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Interplay of social and cultural factors on the formation of attitudes towards LGBTQ of new freshmen college students in Altavas College, Altavas, Aklan
No full textThis research paper explores the interplay of social and cultural factors on the formation of attitudes towards the LGBTQ. The main objectives of the study were to describe prevalent attitudes towards LGBTQ held by the respondents, identify the association between social and cultural factors and attitudes towards LGBTQ, and determine significant social and cultural predictors for attitudes towards LGBTQ. The study was conducted among new freshmen college students in Altavas College, and the findings revealed that the prevalent attitudes towards LGBTQ were predominantly positive, with 72% of the respondents holding positive attitudes. The study also found significant associations between various social and cultural factors and attitudes towards LGBTQ. Specifically, perceived parental acceptance of LGBTQ, school environment gender inclusivity and equality, exposure to LGBTQ media, and LGBTQ social contact were positively associated with attitudes towards LGBTQ. On the other hand, the centrality of religiosity was found to have a significant negative association with attitudes towards LGBTQ. Furthermore, a binomial logistic regression model identified school environment gender inclusivity and equality, as well as centrality of religiosity, as key predictors of attitudes towards LGBTQ. The model revealed that as school environment gender inclusivity and equality increased, the odds of having positive attitudes towards LGBTQ increased by 2.253 times. Conversely, as the centrality of religiosity increased, the odds of having positive attitudes towards LGBTQ decreased by 39.7%. These findings highlight the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping attitudes towards the LGBTQ. The study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and society in promoting inclusivity and equality in educational institutions and beyond
High School kilig to kasalan : an exploratory study of the communication styles of marries High School sweethearts
No full textThis study investigates how being high school sweethearts influences conflict resolution styles and communication patterns in marriage. While existing research explores conflict and communication in relationships, little attention has been given to couples whose relationships began in adolescence. The objective of this research was to examine how early romantic experiences shape conflict management and communication in long-term marriages. A mixed-methods design was used, with a quantitative phase employing the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) to assess conflict resolution styles and a qualitative phase involving semi-structured online interviews to explore communication dynamics. Results showed that wives predominantly favored compromise, while husbands exhibited varied styles such as competition, compromise, and collaboration. Couples’ communication patterns revealed themes of emotional maturity, adaptability, and mutual respect, with an emphasis on listening and understanding each other. Couples who had a deeper emotional connection during high school displayed greater stability and effective conflict management. This study highlights the impact of adolescent relationships on marital communication and conflict resolution, suggesting that emotional maturity and a strong early connection are key for long-term relationship success. These findings contribute to understanding the role of early relationships in shaping adult marital dynamics and offer practical insights for relationship counseling
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies of the Selected Duck Farms Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Victoria, Laguna
No full textDuck industry is considered the Philippines\u27 second largest poultry industry next to chicken, with a production of 6.29 thousand metric tons, liveweight recorded from April to June 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. the level of production in the previous year was at 6.81 thousand metric tons, liveweight, suggesting that there has been an annual reduction of 7.5 percent this year. Central Luzon is the biggest producer of duck in the Philippines from April to June 2022. (Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of the Philippines, n.d.)
The objective of the study is to determine the current status and the coping strategies implemented by the duck farmers/ owners/ caretakers of the selected farms in Victoria, Laguna which hailed as the Duck Raising Capital of the Philippines . The research was able to determine the following objectives: (1) present the current socio-demographic profiles of the duck farmers/ owners of the selected farms in Victoria, Laguna (2) determine the situation before and during the pandemic and compare the current situation of the selected duck farms in Victoria, Laguna; (3) identify the problems and challenges faced by the duck farmers/ owners/ caretakers of the selected farms; (4) identify and assess the coping mechanisms by the selected farms in Victoria, Laguna; (5) formulate recommendations related to the findings of the study.
The objectives of the study was achieved through a mixed method research design through the usage of both qualitative and quantitative data. The data gathering was conducted in 4 barangays: Brgy. San Roque, Brgy. Nanhaya, Brgy. Pagalangan, and Brgy. San Benito. The respondents were identified through the following criteria: (1) has been operating for not less than 5 years; (2) farm did not close during the pandemic; (3) Has continued its operations during and after the pandemic. A total of 20 respondents were interviewed and identified through purposive sampling and snowball and the utilization of questionnaires and interviews with each of the respondents in order to determine the state of their duck farms, the problems that they have encountered before, during and after the pandemic, and the coping mechanism/strategies implemented in order for them to stay afloat and thrive all these years.
