Commission On Higher Education Research Articles

A demographic-based challenges and trust issues on the implementation of the new BSND curriculum

Ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with the latest standards, guidelines, and best practices in nursing education and healthcare can be challenging. Developing fair and effective assessment methods to evaluate students' competency can be difficult. It is essential to ensure that assessments and pedagogical approaches accurately reflect the knowledge and skills students need as future registered nutritionists and dietician. The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges experienced by faculty and program administrators in relation to the mandates stipulated in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memo Order No. 14, series of 2017. Faculty (n=37) and program administrators (n=5) were randomly selected from five higher education institutions in Mindanao, Philippines. Findings indicated that the administrators and teaching staff manifested low level of trust issues on the implementation of the curriculum. Consequently, they feel positive about the design, execution, and outcomes of the program. However, it is important to note several challenges they experienced. Lack of doctorate programs in institutions, absence of vertically articulated doctorate programs, and outdated library materials were the most prominent challenges the faculty and program administrators experienced. They also noted challenges related to excessive workloads for faculty beyond their Individual Daily Plans, the absence of Registered Nutrition and Dietetics (RND) professionals in food service establishments to supervise practicum experiences, and a lack of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with accredited Level III hospitals for practicum training programs.

Grounded Theory on Creating and Maintaining Adult Education Programs in Selected Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines

<p style="text-align:justify">This study is an attempt to develop a grounded theory on how adult education in higher education (AEHE hereafter) programs in the Philippines are created and maintained. The grounded theory illustrates the interrelation of factors that stimulate or serve as the drivers of AEHE in higher education institutions in the Philippines as well as the management and maintenance of AEHE at the operational and strategic levels, hence illustrating the bigger picture of adult education in higher education in the Philippines. Funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) of the Philippines, this study was part of a larger research project that investigated adult education in Philippine higher education institutions, that is, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). The data were derived from focus group discussions (FGD) with 43 participants from eight SUCs and nine private HEIs that have adult education programs that are regularly offered every academic year. The grounded theory drawn from the study pointed to the contextual – personal and institutional – factors, strategic and operational levels of management as well as the critical role of academic policy for the implementation and maintenance of AEHE programs, collaboration, and a compelling vision to ensure that adult education in higher education in the Philippines is prioritized in the country with involvement of relevant government agencies that will draw definite agendas and priorities to attain the goals of AEHE through a structure and management to carry out its functions and realize its compelling objective of creating a cadre of AEHE educators and specialists and adults suited for the demands of a knowledge-driven economy.</p>

The Value of Grey Literature on Climate Change Research in the Philippines: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study highlights the value of grey literature in climate change research in the Philippines, emphasizing its essential role in understanding the issue within the country’s unique socioeconomic and natural environment. A bibliometric analysis of publications in local journals reveals that various types and formats of grey literature are not merely supplementary but essential for communicating climate change, its effects, and adaptation strategies. Despite the prevalence of major publishers, a substantial amount of research in the country continues to be disseminated through local journals. However, these journals face significant challenges, including limited coverage in major databases and concerns about quality, which hinder their global recognition and impact. The findings recommend that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) enhance the capacity of higher education institutions (HEIs) to improve the quality and credibility of local journals. This improvement would increase their visibility and reach, ensuring that the comprehensive body of Filipino research is preserved, recognized, and utilized in the global discourse on climate change. Consequently, this will foster a more inclusive and informed approach to understanding and addressing this global challenge.

