t convergence test, convergence clubs

The Economic Transition and Growth of Philippine Regions

The paper applies the economic transition models and econometric convergence tests proposed by Phillips and Sul (2006) using data on per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (1988-2008) to determine if 14 Philippine regional economies converge to a steady state path over a period of time. The paper explores modeling and analyzing the economic transition behavior of the regions. Regional relative transition paths are investigated to generate a graphical overview of the behavior of the regional economies. The log t convergence test, which is constructed from a transition differential decay model, is used to establish if a region converges to a steady state path or diverges from a steady state path. The test basically provides the basis for a stepwise clustering algorithm in finding convergence clusters and analyzing transition behavior between clusters. The paper identifies convergence clubs and determines divergent regional economies using a recursive procedure that revolves around the log t convergence test

Population, poverty, politics and the reproductive health bill

Following an earlier paper titled 'Population and Poverty: The Real Score' (UPSE Discussion Paper 0415, December 2004), the present paper was first issued in August 2008 as a contribution to the public debate on the population issue that never seemed to die in this country. The debate heated up about that time in reaction to a revival of moves to push for legislation on reproductive health and family planning (RH/FP). Those attempts at legislation, however, failed in the 13th Congress, and again in the 14th Congress. Since late last year, the debate has been heating up further on the heels of President Noy Aquino's pronouncements seeming to favor RH/FP, though he prefers the nomenclature 'responsible parenthood'. With some updating of the data, this paper remains as relevant as ever to the ongoing public debate. It is being re-issued as a Discussion Paper for wider circulation

The Economic Transition and Growth of Philippine Regions

The paper applies the economic transition models and econometric convergence tests proposed by Phillips and Sul (2006) using data on per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (1988-2008) to determine if 14 Philippine regional economies converge to a steady state path over a period of time. The paper explores modeling and analyzing the economic transition behavior of the regions. Regional relative transition paths are investigated to generate a graphical overview of the behavior of the regional economies. The log t convergence test, which is constructed from a transition differential decay model, is used to establish if a region converges to a steady state path or diverges from a steady state path. The test basically provides the basis for a stepwise clustering algorithm in finding convergence clusters and analyzing transition behavior between clusters. The paper identifies convergence clubs and determines divergent regional economies using a recursive procedure that revolves around the log t convergence test

Economic and environmental benefit of informal waste scavenging at landfill sites: A case study at Bukit Gemuk, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia

Recycling is an important part of the solid waste management system. However, community engagement in this activity remains relatively low. The presence of a group of individuals engaged in collecting recyclable materials at landfill sites has contributed to improving solid waste management performance. This paper aims to identify the background and activities of scavengers in collecting recyclable items at landfills, as well as the environmental impact of the scavenging activity. This study was based on questionnaires distributed to 46 scavengers in the study area. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to assess the environmental impact of using recyclable materials in manufacturing products. The LCA analysis could identify the contribution of recycled materials to the total savings of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen dioxide (N20) by using recycled materials in the production of a new product. According to the study, the majority of those involved in the scavenging activity are immigrants from Indonesia and the Philippines. Despite safety and health concerns, their efforts to earn a living through waste scavenging are extremely valuable. Furthermore, the findings show that their contribution to the collection of recyclable materials cannot be denied. It is because the presence of this group is essential in a country where recycling awareness is low. Furthermore, the indirect contribution to the environment is important, particularly in reducing the use of natural materials in producing new materials. As a result, the government must devise a more effective strategy for recycling programs by involving all stakeholders

Investigating the Presence of Regional Economic Growth Convergence in the Philippines using Kalman Filter

This paper investigates the presence of stochastic and dynamic convergence of the 14 regional economies in the Philippines in terms of per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) using regional panel data from 1988 to 2007. Stochastic convergence, which indicates convergence of regions in the long-run, is tested using Levin, Lin & Chu (LLC) and Im, Pesaran & Shin (IPS) panel unit root tests. The presence of convergence, on one hand, indicates that the economically laggard regions are gaining on the economically better-performing regions with respect to per capita GRDP. On the other hand, the lack of convergence indicates a need to reevaluate existing regional and national economic policies on development. Dynamic convergence reveals several convergence characteristics of individual regions over time. Dynamic convergence is determined by the time-varying parameter (TVP) model derived using the Kalman Filter. The paper proceeds to examine the individual convergence behavior of each region based on the value of the estimate of the parameter of the TVP. The results show that out of the 14 regions studied, seven regions are found to converge towards the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over 1988 to 2007 while six regions lag behind the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over the same period. No region converges towards the economic growth rate of National Capital Region, the lead region used in the study