The data was collected and analyzed through the usage of descriptive statistics for the socio-demographic variables, SWOT analysis of each of the farms along with the comparison from the past studies, Competitive Analysis through Porter\u27s Five Forces, and the Coping Mechanism/Strategies implemented with Thematic Analysis.
When it comes to the current state of the selected duck farms in Victoria, Laguna. Most of the respondents farms were small scale (5 hectares or less). In terms of the current status of the selected duck farms, most of the farmers/ owners are middle aged - older married couples who have been duck farming for more than 10 years. Some of the respondents have had their lands passed down along with experiences and learning from one generation to another. Some of the farmers are from different provinces or municipalities but have made a home in Victoria for more than 20 years. Majority of the selected respondents hire caretakers for their farms because their farms are located far from their residence or in another barangay. Some of the respondents have customers in and outside of Victoria and some of them just sell their products in Victoria.
The observed strengths of the selected duck farms in Victoria are: (1) Duck Raising Capital of the Philippines; (2) Ideal for Duck Farming; (3) Suki Relationship; (4) Owner/Caretaker with extensive; (5) Ducks lay more regularly. The weaknesses of the selected farms are: (1) Lack of awareness on modern technology and vitamins; (2) Weak competitive edge; (3) Decreasing number of farms in Victoria; (4) Lack of support and the price of Infrastructure. The most common issue faced by the farmers were the high prices of input and the competition with the other provinces which offered a cheaper prices of input and the competition with the other provinces which offered a cheaper price for the eggs resulting in a loss of customers for the farmers in Victoria. Another important problem faced by the farmers is lack of support by the government, interest of the youth towards duck farming, and the decreasing number of duck farms in a place where it was once the haven for duck farming, and the decreasing number of duck farms in a place where it was once the haven for duck farming. The most common coping mechanism employed by the farmers was to purchase a more affordable brand of commercially available feed and make use of molasses or pulot as their vitamins because it has been used for many years now. The respondents give importance to the ways of duck farming before because they have observed the changes in the duck overtime and have made a comparison from how it used to be to how it currently is.
The duck farmers/ owners of the selected duck farms are recommended to make use of more natural feeds accompanied by feeds to ensure that the level of performance is not compromised. They could practice forward integration to gain more competitive advantage. Establishing product standards through frequent monitoring of their farms and ensuring that they keep record of the important information regarding the ducks\u27 health and performance. The government with supporting agencies could establish and conduct training for the farmers to learn more about the advancements and proper practices in detecting diseases. It is also recommended to impose stricter regulations for the eggs coming from different provinces. They could also offer and provide financial support with effective loan repayment strategies that work
Techno-economic feasibility of polyhydroxybutyrate (phb) production from corn stover
No full textThis research evaluated the techno-economic feasibility of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production using corn stover as a substrate for the fermentation process. The target PHB plant production was set at 1000 t PHB per yr, with a daily production of about 3 t PHB. The required corn stover biomass was around 12 000 t per yr. The economic analysis of this study suggested that 91.13 M US per yr. Fixing the return of investment (ROI) at 7%, the base selling price of PHB was computed at 11.80 US kg-1, which is comparable to the literature. The average cost of PHB was 7.50 US$ kg-1. To further lower the PHB price, higher sugar yield and productivity, lower enzyme cost, lower pretreatment energy cost, and higher PHB productivity must be established. Furthermore, low-cost sugar or carbon-rich substrate without the need for rigorous upstream processing may also be identified and investigated to produce PHB. Overall, PHB production using agricultural substrates such as corn stover is competitive and feasible
Production Objectives and Trait Preferences of Smallholder Farmers in the Philippines: Implications for Designing Breeding Schemes Utilizing Indigenous Swine Genetics
Get PDFProfit maximization is not the only production objective in farming. For smallholder farms worldwide, family sustenance often takes priority, with production being viewed more as savings-oriented than market-oriented. Furthermore, market pressures can lead to the mismanagement of indigenous livestock resources, increasing their risk of genetic erosion. To ensure the long-term conservation of the Philippine native pig, this study aimed to determine the various types of native pig farmers and define the intervention strategies for each type. A total of 432 native pig farmers representing seven provinces in the Philippines (Benguet, Kalinga, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Marinduque, and Eastern Samar; n = 52 – 76) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that covered sociodemographic information, production objectives, herd-level data, breed choice and trait preferences, market preferences for specific traits, breeding and selection practices, production and management practices, and challenges encountered. The data obtained was then used to make specific recommendations for each type of farmer to meet their production objective and ensure the long-term genetic conservation of the native pig. Three farmer types were identified, each requiring unique interventions to increase farm productivity. These were: (i) the ‘income-driven’ farmer (Type 3) (n = 58), (ii) the farmer in a ‘classic mixed farm’ who raises native pigs for supplemental income (Type 2) (n = 217), and (iii) the ‘productoriented’ farmer (Type 1) who traditionally produces niche products as part of their regular diet (n = 119). Based on farmer trait preference, it is therefore recommended to increase the growth and reproduction traits of the native pig to maintain its relevance to smallholder livestock farmers and ensure its long-term genetic conservation. Breed development strategies may include crossbreeding or participatory breeding approach, depending on the farmer type