Assessing the Potential for a PhD in Education Program with Specializations at LSPU-System: A Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of offering a Doctor of Philosophy in Education program at LSPU. The study utilized a quantitative research design to gather data from 243 respondents consisting of teachers, education professionals, and stakeholders in the field of education. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to evaluate the potential demand for the program, the availability of qualified faculty members, and the resources needed to support the program. The results showed that there is a high demand for advanced degrees in education, as evidenced by the majority of respondents expressing interest in pursuing a PhD in Education. The study also found that LSPU has an adequate number of qualified faculty members who meet the minimum requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) policies and guidelines. Additionally, LSPU's status as a Center of Development in Teacher Education reflects the university's commitment to excellence in teacher education, which is directly relevant to the proposed PhD in Education program. The study concluded that LSPU is well-positioned to offer a PhD in Education program, given its available resources, qualified faculty, and high demand from potential students. This study's findings can provide valuable insights for LSPU in making informed decisions regarding the development and implementation of a PhD in Education program. The study's implications extend beyond LSPU, as other universities interested in offering similar programs can use these findings as a reference for their own feasibility studies.

Beyond the Blackboard: Unveiling the Diverse Career Landscape of Education Graduates

This tracer study aimed to investigate the demographic, academic, and employment profile of 202 Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduates of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Philippines from A.Y 2016-2019. This study employed a quantitative approach with data collected through a modified questionnaire modeled from the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Graduate Tracer Study. The findings showed that most graduates passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers and worked full-time, however, were underemployed. Most graduates acquired their first job in less than a year, but not in the field of education. The respondents found learned skills in communication, knowledge and technical, leadership, human relations, and ICT useful in the workplace to a great extent. However, research and problem-solving skills were found to be useful to a moderate extent. Among the difficulties faced by BEED graduates in finding a job, the limited job vacancies in the teaching profession or the lack of positions or permanent items in public elementary schools was pointed out as a major problem. The university is recommended to establish a dedicated unit for conducting regular tracer studies, integrate it into the college's quality assurance system, and strengthen partnerships with local employment offices and the private sector to ensure job opportunities for graduates. The Teacher Education Department may review and enhance its curriculum to align with the current demands of the teaching profession in public and private schools, both for local and international employment.

Bridging the Gap Between Pre-Requisite Practicum Courses of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Needed Competencies of Industry Partners for Employability of Hospitality and Tourism Management Graduates

Hospitality and Tourism Management industry partners observed that practicumers need enhancement on needed competencies in the industry. The study focused on the experiences and observations of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students, practicum faculty and industry partners during the On-the-Job Training (OJT). The study examined the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) guidelines for practicum trainings, considering global perspectives aligned with Sustainable Development Goal #4: equal access to quality tertiary education. Qualitative research method was used and virtual interviews with practicumers, faculty members, and industry managers/trainers were conducted. The study uncovered experiences and observations of the participants of the Hospitality and Tourism practicum. The findings revealed that the practicumers need more trainings and enhancement in soft skills like, communication, leadership skills, self-confidence, people skills and essential hard skills. The industry partners were expecting that the students have to be well-trained before the OJT deployment. Based on the results of the study, guidelines on the revision of the pre-requisite practicum syllabi courses were developed to promote employability of Hospitality and Tourism graduates.

Evaluating Critical and Creative Thinking (CRITHNK): Student Perspectives on General Education Competencies through Mixed Methods Analysis

In today's educational landscape, fostering critical thinking (CT) skills is paramount for students to navigate modern complexities. This study examines the importance of CT in higher education, drawing from seminal works such as those by John Dewey. It evaluates a Critical and Creative Thinking (CRITHNK) course at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, known for its innovative initiatives. Numerous studies highlight a gap in CT skill development among undergraduates. Quantitative analysis assesses students' perceptions of the CRITHNK course's contribution to CT skill development, aligning with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) outcomes. Qualitative inquiry explores its impact on intellectual growth, personal responsibility, and practical skills, gathering student recommendations for improvement. Results indicate students perceive the CRITHNK course as highly effective in developing CT and related competencies, aligning with CHED outcomes. However, moderate variability suggests individual differences, suggesting targeted interventions for enhancement. This study identifies areas for curriculum improvement, providing insights for faculty development and enhancing teaching practices. It contributes to the discourse on CT in higher education, emphasizing its role in addressing global challenges and fostering community-driven change.

