Saving Dupinga Watershed in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija Philippines: Insights from Community Based Forest Management Model

The world is losing its forest. The study described the multi-sectoral initiatives done to protect the Dupinga watershed. By using Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) as theoretical framework and analytic descriptive method of research, issues and concerns related to watershed protection are discussed. The study argued that the multi-sectoral collaboration of the Local Government Unit of Gabaldon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Peoples Organizations, Non Government Organizations (NGO) and Community Organization is a CBFM in progress. Alternative source of income and community tourism may strengthen and sustain the multi-stake-holders collaboration existing in the area while capacity building program for community participation and forest management may provide insights for a sustainable watershed protection and management.

Biodegradability of Formulated Enzymatic Solution: An Alternative Waste Reduction System

Solid waste and air pollution are never ending environmental problems that can be partially solved by turning waste into useful bio-products. In this study, enzymatic solutions were developed by formulating enzymatic solutions from fish intestines and fruit peels. This aimed to help in biodegradation of organic solid wastes. Organic waste samples were treated with formulated enzymatic solutions for 7 days in aerated set-up for aerobic degradation. Biodegradability and odor of the waste samples were compared with commercial enzymatic solution. Determination of evolved carbon dioxide (CO2) using gravimetric analysis (GA) was used to determine the percent biodegradability, Dt, of organic solid waste and odor-ranking method was used to determine the odor intensity of the organic waste samples. The result showed that the weight loss and percentage biodegradability of organic waste sample treated with formulated enzymatic solution is comparable with that of the commercial enzymatic solution. In terms of odor intensity, waste treated with the product, formulated enzymatic solution (FES) is also comparable to the waste treated with commercial enzymatic solution. Thus, implying that the developed FES is as efficient as that of the commercial enzymatic solution. These significant results will be helpful to future researchers in providing ways on improving the degradation of organic solid waste and mitigating the increasing glitches on our environment. Enzyme kinetics, physical and chemical properties studies of the solution were recommended for future researchers to accurately determine the effectiveness of the formulated enzymatic solution in the degradation of organic solid waste.

Vertical Farming Using Hydroponic System: Toward a Sustainable Onion Production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

The development of new technology for food production is essential to sustain man’s needs for survival. The use of farmlands for food production and industrial purposes goes beyond the carrying capacity of the environment. The study determined the applicability of Vertical Farming using Hydroponic Technology to onion production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The country is known as the onion capital of Southeast Asia. The study measured the technology’s sustainability and acceptability to onion farmers. By using experimental method, interview, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD), the study established its viability. Three phases of field experiments were conducted in August 2016, May 2017 and July 2017 using the Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Technology and Single Factor Analysis of Variance. The results showed that there is significant difference in the growth of onion bulb per week and the suitability and comparability of the technology to conventional farming. The study concluded that the VFH technology is acceptable to most onion farmers except the aspect of the cost of initial investment which requires government subsidy for the ordinary onion grower to avail of this new and sustainable technology in onion production.

Economically Challenged Women in Disaster Risk Management: Toward a Resilient Filipino Community

The social and cultural norms shape gender roles which sometimes deprive women of the opportunity to prepare for natural calamities. But the disastrous effect of natural disasters spares no one. It knows no gender. Most of the time, women more than men bear the worse of consequences. The study measures and describes the impact of disaster preparedness sessions on the perception of economically challenged women in Philippines. By using a mixed qualitative and quantitative research method the study found that: 1) the majority of women participants are willing to undergo training in disaster preparedness;2) their awareness in disaster preparedness improved from “basic” to “high” level;3) their level of action in disaster preparedness is still on the “planning stage” and;4) the program effectively changed their attitude towards disaster preparedness and mitigation. The study provided insights on the potential of women in disaster preparedness toward a disaster resilient Filipino community.

