Eastern Samar Research Articles

Gendered Perception of Forests Over Limestone Ecosystem Services and Conservation Actions in Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS), Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Conservation of forests over limestone (FOL), a unique and fragile ecosystem, is critical to ensure the sustainability of both nature and human communities in the vicinities. A survey was conducted to determine the gendered perception about the FOL, the importance of its ecosystem services, and conservation actions in Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS), Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. About 541 men and women of barangays Pagnamitan, Ngolos, Baras, and Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar participated. Both men (3%) and women (2%) in GMRPLS were involved in the conservation of FOL, e.g., policymaking, awareness campaigns, tree planting, and other activities. Also, about 8% of women (W) and 7% of men (M) were interested in participating in conservation actions. The men and women in GMRPLS were slightly to very well familiar (M=92%, W=90%) and aware (M=94%, W=92%) of FOL. The men (96%) and women (94%) were also slightly to very well aware that the FOL is protected by law and managed by an agency. Also, the men and women considered the ecosystem services of FOL critical, e.g., protection against typhoons, water, fresh air, and wildlife habitat. Conservation actions such as conducting forest information dissemination, participating in conservation programs, planting seedlings, and enacting a localized biodiversity conservation strategy specific to FOL were recommended by the men and women in GMRPLS. Forest regulation and governance of all concerned are necessary to ensure the FOL's sustainability and the continued enjoyment of the communities of its ecosystem services. Moreover, the study suggests extension activities, e.g., information and education campaigns in these barangays, to increase their awareness and appreciation of FOL and encourage their engagement in FOL conservation.

Measuring The 2021 Clients Satisfaction On Frontline Services Of Eastern Samar State University – Salcedo Campus

Section 4 of the Philippine Republic Act No. 6713 (RA5713) lays out the personal conduct standards that all public employees and officials must uphold in carrying out their duties, including being committed to the public interest, exercising the highest level of professionalism, objectivity, and truthfulness, and serving with fairness and neutrality. Employees of State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) are public servants that should be committed to public interest. Citizens as consumers regard satisfaction as a central managerial objective; as such, client satisfaction (i.e., quality assessments) is critical for retaining or even increasing customer loyalty, retention, and willingness-to-pay for private goods. The study aimed to assess the clients’ level of satisfaction and perceived level of importance of the services and goods availed from the Eastern Samar State University Salcedo using a descriptive survey method. A gap analysis was done to determine the disparity between how clients perceived satisfaction and importance of frontline services which became the basis for action planning. Results showed that while clients were satisfied with most of the frontline services afforded to them, there was a gap between satisfaction and importance. An action plan was made to remedy the gaps.

Forests over limestone in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Philippines: Species composition and influencing environmental factors

Abstract. Buot Jr IE, Villanueva ELC, Origenes MG, Obeña RDR. 2023. Forests over limestone in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Philippines: Species composition and influencing environmental factors. Biodiversitas 24: 5123-5136. Forests over limestone are critical ecosystems providing numerous ecosystem services. However, the ecology of these ecosystems is less studied like the Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS) in Eastern Samar, Philippines which incidentally is affected by strong typhoons. Studies on forests over limestone are even more essential to understand the vegetation ecology providing insights in crafting appropriate management strategy to sustain ecosystem services. Hence, the study aims to identify the woody vegetation diversity and composition of forests over limestone in GMRPLS, and to analyze the environmental factors influencing the physiognomy and ecology of the forests. Standard vegetation techniques were used and a total of nine plots with size of 20 × 20m each were established to assess the tree species (?1m height). Plant abundance data were recorded and computed. Soil samples were collected while climate data were obtained from the Guiuan, Eastern Samar Weather Station. Cluster analysis using relative density of trees per plot was done in order to identify major plant communities. Subsequently, a canonical correspondence analysis was carried out to pinpoint which environmental variables influenced the plant data set. Results show a total of 37 species belonging to 17 families, with 18 species are listed under by IUCN and seven species are listed by DAO 2017-11. Cluster analysis indicated 3 vegetation groupings or clusters named after the dominant species per plot, namely Cluster I (Hancea-Calophyllum-Macaranga-Ficus-Gnetum), Cluster II (Monoon-Wallaceodendron-Artocarpus-Hancea-Bago-eho), and Cluster III (Bridelia-Monoon-Neonauclea-Gnetum-Artocarpus-Sterculia-Hancea). GUI 02 plot (Cluster 1) was observed as the most diverse with the highest Simpson’s index and Fisher’s alpha, as well as the highest in total number of tree species. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated elevation, temperature and anthropogenic disturbances as the major factors influencing the vegetation diversity and composition. This can be used to formulate forest management strategies for the sustainable conservation of forests over limestone in GMRPLS.