Library collection mapping for board programs of the University of Baguio

This study employs collection mapping to evaluate the university library’s resources, aligning to curriculum or academic board programs supporting student professional development. Using mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative by complementarity, it focuses on 13 programs, referencing the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order. Findings indicate adequate varied book collections, ranging from “not recent” to “slightly not recent.” Annual periodical subscriptions for board programs almost meet CHED criteria. Last three years, an average of 14 volumes per program was acquired. The university library effectively supports these board courses, yet recommendations include enhancing book collections, subscribing to journals and databases, and adherence to CHED standards for resource quality and balance.

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Higher Education Priorities with the Shifting Job Landscape in the Philippines

This study looks at how the present skills need, the dynamic labor market shifts in the Philippines, and the academic programs promoted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) connect. The study uses document analysis, guided by Cleary et al.'s (2017) Skills Alignment approach, to link high-demand skills and key economic sectors with CHED's prioritized programs. Using the most recent Labor Market Information reports and the CHED Memorandum Order No. 10, series of 2021, the results show that engineering, IT education, and business degrees significantly aligned with the digital economy, in-demand employment, and rising industries. Nonetheless, there are gaps where specific jobs tangentially align with the initiatives that CHED prioritizes. This paper offers suggestions on how to better align academic programs with the changing needs of the labor market.

Assessment of the Library Collection of the Central Luzon State University Library: Basis of the Collection Development Program

Objective – The collection assessment project of the University Library is significant in determining whether the quantity of the collection meets the regulatory standard of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for academic libraries. This study specifically sought to find the level of library collection compliance in terms of major subject courses, to determine the curricular programs that are compliant with the standard or have a high rate of compliance, and to identify the curricular programs that should be prioritized in acquiring additional book titles. Methods – The assessment was conducted using an action research model of iterative reflection and improvement. It follows the four steps for carrying out the research: plan, act, observe, and reflect, as proposed by Davidoff and Van den Berg (1990). Furthermore, we employed CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 22, Series of 2021, Section 4 (b.4-5) to analyze the collection's compliance based on its quantity. The data was presented using a table and percentage. Results – There are 32 undergraduate curricular programs offered at Central Luzon State University, which include 1,055 major subject courses. More than half of major subject courses (57.3%) on various curricular programs are non-compliant with CHED criteria, including 17.63% of major subject courses with zero titles copyrighted within the last five years. Findings also reveal that only 6 (18.75%) of the total programs were able to reach above 70% compliance with CHED standards, and there are 23 curricular programs with title gaps of 50% or higher that need to be prioritized in the acquisition of book titles. Conclusion – The library collection assessment technique is crucial for identifying gaps in the collection and determining areas where additional resources may be required. As the findings indicate that more than half of the major subject courses do not meet the requirements set by CHED, the librarians have been investigating ways to acquire additional academic sources to fill this gap. However, their current efforts are not yet enough to meet the requirements. A long-term plan for gradually building up the collection has been devised.

Confidence of implementation of new BSND curriculum among program administrators and faculty

The curriculum has been developed and implemented in accordance with the regulatory guidelines set by the Commission on Higher Education. This ensures that the education provided to students in the field of nutrition and dietetics meets the expected standards and quality benchmarks, ultimately benefiting the students and the field. The purpose of this study was to assess the confidence of implementation of the new nutrition and dietetics curriculum as evaluated by the program administrators and the faculty. The program administrators (n = 5) and faculty (n = 37) were taken from 4 randomly sampled higher education institution in Mindanao, Philippines. There were 7 metrics developed in this study used to evaluate the confidence of the participants based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memo Order No. 14, series of 2017. The participants were highly confident that the new curriculum adhered to the mandates stipulated in the order. Among the 7 metrics, the participants were highly confident on the curriculum instruction and admission of students while improvements shall be done on facilities and library resources. The findings have important impacts on higher education as it highlighted the necessary areas to be improved and focused. Professional development also mediated the confidence of the participants showing those with higher education, i.e., master’s and doctorate level, were more confident on instruction, faculty, internship, admission, and facilities available in the new curriculum. The confidence of the participants evaluated the status of the implementation indicating positive direction and further development of facilities and academic resources.

