Baybay City Research Articles

Residents' Perceptions Of Religious Tourism And Its Socio-Economic Impacts In Brgy. Pomponan, Baybay City, Leyte

Residents' Perceptions Of Religious Tourism And Its Socio-Economic Impacts In Brgy. Pomponan, Baybay City, Leyte

Analytical Cross-sectional Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Backyard Swine Raisers in Baybay City, Philippines

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern, wherein microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobial drugs used in the treatment of human diseases and is linked to the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of backyard swine raisers in Baybay City, Leyte, the Philippines, toward antimicrobial drugs and usage in the context of AMR. Data were gathered from 303 randomly selected backyard swine raisers in 28 villages of Baybay City through in-depth interviews. KAP levels were determined by performing descriptive statistics. Predictors and associated variables were analyzed through univariable and multivariable regression analyses. The majority of the respondents have poor to moderate knowledge (98.68%), moderate attitudes (68.65%), and poor practices (82.18%) on the use of antimicrobials. Attainment of a college degree (adjusted β = 1.32, p = 0.0021) was significantly associated with the respondents' knowledge. Meanwhile, the respondents’ attitude levels were positively associated with vocational (adjusted β = 4.84, p = 0.0004) and college education (adjusted β = 2.11, p = 0.0444). Overall, the educational attainment (college: adjusted β = 1.58, p = 0.0068), the knowledge mean (β = 5.25, p < 0.0001), and the attitude mean (β = 1.11, p < 0.0001) significantly influenced the respondents’ practices on antimicrobial use. Education is crucial in improving the farmers' KAP regarding the use of antimicrobials. To help prevent the furtherance of AMR, it is essential for government agencies to enhance the farmers’ KAP levels by conducting training on antimicrobial use and facilitating AMR awareness seminars.

The BIDANI Strategy in the Face of the New Normal: Learning from the Experiences of Baybay City in Leyte, Philippines

The definition of the new normal stretches towards the notions of pandemic-ready and climate-resilient communities. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification of climate-related hazards have challenged the disaster management and preparedness of those in developing countries. Baybay, among other cities in the Philippines, had endured the devastation of typhoons and landslides in the middle of the pandemic. While the city grappled with its responses to address the dual threats of the new normal, its implementation of the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) strategy in 2010 through the Visayas State University (VSU) equipped the local government unit (LGU) with sectoral data and database management for evidence-based decision-making, digital information systems, and nutrition-related interventions in the barangay level. Using the narratives of the LGU and VSU-BIDANI teams, this paper intends to present a comprehensive overview of the significance of BIDANI in addressing LGU governance challenges, especially in planning and development for disaster responses. This paper suggests strengthening the partnership between LGUs and academia to foster good local governance.

Disease Occurrence, Incidence and Severity in Vegetable Gardens of Green-the-Home Project Beneficiaries in Baybay City and Hilongos, Leyte, Philippines

This survey aimed to identify the major diseases affecting the Green-the-Home (GTH) vegetable gardens project beneficiaries in Barangays Guadalupe and Marcos in Baybay City, Leyte, and Barangay Liberty, Hilongos, Leyte, Philippines. The study documented the occurrence, incidence, and severity of various vegetable diseases, including the existing pest management practices of vegetable growers. Disease incidence and severity observed in vegetable gardens varied depending on the type of disease, crop, and site. The surveyed crops included okra, upo, ampalaya, tomato, string beans, sweet pepper, chili, eggplant, and cucumber, which are common in the sampling areas. The most common diseases found within the three project sites were okra leaf mold, Cercospora leaf spot of ampalaya, Cercospora leaf spot of sweet pepper, and Cercospora leaf spot of chili. The majority of vegetable growers employed physical and cultural pest management approaches, such as weeds removal (66.6%), the use of nets (63.3%), intercropping (60%), tillage (50%) and bagging (46.6%). Disease occurrence in the areas was influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and poor management practices of vegetable gardens. Since Baybay and Hilongos have the same climatic pattern, such environmental factors are consistent in both areas. It is recommended that the Government and other lead agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), assist GTH in promoting pests and diseases literacy programs among vegetable growers. They should also provide adequate access to extension services and disseminate appropriate, safe, and long-term pest management strategies to vegetable growers.

