On the third year of the Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Development and Family Studies (AHEAD), the Editorial Team is delighted to present four articles which highlight human development and education. These articles feature the authors’ desires to flourish and to help others flourish as well. Thus, they are exemplars of growth: pagyabong.

Pagyabong or “flourishing” is a testament to growth especially as a result of an enabling environment. The desire to grow as humans comes from within and given, a favorable environment, the likelihood of growth is enhanced. Still, flourishing requires time and effort as it is a process that requires action. Pagyabong offers insights, solutions, and recommendations for growth in human development.

The current issue of AHEAD is an affirmation of Pagyabong. The articles in this issue emphasize human well-being and welfare from the lens of the authors’ disciplines and/or fields of study. The publication of their hard work is a proof of growth and a celebration of their dedication to keep on flourishing.

Cansino presents a systematic literature review of Indigenous People Education (IPED) research and identified progress in IPED and at the same time, challenges in indigenous people’s access to education. Mangapot and Grajo delve into social media and the risks of developing depressive symptoms among college students with social media usage. Villa-Buenaventura and colleagues unfold the narratives of emerging adults regarding how self-esteem influences their Facebook activities. Lastly, Aclan and colleagues present telenutrition as a mode of nutrition delivery in clients’ executive check-up packages.

AHEAD will stay committed to advancing scientific evidence in the area of human development and family studies. Pagyabong is proof of growth and AHEAD intends to thrive through continuous research dissemination.

This is Pagyabong- growth which is enabled and affirmed!

Marison Felicidad R. Dy
Editor-in-Chief
December 2024