Search

Integration of technology which includes the use of a smartphone is currently one of the trends in ESL writing classes. Particularly in collaborative activities, it is assumed that the use of smartphones contributes to the attitude of the learners towards writing and their writing performance as well. Consequently, the present study investigated the writing performance of ten gender-mixed groups who used smartphones as they engaged themselves in a collaborative essay writing activity. Likewise, through a focused group discussion, attitude of the learners towards writing was determined. Results revealed that the collaborative essay writing activity which used smartphones had a positive influence on the content, organization and vocabulary of the essay. However, no influence was seen in grammar and mechanics. Learners reported a positive attitude in writing in terms of affective, behavioral and cognitive aspects.

In pursuit of energy self-sufficiency and meeting the growing energy demand, the Philippine government has formulated its Energy Road Map for the year 2040, aiming to strengthen, continue, and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy (RE) across the archipelago. This paper presents a proposed multiple microgrid system integrated into an existing distribution system, utilizing renewable energy sources. The proposed model involves the conversion of a section of the distribution system into a microgrid setup, comprising photovoltaic (PV) energy and fuel cell (FC) technologies connected to a 13.2 kV distribution grid. A modified three-phase three-level voltage-sourced converter (VSC) is employed to control the inverter. The proposed modifications result in improved operational efficiency compared to conventional approaches. Various operating cases are considered, each with a designated power source operating according to a predefined schedule. A unified controller is employed across all operating cases, ensuring system stability. Simulation and experimental results conducted through MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate the impact of VSC in terms of voltage regulation, frequency stability, and accumulated power losses. They revealed that voltage regulation for understudy cases ranged from 0.1 to 4.5%, microgrid frequencies were between 59.1 and 60.08 Hz, and power distribution losses were at 1.2–3.3% of the generated power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Java, "System.out.printf" and "String.format" consume a specialised kind of string commonly known as a format string. In our study of first-year students at the Ateneo de Manila University, we discovered that format strings present a substantial challenge for novice programmers. Focusing on their first laboratory we found that 8% of all the compilation errors and 100% of the exceptional, run-time behaviour they encountered were due to the improper construction of format strings. Format strings are a language unto themselves embedded within Java, and they are difficult for novice programmers to master when learning to program. In this article, we present exemplars of students' problematic interactions with the Java compiler and run-time environment when dealing with format strings, discuss these interactions, and recommend possible instructional interventions based on our observations. (Contains 2 notes and 3 figures.)

The Omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant led to a dramatic global epidemic wave following detection in South Africa in November 2021. The BA.1 Omicron lineage was dominant and responsible for most SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in countries around the world during December 2021–January 2022, while other Omicron lineages, including BA.2, accounted for the minority of global isolates. Here, we describe the Omicron wave in the Philippines by analysing genomic data. Our results identify the presence of both BA.1 and BA.2 lineages in the Philippines in December 2021, before cases surged in January 2022. We infer that only the BA.2 lineage underwent sustained transmission in the country, with an estimated emergence around 18 November 2021 (95 per cent highest posterior density: 6–28 November), while despite multiple introductions, BA.1 transmission remained limited. These results suggest that the Philippines was one of the earliest areas affected by BA.2 and reiterate the importance of whole genome sequencing for monitoring outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the multifaceted issues surrounding the contested regions within the South China Sea and the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play. In the aftermath of the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling on UNCLOS, this paper contends that China’s nine-dash line and claims to sovereignty over disputed areas have faced challenges to their legitimacy. Recognizing the contemporary global emphasis on the rule of law, the paper argues that China must reconsider its approach, creating an opportune moment for the Philippines to fortify its claims. While conventional realism and liberalism approach in International Relations prove insufficient for resolving this complex matter, the same can be said with the existing framework of International Law, which is bereft of an institution mandated to enforce legal judgments. This article proposes a model that holds potential benefits for both China and the Philippines. Analyzing the foreign policy patterns of the Duterte administration, the study reveals the strategic use of uncertainty to prevent conflict escalation. This strategic uncertainty, the paper argues, can serve as a tool for the Philippines to attain a position of relative equality with China. The suggested approach involves a phased strategy. First, the Philippines must navigate the impasse by leveraging