Detection of veterinary antibiotic residues in fresh fecal samples collected from selected pig farms in the City of Baybay, Leyte, Philippines

Investigations on the presence of antibiotic residues in livestock manure are becoming an integral part on the quest against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Moreover, as a potential hazard to human health and the environment, the threat of antibiotic residues cannot be taken lightly. As one of the biggest pig producers in Eastern Visayas, the Province of Leyte, Philippines is presented with the challenge to sustain the pork requirements of the region despite its limited overall production. This study aims to determine the prevalence of antibiotic residues present in the swine manure among selected commercial piggery farms in Baybay City, Leyte. Using147 fecal samples collected from different classes of pigs and following standard microbial inhibition plate technique, this study consistently found inhibitory action against the growth of Bacillus subtilis across three pH levels from fecal samples collected from grower-finishers, and breeders unlike samples collected from both the lactating and farrowing sows. These results may provide insights and baseline information useful for similar studies on antibiotic residues in meat and meat products that may have implications on human health.

Oxytetracycline-resistant heterotrophic fecal bacteria from pigs of Kabalasan, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines

The excessive use of oxytetracycline for the cost-efficient production of swine can increase the development of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria. This study was conducted to isolate and identify putative cultivable heterotrophic bacteria from pig feces and evaluate their resistance to oxytetracycline. Composite fecal samples were serially diluted and plated using Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA). Distinct colonies were selected and grown on TSA plates and the pure cultures were subjected to limited screening for morphological and physiological characteristics. Representative isolates were then identified and subjected to oxytetracycline susceptibility assay through the disk diffusion method. Thirteen out of 15 selected colonies from TSA plates were successfully cultured and grouped into eight groups based on the isolates' morphological and physiological characteristics. Of the eight representative isolates, three were identified as putative Escherichia coli, two were Staphylococcus aureus strains, Staphylococcus vitulinus, Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, S. vitulinus and S. aureus strains exhibited susceptibility to oxytetracycline. Meanwhile, isolates, P. mirabilis and the three strains of E. coli showed the highest resistance while B. cereus showed the least. These oxytetracycline-resistant isolates can be used as test organisms to determine the antibacterial effect of novel bioactive compounds or as potential sources of oxytetracycline resistance genes that could be used as selection markers in transgenic experiments.

Mathematics Students' Coping Behaviour, Happiness, and Self-efficacy in the New Normal: Correlation and K-means Cluster Analysis

Students in distance education are expected to have low levels of happiness in learning. As such, they must possess coping behaviour and self-efficacy to become motivated in school. This article aims to depict the level of students’ coping behaviour, happiness, and self-efficacy in learning mathematics amid the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their association. Primary data were gathered through Google Forms from 233 available samples of mathematics students at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. The data were summarized through selected descriptive statistics and depicted their relationship with the aid of Spearman rho correlation. In addition, K-means clustering was employed to categorize the students into similar characteristics in regard to coping, happiness, and efficacy. The results showed that students during the pandemic are coping, moderately happy, and possess moderate self-efficacy. The correlation analysis revealed that students’ coping behaviour, happiness level, and self-efficacy are highly and directly associated with each other. This suggests that the students’ coping, happiness, and efficacy levels must go together to achieve a good academic performance in mathematics during distance education. Moreover, the K-means clustering analysis revealed that there are a group of students with significantly lower coping behaviour, happiness level, and self-efficacy in learning. In conclusion, mathematics teachers must encourage their students to engage in the classroom to boost their coping, happiness, and efficacy. Furthermore, teachers must give interesting and realistic mathematics activities, however, doable and suitable for online learning amid the health crisis.