Floral composition and diversity of ultramafic forests in Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Floral composition and diversity of ultramafic forests in Homonhon Island, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Species Diversity and Carbon Stock of Mangrove in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Mangrove forests sequester substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, store carbon in their biomass, and have the highest carbon pool of any forest. The Philippines is one of the mangrove-rich countries, with almost 1.9% of the global mangroves. No current published works on mangroves exist in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. This study utilized a non-destructive technique through quadrat sampling to identify and measure mangroves’ biodiversity and carbon stock. The allometric equation was applied to quantify the carbon stock and Shannon-Wiener diversity index to determine the biodiversity. Twelve species were identified from the 36 sampling plot with 10 × 10 meter. Results showed the mean species evenness of 0.28 and the Shannon-Wiener diversity value of 0.92, indicating very low diversity. The overall aboveground, belowground, total carbon stock, and CO2 sequestration of 209 t/ha, 76 t/ha, 157 t/ha, and 575 CO2 t/ha, respectively. The test revealed that comparing the six barangays regarding species diversity and carbon stocks gives no statistically significant difference of 0.032 and 0.046, respectively. Considering the estimated carbon stock and CO2 equivalent accounted from the tree biomass, the mangrove stands in Guiuan have the potential to store and sequester a large amount of carbon dioxide.

Undergraduate students’ modular experiences in learning mathematics in the new normal education

<span lang="EN-US">The modular approach has been proven to be an effective tool in mathematics learning. However, this approach presents challenges regarding students’ learning. Hence, this study was conducted to determine and compare the modular experiences of 55 Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Math students of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Salcedo based on gender, age, and year level. The study utilized a descriptive-comparative design and a survey questionnaire. Percentage, mean, t-test, and </span><span lang="EN-US">analysis of variance </span><span lang="EN-US">(</span><span lang="EN-US">ANOVA) were used to treat the data. The study revealed that respondents were satisfied with their modular experience in learning mathematics in the new normal education. Specifically, the respondents rated their experience satisfactory in good teaching, high in clear outcomes, manageable in appropriate workload, moderate in appropriate assessment, and average in generic skills. Furthermore, the study found a significant difference in good teaching, clear outcomes, appropriate workload, appropriate assessment, generic skills, and satisfaction with modular learning across the respondents’ year level, but insignificant across age and gender. Based on the findings, it is recommended that teachers should attend intensive seminars and training on current trends in math teaching and module development. Modules’ quality must be improved considering the workload, assessment, outcomes, and skills development.</span>

Species Composition, Relative Abundance, Distribution, and Size Structure of Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus spp.) in Eastern Visayas, Philippines

