Search

This study aimed to investigate the development of the learners' story writing skills under the implementation of animated video story as innovation. This study provided various evidence on how the said innovation can help develop the learners' story writing skills. the grade three learners as well as the subject teachers and master teacher in the gumaok elementary school were purposively selected in this study. Various test and data gathering procedures showed promising data on the success of the implementation of the said innovation where thirty learners' assessed and determine their level of story writing skills in terms the domain of focus, content, organization, style, and convention under the supervision of the chosen master teachers and subject teachers. The use of animated video story as innovation were evaluated by the subject teachers and master teachers using the LRDMS tool. The utilization of animated video stories resulted that there is significant difference between the pretest and posttest mean scores. Hence, it can be concluded that the animated video stories as innovation had a positive effect on the learners' achievement. The data that this study generated in terms of the success shown over the development of the learners were significant in terms of their level of story writing skills. Furthermore, the information gained from this study will benefit in the education world, particularly for the teachers, the students, parents and the future researchers. By yielding information about the effectiveness of utilizing animated video stories as innovation to improve the learners' story writing skills.

This article explores the sense-making experiences of one specific stakeholder group in education reform -- school leaders -- who find themselves wedged by significant material challenges, on the one hand, and disparate reform efforts, on the other hand. The research draws upon experiences from the Philippines where reform efforts are significantly complicated by both poverty and disasters, as well as a sense of a 'culture of crisis' more broadly that has subsequently developed. Using the narrative experiences of two school leaders, this inquiry explores the issues and challenges school leaders encounter as they engage in what are described as 'custodian' and 'crisis' leadership practices, as they navigate an educational system typified by a dearth of resources, physical disasters, and a persistent discourse of impending disaster. The research reveals a need for a more circumspect approach to educational reform, particularly distributed leadership, that actually takes significant, material contextual factors seriously, and that is responsive to broader discourses of disaster more generally.

Copyright of Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae is the property of Uniwerystet Kardynala Stefana Wyznskiege w Warzawie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Most regional landslide susceptibility models do not consider the evolving soil hydrological conditions leading up to a multiple occurrence regional landslide event. This results in inaccurate predictions due to the non-linear behaviour of the terrain. To address this, we have developed a simple and efficient model that incorporates the mid-term evolution of soil hydrological conditions. The model combines a water balance model and a geotechnical model based on infinite slope theory. The analysis of 561 high-intensity rainfall events in a typhoon-prone region of the Philippines revealed that the percolation of water during the 5-month wet season is crucial in determining landslide susceptibility. Consequently, high-intensity rainfall events at the start of the wet season are less likely to trigger landslides, while later events are more hazardous. We analysed the change in landslide susceptibility during the 2018 rainy season by comparing the probability of failure (PoF) before and after three high-intensity rainfall events (July, August and September). Only the event in September caused a significant increase in the probability of failure (PoF). The model showed an accuracy of 0.63, with stable cells better represented than unstable cells. The antecedent hydrological conditions on the lower soil layers are responsible for changes in landslide susceptibility. Our findings support the hypothesis that new approaches to developing hydro-meteorological thresholds for landslide early warning systems should be evaluated, especially in regions with strong seasonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aims to identify if mutations in the SLC4A11 gene are present in Filipino families affected with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED). Methods: This is a family cohort study that investigated the genetic profile of a selected family in northern Luzon, Philippines, whose members were diagnosed with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED). A patient who was diagnosed with CHED prior to this study served as the proband for this family. A detailed family history was obtained and a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed on each of the family members. A total of six affected members and three unaffected members were included in this study. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples of the family members, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the gene's entire coding region (19 exons and 2 putative promoter regions), and finally, the amplified regions were analyzed using DNA sequencing. Results: Consanguinity was not present in the family. Corneal haze was reported to have been present since birth or shortly thereafter in all the affected patients. Slit-lamp examination showed edematous corneas. Molecular studies of the SLC4A11 gene revealed four novel homozygous point mutations variably presenting in the six affected members, as well as the three unaffected members. One unaffected family member (I-1) had a novel sense mutation absent in the other family members. All affected siblings showed little phenotypic variability. Conclusions: This is the first report that gives us a genetic profile of a northern Luzon family with members affected by CHED. This study supports earlier findings that mutations in the SLC4A11 gene are not consistently the same among different ethnic groups worldwide, probably due to the disease's genetic heterogeneity. Our study documented five novel mutations, adding to the growing list of mutations probably responsible for acquiring the CHED phenotype. It is possible that there are more novel mutations waiting to be discovered in this hereditary disease. Screening for these specific mutations in other families may prove useful for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and the future development of gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a relevant teaching-learning program amid a pandemic when in-person learning is suspended poses a significant challenge for any educational institution. At a particular Catholic university in the Philippines, an undergraduate course offered a service-learning (SL) activity wherein students actively served as online tutors to underprivileged students. Due to the health crisis, the SL activity seemed impossible, but a carefully planned program was created to continue the students' formation. The implementation of electronic service-learning (ESL) is executed through the collaborative efforts of the different offices and the partner community. This qualitative