Lived experiences of risk among pregnant women in Baybay City, Leyte during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study

Giving birth is risky by nature, and this makes pregnant women one of the most vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. For pregnant women in Baybay City, Leyte, conceiving a child during a COVID-19 pandemic means: living with constant anxiety and worry, living with the fear of the unknown, and being the most vulnerable people in a medical emergency. These fears and worries revolved around hospital settings, financial difficulties, isolation, labor, and delivery while their feeling of vulnerability meant contracting the virus easily and having to undergo stricter protocols. Meanwhile, they had varied perceptions of COVID-19 risk. These were classified as positive or negative. Informants with positive perceptions were those that viewed COVID-19 as not personally risky but rather showed a hopeful view of its risk. They view its risk as something not too dangerous because of the vaccines available and that its symptoms are simple to cure. On the other hand, informants with negative perceptions view COVID-19 risks as something that will have a bad effect on them. They link pregnancy to susceptibility to COVID-19 and foresee premature birth, negative effects on the fetus development, and child-related death as negative results of COVID-19. Pregnant women also perceived COVID-19 risk deliberatively, affectively, and experientially. This indicates that they take the most deliberate approach to managing COVID-19 risk. Informants demonstrated affective reactions like worry and fear as they estimate the risks COVID-19 may pose to them. These factors together form their experiential risk perception of COVID-19 as an encounter with danger.

Modeling Students' Self-Efficacy in Mathematics during the Covid-19 Pandemic


 Self-efficacy in learning mathematics helps the student to overcome difficulties and challenges in problem-solving during unprecedented times. This article aims to measure the level of students' self-efficacy and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic in learning mathematics online. The study considered primary data from 233 students selected in a non-random approach at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines through the aid of an online survey. The data were analyzed using some descriptive statistics calculation and regression analysis was used to model the students' self-efficacy and its factors. Results showed that, on average, the students' self-efficacy level is considered "moderate" amidst the pandemic. This means that most of these students are still having mathematical anxiety and experiencing hindrances in achieving good academic performance in mathematics online. The statistical model revealed that the demographic and learning profile of students is not significantly influencing the level of self-efficacy. In addition to that, the mathematics teachers' intervention has shown also an insignificant influence on the students' self-efficacy. In conclusion, students during the pandemic are having difficulty adopting a new type of learning (distant/online) due to their moderate level of self-efficacy. Hence, the study recommends that teachers must make the learning environment exciting and interesting to boost the students' motivation and self-efficacy in doing their mathematics tasks. Furthermore, teachers must give mathematics activities that are suitable and doable for online learning that enhances students' creative thinking.

Supply of Fish Waste and Level of Awareness of Fish Vendors in the City of Baybay, Leyte Province on the Potential Use of Fish By Products as Local Fish Silage

Fish by-products from fish markets represent a huge portion of underutilized resources that could be a potential as a source of protein-rich feed ingredient. This study was conducted to determine the supply of fish waste and awareness of fish vendors on the potential use of fish by-products as silage. This study specifically determined the socio-demographic profile of fish vendors in the barangays and public market of Baybay City. Additionally, it identified the supply and means of disposal of local fish by-products and most importantly, determined the awareness of fish vendors on the utilization of fish by-products. Using descriptive research design, a total of 42 respondents were surveyed and interviewed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and ranking. The results showed that fish vendors were mostly female with age ranges from 51- 60 years and high school graduates. These vendors earned around P10, 000.00 per month from selling fish that were sourced out from nearby towns. Top fish varieties being sold in Baybay City public market were Blackfin scad, mackerel tuna, and milkfish were among the top fish being sold in Baybay City. Fish waste by products weighing1-5 kilograms per vendor were disposed based on three (3) times a day based in the daily schedules using garbage truck to prevent foul odors. These fish wastes were not sold to consumers, although a few would ask for it as pet food. With this, there is a huge potential on the utilization of these by products as animal feeds, and therefore offers a possible sustainable project between the government and the academe.

