Central Visayas Research Articles

Estimation, control and forecast of COVID-19 disease spread in Central Visayas, Philippines

The current trend of infections from COVID-19 outbreak in Central Visayas (CV) is posing higher risk of continued spreading. When uncontrolled, swarming of infected individuals to hospitals puts a greater challenge to the health care systems in the region and may breakdown. It is imperative in this situation that data-driven decisions and policies are required the most. In response, this study provided estimates of the epidemiologically important parameters namely, reproduction metric (R0) and infection (α), recovery (β) and mortality (γ) rates, by using a modified Susceptible Infected-Recovered-Dead (SIRD) model. This modified model incorporated control parameters, 𝜎 and 𝜔, associated with enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implementation and observance of social distancing (SD), respectively. For the covered months from 27 March 2020–10 May 2020, results of the simulation estimated these parameters at: R0=3.12, α=0.18, β= 0.029, and γ=0.029 with 90% confidence. Moreover, the reproduction metric can be effectively reduced with the combined effect of the control parameters at 𝜎, 𝜔 ≥ 0.5 resulting to an effective R0 below unity. Similarly, this lowered the peak value of infection to 23% (or 7% of the total number of susceptible population) compared to when these measures are not observed and moved the peak time farther as well. While these estimates reflected the timely implementation of ECQ keeping its current level comparable with the country’s estimates and the world, reducing the reproduction metric effectively requires strict observance to both ECQ and SD control measures. Lastly, the temporal dynamics of this metric may not be necessarily true in any given area, and hence geographically induced.

Oliverio O. Segura, MD (1933-2021) Through A Son’s Eyes – A Tribute to Dad

Oliverio O. Segura, MD (1933-2021) Through A Son’s Eyes – A Tribute to Dad

Abundance and Species Composition of Cave Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Selected Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Central Visayas, Philippines

This study assessed the abundance and species richness of bats (Order Chiroptera) inhabiting caves in three KBAs (Key Biodiversity Areas) of Central Visayas: Mt. Bandilaan in Siquijor (13 caves), Mabinay, Negros Oriental (11 caves), and Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape(RSPL) in Bohol (31 caves). The study was conducted between February 14 to September 20, 2019. Of the 55 caves surveyed, 35 caves were inhabited by bats. Field survey methods included mist-netting at the cave entrances and direct observations of roosting sites in each cave. This study captured 754 individuals of bats belonging to 16 species, majority of which are insectivorous species (13 species) and only three species are fruitbats (Pteropodidae). Mabinay caves had the highest number of species (11) and captured bats (271 individuals) while RSPL had 9 species (221 individuals) while Mt. Bandilaan only had five species but relatively high captured bats (262 individuals). Five species are Philippine endemics (Hipposideros obscurus, Hipposideros pygmaeus, Ptenochirus jagori, Rhinolophus inops, and R. rufus) and three Near-threatened species (H. lekaguli, M. schreibersii, and R. rufus). The rare bat species (Dobsonia chapmani) may be locally extirpated in Mabinay, where it last documented at Mambajo cave in the 1960s. The survey also noted the absence of fruit bats (observed in 2011 study) in all of the caves in Mt. Bandilaan, probably due to on-going anthropogenic activities (treasure hunting, bat hunting, guano extraction, land conversion, locals illegal entry, graffiti, etc) in caves surveyed. Large colonies of fruitbats and insect bats in RSPL may have been affected by anthropogenic activities inside the caves. Most of the caves surveyed have been promoted for ecotourism activities.Keywords: cave; chiropteran; extraction; karst; limestone

Experimenting on Natural Acid-Base Indicators: A Home-based Chemistry Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic as evaluated by Teachers

This study determined the feasibility of conducting a laboratory experiment on natural acid-base indicators as a home-based activity. Seven high school teachers from Cebu in Central Visayas, Philippines conducted the home-based activity, evaluated the activity using a validated questionnaire, and were interviewed for opportunities and challenges. Results showed that the at-home activity was feasible and satisfactory, however inaccuracies and inconsistencies were found in the results of the experiment. Nevertheless, the teachers viewed the experiment to have opportunities for holistic development and some challenges concerning material unavailability, safety issues, among others. In conclusion, the home-based activity can be done by students as evaluated by their teachers. Refinement of the activity may be done to correct experimental errors and consider factors that may affect the accuracy of the experimental results. Teachers should also consider resource availability, adult supervision, and safety concerns when dealing with home-based activities.