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Energy Trilemma Pillars and Economic Growth in ASEAN Countries
No full textThis study investigated the effects of the three pillars of the energy trilemma on economic growth across ASEAN countries during the period spanning 2000-2022. To identify the relationship between the pillars of energy trilemma and economic growth, the study presented an extended Cobb-Douglas production function, including the three pillars of pillars of the energy trilemma, and also presented panel data regression results.
The main finding of the study is that, in ASEAN countries for the period 2010-2022, labor force, electric power consumption, and energy equity index have significant and positive relationship with economic growth. The significant and positive relationship between energy equity index and economic growth implies that to improve economic growth performance, ASEAN countries should not neglect energy equity or the ability to produce affordable, reliable, accessible energy.
The limitation of the study lies partly on the quality of the data used to measure energy trilemma pillars and omission of theoretically relevant variables. Areas for future research will involve use of more advanced regression analysis that can provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between energy trilemma pillars and economic growth
Molecular detection and sequence analysis of chicken infectious anemia virus from commercial chicken flocks in select regions of the Philippines
No full textBackground: Chicken infectious anemia virus (CAV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that usually affects young chickens. Clinical infection leads to anemia, lethargy, immunosuppression, and increased mortality. Methods: In this study, 12 Philippine provinces from 5 regions were selected for sampling and testing against CAV using PCR assay. Oropharyngeal-cloacal swabs (OPCs), combined OPCs with tissues, and tissue samples were taken from cooperating breeder, broiler breeder, and layer farms. Results: The overall CAV positivity rate of the collected samples from commercial chicken flocks is 7.26% (34/468). Based on the flock type, a positivity rate of 29.79% (14/47), 11.19% (15/134), and 1.77% (5/282) were detected in layer, breeder, and broiler flocks, respectively. Based on the region, a positivity rate of 1.31% (4/305) and 21.74% (30/138) were detected from Regions III and IVA, respectively. Nucleic acid sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of selected samples showed clustering under genotype D1. Conclusions: The results describe the current CAV situation in commercial chicken flocks from different provinces and their relationship with other strains. Apparently, CAV detection was moderately associated with flock type and region; and weakly associated with flock age and sample type. The local CAV strains from this study were closely related (98.26-99.62%) to Chinese and Taiwanese strains
Modeling the influence of character customization with cosmetic microtransaction on purchasing intention in mobile massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGS)
Get PDFIn the evolving landscape of online gaming in the Philippines, the “freemium” business model has gained dominance, particularly in free-to-play games. Despite its prevalence, only a few cases demonstrated significant improvement in converting players to paying customers. This underscores the need for game developers to understand user purchasing intentions, in the online gaming scene. MMORPGs, a widely favored genre in Philippine gaming communities, often feature virtual in-game characters. Recognizing this, this study delves into the complexities of character customization in mobile MMORPGs and its impact on the purchasing intentions of Filipino players. Using an explanatory-sequential research design, the study collected and analyzed 121 survey respondents using PLS-SEM and 4 online interviews using content analysis. Results showed that while the direct influence of character customization on purchasing intentions may seem minimal, a deeper analysis uncovers the crucial mediating role of effort expectancy which is the study’s significant contribution to knowledge. The study highlights that the ease and accessibility of customization significantly influence players\u27 purchasing intentions, in line with broader consumer behavior trends emphasizing usability and convenience. Although conclusive evidence of the mediating roles of performance expectancy and social influence remains elusive, their impact on character customization suggests a nuanced interplay of factors. Players perceive character customization not just as a transactional feature but as a vital aspect influencing engagement and satisfaction
A Matter of Faith: The Effect of Church Attendance to Religious Donation and Examining Key Predictors of Church Attendance
No full textThis paper investigates the effect of church attendance on religious donation and examines key predictors of church attendance. Drawing from the Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis, the coefficient for Church Attendance suggests a potential practical effect where regular church attendance might lead to higher religious donations, although the relationship is not statistically significant at the conventional levels. Despite this, the results revel a complex relationship between church attendance and religious donations, indicating that attendance frequency alone does not guarantee higher contributions.