strategic uncertainty to recalibrate its foreign policy, maintaining the status quo for itself. Simultaneously, it should enhance legitimacy through collaborative networks with other claimant states and seek alliances with major global powers such as the US, Australia, Japan, Korea, and the EU, aligning with common interests. In the second phase, as new alliances emerge and the Philippines achieves a more balanced position, the nation can transition to establishing a genuine friendship with China. Unlike traditional power models solely pursuing power for its sake, this Smooth Power Approach seeks to utilize acquired power to foster authentic friendships. An essential characteristic of smooth power is creating an environment where co-optation through friendship becomes the target state’s best interest. This approach breaks deadlocks by proposing mutually beneficial solutions, sharing power with stakeholders, and avoiding coercion, all with the ultimate goal of harmonizing interests and creating new shared objectives under the Rules-based Order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senna alata, a flowering shrub, is widely cultivated in the Philippines for its anti-fungal properties. Despite this, its chloroplast genome is not yet established. We assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of accession from the germplasm collection of the Institute of Crop Science, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, using Illumina sequencing data. The complete cp genome was 159,176-bp long characterized by a large single copy of 88,769 bp, short single-copy of 18,301 bp and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,053 bp each. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 36.4%. The plastome comprised 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes and 78 mRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. alata is closely related to S. siamea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided a detailed chemical and mineralogical characterization of rubble mortars inside a coral stone veneer wall of 19th century Spanish Colonial Period structures in the Philippines. Evidence of possible raw materials (seashells/corals and beach sand), manufacturing techniques (dry and wet slaking), and type of lime binder (aerial and slightly hydraulic), was reported. Results of this study provides a needed baseline scientific data for promoting the proper restoration and conservation of heritage structures in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanish Colonial Period brick samples dating to the 19th century from the Municipalities of Liliw and Pagsanjan in Laguna, Philippines was investigated. These samples were obtained from two church structures, a church bell tower from Liliw and a church convent from Pagsanjan. Combined X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy allowed the determination of chemical elements and minerals attributed to clay and sand, such as montmorillonite, quartz, corundum, hematite and calcite. On the basis of these compositions, the possible kilning conditions employed to fire the bricks during manufacture was also proposed. MATLAB™ programme was utilised in this study to interpret the data from XRD and FTIR to rationalise the overlapping peaks in the spectrum. Results show that both brick samples were made of clay material that is non-calcareous with low refractory. The firing was performed in an oxidising atmosphere or an open-air environment at an estimated temperature of between 650°C and 850°C. This preliminary study provides a baseline chemical characterisation data of colonial period bricks in the Philippines which will be useful for future conservation and restoration work not only locally but also within the Southeast Asian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the extent to which perceptions of family‐friendly organisational culture relate to employees' satisfaction with work–family balance (SATWFB) and how this, in turn, associates with their turnover intentions (TIs). Furthermore, we explore the extent to which employee experiences of different levels of government effectiveness (GE; high, medium and low) moderate these associations. Drawing on the work–home resources (W‐HR) model, we test our hypotheses with a sample of 1185 employees drawn from countries with substantially different levels of GE—Nigeria, the Philippines, Guatemala and Spain. Our results show that employees' perceptions of SATWFB mediate the relationship between the two dimensions of family‐friendly organisational culture and TIs of employees. This mediation is weaker for countries where employees experience high GE. Our findings contribute to research on the drivers of work–family balance satisfaction from a cultural and organisational perspective. We expand this line of research by introducing a new resource: GE. Our focus on four different national contexts also strengthens the comparative work–family balance literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milkfish is a major finfish product of the Philippines. But because the whole genome sequence of milkfish is still unknown, it is difficult to study the different molecular pathways involved in milkfish after bacterial exposure. Here, transcriptomic analyses by next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to identify gene expression in milkfish liver after exposure to bacterial antigens from inactivated A. hydrophila. Obtained reads per individual were assembled de novo and fragments per kilobyte of exon per million mapped reads (FPKM) were measured to identify overall gene expression. Differential expression (DE) was analyzed by Cufflinks-Cuffdiff software. Gene ontology (GO) overrepresentation analysis revealed that milkfish exposed to A. hydrophila altered expression of genes involved in immune