Assessment of the Diversity of Macro Aquatic Species in Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet in the Philippines

Little is known about the diversity and status of endemic freshwater fishes which are valuable bio-indicators of ecosystem health and an integral part of a country’s natural heritage. Some of the less studied areas in the Philippines are the river systems in the Cordillera which are equally important as that of the other freshwater systems in the country. Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet is one of the rivers in the said region. Thus assessment study of the diversity of macro aquatic species was conducted to provide a baseline data in the formulation of resource management strategies and polices. By using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study determined and identified the presence of macro species in the study area. It applied the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) procedures in the gathering of samples while identification and determination of fish stocks were done by morphometric analysis of the catch with the help of available references and assistance of experts. This is later verified through submission of samples to the National Fisheries Research Development Institute (NFRDI) as part of the NSAP areas for DNA analysis. The measurement of the impacts of human activities to the river systems was done using the checklist method by Smith and Smith. The study found that there is low biodiversity of macro aquatic species in the area because of the presence of introduced species, illegal fishing practices, quarrying and mining activities. There are also no indigenous or traditional management measures conducted to conserve the river ecosystem biodiversity. The study recommended that similar study be done in other areas of the river and that the government agencies to undertake fisheries programs which would regulate the exploitation and utilization and allow regeneration of macro aquatic species in the river system.

The Effects of Cooperative Learning in Enhancing the Performance Level of Grade-10 Mathematics Students in Talavera National High School in the Philippines

Mathematics is considered by many students as a difficult academic subject. To improve their performance, various learning strategies are employed by teachers abandoning the conventional method. This study focused on the cooperative learning as a method to enhance level of performance of grade 10 mathematics students in the Philippines. It looked into the method and how it influenced students’ performance. By using a quasi-experimental research method, the following results are generated: 1) the method positively improved the performance in mathematics of the control and experimental groups;2) while effectiveness assessment showed a highly effective result;and 3) the application of the method showed a positive impact on the participants as shown by their positive perception of the subject mathematics.

Perception of Post-Secondary Students on Environmental Practices in Selected Communities in the Philippines: Implications to Climate Change Action

Climate change contributes to disasters in the Philippines. Most human activities have had negative consequences on the environment, exacerbating global warming. Humans contribute to climate change and global warming by burning fossil fuels, cutting down trees, engaging in improper waste disposal, using electricity, and driving a car. This study assessed the environmental practices of communities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and their implications for climate change. Respondents were selected using convenient sampling. A questionnaire delivered online was used to elicit their responses then analyzed the data using SPSS. This study revealed that most post-secondary students do not litter but sometimes burn their trash in an open dump. Most of them used LPG as their primary source of fuel for cooking. Rice production is always the same as producing food waste in food production. Garden waste was sometimes produced. Plastic containers are commonly produced as recyclable wastes. They often dispose of wastes in controlled and regulated open dumpsites by their municipality or city. Due to the pandemic, special wastes like face masks and face shields are disposed of daily. Generally, despite no littering behavior, the respondents never burned their trash or threw it on any body of water. They perceived to disagree that these daily community activities contribute to climate change. Lastly, less than half of them affirmed that there are initiative programs at the barangay level to lessen and eliminate community activities that cause climate change.

Sustainability of E-Trike as Alternative Mode of Public Transportation System: The Case of Cabanatuan City, Philippines

The City of Cabanatuan is dubbed as the “Tricycle Capital of the Philippines”. Tricycle is a three wheeled vehicle used to transport people. Cabanatuan has about 30,000 registered gas-fed four-stroke motorized tricycles. Tricycle operation in this City has become the source of livelihood for around 10,000 families. Its number has tremendously increased despite growing competition and declining net daily income and the adverse effects it brings to the environment. The study analyzed the different aspects in the adoption of E-trikes (electric tricycles) as a mode of public transport system replacing motorized tricycles in the city. The conceptual framework of sustainable development was used to analyze the data. Basic accounting method in determining return on investment and payback period were used to compare the cost and return from among the current mode of transportation as against the adoption of E-trike. Data gathering employed the interviews, survey questionnaires and focus group discussion. The three areas of sustainability measured in the study were economic, socio-political and environmental. The study showed that from among 412 tricycle driver-operators randomly selected, majority were amenable to the shift from engine propelled tricycle to E-trike. However, cost of E-trike deters adoption and full implementation by the City Government. Political issue is also?the?utmost consideration since work displacement is imminent among the stakeholders once adoption of this mode takes place. On the other side, E-trike was found to be sustainable in the long run both on the point of view of operators and the riding public. The paper recommended that policy regulation be laid down, adopted, and implemented by the local government unit in response to the Philippines Cleaner Air Act.