Conjoint Analysis of the Consumers’ Preferences Between Locally Processed Root Crop-Based Food Products and Commercial Junk Foods

It is undeniable that the demand for locally processed root crops is low compared to commercial junk foods, affecting the income of both farmers and local processors. This study was conducted to ascertain the product attributes that influenced the purchasing decision of the consumers which serves as a basis for positioning the product in the market. It utilized a survey research design using a combined purposive and quota sampling techniques to select the respondents who are the target market of the product. This study collected market data and consumer preferences from 200 segmented respondents who are located in Baybay City, Leyte. Conjoint analysis was used to determine the attributes that highly influenced the buying decision of the consumers. Results show that product type highly influenced the buying decision of the consumers. Processed root crops that are locally produced are mostly preferred by the consumers over commercial junk foods. However, consumers are rarely buying the product because it is unavailable in the common market outlets. Given its high market potential, it is recommended to modify and improve the marketing strategies employed by the local processors. Tapping LGUs for promotion and other aid for complying with the regulatory requirements necessary for placing the product in the local and department stores is highly advised.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with equine strongylosis in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines

Strongylosis is a pressing equine health problem. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with strongylosis in horses in Baybay City, Leyte, based on its egg morphology. A total of 263 horse fecal samples were collected and examined. Nematode eggs were identified using Modified McMaster technique. Other relevant epidemiological data associated with strongyle infections were also collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with strongylosis in horses. Results showed an overall prevalence of 97.72% (257/263; 95% CI=95.10-99.16); of which, 92.78% (244/263; 95% CI=91.18-94.37) were cyathostomins and 67.30% (177/263; 95% CI=64.41-70.19) were Strongylus sp. Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between Strongylus sp. infection and moderate body condition score (p-value=0.0006), housing in a shed (p-value=0.0255), and tethering of the horse (p-value=0.0116). The high prevalence rate of equine strongyle infection in Baybay City, Leyte, could indicate the neglect and underestimation of the disease for a considerable period of time. Thus, active clinico-epidemiological investigations are warranted in order to design and establish cost-effective and sustainable control and preventive approaches.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis of risk factors for Salmonella spp. among ducks in selected barangays in Baybay City, Leyte

Salmonella contamination in poultry and poultry products is a threat to public health and food safety. This study aimed to assess the carriage rate and the associated risk factors of Salmonella spp. among ducks in selected villages in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. Salmonella was identified using conventional culture methods. On-farm survey interviews were carried out with 400 duck farmers to generate information on the risk factors associated with Salmonella spp. Univariate analysis was performed to screen potential risk factors and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify significant risk factors. The overall carriage rate of Salmonella in ducks was 22.75% ± 4.11. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the incorporation of snails into the diet (OR=5.212; 95% CI:1.374 to 19.765) and sources of water from rivers (OR=2.823; 95% CI:1.273 to 6.264) and ponds (OR=6.413; 95% CI:2.827 to 14.550) as significantly associated with Salmonella spp. in ducks in the sampled farms. The use of antibiotics (OR=0.022; 95% CI:0.003 to 0.196) and flooding in the rearing area (OR=0.485; 95% CI:0.242 to 0.971) indicated lower chances of Salmonella infection. The data suggested that Salmonella spp. does infect ducks in the target population. It is recommended that randomized field testing be carried out to validate these findings.

Prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in dogs and Toxocara egg environmental contamination in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-022-01525-y.

Effects of Using Mother Tongue as a Medium of Instruction for Physics Class

This study explored the impact of employing Mother tongue as an instructional medium in one of the Education Department’s programs at the university level. More specifically, it sought to find out the academic performance of General Physics students in mother tongue-based instruction in Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte. It specifically aimed to determine the gender and native language of the students, differentiate the academic performance of students in Physics in the mother tongue class and English class. More so, it adopted a quasi-experimental approach in which pre- and post-tests were administered to General Physics students enrolled in School Year 2017-2018. In the experimental group, Mother language was employed as the medium of teaching, whereas English was used in the control group. The lesson plans for both groups were identical, but the instructional medium was varied. Data were statistically treated using frequency, percentage, descriptive statistics, matching T-test, Z-test, and F-test. Findings revealed that the post-test academic performance of both groups in Physics was found to be superior than that of the pre-test. There is no significant difference in their academic achievement when grouped according to gender. The medium of teaching in Physics class has no impact on the academic achievement of pupils. Still, Physics was recommended to be taught with activities and instructional methodologies regardless of the language of education. Keywords: mother-tongue based multilingual education (MTBMLE)

