MSU GenSan Online Journal
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The Effect of Occupational Stress on the Psychological Well-being of Healthcare Workers: Basis for Stress Management
Full text linkStress in the workplace is something that almost every worker experiences. It is not simply the notion of physical labor but also the wear and tear of work on a person's mental health. Long-term and extreme occupational stress can be a severe threat to the psychological well-being of an employee. This research aimed to investigate the effect of occupational stress on the psychological well-being of healthcare workers in General Santos City, Philippines. A simple random sampling method was applied to select respondents from the city's Tertiary Hospitals, and data were gathered using a survey questionnaire. The results revealed that healthcare workers experienced average levels of occupational stress and moderate levels of psychological well-being. Occupational stress significantly influenced psychological well-being, with a moderate positive correlation of 35.8%. This correlation suggests that as occupational stress increases, psychological well-being also tends to increase. However, additional factors contribute to psychological well-being, accounting for 64.2% of the variance. In light of the findings, a "primary-and-secondary-organizational" level of stress management intervention has been developed for the General Santos City, Philippines healthcare staff.
 
The Santo Niño de Bula Fiesta of General Santos City, Philippines in 2023: A Sociological Perspective
Full text linkThe Santo Niño de Bula Fiesta has been celebrated annually for 43 years in Barangay Bula, General Santos City, Philippines, attended by both local and non-resident devotees. Despite its significance, there is limited understanding of the experiences and perspectives of the devotees. This study aims to describe how people participate in the various Santo Nino de Bula Fiesta activities, and what meanings do they attached to it. Ninety-two (92) interviews and observations of Santo Niño devotees were conducted, involving locals and visitors. A Key Informant Interview (KII) guide and ethnomethodology were used to gather information about the meanings attached to their devotions and their lived experiences. The data were qualitatively analyzed to understand the meaning of people's experiences. Findings revealed that the fiesta served as a vital religious event for fisherfolks, reinforcing Filipino cultural values. Activities during the fiesta, including a procession, holy masses, a fluvial parade, and Sinulog, showed the participants' devotion. The prevalent themes include tradition, thanksgiving, miracle narratives, gathering, and faith. Researchers recommend further research on people's agency in their participation, the application and integration of more data collection tools, and the assertion of the relevance of Santo Niño in the lives of people in Barangay Bula
Causes and Correlates of Mortality and Morbidity Among Local Residents in Selected Barangays in Alabel, Sarangani Province, Philippines
Full text linkThis study investigated causes and correlates of mortality and morbidity as well as patterns of disease dispersal in barangay Poblacion and Spring, Alabel, Sarangani Province, Philippines. Using mixed methods approach, the study was able to identify a wide array of disease and non-disease causes of mortality/morbidity in the two sites with respiratory infections, cardiovascular (CV) disorders, and cancer as prevalent causes for the former. Key qualitative findings were the following: over a third of the respondents lived close to dumpsites, raised livestock at home, and had very little formal education especially in Spring. Simple regression underscored associations between age, BMI, and years in school with disease incidence (DI) in both sites. Moreover, this study highlighted the importance of education in addressing health-related issues at the community level. Elevated BMI levels, on the other hand, can be ascribed to carbohydrate-rich, but protein-deficient diets of Sarangani households, while wide-scale glyphosate (herbicide) use in the farms was identified as a possible cause of cancers and respiratory disorders in Spring. In addition, higher numbers of CV cases in Poblacion are possibly due to lifestyle changes in this latter community as a consequence of urbanization. Finally, while this study was able to document diseases prevalent in these communities, their actual causation is difficult to establish owing to the fragmentary nature of the data and the small sample sizes used in the study. A larger study encompassing more barangays, a bigger number of respondents and using more predictors is thus warranted
Production and Evaluation of Flour from Whole Fruit and Pulp of Green Saba (Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana) Banana Pretreated with Organic Acids
