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Baonded behind bars :a an exploratory study on communication behavior and intimacy in incarcerated mother and children relationships among young adult Filipinos
No full textParenting styles have begun shifting towards more communicative approaches that highlight the importance of verbal interaction in parent-child relationships. This evolution in parenting philosophy is attributed to the growing acceptance of the principle that establishing open communication and verbal affection fosters positive parent-child relationships. However, Filipino culture often emphasizes non-verbal expressions of affection and maintains a hierarchical family structure, where traditions often inhibit explicit expressions of affection from parents. This study addresses the gap in the literature concerning families affected by maternal separation due to incarceration, a prevalent issue in the Philippines. Specifically, by conducting in-depth online interviews conducted via Zoom, this research explores the relationship between communication behavior and intimacy in incarcerated mother-child relationships within the Filipino context. Using thematic analysis, this study examines how cultural values and the impact of long-term confinement influence parenting styles and family dynamics within Filipino households. It delves into the diverse perceptions and experiences of Filipino young adults who receive varying parenting styles from their incarcerated mothers, with some emphasizing or lacking verbal expressions of affection. The research highlights the complexities of maintaining parent-child relationships under the challenging circumstances of maternal incarceration, which is further complicated by cultural expectations and norms that favor non-verbal communication and hierarchical family structures. The findings of this research emphasize the need for culturally sensitive support strategies for families affected by maternal incarceration. The insights gained can inform the development of programs and policies aimed at promoting healthier parent-child relationships, addressing misconceptions about effective parenting, and supporting the emotional and psychological needs of both incarcerated mothers and their children. Ultimately, the study contributes to a broader understanding of family dynamics in the context of maternal incarceration, providing a framework for interventions that foster resilience and aid in the recovery and strengthening of familial connections
15 - Life on Land
No full text15 - Life on Landhttps://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/un-sdgs_images/1014/thumbnail.jp
Research and Development Agenda for Small Islands in the Philippines: Results from a Multi-Stakeholder National Forum
No full textThe Philippines has 7,641 islands, most of which are small and underdeveloped. While studies have been done on topics such as poverty reduction, climate change, and economic development, there is no integrated research and development (R&D) agenda for small islands. Furthermore, literature points to the lack of consensus on the definition of small islands. As such, the study wove together existing bodies of knowledge and stakeholder perspectives on small islands in the country using a qualitative research design. Data were collected through a desk review, workshops, and key informant interviews. Four categories of small islands were proposed, namely micro-island, small island barangay, small island municipality, and small island province. Results also showed that despite the growing body of knowledge on small islands, few published longitudinal and impact studies exist. Therefore, this study developed an R&D agenda for small islands, which includes the enhancement of institutional research capabilities, as well as emphasis on water-energy-food production nexus, postharvest, transportation, and circular approaches to small island agriculture and livelihood systems. These findings can guide the development of policies and research tailored to small island contexts in the country
An Assessment of Shared Agricultural Equipment Management Among Agricultural Cooperatives in San Ildefonso, Bulacan
No full textThe management of shared agricultural equipment is a critical approach of agricultural development by collective governance of and utilizing shared resources among farmer cooperatives. Agricultural cooperatives are important institutions in the agricultural municipality of San Ildefonso, Bulacan that foster access to farming machinery like tractors, harvesters, and transplanters, etc. The shared resources for these credit facilities are very important in helping enhance the overall productivity of the farms, their operation costs and the sustainability of the farm practices as a whole. However, these cooperatives have not been able to fully tap into their potential to support local farmers as they continue to face challenges such as confusion on scheduling policy guidelines, poor maintenance systems, and unequal access to shared equipment.