research utilizes two methods: the formulation of tutorial guidelines and a narrative approach by exploring the experience of the student tutors as expressed in their reflection papers. Three recurrent themes emerged from the participants' reflections, which can be considered significant components of their learning experience--civic learning, a more profound understanding of the course, and the adaptation of essential virtues. This paper validates the claim that the online teaching services rendered by students are indeed beneficial in their formation as socially responsible citizens. In the same way, the tutees have realized that despite their poor economic situation, they are not alone in battling to have a more comfortable life. Lastly, the study findings also helped the school implement its programs despite the suspension of in-person schooling continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose: This study was aimed at enhancing students' learning of software engineering methods. A collaboration between the Computer Science, Business Management, and Product Design programs was formed to work on actual projects with real clients. This interdisciplinary form of collaboration simulates the realities of a diverse Software Engineering team. Background: A collaborative approach implemented through projects has been the established pedagogy for introducing the Software Engineering course to undergraduate Computer Science students. The collaboration, however, is limited to collaboration among Computer Science students and their clients. This case study explored an enhancement to the collaborative approach to project development by integrating other related disciplines into the project development framework; hence, the Interdisciplinary Approach. Methodology: This study adopted the case method approach. An interdisciplinary service innovation activity was proposed to invite other disciplines in the learning process of the computer science students. The agile methodology Scrum was used as the software development approach during project development. Survey data were collected from the students to establish (a) their perception of the interdisciplinary approach to project development; (b) the factors that influenced success or failure of their team to deliver the project; and (c) the perceived skills or knowledge that they acquired from the interdisciplinary approach. Analysis of data followed a mixed method approach. Contribution: The study improved the current pedagogy for Software Engineering education by integrating other related disciplines into the software project development framework. Findings: Data collected showed that the students generally accepted the interdisciplinary approach to project development. Factors such as project relevance, teamwork, time and schedule, and administration support, among others, affect team performance towards project completion. In the case of the Computer Science students, results show that students have learned skills during the experience that, as literature reveal, can only be acquired or mastered in their future profession as software engineers. Recommendations for Practitioners: The active collaboration of the industry with the University and the involvement of the other related courses in teaching software engineering methods are critical to the development of the students, not only in learning the methodology but also as a working professional. Recommendation for Researchers: It is interesting to know and eventually understand the interactions between interdisciplinary team members in the conduct of Software Engineering practices while working on their projects. More specifically, what creative tensions arise and how do the interdisciplinary teams handle the discourse? Impact on Society: This study bridges the gap between how Software Engineering is taught in the university and how Software Engineering teams work in real life. Future Research: Future research is targeted at refining and elaborating the elements of the interdisciplinary framework presented in this paper towards an integrated course module for Software Engineering education.

This study attempted to explore the challenges that are critical in the milestone toward relationship satisfaction of the solemnized same-sex couples in the Philippines and the strategies they utilized to minimize its detrimental effects on the relationship. A qualitative case-study approach was used to analyze the lived experiences of eight same-sex couples in marital-like relationships. Based on thematic analysis, disownment from the family of origin, financial stress, becoming parents, and issues of jealousy and infidelity are characterized as critical problems in their relationship. Although male and female couples reported shared common issues, it was suggested that male couples were more susceptible to sexual infidelity due to poor sexual satisfaction. These challenges in the relationship of the participants were not mere crises, but also factors that propel couples towards the satisfaction of their relationships. As to conflict resolution styles, same-sex couples show less belligerence and anger in handling issues in their relationship and express more positive affect and humor in resolving these issues. In conclusion, although same-sex and heterosexual couples share common relationship problems, it suggests that there is much commonality in the issues affecting all contemporary couples. That which most clearly distinguishes same-sex couples from their counterparts is the social context of their lives. While heterosexuals enjoy many privileges and support for their relationship, same-sex couples, on the other hand, are the object of social rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are some of the most devastating crop disasters in Southeast Asia. The Pampanga River Basin in the Philippines is a representative flood-prone area, where cultivation patterns vary according to the flood risk. However, quantitative analyses of the effects of flooding on cultivation patterns remain quite limited. Accordingly, this study analyzed MODIS LAI data (MCD15A2H) from 2007 to 2022 to evaluate annual and geographical differences in cultivation patterns in the Candaba municipality of the basin. The analysis consisted of two stages of hierarchical clustering: a first stage for area classification and a second stage for the classification of annual LAI dynamics. As a result, Candaba was divided into four areas, which were found to be partly consistent with the observed flood risk. Subsequently, annual LAI dynamics for each area were divided into two or three clusters. Obvious differences among clusters were caused by flooding in the late rainy season, which delayed the start of planting in the dry season. Clusters also indicated that cultivation patterns slightly changed over the 16 years of the study period. The results of this study suggest that the two-stage clustering approach provided an effective tool for the analysis of MODIS LAI data when considering cultivation patterns characterized by annual and geographical differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Schools are ideal settings for interventions against diseases to develop sustainable and healthy behaviors that improve long-term health outcomes. The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) program provides school-based interventions to address health concerns. The integration and practice of the One Health approach