Investigating the Presence of Regional Economic Growth Convergence in the Philippines using Kalman Filter

This paper investigates the presence of stochastic and dynamic convergence of the 14 regional economies in the Philippines in terms of per capita Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) using regional panel data from 1988 to 2007. Stochastic convergence, which indicates convergence of regions in the long-run, is tested using Levin, Lin & Chu (LLC) and Im, Pesaran & Shin (IPS) panel unit root tests. The presence of convergence, on one hand, indicates that the economically laggard regions are gaining on the economically better-performing regions with respect to per capita GRDP. On the other hand, the lack of convergence indicates a need to reevaluate existing regional and national economic policies on development. Dynamic convergence reveals several convergence characteristics of individual regions over time. Dynamic convergence is determined by the time-varying parameter (TVP) model derived using the Kalman Filter. The paper proceeds to examine the individual convergence behavior of each region based on the value of the estimate of the parameter of the TVP. The results show that out of the 14 regions studied, seven regions are found to converge towards the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over 1988 to 2007 while six regions lag behind the average of the national per capita GDP growth rate over the same period. No region converges towards the economic growth rate of National Capital Region, the lead region used in the study

MASS PROPAGATION OF LUNUMIDELLA Melia dubia USING INVIVO AND INVITRO CULTURE METHODS

Lunumidella (Melia dubia) is a fast growing short rotational tree species which can beharvested in 15-20 yrs. The timber is light and mainly used for ceilling and panelling.However due to the presence of a hard seed coat and limited period of viability planting ofLunumidella has become a problem.Therefore investigations were carried out with the objective of finding suitable propagationtechniques using invivo and invitro culture methods. Shoot tip culture method was carriedout using axillary buds and nodel segments taken from plant materials brought from theDodangolla University farm and kept under the running tap water for 2 hours. Thensurface sterilization was done using 10%. Naocl containing 2 drops of teepol/ 100mlsolution for 10 mts. in sterilized conditions. They were then washed with distilled water 3times for 2 min. each and transferred into Mureshige and skoog medium (MS) containingdifferent concentrations of cytokinins.The best medium to grow Lunumedella invitro was 112 strength Ms Agar medium with thesupplement of 1.0 mg/I SAP.In vivo methodsDifferent pretreatment methods were adopted to overcome the poor germination due to thehard seed coat by using acid treatments, base treatments, heat treatments and mechanicalscarification. Seeds were treated with 98% H2 S04 for different time periods; 1 mt, 5 mts.,IOmts, 15 mts, 30mts) and then soaked in water for 24 hours and planted them in polybags in the plant house.Likewise the same procedure was carried out with base Ca(OH)2 and KOH (ash).The best pretreatment method for Lunumidella was acid pretreatment method. In this casethe germination percentage was 40%.

Residual effects of natural Zn chelates on navy bean response, Zn leaching and soil status

greenhouse experiment was conducted on weakly acidic and calcareous soils to evaluate the aging and residual effects of three natural organic Zn chelates [Zn-ethylenediaminedisuccinate (Zn-EDDS), Zn-polyhydroxyphenylcarboxylate and Zn-aminelignosulfonate] each administered in a single application to a first navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop at several different Zn application rates. In a second navy bean crop, we determined the following parameters: the extent of Zn leaching, the amount of available Zn remaining in soils, the amount of easily leachable Zn, the size of Zn fractions in soils, the pH and redox potential, the dry matter yield, and the soluble and total Zn concentrations in plants. The residual effect after 2 years of Zn fertilization mainly depended on the aging effect of Zn chelates and losses due to Zn leaching. The data relating to the evolution from the first to the second crop showed that the aging effect was noticeable in the calcareous soil. In the latter soil, the Zn-S,S-EDDS treatments showed greater decreases in the Zn uptake by plants than the other Zn treatments and the greatest Zn uptake by plants occurred when Zn was applied as Zn-aminelignosulfonate (10 mg Zn kg−1 rate, 6.85 mg Zn per lysimeter; 5 mg Zn kg−1 rate, 3.36 mg Zn per lysimeter). In contrast, in the calcareous soil, the maximum amount of Zn uptake, for the three chelates was 0.82 mg Zn per lysimeter. Consequently, a further application of Zn would be needed to prevent Zn deficiencies in the plants of a subsequent crop. The behaviour of the pH and Eh parameters in the soils and leachates did not depend on the natural Zn sources applied. In this study, the easily leachable Zn estimated by BaCl2 extraction was not adequate to predict Zn leaching from the soils in subsequent crops