This study was conducted to assess the shared agricultural equipment management among agricultural cooperatives in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Specifically, it intended to (a) present the profile of the agricultural cooperatives in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, based on their size, membership, and operational scope; (b) identify the shred agricultural equipment owned by these agricultural cooperatives; (c) analyze the organizational structure and policy guidelines in managing shared agricultural equipment by examining the interplay of trust among members, monitoring mechanisms, and incentive systems; (d) assess the quantity dimension of shared agricultural equipment management by measuring the flow of resource units, including the frequency of equipment use, duration of equipment availability, and equitable distribution of machinery access among cooperative members; (e) evaluate the positive impact of shared agricultural equipment management on cooperative members; and (f) provide strategic recommendations to strengthen collective action among farmers, improve common property asset management practices, and enhance the sustainability and equitable utilization of shared agricultural equipment.
Primary data were obtained through face-to face survey from 163 rice farmer-members from seven agriculture cooperatives namely, Bagong Pag-Asa Agriculture Cooperative, Bukal Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Bulacan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Masagana Agriculture Cooperative, New Basuit Agriculture Cooperative, San Ildefonso Palay and Mango Growers Agriculture Cooperative, and Sunday Farmers Agriculture Cooperative and through informal interview to the 7 chairpersons per cooperative. The collected data revealed significant insights into the current state of shared agricultural equipment management in the region.
Demographic analysis revealed that a majority of the respondents were male (73%), between 40 and 59 years of age (62%) and reported monthly income of less than ₱10,957 (81%), thereby emphasizing the socioeconomic challenges of smallholder farmers. Compared with other equipment, all cooperatives had four wheel tractors, and the availability of more special equipment such as harvesters (61.35%) and transplanters (49.08%) was limited. In addition, governance practices remained largely informal, with socially rooted but inconsistently implemented rules for scheduling and maintenance. Though rental fees were deemed reasonable by 96.93% of members, almost half (49.69%) struggled with timely access to machinery. Moreover, 98.16% of respondents identified poor equipment maintenance as a major concern affecting reliability. Despite these challenges, the benefits of shared equipment systems were evident: 96.93% of farmer-members reported reduced production costs, 82.82% observed improved farm productivity, and 91.41% noted stronger community cooperation through collective resource use.
Among all the cooperatives, Sunday Farmers Agriculture Cooperative emerged as the best practice model. It demonstrated clear organizational protocols, transparent scheduling, regular maintenance, and high member engagement. These strengths resulted in more efficient machinery use, reduced conflict, and a sense of shared responsibility among members.
Consequently, the study offers several key recommendations based on these findings. Cooperatives should adopt hybrid governance models, strengthen maintenance protocols, and use digital tools for scheduling and transparency. Government support through funding, training, and inter-cooperative collaboration is essential. Members must take active roles in maintenance and decision-making to ensure sustainability. Future research should explore tech-based solutions, gender access gaps, and best practices from successful cooperative models abroad
Consumer Preference and Willingness to Buy for Soymilk in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, 2024
No full textThe study aimed to analyze the consumer preference and willingness to buy soymilk in Lupao, Nueva Ecija. Specifically, it aimed to determine the consumers’ level of knowledge and awareness toward soymilk by degree of urbanization in Lupao, Nueva Ecija; identified the preferred attributes of soymilk by degree of urbanization; evaluated the willingness to buy soymilk by degree of urbanization; assessed the factors affecting willingness to buy; and recommended strategies based on findings. The study surveyed 100 milk consumers from selected barangays in Lupao: San Isidro (urban), Parista (rurban), and Bagong Flores (rural), using pre-tested questionnaires.
The study found that majority of the respondents were aware of soymilk, with urban barangay having higher awareness compared to the rural barangay. Despite the high awareness, the level of knowledge about soymilk’s nutritional properties and health benefits was low especially in the rural barangay. Consumer preferences for soymilk varied across locations, with color and aroma being the most favored attributes. Urban consumers rated taste and creaminess higher than rural consumers, who preferred less rich flavors. Urban respondents also favored sweeter soymilk, while rural consumers showed a preference for less sweet options. Nuttiness was the least liked characteristic, particularly in rural areas, while affordability was more positively rated by urban consumers than by rural consumers, indicating a greater sensitivity to price in the rural barangay.