in schools may provide useful synergies for improved WinS program efficiency by harmonizing the multisectoral efforts of various stakeholders involved; therefore, this study aimed to revisit the WinS program using the One Health Lens. Materials and Methods: Qualitative methods employed included key informant interviews and focus groups to describe the status of WinS implementation in relation to community WASH and other health programs in the selected study sites using the One Health lens. Results: Good practices in WinS implementation, including public-private sector partnerships to finance construction of WinS facilities, recognition of outstanding schools and innovations to improve program measures, and intensified health education through multimedia channels, were identified. Challenges include deworming hesitancy, disruption of services due to pandemics and disasters, difficulties in sustainable financing of facilities and supplies, inclusive infrastructure, reaching Last Mile schools in Geographically Isolated, Disadvantaged, and Conflict Areas, and the need to connect WinS, community WASH, and other health programs. Conclusion: WASH has proven to be a viable vehicle for improving the health of people in schools and community settings. The study showed that health concerns require a concerted effort of public and private authorities. This study elicited the need to bridge the WASH program implemented in schools with community-based programs to ensure that policies are responsive and that logistic support is provided sustainably. Implementing the Universal Health Care Act and developing and using existing mechanisms for coordination between sectors, such as Healthy Learning Institutions, provide opportunities for aligning programs with the government health agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we quantitatively and qualitatively analyze a sample of novice programmer compilation log data, exploring whether (or how) low-achieving, average, and high-achieving students vary in their grasp of these introductory concepts. High-achieving students self-reported having the easiest time learning the introductory programming topics. In a quantitative analysis, though, high-achieving and average students were: 1) more effective at debugging (on average, as quantified by Jadud's Error Quotient (EQ)) than low-achieving students; and 2) were least confused, as quantified using Lee's confusion metric. However, the differences in EQ and confusion between groups were not statistically significant. This implied that all groups struggled with programming to similar extents. This finding was further supported by was used to delineate two sets of variables. The results indicate that preference for autonomy in computer science learning positively predicts self-efficacy in learning computer science with the strongest coefficient. Computer science learner preference for teacher control is also a positive predictor. However, preference for participation in managing the computer class and preference for depending on the teacher did not play a significant role in the students' self-efficacy in learning computer science.

In this paper, we build on growing conversations centered around indigenous knowledge and its parity with various ways of knowing nature including traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous ways of living in nature, a Japanese way of knowing "seigo-shizen," and Eurocentric sciences. We situate our discussion in Philippine postcolonial realities, where categorical boundaries are blurred, and any attempt to create culturally relevant preservice science teacher preparation will create confusions and tensions between/among/within above-mentioned discourses. The Philippines is a highly colonized country--physically, for more than 300 hundred years, and mentally, after our colonizers have long gone. The marks of colonization are still present in our consciousness, in our current local knowledge, and in our ways of living with nature. In the attempt to create a "third space" for culturally relevant science teacher preparation, tensions are highlighted and categorical boundaries are troubled. Where is science? Which one is indigenous or neo-indigenous? Which one is Filipino? Which one is foreign? Which one is ours? Which one is borrowed? These tensions and insights are highlighted through analysis of narratives drawn from interviews with and written outputs of prospective science teachers, as they attempted to make sense of the local knowledge of residents of a rural coastal village in the Philippines during Community Immersion, a community-centered, early field experience in science teacher preparation.

This study focused on the exemplification of cultural memory banking as an ethnographic tool to understand cultural practices relevant to science teaching and learning in a rural coastal village in a central island of the Philippine archipelago. Using the collaborative action ethnography as a research methodology, 10 prospective science teachers and a science teacher educator/doctoral candidate formed a research team and documented community funds of knowledge relevant to science teaching and learning through their participation in a Community Immersion course. The study employed the use of the cultural memory banking as a meditational tool to analyze, make sense of, and represent interview, focus-group discussion, and observation data, among others, for the development of culturally relevant science lessons. Originally used as an anthropological tool to preserve cultural knowledge associated with the cultivation of indigenous plant varieties, the cultural memory banking, as adapted in science education, was used, both as a data collection and analytic tool, to locate relevant science at the intersection of community life. The research team developed a cultural memory bank exemplar, "Ginamos: The Stinky Smell that Sells," to highlight the learning experiences and meaning-making process of those involved in its development. Dilemmas and insights on the development and use of cultural memory banking were discussed with respect to issues of knowledge mining and mainstreaming of indigenous/local funds of knowledge, troubling the privileged position of Western-inspired nature of science.

This inquiry interrogates the experiences of local implementation actors of the Philippine Department of Education as they navigate through reform efforts within systemic corruption. Departing from dominant analytical paradigms centred on patron-client frameworks, the article introduces the typology of complex linkages where local actors play their roles as they find themselves trapped in between the powerful discourse of reform on the one hand and corruption on the other. Empirical findings of how local actors make sense of the challenges of reform amidst corruption as well as reflections towards greater analytical clarity are proposed. (Contains 2 figures, 2 tables, and 5 notes.)

This article is subdivided into three closely linked parts. It initially starts with a description of the background and objectives of the Textbook Delivery Program (TDP). This is followed by an analysis of the factors of implementation on the basis of the field notes gathered during the inquiry. An analysis of the impact of these factors on policy implementation is highlighted in this section. The succeeding part explores cases of corruption and its intervening effects on TDP. (Contains 4 notes, 1 table and 4 figures.)