Physical Fitness Status of Tertiary Students under the New Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) Course: A Quasi-Experimental Study

According to the latest findings of the World Health Organization (2022), most young people nowadays are deficient in fulfilling the global standard for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities. Concurrently, the issue of girls being less active than boys in most countries, including the Philippines, remains. To address this health issue, the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) implemented the new Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) Courses. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate existing program models that focused on developing students’ cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness. An exercise model underwent a quasi-experimental analysis using three fitness tests: Prone Bridge Test (PBT), 3-minute Step Test (STEP), and Wall Squat (WS). Results revealed that participants showed significant improvement after the 12-week fitness program, with p<0.01 in PBT, STEP, and WS scores. However, while differences in means were all significant (N=155), Cohen’s d results show that small to medium effects occurred for the three performance test scores after the treatment period. Effects also showed that female participants still exhibited lower effect magnitudes. These findings recommend developing innovative exercise models incorporating health motivation and gamification. It is also suggested that tertiary PE consider modified models for female students, addressing their sports fitness needs and attraction to sports participation. Lastly, the Philippine Commission should vigilantly endorse tertiary program models following the availability of exercise and sports scientists in institutes, effectively implementing PATHFit on the ground and improving the overall sports fitness of students.

A Tracer Study of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management Graduates of AIMS Batch 2015–2020

In the recent findings of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), “the four-year collegiate programs of Business Administration, Information Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Electronics Engineering indicated a mismatch with the industry requirements (Flores, 2013). Taking this into consideration, CHED further integrated in their “Strategic Plan for 2011 – 2016” some programs, activities, and projects that would address the mismatch while the CHED Strategic Plan for 2017-2022 (2017) aims to produce higher education graduates who are competent and well-rounded global citizens who possess the intrapersonal, interpersonal, social and cognitive competencies and attributes necessary to lead, excel and compete in the 21st century. The above endeavors coincided with the study’s objective to trace the present employment status of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) graduates of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) from school year 2015 to 2020. Descriptive-survey method was used in determining the personal and employment profiles of the HRM graduates, the rate of contribution of the AIMS-BSHRM program, and the concerns and other considerations on their current job. Sixty-two (62) graduates of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management of Asian Institute of Maritime Studies who graduated from school year 2015 to 2020 have responded to the tracer questionnaire. To analyze the data, frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean were used. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were able to successfully find a job in less than a year. However, because of family concerns, lack of connection, health concerns and even lack of work experience, the HRM graduates landed in a job that is not related to their program of study. Some have decided to put up their own businesses while some decided to work in the BPO industry and have been there for a few years already. Though the respondents are satisfied on their present employment, most of them are still planning to change careers and shift a job related to their program. On the other hand, the top three (3) skills that AIMS helped develop among the graduates are: a) Human Relation Skills (82.26%); b) Communication Skills (74.19%); c) Initiative (53.23%) while the top three values acquired and developed from studying at AIMS are: a) Integrity (82.26%); b) Achievement (77.42%); and c) Respect for Others (75.81%). On the other hand, the competencies/skills they recommend AIMS to develop include: a) Strategy and Innovation (87.10%); b) Teamwork (79.03%); and c) Human Relation Skills (51.61%). Based on the results, it is recommended that the administrators and curriculum developers of the BSHM program of AIMS to revisit the current curriculum and syllabi used in major courses and make sure that there are topics and activities that will help enhance and develop the students’ creativity, strategy and innovation. It also recommended that the HM Department of AIMS continue to organize events that will give students additional knowledge and experience that will enhance their interpersonal and human relation skills.