Spiny lobsters are an important resource of the artisanal fishery in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It has long been harvested and contributes to the region's local economy. Despite being a high-value species, the spiny lobster resource has not been monitored and regulated for decades. This study aimed to assess the spiny lobsters in Eastern Visayas and provide recent information to support local resource management. Spiny lobsters were assessed from 2018 to 2019 in four major sampling areas in Eastern Visayas: (1) Guiuan and (2) San Policarpo in Eastern Samar province, (3) San Jose in Northern Samar, and (4) Silago-Hinunangan in Southern Leyte. Species composition, relative abundance, geographical and seasonality distribution, and size structure of spiny lobster resource in the region were described. Six species and subspecies of the genus Panulirus were observed in the catch landings: P. penicillatus (65%), P. ornatus (18%), P. versicolor (2.8%), P. femoristriga (5.3%), P. longipes longipes (6.1%), and P. longipes bispinosus (1.7%). Incidental catches (1.3%) of the ambiguous forms of P. longipes were also observed. P. penicillatus were more prevalent in areas exposed to the Pacific, such as Guiuan and San Policarpo, while adult P. ornatus were chiefly harvested in Northern Samar and Southern Leyte. The other lobster species were either occasional or rare in some areas. Calmer waters and good weather during dry months in Eastern Visayas allow fishers to sail and gather lobsters. The surge in the abundance of P. ornatus and P. penicillatus from July to December was also affected by market demand. Panulirus femoristriga, P. versicolor, and P. longipes subspecies generally peaked from April to June in Eastern Samar and July to September in Northern Samar and Southern Leyte areas. These species would decline in abundance towards the end of the year. The general size structure of spiny lobster catches in Eastern Visayas revealed extreme harvesting of juveniles and sub-adults (< 77.5 mm CL), except for P. ornatus. The fishery could be on the verge of growth overfishing since 50-90% of the catch have CL below their size at first maturity. Panulirus ornatus is targeted at larger sizes (96–107 mm CL) and as a live catch due to its high value and marketability. Raising awareness of the species, reinforcing existing regulations on minimum size limits, and prohibiting the use of compressor diving as a hazardous collection method should be prioritized by fishery managers to protect both the spiny lobster resource and the gatherers in Eastern Visayas.

CORRELATES OF MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE OF GRADE 9 LEARNERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS DIVISION OF EASTERN SAMAR AMIDST PANDEMIC

The existence of the COVID-19 pandemic brought extraordinary challenges in the division of Eastern Samar, many factors affiliating in terms of academic performance, especially in mathematics subjects, learners, homes, and schools. The results showed that most of the respondents were academic achievers on their previous grade levels, wherein their parents were high school graduates, high-income earners, longer distance from their residence to the school of four kilometers and above, and most teachers monitor learners progress only once per week. Hence, available learning materials at home and school are android cellphones, books, and references that serve as a reading guide and access to learning towards a modular approach in teaching. However, the respondents attitudes toward mathematics and math anxiety were average levels. Moreover, the data revealed that grade 9 learners performed not satisfactorily in mathematics performance. Using inferential statistics specifically Pearson r, Point-biserial r, and Spearman rho correlational analysis it was found that the parameters of learners and home factors had a significant impact, while school factors had no significant impact on mathematics performance. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that parents be actively engaged in supporting, providing, and sustaining adequate learning materials in new normal education. Schools must improve learning materials, and facilities, and always monitor learning outcomes provided with necessary interventions for academically challenging learners. KEYWORDS: covid-19 pandemic, correlation, grade 9 learners, mathematics performance, mathematics attitudes, and anxiety

Feasibility of Artificial Reefs to Local Livelihood Sustainability

This research examines the feasibility of utilizing artificial reefs as a means to enhance local livelihood sustainability in coastal communities. The study investigates the potential socioeconomic impacts of artificial reefs on local communities of the Southern part of Eastern Samar and explores their effectiveness in supporting various aspects of livelihood, including fisheries, tourism, and ecosystem services. Through a combination of field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and economic assessments, the research assesses the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing artificial reefs as a sustainable livelihood strategy. The findings highlight the potential benefits of artificial reefs, such as increased fish populations, enhanced tourism activities, and improved coastal protection, which can contribute to the socioeconomic well-being of local communities. However, the study also acknowledges the need for careful planning, community engagement, and long-term monitoring to ensure the successful integration of artificial reefs into local livelihood systems. Hence, by providing recommendations for policy-makers, practitioners, and community stakeholders to maximize the feasibility and positive outcomes of artificial reefs in promoting local livelihood sustainability.