response pathways such as T cell and B cell signaling. The most differentially regulated genes include histamine n-methyltransferase (hnmt), nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase b (namptb), poliovirus receptor-related 2 like precursor (pvrl2), and the hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1 - which are all involved in immunity. Overall, the study showed that milkfish liver contains immune-related genes that respond to bacterial antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combines epidote and fluid compositions from Bacon-Manito Geothermal Field. • Demonstrates disequilibrium between δ 18O epidote and reservoir fluids. • Creates a more comprehensive hydrogeological model of the reservoir. • Demonstrates spatially and temporally changing reservoir processes. The physiochemical evolution of active geothermal systems is important for assessing their long-term viability. Although discharge fluid chemistry provides information on geothermal well conditions, it only typically reflects the current state of the reservoir. Integration of fluid chemistry with rock and mineral chemistry can fill this gap by providing a longer-term record of fluctuations in geothermal conditions. This study examines the stable isotope systematics and the hydrogeological model of the Bacon-Manito geothermal field (Bacman) in the Philippines, a liquid-dominated, volcanic field-type geothermal system in a convergent setting. Geothermal well discharge geochemistry is supported by hydrogen and oxygen isotope data and elemental composition data from hydrothermal epidote and reservoir rocks. Chemical and isotope analysis of well discharges reveal short-term processes that are affecting the Bacman reservoir from the onset of fluid extraction due to field operations. Boiling within the Botong sector and the incursion of peripheral and injection fluids into the main reservoir of Palayang Bayan and Cawayan sectors was observed from the changes in isotope and chemical compositions of well discharges. Meanwhile, changes in epidote morphology and associated mineral assemblages, as well as epidote δ 18O and major-element compositions, are related to reservoir rock composition, fluid chemistry, and temperature. These factors dictate the extent to which water-rock interaction and fluid mixing, the two most prominent processes in the isotopic evolution of epidote and fluids in Bacman, affect each particular sector in the reservoir. We present an updated and expanded hydrogeological model of Bacman by incorporating the exploration sectors of Rangas and Kayabon. A heat source associated with carbonate reservoir rocks is postulated for the Rangas sector. Fluids in the Rangas sector originated in the main reservoir upflow in Botong and are isotopically enriched through interaction with carbonate reservoir rocks, suggesting that water-rock interaction is the dominant process. In contrast, the existence of fluids with variable isotopic compositions in the Palayan Bayan and Cawayan sectors indicates the dominant process is fluid mixing. The present-day fluids evolved through the continuous mixing of isotopically enriched parent waters with isotopically depleted peripheral waters. Furthermore, fluids and epidotes from Kayabon are found to be isotopically and petrologically distinct from those from the rest of the Bacman reservoir, supporting a relatively cooler and waning heat source beneath the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-transmitted helminth infection is considered one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) worldwide.The Philippines is one of the countries in Asia with the highest prevalence of parasite infection. Adding to this problemis the resistance of pathogenic nematodes to commercial drugs in livestock hosts. Capsicum species exhibit antiparasitic activity against a wide range of endoparasites as fed to chicken. This study assessed the anthelmintic activity of the Capsicum annuum var. longum against gastrointestinal parasites found in broiler chicken stool and to identify the secondary metabolites from the placental region of the chili’s fruit. Phytochemical screening test indicated the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, and tannins. The ethanolic extracts of 1%, 10%, 50%, and 100% concentrations were administered to a total of 15 broiler chicken. The anthelmintic efficacy of the plant extract was evaluated through Fecal Egg Count Method. All treatments displayed very high effectiveness on reducing egg parasites count which were comparable to the positive control. The result indicated that the Capsicum annuum var. longum (Siling-Haba) extracts were very effective against gastrointestinal parasites of the broiler chicken. This potency may be attributed to the high level of capsaicinoids content in the fruit. The findings may lead to a new organic anthelmintic drug alternative which is also environmentally sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: Without a doubt, the transition to a professional nursing role is a challenging and stressful experience for many new nurses, regardless of where they are employed; yet, no study has been conducted to comprehend in detail the transition experiences of newly graduated nurses employed in a resource‐scarce rural health care setting. Purpose: This study describes the transition experiences of newly graduated Filipino nurses during their initial clinical placement process. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach using structured interviews with 15 newly graduated Filipino nurses were used along with the Coliazzi's methodological framework for data analysis. Findings: Four distinct themes emerged from the content analysis, as follows: experiencing transition shock, feeling pressured, learning excitement, and needing support. Conclusions: Similar to the findings of other international studies, newly graduated Filipino nurses described their transition experiences as a stressful and challenging journey. Both academic and nursing administration team members can play key roles in facilitating a smooth transition and the integration of new nurses into the nursing workforce through the employment of evidence‐based educational and structured organizational strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are extensively cultivated around the globe for human consumption and may contain potential estrogenic activities that interfere with normal physiology and pathophysiology. However, different cultivars grown in different regions of the world have different activities that may provide different nutritional value. Hence, in this study, legume cultivars from Benguet, a major source of legumes and other highland vegetables in Northern Philippines, were evaluated for their proliferative effects in the breast epithelial cancer cell line MCF7. Ethyl acetate extracts from Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., but not from Tamarindus indica L. and Pisum sativum L., induced slight proliferative effects on MCF7 cells at a low dose but reduced cell number at a higher dose. The proliferative effect of the extracts is likely estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent, as the same legume extracts only displayed inhibitory effects in the ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Similar proliferative effects of P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata ethyl acetate extracts were reflected in their similar HPLC profiles, which is distinct from the HPLC profile of the T. indica ethyl acetate extract. Overall, our findings show that certain legumes from Benguet have slight proliferative activities in MCF7 cells, implying their potential estrogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mounting literature on stress and coping in nursing students are available; however, most of the findings are confined to a single cultural group. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the level of stress, its sources and coping strategies among nursing students from three countries: Greece, the Philippines and Nigeria. Methods: Using a descriptive, comparative research design, 547 nursing students (161 Greek nursing students, 153 Filipino nursing students, 233 Nigerian nursing students) participated in the study from August 2015 to April 2016. Two standardized instruments were used, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Coping Behavior Inventory (CBI). Results: Findings revealed that the degree of stress and the type of stressors and coping styles utilized by nursing students differ according to the country of origin. The year of study predicted overall stress (β = -0.149, p < 0.001) while advanced age predicted overall coping (β = 0.008, p = 0.037) in the nursing students. Conclusions: Strengthening nursing students’ positive coping skills may be helpful for them to effectively deal with various stressors during their educational experiences while maximizing learning. Implementing empirically tested approaches maybe useful to prevent the recurrence of stress and lessen its impact such as stress management counseling, counseling programs, establishing peer and family support systems, and formulating hospital policies that will support nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Problem: Strong organizational support can promote a sense of well‐being and positive work behaviors in nurses. However, despite the importance of organizational support in nursing, this topic remains unexplored in the Philippines. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of organizational support perceptions on nurses’ work outcomes (organizational commitment, work autonomy, work performance, job satisfaction, job stress, and turnover intention). Methods: A descriptive, cross‐sectional research design was adopted in this study to collect data from one hundred eighty (180) nurses in the Philippines during the months of September 2015 to December 2015. Seven standardized tools were used: the Job Satisfaction Index, the Job Stress Scale, the Burnout Measure Scale, the Work Autonomy Scale, the Six Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance, the Turnover Intention Inventory Scale, and the Perception of Organizational Support Scale. Findings: Nurses employed in government‐owned hospitals perceived low levels of organizational support as compared to private hospitals. Significant correlations were identified between perceived organizational support (POS), hospital bed capacity, and nurses’ work status. No significant correlations were found between perceived organizational supportand the six outcomes perceived by nurses in the Philippines (organizational commitment, work performance, job autonomy, job satisfaction, job stress, and turnover intention). Conclusion: Perceptions of organizational support were low in Filipino nurses compared to findings in other international studies. Perceived organizational support did not influence job outcomes in nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers an examination of the gendering of the Philippines' Muslim South under American military rule (1899–1913) through discourses of violence against women. It explores the exposition and discussion of cases involving abuse, murder, enslavement, and violence in both official and unofficial reports, which revealed a critical discourse of gender construction for both coloniser and colonised in Moro Province. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Several studies have reported exposure of humans to various endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) worldwide. However, there is a lack of data regarding EDC exposures in humans living in Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines. Hence, this study measured levels of 41 EDCs in women residing in the Greater Manila Area, home to the second largest city in Southeast Asia. Urine samples from women with versus without breast cancer were analyzed for 11 phthalate metabolites, 8 environmental phenols, and 10 bisphenols, while serum samples were analyzed for 12 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Out of the four groups of EDCs analyzed, PFAS were significantly associated with breast cancer (adjusted OR = 13.63, 95% CI: 3.24–94.88 p -trend = 0.001 for PFDoA; adjusted OR = 9.26, 95% CI 2.54–45.10, p -trend = 0.002 for PFDA; and adjusted OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 0.95–7.66, p -trend = 0.004 for PFHxA). Long-chain PFAS levels were positively correlated with age and were significantly higher in women from Region IV-A, a heavily industrialized region, than from the National Capital Region. Overall, this study showed baseline information regarding the level of EDCs in Filipinas, providing a glimpse of EDC exposure in women living in a megalopolis city in Southeast Asia. • Endocrine disrupting chemicals were detected in women from the Greater Manila Area. • High PFAS levels were observed in Filipinas with breast cancer. • Long-chain PFAS concentration was positively correlated with age in Filipinas. • Long-chain PFAS levels were higher in women from Region IV-A versus NCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is an increase in online search behavior for seizure terms in the Philippines. • Such searches centered on seizure definition, symptoms, causes, types, and treatment. • Seasonal and psychosocial factors may influence Philippine online search behavior. • Rising Philippine online interest in seizures may hint at growing epilepsy awareness. The internet has been established as a rich source of health information that is well utilized by the public. Online health information-seeking behavior may reflect public awareness in particular health-related topics, including epilepsy and seizures. This study aimed to describe online search behavior for epilepsy and seizures in the Philippines through the examination of trends of Philippine-based Google search queries for epilepsy and seizure-related terms. The search volume indices (SVIs) for the keywords "epilepsy (disorder)" and "seizure (disease)" based on Philippine-based Google searches from January 2004 to July 2021 were generated using Google Trends. Descriptive analysis of search volume patterns, including related topics and queries, was performed. There was a recent relative increase in Philippine-based searches related to the term "seizure" with a concurrent relative decline in searches related to the term "epilepsy" over time. The Philippines had the fifth-highest SVI for "seizure" based on worldwide trends. Most searches centered on the definition, symptomatology, etiologies, classification, and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. Queries containing seizure-related terms rose in volume by more than 5000% during the seventeen-year period. Search volume tended to peak during the National Epilepsy Awareness Week in September but slumped during holiday months. Online search behavior in the Philippines for seizure-related terms appears to be on the rise and may reflect increasing public awareness in epilepsy. Factors including fears surrounding epileptic seizures, the stigma surrounding the term "epilepsy", and seasonal events including a regularly held epilepsy awareness week may influence online search behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a neurologic disease that carries a high disease burden and likely, a huge treatment gap especially in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC) such as the Philippines. This review aimed to examine the treatment gaps and challenges that burden Philippine epilepsy care. Pertinent data on epidemiology, research, health financing and health systems, pharmacologic and surgical treatment options, cost of care, and workforce were obtained through a literature search and review of relevant Philippine government websites. The estimated prevalence of epilepsy in the Philippines is 0.9%. Epilepsy research in the Philippines is low in quantity compared with the rest of Southeast Asia (SEA). Inequities in quality and quantity of healthcare services delivered to local government units (LGUs) have arisen because of devolution. Programs for epilepsy care by both government and nongovernment institutions have been implemented. Healthcare expenditure in the Philippines is still largely out-of-pocket, with only partial coverage from the public sector. There is limited access to antiseizure medications (ASMs), mainly due to cost. Epilepsy surgery is an underutilized treatment option. There are only 20 epileptologists in the Philippines, with one epileptologist for every 45,000 patients with epilepsy. In addition, epilepsy care service delivery has been further impeded by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a large treatment gap in epilepsy care in the Philippines in terms of high epilepsy disease burden, socioeconomic limitations and inadequate public support, sparse clinico-epidemiologic research on epilepsy, inaccessibility of health care services and essential pharmacotherapy, underutilization of surgical options, and lack of specialists capable of rendering epilepsy care. Acknowledgment of the existence of these treatment gaps and addressing such are expected to improve the overall survival and quality of life of patients with epilepsy in the Philippines. • A high disease burden, socioeconomic limitations and healthcare inaccessibility hampers Philippine epilepsy care. • The out-of-pocket healthcare services increases the financial burden on persons