Full text linkBanana is a widely cultivated and consumed fruit in the Philippines. Because it is climacteric and highly perishable, there is a need to process it into a commodity with an extended shelf life, to add value, reduce fruit waste, and minimize crop losses. This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological properties of green banana flour (GBF) from ‘Saba’ (Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana) cultivar, using the whole fruit (pulp + peel) and pulp-only, pre-treated with kalamansi juice and citric acid (CA). Pulp-only flours (PF) yielded more flour than the whole fruit flours (WF), suggesting that the moisture-rich peel may not convert efficiently to flour. The pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) of CA-pretreated and untreated flours showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), indicating the low CA concentration was insufficient to alter acidity. In contrast, kalamansi-pretreated flours were highly acidic due to the high concentration of organic acids in the juice. Color measurements indicated light-colored flours, with neutral red-green tonality, and more yellow hue than blue. Proximate analysis for the CA-pretreated groups showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) %moisture and %ash in WF compared to the PF due to the peel. All microbial counts were within acceptable limits, confirming microbiological stability. Acid pretreatment minimized enzymatic browning, and inclusion of banana peel improved the nutritional profile of GBF. These findings demonstrate the potential of GBF as a functional, shelf-stable ingredient for food applications
University-based Systematic Review of Prevailing Trends and Information Gaps in Sarangani Research Using PRISMA: Pilot Testing for Feasibility
Full text linkThis paper discusses results of a pilot test applying PRISMA 2020 methodologies on research (inclusive years 1995- 2023) carried out by the Science Department of the Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU – GenSan) to identify information gaps and research needs of Sarangani Province in Southern Philippines. Included in this study were undergraduate theses, peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, and terminal reports, and retrieved 153 studies on various topics surrounding Sarangani Province. Among these, biodiversity assessment and natural and agroecosystem studies predominated in undergraduate theses and published articles, respectively. Study representation across municipalities in the province was fairly adequate, except for Malungon which had notably fewer studies. Unfortunately, a good number of undergraduate theses had been irretrievably lost (years 1997, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2020, and 2021), along with the valuable information that they contained, resulting in significant data gaps. Spatio-temporal analyses of conducted studies were done to determine trends and gaps for the crafting of evidence-based policy and interventions as well as for future research directions. On the part of the Science Department of MSU – GenSan, this study recommends improved safekeeping and archival systems for undergraduate theses at the Science Department. Furthermore, it is envisaged that this pilot study will galvanize other researchers to carry out work along this line. This way, conducted studies that otherwise languish in neglect in academia will be used as bases for evidence-based planning and programming by local government units, thereby highlighting the important role of academic research in Southern Philippines
Compliance Assessment of Republic Act 6969 in Air Navigation Service XI: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Method Analysis of E-Waste Management Practices in Key Airports of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
Full text linkE-waste is a significant hazardous waste stream that poses environmental and health risks, prompting countries worldwide to implement legislation for its proper management. In the Philippines, Republic Act 6969 serves as the primary regulatory framework for handling toxic substances, hazardous waste, and nuclear waste. To assess if RA 6969 effectively addresses e-waste management, given its hazardous components, a pilot study was carried out in three airports in Southern Mindanao (i.e. Davao City International Airport, Cotabato City Airport, and General Santos City International Airport). Specifically, this study evaluated the compliance of Air Navigation Service Area XI with the requirements for waste generators and proper waste management as stipulated in Philippine laws. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-method approach and jointly utilizing qualitative and quantitative data collection protocols, this study assessed levels of compliance with RA 6969, triangulated survey findings, explored compliance challenges, and gathered recommendations for improving e-waste management. Findings revealed that ANS XI demonstrated moderate compliance with RA 6969, particularly its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) under DAO 2013-22. Key challenges included lack of e-waste laws, weak enforcement, insufficient training and lack public of awareness. To enhance compliance, the study recommends proper training and stricter enforcement of regulations. Additionally, a dedicated legal framework specifically for e-waste management could further strengthen regulatory measures and improve overall compliance
Mindful Music Instruction as a Strategy for Music Listening
Full text linkThe purpose of the study was to describe how mindful music instruction strategy helps in the assessment of music listening skills and how it makes the students understand and appreciate western classical music. Mindful music instruction is a concept as described by Anderson (2016) and Langer (2016) where constructs of mindfulness can be done thru direct instruction to the listener. Creative Music Listening Response by Kratus (2017) was used to describe successful music responses. Quantitative and qualitative descriptive research methods were used. The study was implemented to nineteen (n=19) all girls’ school in the Philippine capital. Mindful music instruction was given before listening to music selections which range from classical to romantic styles. Findings show that the students described a clearer image/emotion/story of the music with thorough explanations from beginning to end. These images/emotions/stories were well supported with descriptions of musical elements although accuracy and consistency of the terms needs to be given attention. The summary of scores of each student showed that seven had proficient level of music listening response while twelve have advanced level. Results of student self-assessment checklist, self-reflection and interview validated the facts of the findings as students show more appreciation and understanding of western classical music and become more aware and attentive to the music they listen to. Results of students’ checklist seem to agree on the inaccuracy of using musical elements. Recommendations were given in the further use of mindful music instruction in music education in different settings, across different levels
