University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
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Capstone internship program at the agribiosystems machinery and prototyping of temperature-controlled food incubator
No full textFood technology advancements throughout the years have sought to increase the nutritional value and shelf life of food through optimizing conditions for thermal processing methods by utilizing precise temperature control in incubators. However, these innovations remain largely inaccessible to small-scale food producers due to high costs and limited availability. Addressing the need for accessible and affordable temperature control systems aids in reducing disparities in agricultural and processing capacities, eventually promoting inclusive growth in the food industry. An internship was conducted at the Agribiosystems Machinery and Power Engineering Division (AMPED) which aims to enhance knowledge and skills in computer programming by prototyping a low-cost, Arduino-based temperature-controlled, small-scale food incubator. Cost-efficient innovations like this supports the Philippines’ karinderya culture that plays a vital role in local food economies offering affordable tools for safe, small-batch food preparation and preservation. AMPED provided resources and guidance to enhance researchers’ proficiency in coding, 3D printing and statistical analysis. The prototype performance was statistically assessed by running paired t-test, error and standard deviation calculations, and One-Way Analysis of Variance test with independent groups for 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C temperature setpoints. The paired t-test showed significant difference between real surface temperature and sensor readings, which was accounted for in the system\u27s program. Analysis also showed that the prototype only had an output error of 1.15°C to 1.96°C. The prototype’s functionality was also tested by incubating rice and Aspergillus oryzae for 6 hours at 60°C. Upon functionality testing, the expected flavor profile was achieved. Costs of production and operation expenses of the prototype lay in the more affordable range when compared to commercial devices available in the market. These results validate the prototype’s effectiveness and demonstrate the feasibility of producing a cost-efficient alternative to commercial incubators, making temperature-controlled food processing more accessible to small-scale users
The Effects of Individual Households\u27 Perceived Risk on Behavior and Preparedness for Flood Events: A Study in Lakeshore Communities of Pila, Laguna Philippines
No full textFloods caused by natural calamities pose risks to vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Existing studies emphasize the influence of socio-demographic factors, past disaster experiences, and risk perception on household preparedness for flood events. However, there are still gaps in understanding the direct relationship between perceived risk and adaptation behaviors. This study examines the relationship between risk perception and household adaptation strategies. Through a structured questionnaire, the socio-demographic characteristics, proximity to the coastline, previous flood experiences of selected households, and influence on the implementation of structural, avoidance, emergency preparedness, and insurance measures were also investigated. Results reveal that prior flood experiences, age, and proximity to the coastline are statistically significant factors. However, risk perception was not found to be statistically significant. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring flood adaptation strategies to community-specific needs, addressing economic barriers, and enhancing awareness to improve flood preparedness
Marketing Efficiency of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Produced in Laguna, Philippines, 2024
No full textThis study examines the marketing efficiency of virgin coconut oil (VCO) produced in Laguna, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to (1) describe the processes in producing virgin coconut oil (VCO) in Laguna, (2) identify the marketing channels of VCO production in Laguna, (3) determine the profitability and marketing margin of VCO stakeholders in Laguna, and (4) recommend policy interventions to improve marketing efficiency of VCO production in Laguna.
Both primary and secondary data were utilized. The primary data was gathered through interviews with VCO processors, assembler-wholesalers, and retailers to analyze their processing activities, costs, and pricing among different marketing channels. On the other hand, the secondary data included collecting a list of registered VCO processors from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and analysing previous related VCO studies. Moreover, processor respondents were purposively selected based on their availability and willingness. From the processors, forward tracing was employed to gather data from VCO assembler-wholesaler, retailers, and consumers. Moreover, the analytical tools utilized were marketing margin and profitability analysis to assess price differences, marketing costs, net returns, and profit margins.
Findings showed that there were four main VCO processes that are utilized by Laguna VCO processors; that is, cold-pressed A-no-heat, wet-cold, fresh-wet centrifuge, and traditional heating. Three marketing channels were identified; specifically, processor-consumer, processor-retailer-consumer, and processor-wholesaler-retailer-consumer. Moreover, marketing margin analysis revealed that the processor-consumer channel was the most efficient, mainly due to its minimal marketing cost and higher net returns. Conversely, the processor-retailer-consumer channel incurred the highest marketing costs relative to net returns, making it the channel with the lowest efficiency. Profitability analysis, on the other hand, showed that large-scale processors and wholesalers achieved higher returns due to economies of scale, export market penetration, while small-scale processors and retailers had thinner margins.