with epilepsy. • The high cost, restricted prescription and lack of neurologists limit the accessibility to antiseizure medications. • Epilepsy surgery is an underutilized option for Filipino patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. • The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has further hampered the delivery of epilepsy care services in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The UP Bikeshare scheme is the first PBSP pilot scheme in the Philippines. • Results show difference in perception between bikeshare users and non-users. • This study can inform university-level policies to catalyze cycling cultures. Higher education institutions have played an important role in pursuing sustainable futures, but do they also ensure inclusive futures? This research examines the implementation of a campus-based public bikesharing programs, as a means of creating a 'cycling culture' and changing people's travel behaviours, yet its users appear to favour specific traits. This paper offers perspectives on the extent to which universities assist in achieving sustainable urban mobility. Results of this study demonstrate a significant difference in perception between bikeshare users and non-users of the UP Bike Share, the first PBSP pilot scheme implemented in the Philippines. Results are expected to help give better context to the importance of promoting non-motorized transportation within university campuses that will act as a catalyst for cycling mobility culture and behaviour change to contribute towards enhancing campus sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic and neglected tropical disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) and is associated with neuronal dysfunction and death, with dogs as the predominant carrier. The Philippines plans to eradicate rabies by 2022, but this is challenged with sub-optimal coverage of vaccination programs coupled with sustained transmission chains, making it unable to eradicate the disease. We investigated the dynamics of canine rabies in the highly urbanized Davao City of the Philippines and its neighboring localities by assessing genetic relationships, transmission patterns, selection pressure, and recombination events using the whole genome sequence of 49 RABV cases from June 2018 to May 2019, majority of which (46%) were from the district of Talomo, Davao City. Although phylogeographic clustering was observed, local variants also exhibited genetic sub-lineages. Phylogenetic and spatial transmission analysis provided evidence for intra- and inter-city transmission predominantly through the Talomo district of Davao City. Around 84% of the cases were owned dogs, but the genetic similiarity of RABVs from stray and owned dogs further alluded to the role of the former as transmission vectors. The high rate of improper vaccination among the affected dogs (80%) was also a likely contributor to transmission. The RABV population under Investigation is generally under strong purifying selection with no evidence of vaccine evasion due to the genetic homogeneity of viruses from vaccinated and improperly vaccinated dogs. However, some homologous recombination (HR) events were identified along the G and L genes, also predominantly associated with viruses from Talomo. The complementary findings on epidemiology, transmission, and recombination for Talomo suggest that high incidence areas can be seeds for virus dispersal and evolution. We recommend further Investigations on the possibility of HR in future large-scale genome studies. Finally, districts associated with these phenomena can be targeted for evidence-based local strategies that can help break RABV transmission chains and prevent emergence of novel strains in Davao City. • Rabies transmission patterns in Davao City were both intra- and inter-city. • Stray dogs may act as transmission vectors with pets as the major victims. • RABV is under purifying selection, with no evidence of vaccine evasion. • Potential recombination events were detected. • High areas of incidence appear to be seeds for RABV dispersal and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobanking has become an indispensable tool for translational research and health innovations. While the field of biobanking has progressed and evolved globally, biobanking in developing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries such as the Philippines remains underrepresented because of several challenges often encountered in these low- and middle-income countries. Recently, the Philippine government has undertaken enormous efforts to advancing research and development in the country, and one of the current research pursuits is the establishment of biobanks, with the hope of attaining more discoveries and innovations in the future. Given that cancer remains a leading cause of death in the Philippines, the Philippine government supported the establishment of a cancer biobank at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). In this study, we present a specific use case of biobanking activity at the PGH Biobank, to build a cohort of biospecimens from Filipino patients with breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. This initiative is part of a biomonitoring study (1) to assess environmental exposures and possible risk factors in the Philippine population and (2) to develop a system of culturing human cells from Filipino patients for subsequent in vitro studies. We discuss issues faced and the solutions developed during the implementation of the biobank. Strong research collaboration, a funding source, basic infrastructure, and appropriate technology helped initiate this pilot biobank in the Philippines. Overall, the experiences of establishing the PGH Biobank may help other institutions in low-resource countries to set up cancer biobanks.