DELINEATING DODONG AND INDAY: A Baseline Study on the Informal Youth Employment in General Santos City
Full text linkWith the seeming presence of the working youth in the Philippines, the need to revisit and check the status of youth employment is viable. In the context of the growing city of General Santos, the study determined the situation of the informal youth employment as well as their socio-demographic profile, employment profile, reasons for working, and their concerns and needs. The study is a qualitative research and utilized descriptive method to meet the desired outcome. The youth considered in the study are aged 15-24 and residents of any of the Top 6 most populous barangays. The sectors included eateries/food services, fishing, agrivet supplies, educational services, construction work, transportation, domestic help, public market/retail stores, IT services, and offices. In terms of socio-demographic profile, the participants are at the average age of 18, mostly Cebuanos and schooling. Most sectors are low-paying so some participants are into short periods of service. Their working conditions are described as flexible, risky and dangerous, humid and dirty, near distant, and the jobs are often recommended by a family/friend. Their reasons for working are to support the family's needs, to provide for their personal needs and additional allowance, and to gain skills and experiences. The concerns and needs revealed that there were issues with compensation, social services benefits, incentives, facilities, and equipment, secured workplace, workload, overtime, employer’s treatment, health/sanitation, job tenure and salary deduction. The severity of the phenomenon must be revisited and reviewed by the authorities since any one of the variables may affect the status and the future of these young employees
Exploring the Nexus between the Blue Economy and Information Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review of Information Systems in Pacific Fisheries and Aquaculture
Full text linkThe blue economy has garnered significant importance over the years as a major driver for sustainable economic growth in the Pacific region through the efficient utilization of marine resources. While a thorough examination of the whole gamut of information about information and communication technologies (ICT) gains momentum, establishing a cohesive perspective on pivotal findings within blue economy research, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture, becomes essential for maximizing the potential of this interdisciplinary field. Consequently, Information Systems (IS) researchers, through a comprehensive review of pertinent literature, can contribute significantly to this emerging body of knowledge. Our review, which encompasses 32 papers published from 2012 to 2022, focuses on the application of information technologies to Pacific fisheries and aquaculture. The prevailing literature enhances our understanding of the adoption and utilization of ICTs (i.e. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and satellite imaging, database management systems and other emerging technologies) within the blue economy. In this paper, we provide discussions on recent technological advancements and future research directions to encourage IS researchers to develop an effective cumulative tradition of research
Comparing Indigenous Soil Quality Knowledge Systems and Scientific Soil Assessment in a Traditional Upland Rice-based Agroecosystem in Southern Philippines
Full text linkLike traditional agroecosystems worldwide, the Sarangani upland agroecosystem in Southern Philippines is presently under threat from myriad pressures such as environmental destruction, bio-cultural erosion, and agricultural modernization. In these marginal areas, farmland degradation is particularly devastating because of its implications for food security and the long-term survival of ethnic communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study revealed a significant linkage between farmers’ soil quality knowledge systems (SQKS) and scientific soil fertility assessments despite their holistic and reductionist natures, respectively. Furthermore, both SQKS and scientific soil knowledge ascribed diminishing soil quality in the Sarangani uplands to unregulated resource extraction, natural calamities, hillside cultivation without soil conservation measures and the inherent vulnerabilities of the upland landscape. These results warrant a closer examination of SQKS and their utilization along with technical soil knowledge systems to craft a comprehensive soil management strategy specifically tailored to the conditions in the Sarangani uplands. Finally, while the study underscored close relationships between local soil assessment and scientific assessment paradigms, more comprehensive studies need to be undertaken before their integration into diverse and complex farming systems such as the Sarangani uplands