<p><strong><em>Amorphophallus calcicolus</em> (Thomsonieae, Araceae), a new species from the Bohol island, Central Visayas, Philippines</strong></p>

Amorphophallus calcicolus from the forest over karst of Bohol island, Central Visayas, Philippines is hereby described and illustrated. The species is closely related to A. longispathaceus but distinct in having shorter leaves, smaller male zone, depressed disk-shaped ovary, longer styles, ovoid or irregularly shaped warts inside the spathe base, and shallowly 2–3-lobed stigma. Due to anthropogenic factors and a relatively confined distribution, it is hereby proposed as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN guidelines.

Understanding COVID-19 Dynamics and the Effects of Interventions in the Philippines: A Mathematical Modelling Study

Background: COVID-19 appears to have caused less severe outbreaks in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) compared with high-income countries, possibly because of differing demographics, socio-economics, climate, surveillance, and policy responses. The Philippines is a LMIC that has had a relatively severe COVID-19 outbreak but has recently curtailed transmission while gradually easing interventions.Methods: We applied an age-structured compartmental model that incorporated time-varying mobility, testing, and personal protective behaviors (through a “Minimum Health Standards” policy, MHS) to represent the Philippines COVID-19 epidemic nationally and for three highly affected regions (Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and the National Capital Region). We estimated effects of control measures, key epidemiological parameters, and projected the impacts of easing interventions.Findings: Population age structure, contact rates, mobility, testing, and MHS were sufficient to explain the Philippines epidemic based on the good fit between modelled and reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths. Several of the fitted epidemiological parameters were consistent with those reported in high-income settings. The model indicated that MHS reduced the probability of transmission per contact by 15-32%. The December 2020 case detection rate was estimated at ~14%, population recovered at ~12%, and scenario projections indicated high sensitivity to MHS adherence.Interpretation: COVID-19 dynamics in the Philippines are driven by age, contact structure, and mobility, and the epidemic can be understood within a similar framework as for high-income settings. Continued compliance with low-cost MHS measures should allow the Philippines to maintain epidemic control, but disease resurgence remains a threat due to low population immunity and detection rates.Funding Statement: This work was supported by the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific to provide modelling advice to Member States. JMS is supported by a NASA Ecological Forecasting grant (NNX17AI21G). EDLT, TRT, MRJEE, and RFRS are supported by a project grant from the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines. JMT is supported by an Early Career Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1142638).Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Stock Assessment of Parrotfishes “Molmol” (Sub-Family Scarinae, Family Labridae) in the Major Fishing Grounds of Bohol, Central Visayas

The issue on the overfishing of parrotfishes, locally known as “molmol” (subfamily Scarinae under family Labridae), in the coastal waters of Bohol province in Central Visayas has been raised by the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Bohol through Resolution No. 1 series of 2018 that pushes for the implementation of “open and closed fishing season” of all parrotfishes in the entire province. In any management intervention, baseline assessment of the stocks in question should be done as a significant basis for appropriate measures to be taken, thus this study. In Bohol, apart from the economic value, they carry essential functions in maintaining the ecological balance in the reef ecosystem. Parrotfishes are considered economically important as preferred fish among locals and tourists. The stock assessment of parrotfishes in Danajon Bank in the Bohol Sea and Cebu Strait was conducted by the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) Region 7 from 2015 to 2018 in 16 coastal municipalities of Bohol. It recorded 24 Scarine species across six genera. The green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), categorized as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, was noted in Cebu Strait in 2015. Scarus ghobban, comprising 82.25%, dominated the catch in Danajon Bank; Scarus forsteni (30.07%) in Bohol Sea; and Chlorurus sordidus (58.45%) in Cebu Strait. Among the Scarines, S. ghobban dominated across fishing grounds from 2015 to 2018 with an aggregate of 10,267.69 kg (or 63.94%) monitored catch equivalent to 0.26% relative to all other species surveyed in the same period. The assessment also indicated that among the 22 fishing gear types being observed as used in catching parrotfishes, speargun is the most prevalent or frequently used. Moreover, the same assessment showed that the catch seasonality of S. ghobban determined from spear gun appears to be abundant during the first quarter in a year; in June, August, and December when higher monthly mean Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) were also noted. However, the annual mean CPUE of speargun has decreased from 11.93 kg/day in 2017 to 9.22 kg/day in 2018. Population parameters of S. ghobban as the top one species were estimated using the FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools (FISAT) software and Froese Indicator Tool. Biological indicators for S. ghobban show signs of overfishing as reflected on its high fishing mortality (F/M), decreasing average length below maturity length, decreasing catch per unit effort in the current year, low percentage of mature in the catch, and increasing exploitation ratio (E). All of which already breached the limit reference points. In 2017 and 2018, the mature size composition of the catch was only 1.9 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, far off from the 90-100% target and below the 50% limit. The values indicate that majority of the samples were small sizes; however, it cannot be determined if they were juveniles since this study excludes reproductive sampling. Optimum length (Lopt) was estimated at 29 cm (Total Length); lengths within ± 10% Lopt range at 26.1 to 31.9 cm and megaspawner at 31.9 cm up. Based on the results, suggested recommendations are indicated herein for possible consideration of the policymakers.

