Eastern Samar Research Articles

Biodiversity of Sargassum (Fucales, Sargassaceae) from Eastern Samar (Philippines) inferred from nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data

ABSTRACT Sargassum is the most diverse genus in the brown algal order Fucales, which is an ecologically important primary producer in marine ecosystems. The Philippines has about 73 species of Sargassum identified based solely on morphology, representing 18% of its reported global diversity. The genus is known for its morphological plasticity which makes identification of its species challenging. Taxonomy is particularly problematic in the Philippines where molecular data for Sargassum is lacking. We collected 34 samples of Sargassum from Eastern Samar, Philippines, an area known to have significant species diversity. Using newly designed primers to amplify the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, we generated gene sequences and reconstructed the phylogeny of Sargassum to infer species diversity of the Eastern Samar samples. Based on morphological assessments of samples, we found S. corderoi, S. polycystum and five other morphotaxa. Molecular assessments, on the other hand, show the presence of only three morphotaxa. Bayesian inference, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood generated almost identical trees which showed that S. corderoi and Sargassum sp. aff. siliquosum samples are nested in a clade of S. ilicifolium. This is the first time that S. corderoi has been reported in Eastern Samar. Another species, S. polycystum, formed a clade consisting of well-supported subgroups. This study is a step towards updating the taxonomic identification of Sargassum species found in the Philippines using molecular and morphological data. The biomarker used in our study could improve the identification of Sargassum species in a species-rich subtropical-tropical geographical area such as the Philippines, in phylogenetic studies of Sargassum.

Women’s experiences of a livelihood project after Haiyan: A phenomenological study

Studies claim women play critical roles in disaster preparedness and recovery, especially in livelihood rehabilitation. Their roles in typhoon affected communities, however, are not well understood. This paper examines the experiences of a women's group in a community hit by Super-Typhoon Haiyan in operating a plant nursery as a livelihood program. We used phenomenological research design in data gathering and analysis. Six women from a women's group, locally known as Abante Kababaihan Organization (AKO) in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, agreed to participate in this study. Our findings revealed that the women participants experienced struggles such as discrimination from the municipal employee, overcoming project operation problems, keeping the organization alive, and balancing time between the project and family. However, they persisted and sustained their organization up until now. The women's experiences in operating the livelihood project are constituted by three concepts: discrimination, persistence, and fulfillment. Their story shows that sacrifice and determination resulted in recognitions given by non-government organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and local leaders.

Phylogenetic Study of Sargassum polycystum (Sargassaceae, Ochrophyta) in Eastern Samar, Philippines Based on the Nuclear rDNA Sequences

Sargassum polycystum is an economically important seaweed endemic to Southeast Asian waters. Genetic diversity studies conducted for this alga have been based on samples from various areas in the Indo-Pacific region. Here, we examined the phylogenetic patterns of S. polycystum in Eastern Samar, Philippines using the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region – including ITS1, 5.8S gene, and ITS2. The phylogenetic and haplotype analyses using these loci indicate that the Eastern Samar samples contain 13 haplotypes. Using the ITS2 region sequences alone (to include other Indo-Pacific samples), we found that the number of Eastern Samar haplotypes was reduced to six, with one common haplotype found in Singapore and Indonesia. Our findings indicate that the genetic diversity of Eastern Samar S. polycystum is substantially higher than previously suggested. Consistent with the previous hypothesis, the populations of S. polycystum in Southeast Asian waters indicate a range expansion. The study could extend our understanding of the genetic diversities of S. polycystum in the Philippines and elsewhere.

E-learning readiness of teachers in the new normal education: The case of national high schools in Eastern Samar

<p>Online learning readiness assessment allows for the comprehensive planning of online learning strategies. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the readiness of 207 national high school instructors in the southern part of Eastern Samar for online learning in the new normal education. The study used a descriptive-comparative research plan and a survey questionnaire for data collection. The study found that teachers were ready to implement e-learning. Specifically, teachers are ready in terms of technical skills, attitude toward online learning, as well as time management and time commitment, but only somewhat prepared in terms of experience with online learning and teaching. It is recommended that teachers participate in different training, workshops, and seminars related to e-learning to gain more online learning and teaching experience and fully prepare for e-learning implementation.</p>

Physiological and biochemical characterization of new wild strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) cultivated under land-based hatchery conditions