Dubbed a "dialogue of life," community immersion in preservice science-teacher education aims at providing a true-to-life and empowering opportunity for prospective science teachers (both elementary and secondary) to become active participants in community life through field and service-learning experiences. It consists of a three-unit course with a field component wherein prospective science teachers live in a local community and immerse in the life-worlds of rural village people--their social, cultural, economic, and many other realities become the matrix for embedding science learning and activities. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

The periodic collection of parasitologic and morbidity indicators is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) control programs. In 2017, the DOH-CHD VIII (Department of Health-Center for Health Development Region 8 Office) - in collaboration with UP-NTDSG (the University of the Philippines Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group) - conducted a monitoring activity aimed at determining [1] the prevalence and intensity of SCH and STH; [2] seroprevalence of SCH; and [3] prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia in pre-school-age children (PSAC) and school-age children (SAC) in selected municipalities in the province of northern Leyte, the Philippines as part of monitoring the local implementation of SCH and STH control programs. Stool samples were collected, processed using the Kato-Katz technique, and examined through microscopy. Blood specimens collected from SAC were tested for the presence of Schistosoma japonicum antibody using the IgG ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Data on anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels were collected with adherence to WHO guidelines. Secondary analysis of the gathered data showed that SCH prevalence in SAC was 3.1%, but SCH seroprevalence was 83.1%. Although STH prevalence met the national target of < 50%, heavy-intensity STH prevalence remained higher than the global target of < 2%. The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting were 19.2, 38.0, and 10.6%, respectively. STH was significantly associated with stunting in PSAC (p = 0.030) and anemia in SAC (p = 0.033). The monitoring activity demonstrated the utility of an integrated monitoring scheme for SCH and STH control programs and nutrition programs at the local level. This model can be adopted for optimization and utilization by national programs for monitoring and may likewise benefit local government units for purposes of policy and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos Dieciochistas is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Periodic Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to at-risk populations is the main strategy for morbidity control of schistosomiasis. Attaining MDA coverage targets is important for the reduction of morbidity and prevention of complications due to the disease, and towards achieving Universal Health Care. The study employed a qualitative case study design. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to provide in-depth and situated descriptions of the contexts surrounding the implementation of MDA in two selected villages in known schistosomiasis-endemic provinces in Mindanao in the Philippines. Data analysis was done using the Critical Ecology for Medical Anthropology (CEMA) model coupled with the intersectionality approach. It was found that within various areas in the CEMA model, enabling as well as constraining factors have been encountered in MDA in the study settings. The interplay of income class, geographical location, gender norms and faith-based beliefs may have led to key populations being missed during the conduct of MDA in the study sites. The constraints faced by the target beneficiaries of MDA, as well as programme implementers, must be addressed to enhance service delivery and to control morbidity due to schistosomiasis. Improving compliance with MDA also requires a holistic, integrated approach to addressing barriers to participation, which are shaped by wider socio-political and power structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: There have been limited capacity-building activities on One Health in the Philippines. To contribute to capacity development in One Health, the authors conducted the first short course on One Health in the country for health, allied health, and collaborating professionals. This study aimed to review the preparation and implementation of the One Health course and describe the challenges and opportunities of conducting the course during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: The course curriculum was developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts. The objectives for the course were as follows: (1) Describe the concept, scope, and applications of One Health; (2) identify social and economic factors influencing food security and safety, control of zoonoses, and combating antimicrobial resistance; and (3) describe the challenges and opportunities in applying the One Health approach to achieve better public health outcomes. Recruitment of participants was based on predetermined criteria. The 3-day course was conducted online through Zoom. Pre- and post-tests as well as the evaluation of the course were administered through Google forms. Results: The 3-day online course was attended by 136 participants from 15 of the 17 administrative regions of the country. A multidisciplinary group of experts delivered a total of 11 lectures divided into the following sessions: (1) Fundamentals of One Health; (2) Interrelatedness of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health; and (3) Applications of One Health. Conclusion: As the first One Health course in the Philippines, this 3-day course demonstrated the feasibility of conducting capacity-building on One Health for a multidisciplinary group of participants during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. It may serve as a model for similar and more in-depth courses on One Health for specific groups in the future and has set the stage for intersectoral communication and education, providing an avenue for collaboration for professionals in various disciplines, and facilitating the expansion of One Health network in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk tea became so popular that numerous entrepreneurs tried to venture into this business. The Philippines is dubbed the second-most populous country in Southeast Asia regarding bubble tea users. Though the Philippines was dubbed as such, it was not until late 2019 that Pearl Milk Tea exploded its popularity in the country. It paved the way for the tea-enthusiast to venture into the business by experimenting with various creamers, flavors, and sweeteners. In Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines, there is also a growing Milk tea shop on every corner of the street; however, before the boom reached a year, a pandemic halted every operation on every establishment. Through a phenomenological approach, the researchers of this study interviewed the owners and management of milk tea businesses in this new level of difficulty. The study's significant findings merged the theme scope, including Covid-19 Business Impact, Digital Marketing, Adapt Delivery Services, Safety and Security Protocols, and Menu Engineering. Furthermore, findings suggest that Covid-19 negatively impacted business establishments. Nevertheless, the management and entrepreneurs still push through and invest more in their business, with a clear perspective of success and execute modern alternatives that keep the business