Diversity and composition of plant species in the forest over limestone of Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, Bohol, Philippines.

Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), considered the last frontier within the Central Visayas region, is an ideal location for flora and fauna research due to its rich biodiversity. This recent study was conducted to determine the plant species composition and diversity and to select priority areas for conservation to update management strategy. A field survey was carried out in fifteen (15) 20 m x 100 m nested plots established randomly in the forest over limestone of RSPL from July to October 2019. Three hundred and sixty eight (368) species of plants were identified up to species level. This represented 327 angiosperms, one gymnosperm and 40 pteridophytes. Common plant families with more than 10 representative species were Moraceae, Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Annonaceae, Araceae and Lauraceae. There were 93 (28%) endemic and 46 (14%) threatened species (vulnerable to critically endangered) observed. The cluster analysis and species accumulation curve suggests that plant species are not homogeneously distributed which implies that different management and conservation strategies should be implemented across RSPL. These results not only indicate the importance of RSPL, but also highlights areas with higher diversity and concentration of threatened and endemic species as a special area of concern. Furthermore, areas with high biodiversity value were recommended for immediate protection, while areas with low biodiversity value were recommended for reforestation programmes using species with high importance value.

PREDICTING THE ADOPTION OF AN ANDROID-BASED CLASS RECORD USING THE UNIFIED THEORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY MODEL

Technology adoption is a process that is affected by many variables. To achieve innovative teaching and learning, mClassRecord, an Android-based class record application, was developed and tested. This paper is aimed at predicting the level of adoption of mClassRecord as experienced by the respondents using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model. Specifically, this article presents the qualitative analysis of mClassRecord adoption among the respondents in terms of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, attitudes toward using mClassRecord, social influence, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, anxiety, and behavioral intention to use mClassRecord. The respondents of the study are the 17 teacher educators in higher education institutions in Central Visayas, Philippines. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, which was adapted from the model. Results show that mClassRecord is useful in the classroom. The interaction of teachers with mClassRecord is found to be clear and understandable. The positive comments from the respondents imply that the app is a good idea for teachers. Findings reveal that there is no clear indication that there is a direct influence or support from the school administration. It shows also that the teachers acquire dissimilar skills and even different levels of the same skills. The results indicate that majority of the teachers do not have fear and apprehension in using mClassRecord. Likewise, it implies that there is positive attitude and high degree of intention to use mClassRecord. The study concludes that adoption of mClassRecord is predicted at different stages. There is strong evidence that mClassRecord offers effective and efficient class recording and management. There is promising indication that the teaching tool offers an innovative contribution to teaching.

Dimensions of Motivation in Teaching: Relations with Social Support Climate, Teacher Efficacy, Emotional Exhaustion, and Job Satisfaction

This study explored how teachers' peer support climate (PSC) and supervisory support climate (SSC) were related to teacher self-efficacy (TSE), teacher job satisfaction (TJS), teacher emotional exhaustion (TEE), and motivation to quit the teaching profession (MQTP) among teachers in the Philippines. Participants were 457 teachers in the Central Visayas Region. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that MQTP varies as to self-efficacy, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction. Responses among all constructs do not vary among novice and experienced teachers except on TJS. The findings of the research advocate the proposed model. The model can guide future researchers in developing countries like the Philippines to explain teachers’ attrition caused by social support, efficacy factors, burnout, and job satisfaction.

In Search of Julano Taupan: His Life and his Times

No abstract

LEADERSHIP PROFICIENCY AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE OF WOMEN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

Leadership is a social mechanism where action towards a common goal is affected by an person or community. The organization is in trouble without effective leadership, it has been said. Any educational institution 's success hinges greatly on how competent the leaders are. The research's main objective is to assess the leadership skills and emotional competencies of female school administrators at public and private schools in Siquijor, Central Visayas, Philippines. The research focuses on the level of leadership skills in management , supervision, versatility, ongoing learning and communication, and community relations. This also measured the five dimensions of interpersonal skills that are self-awareness , self-regulation , motivation , empathy and social skills. The study was performed during the 2016-2017 school year with the fifty-seven (57) women school heads and administrators. Correlation methods have been used for this analysis and the findings indicate that the female school administrators are experienced and have a high degree of competence in fulfilling their leadership roles and responsibilities. Nevertheless, the women managers' organizational abilities and interpersonal competencies are not substantially associated.