The red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii is globally cultivated as a major source of k-carrageenan. Farming of this species through clonal propagation has been confined to a few good-quality commercial strains. After more than 50 years of successful cultivation and high productivity, the production of K. alvarezii in most “cottonii”-producing countries like the Philippines had declined in recent decades. This can be attributed to low genetic variability, making “old” cultivars more susceptible to environmental stressors, pests (epi- and endophytes) and diseases (e.g., ice-ice). Hence, the establishment of new cultivars from wild strains with desirable traits may provide alternative seedstocks with different genetic makeup from the currently farmed cultivars. Here, we examined the physiological and biochemical properties of 10 new wild strains of K. alvarezii, belonging to four non-commercially cultivated haplotypes, collected from Eastern Samar, Philippines. These strains were cultivated in an outdoor, land-based hatchery with ambient light and flow-through, nutrient replete seawater. Growth rates, ranging from 0.44 % to 3.74 % d-1, significantly varied among the strains but did not significantly vary among haplotypes. The cultivars also showed a notable change in color and morphology as they adapted to hatchery conditions. Pigments and total phenolic content did not significantly vary among cultivars. Proximate analysis showed that the dry biomass of all K. alvarezii strains was composed mainly of ash (ranging from 39.2 % to 51.0 %), followed by carbohydrate (ranging from 26.0 % to 35.3 %), and with trace amounts of proteins (ranging from 1.02 % to 4.61 %). Moreover, tissue stoichiometry (C, N and P) was comparable among the 10 strains. Considering the promising growth performance of strain SamW-014 under hatchery condition, we recommend its cultivation at sea and conduct corresponding carrageenan yield and quality analyses on its raw dried biomass. Among the 10 strains, five others are also of interest and for consideration. Thereafter, selected strain(s) will be introduced to seaweed farmers for future cultivation to increase biomass production, harvest yields, and income.

Marine Benthic Algae of the Eastern Samar Islands of Homonhon, Sulu-an, and Manicani, Philippines

Botanical explorations in the Philippines have been conducted for the most part in easily accessible regions, resulting in fragmentary information that prevents a thorough assessment of its total biological richness. Many insular sites, which are potentially biologically diverse, remain unexplored due to reasons of geographic isolation, weather disturbance, and logistical considerations. To address these gaps and to provide added information on the diversity and distribution of the seaweed flora around the archipelago, we report herein the taxonomy of the marine benthic algae of three islands in Eastern Samar province. Macrobenthic algae were collected in 18 sites in Homonhon, Sulu-an, and Manicani islands in Guiuan. Seaweeds were identified in situ up to the lowest taxonomic level possible and further analyzed in the laboratory. Cluster analysis based on the Jaccard index using the PAST software was used to infer similarities among the sampling sites with respect to the seaweed flora of the newly collected samples. Analysis of similarities and similarity percentage were also used to further support the results of the study. The paper highlights 56 seaweeds (Chlorophyceae: 28 spp.; Phaeophyceae: 11 spp.; Rhodophyceae: 17 spp.) collected in 18 collection sites in Homonhon, Manicani, and Sulu-an Islands in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. All are considered new records to the small islands, whereas 39 are considered new records of species in the Eastern Samar province. Cluster analysis suggests similarities in seaweed flora in the islands, which may be attributed to the substrates and hydrodynamism in the islands. The islands have a relatively diverse seaweed flora, despite its narrow areas highlighting 5% of the total seaweed flora of the country. This paper is the first attempt to provide better documentation of macroalgal communities in remote islands in the Eastern Philippines (Guiuan, Eastern Samar).

Quarantine Experiences of COVID-19 Patient’s Close Contacts in Eastern Samar Province, Philippines

Objectives: The primary aim of this qualitative research was to describe the quarantine experiences of COVID-19 patients’ close contacts in the Province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. Methods: The participants were seventeen (17) key informants purposively selected from different municipalities in the province. Data were gathered through key informant interview. Qualitative analyses were done using the thematic analysis. Findings: Results of the study revealed 14 codes, 7 categories within the four themes: (1) the experiences in the initial stage of quarantine period; (2) the experiences in the mid-stage of quarantine period; (3) the experiences in the late stage of quarantine period; and (4) coping mechanism. Novelty: This study highlights that despite the physical symptoms and emotional burden issues, the close contacts showed positive self-coping mechanism approaches which indicated that they were helpless yet resilient during the quarantine period. The external support from their families and the government helped the close contacts to handle the quarantine experience. Keywords: COVID19; close contacts; pandemic experience; quarantine period; thematic analysis

Evaluation of the Performance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Training Institutions in Region VIII