operating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), remain as significant public health concerns in developing countries such as the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and STH among school-age children (SAC) and adults in two co-endemic provinces in Mindanao in southern Philippines as part of monitoring of national control programs. Stool samples were collected, processed using Kato-Katz technique, and examined microscopically for presence of intestinal helminth ova. A total of 776 SAC and 526 adults participated in the study. Low schistosomiasis prevalence was generally observed in SAC (0.8%) and adults (0.4%). Generally low STH prevalence was reported in both SAC (3.9%) and adults (3.4%). Only three SAC had heavy intensity STH, which was not seen in adults. Results indicate a state of good morbidity control, which may be a result of effective implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) strategy for schistosomiasis, STH, and lymphatic filariasis in the last several years. The low prevalence and intensities of infections may also be partly attributed to the low diagnostic sensitivity of Kato-Katz technique in detecting low intensity intestinal helminth infections. While results of this study also indicate similarly low levels of both these infections in previous studies, sustaining high MDA coverage rates and addressing remaining challenges related to intensified case finding and treatment, improvements in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, veterinary public health, and vector ecology and management will be necessary to interrupt transmission in these areas. [Display omitted] • Schistosomiasis (SCH) & soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) morbidity are controlled. • Low SCH prevalence observed in school aged children (SAC) (0.8%) and adults (0.4%). • Low STH prevalence observed in SAC (3.9%) and adults (3.4%). • Low prevalence observed attributed to good mass drug administration (MDA) coverage. • Sustained high MDA coverage, addressing other factors needed to interrupt transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A large number of studies have assessed risk factors for infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STH), but few have investigated the interactions between the different parasites or compared these between host species across hosts. Here, we assessed the associations between Ascaris, Trichuris , hookworm, strongyle and Toxocara infections in the Philippines in human and animal hosts. Methods Faecal samples were collected from humans and animals (dogs, cats and pigs) in 252 households from four villages in southern Philippines and intestinal helminth infections were assessed by microscopy. Associations between worm species were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Results Ascaris infections showed a similar prevalence in humans (13.9%) and pigs (13.7%). Hookworm was the most prevalent infection in dogs (48%); the most prevalent infection in pigs was strongyles (42%). The prevalences of hookworm and Toxocara in cats were similar (41%). Statistically significant associations were observed between Ascaris and Trichuris and between Ascaris and hookworm infections in humans, and also between Ascaris and Trichuris infections in pigs. Dual and triple infections were observed, which were more common in dogs, cats and pigs than in humans. Conclusions Associations are likely to exist between STH species in humans and animals, possibly due to shared exposures and transmission routes. Individual factors and behaviours will play a key role in the occurrence of co-infections, which will have effects on disease severity. Moreover, the implications of co-infection for the emergence of zoonoses need to be explored further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, nearly 4000 critically endangered Palawan forest turtles (Siebenrockiella leytensis) were confiscated on their native island of Palawan in the Philippines after being illegally harvested for the international wildlife trade. Local conservation biologists and an international team of veterinary and husbandry personnel evaluated, treated, and repatriated the majority of turtles (88%) over a 3-mo period. Common pathologic findings included ophthalmic, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal lesions, including keratitis, osteomyelitis of the shell and digits, pododermatitis, and colonic nematodiasis. Hemogram results indicated severe leukocytosis in many individuals. Specimens for genetic analysis and molecular diagnostics were archived, and several intact carcasses were established as museum specimens. International collaboration may be required to ensure the confiscation and survival of illegally traded endangered wildlife, with ongoing efforts toward enhancing the law enforcement, husbandry, and veterinary capacity of range country personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV), a non-enveloped, double stranded DNA virus, causes varying clinical presentations in commercial broiler flocks which include gizzard erosion, hepatitis, and hydropericardium. A commercial broiler farm in Tarlac, Central Luzon, Philippines showed clinical signs indicative of inclusion body hepatitis which also manifested through increased numbers of underweight birds. Serological and molecular diagnostic procedures were carried out to confirm the disease. Serological results showed tentative diagnoses with titers indicative of Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious Bursal Disease, Fowl Adenovirus, and Newcastle Disease. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of genes of interest showed positive results for IB B48 strain of the Massachusetts serotype (vaccine strain) and FAdV-8b serotype (field strain) of the species E. Medication program with consideration to impaired liver function, hypovitaminosis, and impaired metabolism was recommended for the succeeding grows. Furthermore, procedures for routine monitoring of the disease and vaccination of the parent stock sources with an inactivated FAdV-4/8 bivalent vaccine were recommended. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of FAdV-8b infection in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the impact of preventive chemotherapy on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines, using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We included reports reporting prevalence of STH infections, schistosomiasis, or lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines published until 31 March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies were identified in electronic databases. Grey literature reports by the University of the Philippines and the Department of Health were also included. Pooled infection prevalence, before and after the initiation of preventive chemotherapy, stratified by age group, was calculated using the inverse variance heterogeneity model. Findings: A total of 109 reports were included in the review and meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.7%) infection after initiation of preventive chemotherapy were significantly lower than the prevalence prior to initiation (23.6% for A. lumbricoides and 12.2% for T. trichiura). Prevalence reductions were also found in school and preschool-age children for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Studies conducted after preventive chemotherapy initiation had significantly lower overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity schistosomiasis (3.1% vs 0.2%) and of schistosomiasis in school-age children (30.5% vs 1%). Pooled prevalence of lymphatic filariasis prior to preventive chemotherapy initiation was 3.2% across 12 provinces, while currently only two provinces