New data on the taxonomy and distribution of Philippine Ochodaeidae and description of a new species from Central Visayas (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)

New data on the taxonomy and distribution of Philippine Ochodaeidae and description of a new species from Central Visayas (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)

Science Investigatory Project Instruction: The Secondary Schools Journey

Science investigatory projects (SIPs) are authentic tasks that science teachers implement in science curriculum. With this, the study investigated the journey of the secondary schools in SIP instruction through the lens of the teachers. Narrative inquiry from 12 purposively selected and interviewed science teachers/winning coaches from six schools in an SIP consistent winning Division in Central Visayas, Philippines revealed that the SIP instruction journey is affected by the teachers’ prior background and implementation. They are seen to be instrumental in the SIP process, as they instill basic research skills to high school investigators, and develop the science character which is needed for them to engage in innovations in science and technology (S&T). As the teachers implement SIP instruction, they commit themselves to the development of S&T, thus placing a crucial role in the scientific community where they also develop the science research culture in the basic education level. Science teachers then should guide the students in the planning, conduct and assessment phases of SIP instruction.

Athelia rolfsii (= Sclerotium rolfsii) infects banana in the Philippines

We surveyed eight banana farms planted with cultivar “Lakatan” in Central Visayas, Philippines, for fungal diseases in 2014. A rotting disease on the corm and leaf sheaths, splitting of the pseudostem and yellowing of the leaves were observed only in Toledo City, Cebu province. These symptoms were associated with sclerotial bodies and mycelial growth. The causal organism was identified by morphology and ITS sequence as Athelia rolfsii (= Sclerotium rolfsii) which is the first report of this fungal pathogen on banana from the Philippines.

Young Criminologists in the Teaching Practice: Plight and Aspirations

This phenomenological study ascertained the plight and aspirations of young criminologists who were engaged in teaching practice. Two research questions were answered: (1) What is the plight of young criminologists in the teaching practice; and (2) What are the aspirations of young criminologists in the teaching practice? It involved ten research informants presently employed with higher education institutions (HEIs) within Central Visayas, Philippines. The collection of information techniques used were in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The research participants shared their plight in the teaching practice and their aspirations in their career. Nine themes surfaced in this study: low confidence, difficulties in oral and written communication, a teacher by accident, lack of preparation for teaching practice, job satisfaction, professional status, technical skills, professional & personal growth, and support to enhance teaching competence.

Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Fishes Caught by Ring Net Fishery in the Camotes Sea, Central Visayas, Philippines (2003-2012)

Stock Assessment of Small Pelagic Fishes Caught by Ring Net Fishery in the Camotes Sea, Central Visayas, Philippines (2003-2012)

Can the Bonding Social Capital Be Used to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Hazards?: The Case of a Flood-Prone Suburban Community in Central Visayas, Philippines

Can the Bonding Social Capital Be Used to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Hazards?: The Case of a Flood-Prone Suburban Community in Central Visayas, Philippines

Can the Bonding Social Capital Be Used to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Hazard?: The Case of a Flood-Prone Urban Community in Central Visayas, Philippines

Can the Bonding Social Capital Be Used to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Hazard?: The Case of a Flood-Prone Urban Community in Central Visayas, Philippines

The reproductive seasonality and fecundity of yellowtail clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii) in the Philippines

Understanding the spawning patterns and egg production of clownfish is important for understanding their life history and the factors contributing to population persistence. The egg production and temporal spawning patterns of eight breeding pairs of yellowtail clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii (Bennett, 1830), were observed for a 14-mo period on a coral reef off the Central Visayas, Philippines. Spawning events and egg production revealed a peak breeding season from November through May, which coincides with temperatures below 30 °C. Noticeably fewer spawning events and smaller clutch sizes occurred during the warmer months (30–31.5 °C) of June through October. Within the spawning season, egg production increased weakly leading up to the new moon and decreased after the full moon. The seasonality of spawning events found in our study were comparable to those of clownfish in temperate regions, and surprisingly unlike findings from other tropical latitudes and climates. These findings suggest that recruitment and larval dispersal in this population will be most sensitive to oceanographic conditions during relatively narrow periods of time each year.