The analysis also explores the relationship between church attendance and income levels, revealing a nuanced dynamic where regular attendees are not necessarily associated with higher incomes. These findings contradict existing literature such as Larsen (2011), and Silveus (2017) that increased involvement in income-generating activities driven by religious faith potentially leads to higher income levels among regular churchgoers.
Additionally, the study investigates key predictors of church attendance, finding that factors such as gender, age, and church encouragement for giving significantly influence attendance patterns. These non-economic variables play a more substantial role in predicting regular church attendance compared to income-related factors
Exploratory Case Study on Employee Retention in the Agritourism Industry: The Case Study of GRACO Farm and Leisure Inc. and Daang Hari Campgrounds Agritourism Park (Esmeris Farm)
No full textAgritourism has been present in the Philippines for decades but has gained significant attention and momentum only in recent years. The country, known for its rich natural resources, biodiversity, and farming heritage, is an ideal location for agritourism to flourish. With its diverse agricultural landscape, agritourism offers a fresh way to draw in tourists. The natural hospitality and widespread English-speaking population of the Philippines further boost this growing industry, benefiting both agriculture and tourism. The maintenance of these agritourism farms, crucial for their success, is primarily carried out by the employees, who are the backbone of the operation. Their efforts ensure that the farms are well-maintained and ready to offer various recreational activities and unique experiences to visitors. Thus, having satisfied and motivated employees is essential for the long-term success of agritourism farms. Consequently, employee retention is a critical aspect of managing these farms effectively.
The study\u27s objectives are to: (1) discuss the business profile of the selected agritourism farms in Laguna—GRACO Farms and Leisure Inc. in Pila, and Daang Hari Campgrounds and Agritourism Park (Esmeris Farm) in Liliw; (2) identify the socio-demographics of the employees within these selected agritourism farms; (3) Identify the job descriptions, rewards & compensation, and training within the selected agritourism farms; (4) explore the factors that influence agritourism employees to stay in their jobs; and (5) provide insights and recommendations to the agritourism farms on how to effectively retain employees based on the collected data. This is significant as the agritourism industry is currently one of the rising industries in the Philippines, attracting not only local but also international tourists.
This study utilized a qualitative, exploratory case study approach to discuss, interpret, and analyze the data collected regarding the reasons for employee retention at two selected agritourism farms in Laguna. The respondents were 14 employees from these two agritourism farms namely, GRACO Farms and Leisure Inc., and Daang Hari Campgrounds and Agritourism Park (Esmeris Farm). The study includes identifying the socio-demographics of the employees and the reasons for their retention within their workplace. With this research design, the researcher was able to establish an in-depth discussion exploring how job satisfaction, work environment, training and development, rewards and compensation, and supervisor support affect the employees\u27 decisions to stay in their jobs. Moreover, a questionnaire adapted from previous studies focusing on factors affecting employee retention was used to gather the data needed to achieve the study\u27s objectives. The questionnaire, originally in English, was translated into Filipino. Additionally, follow-up interviews were conducted to supplement the survey questionnaire results.
The business profiles of the selected agritourism farms that participated in the study are as follows: GRACO Farm and Leisure Inc. in Pila, Laguna, is a livestock farm with 5 hectares of land utilized as the farming area and pasture area. Established in November 2009, GRACO Farm is in its 14th year of operation. GRACO was founded by 5 business owners, making the farm a corporation; yet, it is considered a micro-enterprise based on the number of its employees. The farm also offers different activities ranging from expository tours, training and seminars to bed and breakfast and overnight camping. Through word of mouth and social media presence, GRACO Farm gained attention from the public and established itself as a trustworthy place to enjoy agritourism. Meanwhile, Daang Hari Campgrounds Agritourism Farm (Esmeris Farm) in Liliw, Laguna, occupies 1 1⁄2 hectares of land from the 30-hectare land owned by the Esmeris family. Settled at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, the ambiance and atmosphere of the farm are easily favorites among customers. The farm offers a variety of activities such as camping and glamping, horseback riding, trekking, pick-and-pay, and many more exciting activities. Esmeris Farm also gained fame and recognition through social media and recommendations from local government units (LGUs).