Laguna’s strategic location and abundant coconut resources make it a prime location for virgin coconut oil (VCO) production, with six registered processors contributing significantly to local and global supply chains. Policymakers can improve Laguna’s VCO industry by providing technical and financial support to small-scale processors to enhance their production capacities, strengthening market linkages for improved price competitiveness, and pursuing premium export certifications. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of channel selection and targeted policy interventions to bolster profitability and long-term sustainability in Laguna’s VCO industry
Mitigating the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Human Development: The Case of Tortugas, Balanga City, Bataan
Get PDFThis study aimed to analyze how Barangay Tortugas implemented its programs and projects to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the three elements of human development (health, education, and access to resources). Data were gathered through key informant interviews using a structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents comprised of eight barangay officials, the school principal, 13 teachers, and 60 beneficiaries of the Barangay Kitchen Station and the vaccination program. Results of the study showed that among the various programs and projects being implemented in the barangay, only three (3) were successful. First, the vaccination program was able to keep the number of COVID-19 cases to a minimum when an incentive in the form of rice distribution was given to the recipients. Second, its education project, the Gulong ng Pag-asa project, which was jointly implemented by the school and barangay officials, prevented children from dropping out of school and ensured their continuous acquisition of knowledge amidst the pandemic. Lastly, the Barangay Kitchen Station, an innovative project that prepared and distributed hot meals, was able to supplement the food or nutritional needs of its constituents during the pandemic.
To ensure continuity and sustainability in future undertakings given a similar situation, the following recommendations are given: (a) give priority to programs and projects that address the three elements of human development; (b) nurture the spirit of cooperation and volunteerism; (c) use a more precise way of describing or measuring the mitigating effects of barangay programs and projects on human development; and (d) adopt a comparative perspective and experience in future research studies
CPAf In Focus Vol. 10 Exemplar Stories of Innovation and Change In Focus
Get PDFThe 10th volume of the In Focus magazine marks a significant milestone since its inception in 2014, celebrating years of development and governance storytelling. Anchored by the theme, EXEMPLAR: Stories of Innovation and Change In Focus, this volume presents nine unique narratives told through diverse forms such as feature articles, infographics, and photo essays—each written and conceptualized by CPAf\u27s faculty members and researchers. At the heart of this celebratory issue is the special cover story, Development and Governance Through the Years: As Reflected in the Stories of the In Focus Magazine, which reflects on the magazine\u27s role in making research results more accessible to the public, capitalizing on storytelling through words and visuals. Complementing this centerpiece are stories ranging from innovations addressing food safety and child malnutrition to the integration of AI in modern education and timely mentoring that empowers farmers. The issue also captures key lessons from international benchmarking activities and honors the successes of CPAf\u27s students, faculty members, and alumni, weaving these narratives into a unified vision of innovation and change.
In this issue:
So... How’s Grad School? Insights from 2024 CPAf Student Excellence Awardee, 3
BAGOong: Integrating Traditional and Food-Safe Innovations of Fermented Fish Paste Processing, 7
NAREA 2023-2028: Towards a Seamless Research and Extension Continuum in the Agrifishery Sector, 9
Smart Teaching, Authentic Learning: The Role of AI in Modern Education, 11
Development and Governance through the Years: As Reflected in the Stories of the In Focus Magazine, 14
Thai Tactics: Key Takeaways from DIP Lab’s Benchmarking Activity in Thailand, 18
Empowering Farmer Organization: Enhancing Business Development Capacities through Timely Coaching and Mentoring, 22
Putting Families at the Center of Nutrition Screening: A Documentation of Community-based Innovations in Addressing Child Malnutrition, 24
CPAf’s Finest, 27https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/in-focus/1009/thumbnail.jp
Tracing the 50-year trend : developments in Philippine Income Tax Progressivity (1972-2022)
No full textIn optimal tax theory, progressive income tax structures are essential for enhancing equity in tax systems. However, the measurement of tax progressivity remains an underexplored area in Philippine tax literature, with limited studies quantifying it across the country’s various tax regimes. This study examines the progressivity of personal income taxes in the Philippines from 1972 to 2022, employing contemporary measures, particularly the Stroup index. To contextualize the progressivity scores, the study includes a case analysis of major tax reforms. The analysis revealed fluctuating progressivity levels, with the highest observed in 1985 under Presidential Decree 135, reflecting a markedly progressive tax system. Progressivity declined from the 1980s to the early 2000s, while recent reforms under the TRAIN law have shown modest improvements. However, these gains are offset by regressive excise taxes, tempering the overall impact. These results suggest that progressivity has been only an incidental priority in the reform of tax laws
A Review on the Cytogenetic Integrity of Micropropagated Plants [REVIEW PAPER]