Invited si Korona?!: Elucidating the stakeholders’ engagement in events management during the COVID-19 Pandemic – the case of the Quincentennial Commemoration in the Philippines in Guiuan, Eastern Samar

This qualitative case study research elucidated the stakeholder’s engagement in events management during the COVID-19 Pandemic, specifically during the Quincentennial Commemoration in the Philippines in the Municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar, Philippines. The researcher used the HyFlex Focus Group Discussion (HFGD) (n = 10) and Documentary Analysis to gather the needed information and data for the research. Semi-structured aide-memoire or guide question, tabular matrix, and reconnaissance were utilized. A repertory grid through data-driven development was used to analyze information systematically. Based on the findings, a framework for stakeholders’ engagement in events management and the pandemic situation was developed, concentrating on five aspects: Collaborators, Expedient, Channels, Quandaries, and Erudition. As a practical implication of the research, the five aspects can be a basis for primary and secondary stakeholders in monitoring and evaluating events management approaches during the COVID-19 Pandemic and other related risk entities.

Knowledge and Thinking Strategies of the 21st Century Learners of Eastern Samar State University

This study explored and evaluated the proficiency of knowledge and thinking strategies practices of 21st century learners. The determinants of knowledge proficiency were fundamental, meta, and humanistic, and the practices of thinking strategies were core knowledge skills, cross-disciplinary knowledge skills, ICT skills, creativity and innovation skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, life and career skills, ethical and emotional skills, and cultural competence skills. A descriptive and main component analysis were utilized to establish the impact and order in the knowledge proficiency and thinking strategies practices of the 21st century learners. A model displaying the principle components analysis was also depicted, indicating that the level of knowledge proficiency was modest. Similarly, the model highlighted that the higher the core knowledge acquisition, the more holistic the 21st century learners. Furthermore, there was sufficient practice of the students' thinking methods, with the more core knowledge skills practiced, the higher the cognitive skills implicate more competent and developing 21st century learners. Furthermore, this research suggests that meta and humanistic knowledge should be strengthened.

Awareness of Ecosystem Services and Management of Mangroves in Maliwaliw Island, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Awareness of Ecosystem Services and Management of Mangroves in Maliwaliw Island, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Philippines

THE READING PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS IN MOTEHR-TONGUE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AREA OF THE PHILIPPINES

With the implementation of Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 and the lack of contextualized and localized teachers guide and learners materials has motivated the researcher to pursue this study which aimed to determine the reading performance of learners in mother-tongue. The respondents of the study were comprised of 312 grade 3 pupils from all the central schools in the Schools Division of Eastern Samar during the First Grading Period of the School Year 2021-2022. This study used descriptive design. Results of the study revealed that the reading performance of learners in mother-tongue showed that the learners are advanced in terms of segmental sounds compared to supra-segmental sounds. This means that the lack of system of writing for the Waray language, lack of vocabulary lists, lack of assessment and validation tools for reading materials, lack of grammar materials/explanation, and lack of proper contextualized and localized learners materials affected the learners reading performance when dealing with complicated supra-segmental sounds. This study proved that even if teachers had a very satisfactory performance indicator, but there is a lack of development in contextualized and localized strategic intervention materials in MTB-MLE for local Waray language, particularly the Waray language used in Eastern Samar, there is still a language barrier between the teachers and pupils in understanding lessons taught in their respective school.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Mollusks and Crustaceans Harvested from Eastern Samar’s Taft River in the Philippine and the Health Risks Posed to Consumers