Service Quality and Farmer-Beneficiaries' Satisfaction on the Plant-Now-Pay-Later Program of Baybay City Agriculture Office

Service Quality and Farmer-Beneficiaries' Satisfaction on the Plant-Now-Pay-Later Program of Baybay City Agriculture Office

Assessment of pests, natural enemies and soil microorganisms in lowland rice field under organic and inorganic production systems

Abstract. Dela Peña WB, Ratilla BC. 2022. Assessment of pests, natural enemies and soil microorganisms in lowland rice field under organic and inorganic production systems. Asian J Agric 6: 40-46. Farmers readily use synthetic pesticides over organic and natural pest management strategies in controlling pests that may disrupt the ecological balance. This study was conducted to assess the population of insect pests, natural enemies, and soil microorganisms associated with lowland rice PSB Rc18 grown under different production systems. A lowland area at the Department of Agronomy, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, devoted to organic rice production for four consecutive croppings, was used. Results revealed that organic farmers’ practice in Leyte (T2) showed a higher population of natural enemies, especially mirid bugs, and fewer brown planthoppers, green leafhoppers at 14-44 DAT; and the number of folded leaves observed. However, conventional farmers’ practice in Leyte (T3) had the highest incidence and severity of bacterial blight and rice blast. On the other hand, bacterial and fungal microorganisms were found associated with the soil samples. The fungal population increased in both organic production systems compared to the conventional production system. Hence, organic production systems increased the number of beneficial insects and soil microbes’ populations that may, directly and indirectly, affect pests and diseases in lowland rice.

Assessment of Insect Damage and Growth Performance of Dipterocarps Planted at Rainforestation Demonstration Farm at VSU, Baybay City, Leyte

Assessment of Insect Damage and Growth Performance of Dipterocarps Planted at Rainforestation Demonstration Farm at VSU, Baybay City, Leyte

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PURCHASE OF LIFE INSURANCE AMONG THE FACULTY MEMBERS OF A STATE UNIVERSITY

Life insurance companies in the Philippines are active contributors to the country’s social and national development. This study aimed to assess the purchase of life insurance among the faculty members of the Visayas State University-Main Campus in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to gather pertinent data from 195 participants. Descriptive measures, correlation analysis, and binary logit regression analysis were used to examine the socio-demographic data and the level of knowledge and attitude in regards to the faculties’ decision to purchase life insurance. Results showed that educational attainment and knowledge on life insurance significantly influence the purchase of life insurance. Furthermore, purchase on life insurance increases as the faculty becomes more knowledgeable about the benefits of having life insurance coverage. Hence, life insurance companies should conduct a thorough orientation in view to their procedure, policy, and benefits to increase their purchase.

Economics of Happiness: A Social Study on Determinants of Well-Being among Employees in a State University

This study aimed to elucidate the level of happiness and its influencing determinants among employees (teaching and non-teaching) of Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. With the aid of purposive sampling, the study engaged 162 employees as participants in the survey to gather richer information. The study utilized primary data, which were collected through a developed and structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed through descriptive analysis and econometric modeling. Results revealed that non-teaching employees are more likely happy working in a university. It was found out that the predictors of happiness in working in a university are: age, years in service, permanent status, opportunities for promotion, and fair administration. Employees found their respective jobs as challenging, enjoyable and rewarding. However, results showed that income is not a determinant of employees' happiness. Furthermore, employees who are socially oriented and physically healthy are more likely happy workers.