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Training Institutions in Region VIII covering the three provinces of Biliran, Leyte, and Eastern Samar. The findings revealed that the overall rating in all the areas of performance resulted to a Level 1 status which means that the three training institutions in Region VIII have met the threshold of APACC standards and their deficiencies could be improved within a period of two years. Based on the documentary inspection of the researcher, the performance level of the training and facilitative staff based on their Performance Evaluation System (PES) was very satisfactory. Furthermore, the results showed that the training and facilitative staff were performing their duties and functions in accordance with their job description. On the relationship between variables it was revealed that the performance of the training and facilitative staff was not significantly related to the performance of the training institutions.Anchored on the findings presented, it was concluded that the performance of the three TESDA Training Institutions have met and qualified on the Level I status which corresponds to the Asia Pacific. Moreover, the performance of the training staff is not related to that of the facilitative staff. However, the performance of the training and facilitative staff is independent on the performance of the training institution.

Determinants of evacuation decision of households at Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines: A case of Typhoon Hagupit

The Philippines is frequently visited by strong and destructive typhoons, claiming hundreds of lives and extensive damage to the environment, and properties. To minimize negative impacts, understanding evacuee behavior for evacuation planning is essential. Determinants of household evacuation decision were investigated in this study using 164 valid observations obtained through face-to-face interviews with household heads in the affected area of Typhoon Hagupit in Barangay Maypangdan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Correlation analysis and logistic regression were used to identify significant factors that affect household evacuation decisions. Results showed that the presence of children less than 10 years of age and elderly, house material, and house floor level affect the household evacuation decision. The insights from the results of this study are useful for policymakers and planners in preparing contingency plans for typhoon events at the barangay level. This may include ensuring the welfare of the vulnerable age groups, and strict implementation of building code for structural design and constructions.

Forecasting analysis of COVID-19 cases in eastern Visayas, Philippines

The disease caused by the novel coronavirus was named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19. COVID-19 has a basic reproduction number of 2 – 2.5, indicating that two to three people will contract the virus from a single patient. The first case in the Philippines was reported on January 30, 2020 when a Chinese woman arrived via Hong Kong from Wuhan, China. Her male companion died a few days later, the first known death outside of China. The Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines also felt the impact of the virus and had community-level transmissions. In this study, the researchers used ARIMA to forecast the COVID-19 cases of the provinces/cities in the region, namely, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and Ormoc City, from September 5, 2021 to October 30, 2021. The dataset for this study where the official COVID-19 cases dataset from March 1, 2020 to October 30, 2020 provided by the Regional Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH) – Eastern Visayas Center for Health and Development. Based on the results, it was found that all provinces/cities will have different developments in their COVID-19 cases. The results can be used in making strategic decisions in terms of planning, managing, procuring facilities, and other relevant mechanisms to address COVID-19 and similar healthcare operations in time of the pandemic.

Predictive accuracy of time series model using COVID-19 cases in Eastern Visayas

SARS-Cov-2 is a novel coronavirus strain that has not previously been associated with human infection. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease caused by SARS-Cov-2. The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, and was later declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In this paper, we used MAD, MAPE, and RMSE to measure the predictive accuracy of the forecasting models for the COVID-19 cases of the provinces/cities in the region, namely, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and Ormoc City. The data for this study comes from an official COVID-19 cases dataset provided by the Regional Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit of Department of Health (DOH) – Eastern Visayas Center for Health and Development from March 1, 2020 to October 30, 2021. The dataset contains confirmed cases on a weekly basis for 87 weeks (79 weeks were used for forecasting and 8 weeks were used to determine the predictive accuracy). From the results, it has been found out that ARIMA models can be highly reliable in forecasting the cases in Eastern Visayas.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION KNOWLEDGE AMONG FILIPINO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Difficult times can happen anywhere and anytime. When calamities occur in a place where people are not ready to respond, the subsequent damage can lead to mortality, loss, and suffering. The school is an example of such communities where many vulnerable children are susceptible to the negative impact of natural or manmade hazards. This study aimed to determine the disaster-related knowledge, adaptation, preparedness and readiness, risk perception, and awareness of 503 students from the senior high school department of Eastern Samar State University, Philippines. Students' understanding of disaster risk reduction knowledge was gathered using an adapted questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Survey results revealed that despite the school is situated in a rural area, senior high school students are ready, aware adapted, and prepared from the risks inflicted by disasters. Moreover, the sex of the respondents has significant differences with disaster preparedness and readiness, adaptation, and disaster-related knowledge. Likewise, the respondents' grade level, only the disaster-related knowledge, showed a significant difference among all categories. Also, all of the categories of disaster risk reduction have a significant difference with the respondents' academic strands. However, the family monthly income shows no differences in all categories of their perceptions of disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, disaster risk reduction education and initiatives in schools should be enhanced to reduce student's susceptibility to disasters.