No full textCytogenetic stability is essential for the survival of micropropagated plants. While micropropagation allows rapid propagation of plants with desirable phenotypes, it may also produce genetic variations that are, at times, cytogenetically observable. Factors affecting these variations are not fully understood, and micropropagation protocols are optimized to produce genetically stable regenerants. The genetic stability of micropropagated plants is traditionally assessed by comparing the phenomorphological traits of the regenerants to the mother plant. However, genetic variation does not often result in obvious morphological changes. Therefore, molecular and cytogenetic markers are typically used to evaluate the genetic variations of regenerants. Moreover, analyzing plant genome assemblies is now considered a valuable tool for assessing the genetic stability of micropropagated plants. This review outlines the genetic outcomes of micropropagated plants developed under various culture methods and regeneration pathways and highlights the important roles of genetic markers and techniques in evaluating the genetic stability of the regenerants
Oviposition-Deterrent and Repellent Effects of Synthetic Plant-Derived Compounds on the Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)
No full textThe pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758), is a major stored pest of pulses (Fabaceae) in India. While effective control of this widespread and destructive insect pest is essential, continuous insecticide use poses environmental concerns, thereby necessitating alternative, eco-friendly control methods. This study evaluated the oviposition-deterrent effects of 7 synthetic compounds (linalool, guaiene, citral, estragole, 4-nonanone, alloaromadendrene, and citronellal) on C. chinensis. Linalool showed the strongest suppression of egg-laying at higher concentrations, with the lowest egg count at 500 ppm compared to the control, followed by citral, citronellal, and guaiene. Linalool was also effective in suppressing egg hatching at 500 ppm, followed by guaiene, citral, and citronellal. For percentage reduction of eggs laid and egg-hatching percentage, estragole was highly effective at all concentrations and maintained a high hatching percentage, followed by citronellal. Alloaromadendrene also showed a significant egg-hatching percentage at 100 ppm. Overall, C. chinensis exhibited significant oviposition deterrence in response to linalool, citral, citronellal, and guaiene, supporting the potential of these compounds in sustainable pulse beetle management
Sustainability Analysis of Olive Production in Hatay Province, Turkey
No full textHatay Province, located in the Southern Mediterranean region of Turkey, contributes approximately 7% of the country’s olive production. This study assessed the sustainability of olive enterprises in the province by interviewing 100 producers across 5 districts. A total of 33 variables (10 economic, 14 social, 9 environmental) were identified and used to evaluate sustainability. Results showed that 76% of the enterprises were considered “fragile”, 14% were considered “good”, and 10% were considered “poor”, with the highest scores obtained for social sustainability (58%), and the lowest obtained for environmental sustainability (7%). Statistically significant relationships were also found between sustainability and the following variables: being a member of a producer organization (χ2 = 5,144; p \u3c 0.05), planning to increase production (χ2 = 10,747; p \u3c 0.05), a willingness for their descendant to become a farmer (χ2 = 6,349; p \u3c 0.05), and a decrease in fertilizer use (χ2 = 4,070; p \u3c 0.05). Moreover, only 63% of producers reported having successors willing to continue agricultural activities, with production costs and product prices identified as key factors in their decision to remain in agricultural production. These findings highlight the need for stronger support for olive enterprises to ensure sustainable production. Given the vulnerability of most enterprises in Hatay Province and future significant challenges that may be encountered, it is critical to enhance the level of effectiveness of cooperative organizations, along with policies aimed at improving economic and environmental conditions in the region
Growth and Survival of Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus [Kner, 1864]) Larvae Fed with Artemia franciscana Enriched with Isolated Endogenous Probiotic Bacteria
No full textThis study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify endogenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the gut of silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) and to evaluate their potential as probiotics by enriching live food organisms, specifically brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana), and feeding them to L. plumbeus larvae. Three unknown bacterial isolates were screened and characterized as catalase-negative, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that showed tolerance to pH and bile, growth at temperatures of 30 and 40 °C, and inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria in vitro. The selected isolate was then confirmed as Lactobacillus sp. through partial sequencing of its 16S ribosomal DNA. Different enrichment times (6, 12, 18, and 24 h) of the isolated LAB on A. franciscana were also evaluated, with the 6-h enrichment time yielding the highest probiotic bacterial ingestion rate of 4.45 × 105 colony-forming unit (CFU) g−1, which was then used for the in vivo experiment. After the 14-d feeding trial, larvae fed with enriched A. franciscana exhibited higher growth and survival rates than the control, although the differences were not significant (p \u3e 0.05). Water quality parameters remained homogeneous between the 2 treatment groups (p \u3e 0.05). The results showed that a LAB concentration of 4.45 × 105 CFU g−1 in A. franciscana was insufficient to significantly improve the growth and survival of L. plumbeus larvae. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates the potential of live food organisms such as A. franciscana to serve as carriers for necessary compounds such as probiotic bacteria