Out of the 100 milk-consumer respondents, 65 expressed a willingness to buy soymilk at the retail price of PhP 35 per bottle, citing health benefits for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and lactose intolerance, as well as its taste. However, the remaining 35 respondents were unwilling to purchase, citing health concerns such as arthritis and osteoporosis, along with dissatisfaction with the packaging and labeling of the soymilk. Logistic regression showed that the key factors influencing the willingness to buy soymilk were product knowledge, aroma, and packaging. Aroma had the greatest impact, followed by knowledge. Packaging also had a minor influence. Factors like age, sex, location, and dietary preferences had no significant effects.
To enhance soymilk production, consumption, and market development in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, several strategies can be implemented. Expanding distribution in San Isidro, where willingness to buy was highest, would help reach a larger market. Addressing the knowledge gap with clear nutritional labeling highlighting benefits such as lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and low in saturated fat is essential. Soymilk variants should be tailored to regional preferences, offering creamier, less sweet options for urban consumers and lighter, sweeter ones for rural consumers
Technical Efficiency of Lettuce Production using Hydroponic Systems in Selected Municipalities of Cavite, 2024
No full textThe study was conducted to primarily analyze the technical efficiency of hydroponic lettuce production in selected municipalities in Cavite. Specifically, the study aimed to (1) describe the hydroponic lettuce farmers in terms of their socio-economic characteristics, (2) determine the level of technical efficiency of hydroponic lettuce farmers, (3) identify the factors affecting technical efficiency in hydroponic lettuce production, and (4) draw policy implications and provide recommendations for improvement. Thirty hydroponic lettuce farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Tables, graphs, frequency distributions, mean and summations, standard deviation, and range were used for the descriptive analysis. On the other hand, Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was used to determine the technical efficiency.
The stochastic production frontier revealed that the mean efficiency of the farmers was 59.71 percent. Seeds, nitrogen, potassium, labor, water usage, and NFT use positively affected output. Pesticide use on the other hand negatively affected output. Phosphorus did not significantly affect output. In the inefficiency model, the factors that positively affected technical inefficiency were sex, tenurial status, organizational affiliation, and credit access, but these were not significant. Household size, farming experience, and seminar attendance all negatively affected technical inefficiency. Lastly, the following negatively affected technical inefficiency but were not significant: age and educational attainment.
To improve technical efficiency, the following recommendations are suggested: (1) conduct training and seminars for technical and crucial information regarding proper hydroponic lettuce production technic, along with follow-up monitoring, and (2) provision and proper use of fertilizer and insecticide
Antibiotic Resistome, Mobile Genetic Elements, and Virulence Profile of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Healthy Philippine Native Chicken as Revealed by Analysis of Whole Genome Sequence
Get PDFGram-negative bacteria, particularly Enterobacteriaceae, acquire antibiotic resistance via horizontal transmission of resistance genes in poultry farms that give rise to multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The presence of MDR strains that are potentially pathogenic and zoonotic poses a concern to animal and human health. The aims of this study were to isolate MDR, potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae from Philippine native chicken (PNC) and to analyze the genome of a representative MDR isolate to gain insights into the mechanisms, acquisition, and transmissibility of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Cloacal swabs from PNC were used to isolate putative Salmonella that were then tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Twenty-six putative Salmonella isolates obtained from 13 chickens of PNC breeds exhibited diverse MDR phenotypes. Analysis of the whole genome of a representative MDR isolate, which was resistant to at least 10 antibiotic classes and exhibited atypical Salmonella phenotype, was identified as closest related to Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) that is a known nosocomial pathogen frequently associated with MDR phenotype. The genome carries an abundance of ARGs, integrons, mobile genetic elements, toxin genes, and pathogenicity genes. This MDR E. cloacae isolate presents an infectious threat and a challenge to its control and management in humans and animals