Design of an Arduino-Based Water Quality Monitoring System

In agricultural cultivation, water is a critical climatic element. It has an impact on the growth and development of plants. Their abundance or shortage can lead to a good harvest, a lower yield, or even failure. Water quality testing is an essential part of environmental monitoring. When water quality is inadequate, it has an impact on agricultural life as well as the biological system as a whole. The researcher decided to design, build, and test a device that would enable real-time water monitoring based on this concept. After five months of research and development at Eastern Samar State University Salcedo Campus, the device was finished. The Arduino-based Water Monitoring System is entirely functional and can detect sensor readings from four parameters, including temperature, pH, turbidity, and electrical conductivity. According to the experiment results and the system usability test, it can now be deployed. The gadget also has an ESP32 included in it, which can transfer data through WIFI and Bluetooth. The device was practical and usable because it complied with the specifications. When paired with the Water Quality Mobile Application, the device is compatible with a 5-volt power bank and works well. The researcher suggests that digital sensors be considered because the gadget employs analog sensors, and reading is completely dependent on the type of sensor used. Additional testing, such as monitoring the ammonia level and dissolved oxygen, can be done while considering the device power requirements and overall design.

Quality Evaluation of an Adviser's Management System (AMS) in Selected Secondary Schools in Eastern Samar, Philippines

Quality Evaluation of an Adviser's Management System (AMS) in Selected Secondary Schools in Eastern Samar, Philippines

Computer Anxiety and ICT Utilization of Program Heads in a State University

This study aimed to determine the correlation between ICT utilization and computer anxiety among the program heads of a state university given the increase in ICT usage requirements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in a correlational survey model. All 33 faculty members designated as program heads across all courses in Eastern Samar State University colleges were involved as respondents. The data were assessed using a computer anxiety test (CARS) and a test for the level of computer utilization. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlation coefficient using MS Excel and free online software calculators were used to analyze the data. The result showed that ICT utilization was generally high, and the majority of the respondents had no computer anxiety. It was found further that a moderate negative linear relationship exists between the respondents' level of computer anxiety and their level of ICT utilization. The increase in ICT utilization may suggest a decrease in computer anxiety among the respondents and therefore reject the null hypothesis. Hence, due consideration of psychological fitness to use ICT in the context of education supervision was suggested. Further study involving other members of the organization was also suggested to explore or strengthen these findings, or otherwise.

Gastronomy and Hospitality Enterprise Image in Guiuan Eastern Samar, Philippines

Gastronomy tourism offers a unique touristic experience that positively affects other tourism industry sectors. This study focused on assessing gastronomy tourism and its relationship to the hospitality enterprise image of Guiuan Eastern Samar. A descriptive-correlational was applied with two sets of survey questionnaires with Cronbach alpha of 0.87. A total of 400 respondents participated in the survey. The data obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation for the relationship of the variables. The results showed that gastronomy tourism of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, significantly contributed to the local pride and culture of the town as it preserves the local spice herbs and generates employment to the local community. Moreover, product, promotion, and management have a significant relationship to the hospitality enterprise image. Thus, it is recommended to maintain a reasonable price of the gastronomical products and provide sufficient information to encourage more patrons to get in touch with the different travel partners and operators in the region to create effective marketing tactics for the gastronomy tourism of the municipality. Likewise, traditional ways of developing the gastronomical products of the municipality must be preserved, as this serves as a competitive reinforcement for several hospitality enterprises.

Teachers’ metacognition and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) of Elementary School learners in Eastern Samar, Philippines

This investigation aimed to identify a significant relationship between teachers' metacognition and learners’ higher-order thinking skills (HOTs). The correlational research method was employed to satisfy the investigation's primary objective. Two respondents were involved, including a total enumeration of Grade VI teachers and randomly selected Grade VI learners in Can-avid District. Through the administration of adapted sets of questionnaires and analysis of data using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools, the study revealed the following salient findings: (1) majority of the teacher respondents indicated a very high level of conceptual knowledge of cognition and planning skills of cognition regulation rather than procedural knowledge and evaluating and monitoring skills; (2) learners have exhibited very poor higher-order thinking skills in terms of scientific inquiry skills of analyzing, evaluating, and creating; and that (3) teachers’ metacognition only manifested a weak negative correlation with learners creating skills. The study recommends the advancement of teachers’ metacognition and learners’ HOTs through active integration of said skills in the curriculum and providing opportunities for teachers’ professional advancement. Finally, future researchers should conduct a larger-scale inquiry to fully comprehend the relationship between the variables studied in this study and to fully realize the impact of metacognition on learners' skills, which was not demonstrated in this paper.