Heavy metal (HM) contamination from mining activities poses a health risk to humans who consume mollusks and crustaceans from mine-affected environments. One such example is the Taft River, which receives drainage water and sediments from the Bagacay mines in Samar, Philippines. To assess the accumulation of HM in mollusks and crustaceans and the associated risks to the humans, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on representative specimens, which were gathered from different sections of the river. The concentrations of Cu (97.67 mg kg–1), Ni (29.30 mg kg–1), Pb (0.59 mg kg–1), and Sr (14.67 mg kg–1) in the flesh of “bebe” (Batissa violacea Lamarck) were significantly higher than those in “tangili” (Telescopium telescopium Linn.), “tuway” (Mercenaria mercenaria Linn.), and “sihi” (Nerita albicilla Linn.); whereas for crustaceans, the flesh of mud crabs (Scylla serrata) contained higher concentrations of As (17.67 mg kg–1), Cu (118.67 mg kg–1), Ni (25.79 mg kg–1), Rb (31.33 mg kg–1), Sr (60.67 mg kg–1), and Zn (331.00 mg kg–1) compared with giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The consumption of T. telescompium, N. albicilla, and B. violacea may result in an estimated daily intake (EDI) that is greater than the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for As [2.03–4.48 μg kg–1 body weight (BW) d–1], while all mollusks may have an EDI for Cr of between 124.59–136.23 48 μg kg–1 BW d–1. This may subsequently lead to a high target hazard quotient (THQ), high hazard index (HI), and high target cancer risk (TCR) for adults. With respect to crustaceans, the consumption of S. serrata exceeds the PTDI index for As. Both S. serrata and M. rosenbergii exceed the PTDI for Cr by 20–21 times, as well as the elevated health risk values of 22.36 and 28.57 48 μg kg–1 d–1 for M. rosenbergii and S. serrata, respectively. Overall, current results indicate that human consumption of the Taft River mollusks and crustaceans may inadvertently lead to an increased intake of As and Cr that could negatively impact human health.

EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ESL TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH SUBJECTS

Teaching English has been a major issue in countries where English is not the first language, making it difficult for L2 learners to learn a second language because they cannot use English in real-life situations. However, pronunciation is a significant element of English language fluency. It is considered to be essential for successful oral communication. This paper documented the lived experiences of five ESL teachers in teaching English classes at Eastern Samar State University, Guiuan. This study employed a transcendental phenomenology research design. The five selected teachers teaching English subjects were asked to share their experiences through an in-depth interview in teaching English subjects and their observed students’ English language challenges. The data gathered generated five themes, which included sensitivity among students on error correction; divergent attitudes of the students towards pronunciation instruction; pronunciation errors of students in both segmental and suprasegmentals; teacher’s ways of dealing with the level of extent of students’ fossilization period; and challenges in teaching the English language. The result implies that students’ lack of exposure to language learning opportunities contributes to the emerging problem in the fluency of the language. Therefore, challenges to ESL teachers in dealing with students’ difficulties in learning the English language.

Social and ecological impacts, challenges, and lessons learned from the sandfish sea ranching experience in Maliwaliw Island, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Since the 1970s, Samar and Leyte islands had a thriving sea cucumber fishery but have rapidly declined over the years. In Maliwaliw Island, anecdotal accounts validated by the community revealed that the island had a brisk sea cucumber fishery but collapsed due to uncontrolled collection. In 2013, a sandfish sea ranching project was implemented in Maliwaliw Island, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, to bring back the sandfish that has disappeared from the area, and subsequently provide a supplemental livelihood to the local fishers. This study was conducted to investigate the impacts and lessons learned from the sandfish project. Recruitment of wild stock, increased community knowledge of sea cucumber biology and ecology, additional income through sandfish bycatch, and perceived enhancement of the coastal marine environment of the island were among the positive gains from the project identified by the respondents. On the other hand, poaching by fishers from neighboring communities resulting in inter-community conflicts was a major challenge. Clearly, the sandfish sea ranching project in Maliwaliw achieved ecological, social, and economic impacts on the project participants and the community. However, these gains need to be strengthened with effective management measures including size regulation to sustain the sea cucumber fishery in the area.