Morphoanatomy and Phenoplasticity of Cardamine hupingshanensis (Brassicaceae) Under Cadmium Stress
Get PDFUsing a soil culture method, this study investigated the morphoanatomical responses and phenotypic plasticity of Cardamine hupingshanensis (Brassicaceae) under different cadmium (Cd) concentrations. Root morphological indices initially increased at low Cd levels but decreased as Cd concentrations rose, exhibiting a low-promoting and high-inhibiting effect. Leaf morphology and biomass peaked at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 Cd before decreasing at higher concentrations but were still significantly higher than the control (P \u3c 0.05). Anatomical structure analysis revealed no significant difference at 5 mg kg-1 Cd; however, at ≥ 100 mg kg-1 Cd, epidermal and spongy tissue thickness differed significantly from the control. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration and epidermal and spongy tissue thickness but a negative correlation with palisade tissue thickness. The mean phenotypic plasticity index of C. hupingshanensis under Cd stress was 0.73, with root morphology exhibiting greater plasticity. These findings show the adaptability of C. hupingshanensis in cadmium-contaminated environments and its resilience under heavy metal stress
Distribution Chain Analysis of Aquaculture Products in Lanao Del Norte
No full textThe study entitled “Distribution Chain Analysis of Aquaculture Products in Lanao del Norte” was conducted in selected municipalities of Lanao del Norte namely Kapatagan, Lala, Baroy and Kolambugan. The objectives of the study are: 1) to present and characterize the profile of the key players in the distribution system for aquaculture in Lanao del Norte; 2) to map out the flow of aquaculture products from source to destination; 3) to determine the costs and value added of each product at different value chains; 4) to evaluate the distribution and transportation system of aquaculture farms in Lanao del Norte; 5) to identify the issues, problems and opportunities in the system; and 6) to recommend investment entry points and possible interventions to improve the system.
The sampling methods used were complete enumeration for the fishpond operators and purposive sampling for the other key players since there are no recent data in the government offices. Primary data were obtained through personal interviews of the respondents consisting of 40 fishpond operators, one fishpond-trader, 11 traders, four truckers, nine wholesalers- retailers and one retailer. The data obtained were organized and analyzed through descriptive analysis to illustrate the answers of the respondents in a tabular and graphical form. Furthermore, product, financial and information flow analysis were also utilized to track the movement of aquaculture commodities. Lastly, value chain analysis was utilized to trace the different chains and the costs incurred for each player.
Majority of the fishpond operators were male constituting 77.50% of the total respondents. Around 58% of them had finished college and most of the respondents (45%) belong to the age bracket of 41-50 years old. Their source of capital was mostly from personal money for the three commodities.
Most of the traders were female (45%) and almost 91% of the total traders had relatively high educational levels. A total of 80% rely on trading as their major source of income while others were into swine production and sari-sari store. Furthermore, the average number of years in trading was 12 years.
Truckers were responsible in the transport of produce to the market. All of them were male and most were high school graduates. From Lanao del Norte, they transport it to Iligan City, Laguindingan airport and lastly to Cagayan de Oro.
All of the wholesaler/retailers were female and majority of them reached high school but was not able to finish it due to financial constraints. About 90% of them were wholesaling and retailing at the same time. They source their produce from the suppliers then pay them either through cash padala or bank deposit then distribution of the commodities to end-consumers.
There were five value chains in the distribution of aquaculture products in Lanao del Norte. The first value chain involves the fishpond operators then sell directly to consumers. The second chain includes the role of traders that will link the fishpond operators to the consumers. The third chain added the role of the wholesaler-retailers before reaching to the consumers. The fourth chain focuses on the role of retailers to sell it the products of fishpond operators to consumers. Lastly, the fifth and strong value chain consists of fishpond operator then traders hire truckers to distribute it to the wholesaler-retailers and to the consumers.