EMPLOYMENT READINESS AND STUDENT TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF COED SENIORS

The study was conducted at the Eastern Samar State University Main Campus during the second semester of the school year 2018 to 2019. It aimed to determine the employment readiness of the respondents in terms of their personal skills; instructional skills; and management skills. It also intended to describe their student teaching performance in terms of their average grade in Student Teaching in the Elem/Sec Schools subject; and to determine whether there is significant relationship between these variables.. Likert-type questionnaire was used to gather data as well as secondary data and employed both Descriptive and Inferential statistics for the analysis of the gathered data.. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents’ employment readiness were interpreted as “Much Skilled”. It also reflected that 95.6% or majority of the senior students were excellent in their teaching performance. Further results reflected that there was no significant relationship between employment readiness in terms of personality skills and instructional skills components of the respondents and their student teaching performance but a significant relationship between employment readiness of the respondents in terms of management skills and their student teaching performance. The results of the study implied that COED senior students are ready for employment and that they have developed the necessary skills for teaching and can excellently practice the techniques , skills, and positive attitudes in teaching in preparation for the real world of teaching profession as reflected in their student teaching performance. These findings also implies that student teachers’ skills in managing classroom activities, efficient planning and organizing can highly influence their outlook and preparedness towards the teaching profession .Hence, student teaching curriculum must be enhanced towards improving the management skills of students.

SELF-IMAGE AND STUDENT TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF COED SENIORS

The study was conducted at the Eastern Samar State University Main Campus during the second semester of the school year 2018 to 2019. It aimed to determine the self-image of the respondents in terms of their positive self-image and negative self-image . It also intended to describe their student teaching performance in terms of their average grade in Student Teaching in the Elem/Sec Schools subject; and to determine whether there is significant relationship between these variables.. Likert-type questionnaire was used to gather data as well as secondary data and employed both Descriptive and Inferential statistics for the analysis of the gathered data.. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents’ perception of their level of positive self-image result to an aggregate mode of 13 which is interpreted as ‘high level’ while their level of negative self-image resulted to an aggregate mode of 14 which is interpreted as ‘ low level’ It also reflected that 95.6% or majority of the senior students were excellent in their teaching performance. Further results reflected that there was no significant relationship between the respondents’ level of positive and negative self-image and their student teaching performance . Hence the null hypothesis was accepted. The results of the study implied that the respondents’ total level of positive subjective perception of themselves, including the image of their body and impression of their own personality and capabilities are high and that they have developed the necessary skills for teaching as reflected in their student teaching performance. These findings also imply that although the respondents’ level of positive self-image is high, it does not influence their student teaching performance and outlook and preparedness towards the teaching profession. KEYWORDS: self-image, student teaching performance

DECODING VIEWS AND SENTIMENTS OF PROGRAM HEADS TOWARDS THE SUPERVISION OF INSTRUCTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The purpose of this study was to decode the hidden views and sentiments from the collated written responses of Eastern Samar State University’s Program Heads regarding supervision of instructions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method to explore and understand the perspective or sentiments of Eastern Samar State University program heads towards supervision of instruction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected/collated from the participants indirectly using an interview questionnaire containing an open-ended question. The same were processed and analyzed using an open-source machine learning software called Orange toolbox (Demsar et al., 2013) wherein pre-processing, sentiment analysis and topic modelling built-in tools were utilized. The results showed that the most prominent words generated by the machine learning tool from the text file of responses are the words pandemic, performance, program, learning, difficult, supervision, instruction, internet, faculty, online students, teaching, delivery confusing, challenging, poor and connectivity. The dominant sentiment associated thereof lean towards negative polarity which implicate negative sentiments. Hidden topics were automatically generated by the machine which allowed the researchers to come up with the following related themes: “Impact of pandemic in the supervision of instruction of faculty and learning of students”, “Challenges in the delivery of instruction and supervision due to poor internet connectivity”, and “Strategic role of online modalities and connectivity in supervision and delivery of instruction”. There are limited researches navigating in text mining and sentiment analysis with the use of Orange toolbox particularly those that deals with supervision of instruction in a Philippine State University. There are related studies using machine learning software, but nothing like this study directed towards a specific gap in specific locale. KEYWORDS: Pandemic, Latent Semantic Indexing, Orange Toolbox, Sentiment Analysis, Thematic Analysis.