Grit as a virtue of the Waray-waray in reinforcing their faith and participation in the mission of the church

This research explored the grit of the Waray-waray/Samarnon following the concept of Angela Duckworth’s grit lived through its physical, social, moral, spiritual, and psychological aspects. It inquired on the role of grit in their daily experiences, the values that entail it, and how it strengthens their faith and participation in the mission of the Church. The researcher used the narrative descriptive method and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in analyzing the data that were gathered through face-to-face and online interviews of the members of the local community of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The results show the role of grit as expressed and lived out as a positive self-image, as a cultural identity, as a moral compass, as an expression of faith, and as a source of strength. The values that entail grit which was categorized under the several aspects of their lived experiences of grit include determination, love for truth, resiliency, self-expression, steadfastness, trust in God, etc. The faith character of grit was identified as faith and grit in challenging times, faith and grit in the service of others, faith and grit in worship, and faith and grit in righteousness, while its missionary character includes a three-dimensional track patterned in the doctrine, moral, and worship dimension of catechesis are prophetic-dimension, witnessing-dimension, and celebration-dimension. The faith and missionary characters may be incorporated in conducting catechesis in various religious activities and classroom instruction on values and religion or Christian living subjects.

Demographic Profile, Employment Status, Competencies, Skills and Values Acquired among Bachelor of Elementary Education Graduates

The College of Education at Eastern Samar State University—Guiuan Campus seeks to cultivate individuals who are globally competitive and value-driven. The researchers initiated a tracer study to evaluate the employability of elementary school graduates from the classes of 2016 to 2019. It also includes the values and abilities acquired and developed during their university tenure. A quantitative design and a descriptive survey were employed to examine the demographic profile, employment status, values, and skills that ESSU Guiuan graduates developed and acquired during their time there. The result of the study addresses the weaknesses and strengths of the curriculum, as well as its adequacy and the quality of the education offered in relation to the competencies required by local and global markets. Also, this study shows that not all BEED program graduates are LET passers but pursued to get graduate degrees. In addition, the majority of graduates are employed as temporary or contract workers, and the majority of employed respondents work in their respective communities. In addition, skills in human relations and creativity received a high mean score, which the respondents interpreted as indicating a high level of acquisition, whereas other skills and competence were moderately acquired.

A STUDY ON THE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF EASTERN SAMAR NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDINGS: BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HOLISTIC MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The purpose of this study are the following: to identify the present maintenance management systems of the school buildings of Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS), to describe the current conditions of the school buildings of ESNCHS and to design a holistic framework that will help improve the maintenance management systems. This research employed the qualitative method that is rooted in the phenomenological paradigm. Also, this research employed the case study research design. This design is appropriate if a study intends to learn more specifically, contextually, in-depth information on a particular real-world topic, a case study is a suitable research design (McCombes, 2019) Every institution must follow strict and legal guidelines in terms of spending or funding for its physical plant and facilities. In the case of ESNCHS, its budget and fund management is saddled in the revised guidelines for the Implementation of the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEEF) Manual of DepEd. contributed to the efficient management. Thus, the efficiency of the budget and fund management in the maintenance of its school building. Moreover, having extra source of fund, such as other income-generating funds of the school also help augment the expenses for the schools’ school building maintenance KEYWORDS: School Building,Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School, Management Maintenance

Can commercially available mosquito nets be used for rearing sandfish (Holothuria scabra) juveniles in floating ocean nursery?

This study investigates the potential of locally available mosquito nets as an alternative material for sandfish ocean nurseries. Mosquito nets (~ 2 mm mesh) were designed into single (SL), double (DL), and triple-layered (TL) to approximate the conventional hapa (CH) with ~ 1 mm mesh normally used in sandfish ocean nurseries. The study was conducted in Maliwaliw island and in a cove in Buyayawon both located in Eastern Samar, Philippines. Results showed that TL had the highest juvenile survival (35.93 ± 10.56%) in Maliwaliw, which was significantly different (p < 0.05) from SL and DL. The DL design showed the highest survival (25.23 ± 17.15%) in Buyayawon by day 60, followed by TL (21.37 ± 3.11%), although not statistically significant. On the other hand, average growth rate was highest in SL in both sites where survival was also the lowest. Biomass, however, was the highest in DL in Buyayawon (1,014 ± 266 g m-2) followed by TL in Maliwaliw (925 ± 107 g m-2). Sandfish juvenile survival in DL and TL were higher than those in the CH in both sites suggesting that mosquito nets can indeed be used as an alternative material for rearing early-stage sandfish juveniles in floating ocean nurseries.