The results also show that the age classification of the employees working in agritourism farms is 43 years old and above, indicating they belong to Generation X and Baby Boomers. Consequently, given that the majority of the age group is above 43 years old, most respondents are also married. The gender of the employees varied, with half of the respondents being male and the other half female, while one respondent identified as transgender. The highest educational attainment of these employees also varied; some employees finished elementary, junior high school, senior high school, and college. However, some respondents chose not to disclose their educational attainment. Additionally, the majority of the respondents have been in their current workplace for 2 to 5 years. Furthermore, some of the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents show implications that affect employee retention. The monthly income level of the employees in both farms are all below 10,000.
GRACO Farm and Esmeris Farm have employees for specific jobs around the farm. There are employees who are assigned to do the admin work, and farm maintenance. The administrative staff of Esmeris Farm handle attendance, entrance/reception duties, record keeping, booking arrangements, and payroll management. They also oversee farm operations, supervise staff, manage the farm, conduct employee training, and handle government document filing. In contrast, the field staff are involved in sap gathering, carpentry, general maintenance, vegetable cultivation, and field clearing. They also assist with farm maintenance, livestock care (primarily goats and chickens), and various repair and construction tasks on the farm. The administrative staff are responsible for managing attendance, payroll, supervision, overseeing the entire farm operation, farm management, employee training, and filing government documents. The farm staff handle farm maintenance, livestock care (mainly goats and chickens), repairs, and various construction tasks around the farm.
Training and development are important aspects of ensuring that employees grow alongside the farm. Both farms offer training for their employees. Esmeris Farm provides in-house training hosted by external resources from LGUs, the Philippine Coconut Association, and Laguna State University, which offers agriculture, tourism, and management training and seminars. Recently, they sent one employee to a perfume- making training for a new product they are now offering. On the other hand, GRACO Farm\u27s basic training includes learning good manners, proper conduct, and being presentable in front of guests. They also conduct in-house training focusing on goats and chickens, along with providing technical support for these animals. External training sessions, frequently led by DA-ATI, are attended by the manager since the employees are directly needed on the farm.
From the survey questionnaire, job satisfaction, work environment, training and development, rewards and compensation, and supervisor support were all influencing factors that affect the employee retention of the employees in the selected agritourism in Laguna. The result from the questionnaire shows that the employees within the agritourism farms strongly agree with rewards and compensation as a factor that affects their retention within their work with 24.5% responses. Training and development followed with 22.25% respondents agreeing with the statements pertaining to training and development. 22.33% agreed with the job satisfaction statements. Furthermore, supervisor support got 22%. Lastly, the work environment got 21%. This shows that the factors presented in the study were all an impactful factor that affects the retention of the employees within the agribusiness sector.
From the collected data, it can be concluded that the survey results, collected from employees, and insights gathered from follow-up interviews with the owner and manager of the two farms, demonstrated consistency. Furthermore, these findings aligned with existing literature on factors influencing employee retention.
From the results from the survey and interview with the owner and manager of the two farms, the researcher recommends that the owners and managers must take the time to understand employee\u27s needs in capacity-building, and consequently, have the capability to fulfill those needs. This entails establishing a systematic rewards and compensation system, relevant training, and development programs, healthy supervisor support, fulfilling job satisfaction, and a conducive work environment. Providing these enhancements within the workplace encourages employees to stay with the farms for an extended period. Therefore, management should prioritize strategic and effective needs assessment to address all employee needs, contributing to long-term success for the farms. For future researchers, it is recommended to focus on different farms in Laguna that were not included in this study. They can also explore agritourism farms that are not accredited by the Department of Tourism. Additionally, it is advisable for future researchers to investigate various factors that may influence employee retention, as there are numerous underlying reasons why employees choose to remain in their positions. Lastly, it is suggested to explore studies on millennial employees of agritourism farms, given that millennials are increasingly dominating the workforce and are more prone to job changes