Exploring Sustainable Manufacturing Processes for Sanitary Items Utilizing Abundant Natural Resources: A Covid-19 Pandemic Response in Northern Samar, Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic did not only bring millions of casualties but also diminished the supply of sanitary items. In Northern Samar alone, sanitary items such as facemasks, rubbing alcohol, and soaps run out of stock on the first week of the gradual closure of businesses. This means that those with fewer financial resources have difficulties acquiring such sanitary items to protect them from this deadly disease. Northern Samar is abundant when it comes to nipa resource which has a big potential as a raw material for production of bioethanol. Due to the shortage of rubbing alcohols and raw materials for the laboratory made ethyl alcohol, extraction of bioethanol from fermented Nypa fruticans was done. This created raw materials needed in the production of laboratory made ethyl alcohol that was distributed to its target beneficiaries. On the other hand, Salacia korthalsiana Miq. commonly known as Polipog, is a traditional plant used to treat different diseases. It is used as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and as antibacterial agent. The root part of the plant was used to produce an antibacterial bar and liquid soap. Thru the funding of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), manufacturing of non-medicine products took place in the University of Eastern Philippines. These basic sanitary items were given to the provincial government of Northern Samar for distribution to local communities to combat the spread of COVID-19. A prepared biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were applied to the face mask through spraying the solution on the surface of the face mask. Results showed that the textile with nanoparticles inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Further researches is sought to properly utilize the promising results of the wonders of the natural resources found in Northern Samar.

Construction and Validation of Outcomes-Based Work text in Calculus

This study focused on the development of an outcomes-based work text in Calculus, and determines its level of acceptability. The basis in the development of the work text was the revised outcomes-based syllabus of the course Calculus. Prerequisite courses such as algebra, advanced algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry taken by students based on their curriculum were identified. The revision of the syllabus was done by the Mathematics faculty members, recommended by the Chairman of the Department and approved by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The content of the course was based from CMO#19s.2007. The developed outcomes-based work text followed the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate) model .The work text was validated by the faculty members in Mathematics who are experts in the field. The work text has the following parts; desired learning outcomes, recall, motivation, activity, lesson proper, skills building/application, generalization, reflection, and assessment. The respondents chosen purposively in evaluating the acceptability of the work text were the students enrolled in the course Calculus. The acceptability of the work text was rated with the following criteria: Content (M=3.37, SD= 0.54)Organization(M=3.46,0.56) Style and Presentation(M=3.26, 0.68) and Activities(M=3.37,SD 0.44).All these criteria were rated moderately acceptable by the respondents. Based on the findings, with the revision in the curriculum by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), from content based curriculum to competency-based or outcomes-based curriculum, instructional materials should also be aligned to curricular change.

Designing an Analytical Framework for Measuring Knowledge Mobilization in Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines

The study aims to design a framework for measuring the effectiveness of knowledge mobilization (KMb) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. The said design is intended to guide and strengthen the research efforts and research capability of HEIs that have been mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to lead in the conduct of technology-directed and innovative/creative research that is locally responsive and globally competitive and to ensure that the research outputs are presented and distributed to, and utilized by, their respective internal and external stakeholders. The exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used starting with collecting and analyzing qualitative data obtained from a mini knowledge audit using open-ended questions. The instrument was given to 17 respondents from HEIs in the National Capital Region via online following health and safety protocols. These respondents were either research directors or project research leaders of their respective HEIs. A content analysis of qualitative data was used to guide the researcher in designing a framework for measuring the effectiveness of knowledge mobilization in HEIs in the Philippines.

Maritime Security Initiatives at Maap: Implications for a Ched-Funded Partnership with the University of Wollongong Australia

This is a qualitative research for the preparation of the funded proposal using the following methods of data collection : interviews, observations , document analysis, internet search and the references and sources have been acknowledged. Based on the Maritime Security Initiatives of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) Philippines and the University of Wollongong (UOW) through its Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) course offerings, the common denominators between these two institutions were analyzed for the possible joint maritime security training project that will be led by MAAP and funded by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Foreign Scholarship Training Program (FSTP) for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) this June 2023. The joint partnerships are justified. The paper presents a brief Project Description, Short-Term and Long-Term Goals of HEI/s, Main Objective/Expected Transformation or Effects of the Project; Response to the Grant Thrusts, Indicators of Sustainability and its Responsiveness to SDGS, AMbisyon 2040 and MIDP2028. The maritime security training project would steer the development path towards enabling Filipinos to attain all dimensions of development (economic, human and physical capital, institutional, social, and cultural) for a strong, comfortable, and secure Philippines.