The financial flow started from the fishpond operators imposing the prevailing price then the traders have a mark-up price of 10-50 pesos while the wholesalers/retailers imposed a mark- up of 5-50 pesos depending on the commodity. The information about the price was facilitated by the traders for the fishpond operators while the traders based their prices on the market and cooperatives and the wholesaler/retailers depnds their price on the market. Information about the volume requirement was also based among the key players‟ demand.
The value chain was composed of a network of key players. The fifth chain was considered a strong chain because it is used by mostly of the respondents which mean that the key players have established relationship with one another. The chain was also found to have incurred the greatest value added from the five chains. Chain 3 was analyzed to have the greater potential to become a strong value chain for it only needs further improvement. Chains 2 and 4 were assessed to be quite weak because of the exclusion of the roles of traders and wholesaler/retailers. Lastly, chain 1 was assessed a weak chain due to the missing roles of traders and wholesaler-retailer and retailers.
The net income of each key player per chain was also obtained in the study. Generally, the traders consistently received the highest share of net income from chains 2, 3 and 5. Primarily, the traders incurred the highest transportation cost which in turn increased their selling price of the product. On the other hand, the wholesaler-retailers also incurred minimal transportation costs since they distribute their products in nearby areas only.
The overall distribution and transportation system was evaluated based on the volume of spoilage, the travelling time and the transportation cost incurred. The spoilage rate was relatively high losing a total of 40 million pesos per year. On the other hand, the travelling hours with unpaved road was longer compared to the paved roads. Lastly, the transportation cost incurred by the key player ranges 4-6.3% relative to its selling price which is quite efficient. However, if the transportation system is more efficient it could still reduce the selling since a decrease in the transportation cost leads to lower selling price. Therefore, the transportation and distribution system of the aquaculture products in Lanao del Norte was inefficient because of its high transportation cost coupled with huge economic losses yearly.
There were problems encountered by the key players such as the bacteria and viruses existing in the Panguil Bay, increase in precipitation fall, unstable prices, delays in payment, limited and inefficient postharvest facilities and the seasonality of the aquaculture products. Some common problems identified in the distribution system were the following: poor road conditions from source to market, consecutive heavy rains, presence of rebels and police officers who asks some, delay in releasing of permits, and availability of storage facilities.
The recommendations for the key players were technology development, product development and improvement of postharvest facilities. In addition, the potential investment entry points are establishing transport services in the province, establishment of cold chain facilities in strategic locations, provision of professional services stressing the damage of natural phenomena and climate. The possible government interventions were 1) fixing the unpaved road to contribute in the efficiency of the transport services, 2) establishing railway system in Mindanao to have easier movement of products from one place to another, 3) enforcing tighter security due to the presence of rebels in the highways, and lastly, 4) provision of assistance in terms of advanced transportation and storage facilities, timely and accurate market information and implementation regarding the release of permits
Women, take the lead : a case study on women leadership In the community development of Los Baños, Laguna
No full textThis study looked into the leadership ideas, perspectives, and approaches of women leaders in the local government of Los Baños, Laguna. A total of seven (7) key informants from the municipal, barangay, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) level participated. Through the conduct of a semi-structured key informant interview and thematic analysis, findings showed that the women leaders manifested connective leadership, leading change through dialogue, and collective empowerment based on the Community Leadership Development Framework by Kirk and Shutte (2004). Connective leadership emerged as their strongest point manifested through the personal touch and human relatability in their leadership approach with emphasis on leadership attributes involving ‘heart and love’ and calm assertiveness. They also identified the strong urge to contribute to change, the unity among women leaders, and the trust from their family, friends, and peers as facilitating factors that allowed them to thrive in their leadership roles. Sectoral focuses on health and nutrition, women empowerment, youth empowerment, and the attention to seniors, PWDs, and solo parents affirmed their commitment to public service. Overall, findings showed that the women leaders in Los Baños were not just able to challenge gender stereotypes but reclaimed their role in complementing community development pursuit