still have prevalence of more than 1%. There were no published studies reporting prevalence of lymphatic filariasis after initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Heterogeneity was high with I2 mostly above 90%. Conclusion: The burden of STH infections and schistosomiasis in children were significantly lower in studies conducted following the initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Eliminating morbidity and interrupting transmission, however, may require expanded control initiatives including community-wide treatment, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lymphatic filariasis burden has decreased since the implementation of preventive chemotherapy, with all but two provinces having reached the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. Author summary: Mass treatment with anti-parasitic medications is a key control and elimination strategy for several helminth infections, namely intestinal worm infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis, which are common in the Philippines and other endemic countries. To gain insight into the impact of such a strategy that has been in place for more than 14 years, we used systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the prevalence of each of these helminth infections in the Philippines before and after the initiation of mass treatment. The review included 109 reports, composed of peer-reviewed studies and grey literature. The pooled overall prevalence of heavy intensity and the prevalence in children of intestinal worm infection and schistosomiasis were significantly lower in studies conducted after initiation of mass treatment. The studies included are highly heterogenous reflecting variability in sampling procedures, diagnostic tests, study sites, and years of data collection. Eliminating morbidity and interrupting transmission may require expanded control initiatives including community-wide treatment, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. The same significantly lower prevalence after initiation of mass treatment was observed for lymphatic filariasis where only two out of the initial 12 endemic provinces still require mass treatment due to prevalence above 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines adopted the hybrid rice technology in 1998 to increase productivity; however, the adoption rate is 9% of the total rice area in 2016. Thus, it is important to understand the adoption decision of farmers in relation to hybrid rice technology. Previous studies of rice technology adoption in the Philippines did not consider the spatial dependencies, wherein the choice of adoption of a farmer is influenced by the choice of the neighboring farmers. Hence, this study identifies the factors that influence the farmers’ adoption decision of hybrid rice technology, focusing on the role of spatial proximity. A survey involving 122 rice farmer-respondents using proportional random sampling was conducted in Padada and Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, Philippines in 2016. Using the Bayesian-Markov Chain Monte Carlo spatial autoregressive probit estimation, this study found that proximity to neighbors is associated with the choice of the farmers to adopt hybrid rice technology. Moreover, the sex of the household head (HH), household size, non-farm income, and rainfall are the major determinants of adopting hybrid rice technology. Thus, the interventions should focus on delivering better access of female farmers to productive resources and those with relatively higher household size, improve access to non-farm livelihood and employment opportunities, and reinforce proven risk mitigation practices in terms of providing stable water sources in the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper analyzed the healthcare systems of the Philippines and Vietnam prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their strategies on mass testing, contact tracing, quarantine procedures and information dissemination about the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Steinmo's (2008) historical institutionalism approach was used in this paper. Secondary data gathering, document analysis and comparative process tracing were employed. Findings: The findings revealed that Vietnam's implementation of its Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in 2007, its relatively low-cost healthcare system, its efficient mass testing and contact tracing strategies and its science-based decisions are contributory to its success in handling the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Philippines failure to enact its Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act in 2013, its costly and dominantly private healthcare system, its heavy focus on strict, long lockdowns and its militarist methods to control the spread of the pandemic were found to be insufficient. Research limitations/implications: Detailed study on the delivery of healthcare services in marginal areas, healthcare spending for COVID-19 positive individuals and information dissemination strategies about the pandemic were not explored. Practical implications: Health institutions can redesign their governance mechanisms by ensuring a cost-effective healthcare system and maximizing resource utilization to ensure efficient management of future pandemics. Moreover, national governments should not compromise their country's healthcare system over the economy during a pandemic. Originality/value: This paper analyzed the countries' history of healthcare governance and its influence in handling COVID-19 compared to previous studies which only focused on the countries' strategies during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe: 1) soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity in preschool-age children (PSAC) and school-age children (SAC), 2) schistosomiasis seroprevalence in SAC, 3) undernutrition prevalence in SAC, 4) sanitary toilet coverage in households, and 5) association between STH, Schistosoma japonicum exposure, nutritional status, and sanitation. PSAC and SAC in two Haiyan-stricken provinces were examined using Kato–Katz technique and ELISA Antibody test. Anthropometric and hemoglobin measurements were also obtained. The reported sanitary toilet coverage was validated in a survey. The prevalence of any STH in PSAC and SAC was 50.2% and 41.3%, respectively. Moderate-heavy intensity (MHI) STH prevalence in PSAC and SAC was 20.8% and 5.9%, respectively. The prevalence of any STH, MHI STH, ascariasis, MHI ascariasis, and MHI trichuriasis was significantly higher in PSAC. Stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight/obesity, and anemia prevalence was 38.4%, 24.5%, 4.8%, 2.7%, and 34.7% in PSAC, while the prevalence was 34.3%, 21.6%, 8.7%, 3.0%, and 19.2% in SAC, respectively. Anemia and wasting prevalence were significantly higher in PSAC and SAC, respectively. There were five schistosomiasis cases found (0.8% prevalence), while schistosomiasis seroprevalence was 60.1%. Validated and reported sanitary toilet coverage was significantly different in eight out of 13 barangays. Stunting and anemia were associated with STH. STH and anemia prevalence were significantly higher in non-ZOD barangays. High STH burden in PSAC and SAC persists. A more coordinated response addressing STH, undernutrition, and WASH in disaster-stricken areas will require strengthening local health systems and promoting intersectoral collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the Philippines, morbidity control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections is done through mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelmintics to school-age children (SAC). In 2013, the Philippines was devastated by the deadliest cyclone ever recorded, Typhoon Haiyan. The study aimed to understand the impact of Typhoon Haiyan on the MDA of anthelmintics to SAC in the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo in the Philippines from the perspectives of local health and education officials. Methods: The study was conducted in the municipalities of Panay and Pilar in Capiz and the municipalities of Estancia and Sara in Iloilo, areas that were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. Qualitative, semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with 16 total participants, which included officials of the Department of Health, Department of Education, and concerned local government units. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in an open, iterative manner. Codes were reviewed to identify patterns and themes. Results: Participants described the following themes: (1) their perception that the typhoon had no effect on the MDA program or on resources necessary to complete the program; (2) the program's simple design allowed for 1-time administration to a pre-assembled population; (3) the program allowed a sense of community cohesiveness; (4) the program served as a vehicle for altruism, particularly regarding helping needy children, in this time of calamity. Conclusions: Our informants perceived that the MDA program in Region VI was not affected by Typhoon Haiyan. They attributed the resilience to the program's simple procedure, attitudes of altruism, program importance, and community cohesiveness. Despite Typhoon Haiyan's mass destruction of infrastructure and livelihood leading to incredible challenges, mobilization of the community allowed for the continuation and successful implementation of the MDA program. The experience of Region VI may serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries prone to natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has become a severe health threat to the Philippines and around the world. At the early onset of the pandemic, it is imperative to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among healthy individuals to better understand the causes, transmission, and preventive measures. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 in a healthy Filipino population during the early onset of the pandemic outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional rapid online and web-based survey was conducted among healthy Filipino population. A total of 1634 subjects participated via the Google survey link. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents' profile characteristics and KAP scores. The One-Way ANOVA or independent sample t-test was used to measure KAP scores' differences when grouped according to respondents' profile characteristics. Pearson correlation was used to measure the relationship among the KAP scores. The data were all analyzed using the SPSS version 26.0. Results: The overall knowledge scores revealed 67.7%. Filipinos believed COVID-19 would finally be successfully controlled and confident that the Philippines can win the battle against the virus through preventive practices. KAP scores showed significant differences with age, sex (p<0.000), and place of residence (p<0.000), occupation (p<0.000), and marital status (p<0.000). A significant positive low correlation between knowledge and practice (r=0.076, p<0.01), attitude and practice (r=0.100, p<0.01). Conclusion: Albeit a low knowledge of COVID-19, healthy Filipino populations had a positive attitude and compliant with the preventive measures. This study hopes to contribute to the growing corpus of literature on COVID-19 to provide evidence-based information towards health promotion, illness prevention, and control of possible virus' spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate-related information has a lot of potential applications; yet, they are often not easily accessible. This study addresses such an issue by providing a detailed description of climate data collection, quality control (QC) procedures, and steps in acquiring the datasets from an online platform called "ClimDatPh." The platform allows easier access to the quality-controlled principal surface climate data provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In the first few months of existence on the internet (from September--December 2019), the online platform has served hundreds of climate data users from different parts of the Philippines and in many other countries across the globe. Preliminary statistics indicate that the climate datasets were requested for use in several applications, including scientific inquiries related to water and hydrology (21%), weather and climate (16%), energy (14%), agriculture and fisheries (11%), environment and biodiversity (10%), infrastructure and construction projects (6%), disaster risk reduction and management (5%), health and safety (5%), soil and land use (4%), and many other useful applications (8%). The use of climate data, primarily in agriculture, is further demonstrated in this study. Derived climate indices indicated that rainfall shortages caused by El Niño events have led to historical rice production losses in the Philippines. With the availability of internet access, it is expected that many more basic and applied research utilizing the Philippine climate data will be pursued in the future, which in turn would be helpful to increase scientific understanding of how the country's climate behaves and affects other sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study looked at entrepreneurship from the entrepreneurs' viewpoint on what enabled them to start their businesses. A semi-structured survey was used on 124 respondents - all business owners of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises - who were selected via purposive and snowball sampling. Cross-tabulation, the Mann-Whitney U test (or Wilcoxon Rank Sum test), odds ratio, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data and determine their enabling factors. The results reveal that those who planned to become entrepreneurs and those who did not have a similar personality, come from diverse educational backgrounds, and have social support and network. These findings highlight the importance of self-confidence, being inspired by successful entrepreneurs, and belonging to a peer group engaged in business. The results also reveal that the entrepreneurs' confidence to start their businesses is triggered by the positive motivation from their social support and network. The motivation is enough to surmount their perceived obstacles to entrepreneurship - the lack of capital and government support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Philippines has acquired access to the NovaSAR-1 satellite developed by Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd. (SSTL) for the implementation of its project Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) for Innovative Terrestrial Monitoring and Maritime Surveillance, which will provide simultaneous S-band SAR imaging with AIS data for applications targeted on improving maritime domain awareness. The country has inherent challenges in this field due to its archipelagic nature, with earth observation seen as a potential solution as it provides an immediate and wide coverage over designated priority areas. This contributes toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water by providing objective information in support of data-driven decision and policymaking, closing knowledge gaps in monitoring Philippine waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire disasters are common occurrences in the urban settlements of the Philippines. Concerned agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) are constantly planning ways to prevent and mitigate fire disasters. The key to an effective plan against fire disaster is understanding how a potential fire can spread in a community. By combining both GIS and Probabilistic Cellular Automata (PCA), this paper solves the task of fire spread modeling and simulation. PCA is a model that consists of a regular grid of cells, whose cells are updated according to rules that take into account both the cell's current state and the cell's neighbors' states. The model we developed factors in wind, building materials, and building density. The model was designed after several fires in major cities of Cebu, Philippines. An accuracy of 83.54% and a Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.67 was achieved. Further, a web-based tool was developed to aid in fire disaster planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains a public health concern in developing countries, such as the Philippines. Preschool-age children (PSAC) are among the high-risk groups for STH. Data on the status of STH in PSAC are needed to help guide policy formulation and program implementation; however, in the usual setting, such data may remain limited. This study aimed to describe the parasitologic status of PSAC in selected local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines through sentinel surveillance methodology in a child-development center (CDC)-based setting. This cross-sectional study, which included 1732 PSAC in selected barangays (a village or the smallest administrative unit in the country) in the provinces of Cavite, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Davao del Norte and cities of Iloilo and Lapu-Lapu in the Philippines, utilized Kato-Katz technique to determine parasitologic status. A single Kato-Katz smear was prepared from the adult-thumb sized stool sample submitted by each participant. Ten percent of Kato-Katz slides examined by field microscopists were re-examined by a reference microscopist as part of quality control. Results showed a prevalence of any STH infection and a moderate-heavy ((M−H)) intensity prevalence of 24.9% and 10.3%, respectively. Five cases of schistosomiasis were found in Lapu-Lapu City and Davao del Norte. While the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) - Integrated Helminth Control Program (IHCP) target for prevalence of any STH of less than 50% was attained, none of the barangays or villages met the World Health Organization (WHO) target for (M−H) intensity STH prevalence of less than 1%, despite the program being implemented for almost a decade. Sentinel surveillance in PSAC, possibly adopting a CDC-based approach, may be implemented biannually in the Philippines and other countries where a similar early child care development system exist to generate data needed to guide policy formulation and program implementation. Preventive chemotherapy through facility-based mass drug administration (MDA), such as CDC-based MDA, may be explored to improve the mode of MDA delivery and coverage in PSAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) affect more than 1.5 billion people. The global strategy to control STH infections requires periodic mass drug administration (MDA) based on prevalence among populations at risk determined by diagnostic testing. Widely used copromicroscopy methods to detect infection, however, have low sensitivity as the prevalence and intensity of STH infections decline with repeated MDA. More sensitive diagnostic tools are needed to inform program decision-making. Using an integrated product development process, PATH conducted qualitative and quantitative formative research to inform the design and development of a more sensitive test for STH infections. The research, grounded in a conceptual framework for ensuring access to health products, involved stakeholder analysis, key opinion leader interviews, observational site visits of ongoing STH surveillance programs, and market research including market sizing, costing and willingness-to-pay analyses. Stakeholder analysis identified key groups and proposed strategic engagement of stakeholders during product development. Interviews highlighted features, motivations and concerns that are important for guiding design and implementation of new STH diagnostics. Process mapping outlined current STH surveillance workflows in Kenya and the Philippines. Market sizing in 2016 was estimated around half a million tests for lower STH burden countries, and 1–2 million tests for higher STH burden countries. The cost of commodities per patient for a molecular STH diagnostic may be around $10, 3–4 times higher than copromicroscopy methods, though savings may be possible in time and staffing requirements. The market is highly price sensitive as even at $5 per test, only 27% of respondents thought the test would be used by surveillance programs. A largely subsidized STH control strategy and a semi-functional Kato-Katz test may have created few incentives for manufacturers to innovate in STH diagnostics. Diverse partnerships, as well as balancing needs and expectations for new STH diagnostics are necessary to ensure access to needed products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our current moment, authoritarian figures loom large. One of them is Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. He seems to embody two notions of sovereignty. One is related to law, the other to norms: on the one hand, the power of taking exception to the former, deciding who will live and who will die; on the other hand, the freedom from the limits of the latter by way of dissipation, irresponsibility, and excess. This article explores the double sources of his power with reference to the works of Michel Foucault and Achille Mbembe. While most of Foucault's work has focused on Europe, Mbembe has written about postcolonial conditions in ways that make critical use of Foucault. Drawing from their writings, this article situates Duterte as a "sovereign trickster" who seeks to dominate death while monopolizing laughter. Finally, this article speculates on the comparative usefulness of this figure of the sovereign trickster with regard to President Donald Trump, whose form of tricksterism derives, the author argues, from the tradition of blackface minstrelsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen the rapid growth of the organic food products industry, primarily driven by the consumers' desire for a healthier lifestyle. Similar to worldwide trend, explicitly-labeled "Organic" food products have become ubiquitous in the Philippines, with the consumers most of the time having no information on the quality of the products. In the Philippine setting, very few researches have focused on the analysis of organic vegetables, and in this study, the trace-metal (cadmium, copper, iron, nickel, and zinc) concentration of specific organic and conventional vegetables (cabbage, celery, leek, lettuce, and spinach) that are being sold in some shops in the cities of Makati and Manila, Philippines were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean concentration for copper, iron, nickel and zinc in the samples were calculated to be between 0.0146-0.881 mg/kg, 0.648-13.1 mg/kg, 0.0409-2.04 mg/kg, and 0.266-2.87 mg/kg, respectively, while cadmium levels varied from 0.005- 0.772 mg/kg (with some samples below the limit of detection). Nevertheless, statistical analysis (p < 0.05) showed more organic vegetables having no significant differences than conventional ones indicating that in terms of the content of these trace metals, being organic may not necessarily mean better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]