Structural equation model: Organizational performance among state universities and colleges in Philippines

Purpose: This study identifies the best model fit for organizational performance among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region XII, Philippines, influenced by innovation strategy and quality management practices. Research methodology: The study design was descriptive-correlative. Since the design is descriptive, it provides a comprehensive explanation of organizational performance among SUCs in Region XII. Furthermore, the Mean and latent variable analysis (LAVAAN) using the r-studio package were the statistical measures employed to evaluate the hypothesis. Results: The findings indicate that SUCs effectively fulfill their instructional, research, and extension functions, and their organizational performance is influenced by both innovation strategies and quality management practices. The developed model revealed a positive relationship between technological innovation, continuous improvement practices, and organizational performance. However, a negative relationship was observed between management innovation and support. Limitations: This study was limited to SUCs in Region XII. The variables for organizational performance were limited to performance in instruction, research, and extension, while predictors of these performances revolved only in innovation strategy and quality management. Contribution: The intended implementation of the model among SUCs aims to enhance their performance and align it with the mandates of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Overall, this study's output will contribute to the pool of knowledge, particularly in the field of educational management. Novelty: The study not only provides a comprehensive understanding of organizational performance among SUCs but also develops a model that best fits organizational performance, which has not been done in previous studies.

College academic performance in science-related programs and senior high school strands: A basis for higher education admission policy

In compliance with RA 10931(the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allows State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines to admit students regardless of their senior high school track and strand taken, through CMO 105, Series of 2017. This would cause future problems because the nature of these graduates' high school studies would be disregarded when evaluating applicants for a certain bachelor's degree. This study was conducted to determine if a specific Senior High School strand produces high-achieving students in science-related programs. Using a causal-comparative research design, it engaged sixty-one (61) undergraduate students enrolled in Two Philippine State Universities offer Science-related courses: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. One-way ANOVA was done to find if there is a significant difference among the academic performance of the respondents grouped by their senior high school strands. Dunn’s Test for Multiple Comparisons was used as post-hoc analysis. The ANOVA test showed a significant difference between academic performance in science-related programs and senior high school strands p = 0.015, while no significance was found in sex and annual household income. Conducting post-hoc analysis using Dunn’s Test for Multiple Comparisons showed that STEM graduates have a statistically significant academic performance between ABM, GAS, HUMSS, Home Economics, and ICT graduates. The findings show significant implications in the admission of students in college, especially in science-related programs. Strands in senior high school must be considered and that short-bridging programs may be conducted for non-STEM graduates enrolled in science-related programs.

LAB ISSUES IN A VIRTUAL ERA: UNVEILING CHALLENGES FACED BY STEM STUDENTS IN MATERIAL UTILIZATION

The laboratory has been assigned a central and distinct position in science education, and science educators have indicated that conducting laboratory activities provides rich benefits in learning. Since the start of the school year 2020-2021, online learning has been one of the modes of learning delivery allowed by both the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) (Tria, 2020). Due to this, STEM students face many issues in the fast-evolving world of virtual learning, particularly when it comes to material utilization in laboratory settings. The digital world has transformed education, allowing students to engage with knowledge and communicate remotely in unprecedented ways. However, the lack of physical laboratories has given rise to many new concerns that necessitate attention and creative solutions. Hence this study shed light on the challenges that STEM students confront in material utilization within the virtual domain, its impact to students performance in active learning, and coping mechanisms of the dilemma which gave ramifications in their educational journey.