Elementary Graduates Research Articles

The contribution of coastal women to enhance family economics: Case Study of the Ayau Islands, Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province

The contribution of women in fisheries at the Ayau Archipelago is vital, this evidence can be regarded in their important role in family. This study aims to examine the contribution of coastal women in improving family economics. The methods used are interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). Our study revealed that their level education are mostly at elementary graduates. Our compiled data analysis listed that their low level graduation are shown in the following list: Meosbekwan Village 60%, Rutum 67%, Abidon 100% and Reni 88%. In addition, they are housewives and helping husband in the various role in order to have additional incomes by producing salted fish, dry sea cucumbers, and sea worms product. Finally, they performed a significant alternative income between IDR 3,000,000 and IDR 5,000,000.00 per month.

Preparedness of School Heads, Teachers and Parents of Public Elementary Schools on the Limited Face to Face Learning Modality in Zone 2, Division of Zambales

The study aimed to evaluate the perspective of school heads, teachers and parents on the preparedness of public elementary schools on the limited face to face learning modality in Zone 2, Division of Zambales. The researcher employed the mixed method where in a quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics was employed in the study. Based on the significant results, most of the respondents are Teacher I, female, and serve for 10-14 years in the Department of Education. Parents are self- employed, most of them are college and elementary graduate and with 3-5 children. The school head & teacher-respondents perceived as Prepared in the preparation of the public elementary schools in terms of curriculum and instruction, school environment, human resource management, and budget. Based on the experienced by parent-respondents that majority of them prepare their children to bring to school such as snacks, alcohol, facemasks, and other supplies/items that will be needed for their education in accordance with school policy. The school head and teacher-respondents perceived as Sometimes a Problem in the limited face to face for leaning modality in terms of curriculum and instruction, school environment, human resource management, and budget. Based on the experienced by the parent-respondents that for fear of the COVID 19 epidemic, majority of parents bring their children with them. Some of them prefer to walk because it is more convenient and economical for them. During a pandemic, transportation is extremely expensive, and they cannot afford to ride a tricycle. There is no significant difference on the perceived level of agreement of school head and teacher-respondents on the preparations of the public elementary schools in the limited face to face learning modality when grouped according to profile of the school heads and teachers. The proposed action plan was developed based on the findings of the study. Based on the salient findings, the researchers recommended that the school heads and teachers may develop and design curriculum and instruction integrating facts on how to combat spreading the COVID 19 viruses. Encourage parents to monitor and check their children’ safety. The curriculum planner should take into account this issue, simplify activities, and eliminate extraneous themes in order to achieve mastery. Teachers are encouraged to attend trainings and seminars related on how to handle learners who are potentially infected. The administrators may consider the medical equipment such as stretchers and wheelchairs if budget warrants. Procurement of a two-way radio for easy communication in case of emergency is suggested. The principal may hold a PTA meeting to inform parents about health protocols. Future researchers may conduct a parallel study to validate the results of this study. The proposed action plan may be implemented by the school heads to the school.

Socio-demographic Influences to Ethnobotanical Knowledge among the Residents of Mt. Kitanglay at Initao, Misamis Oriental

A descriptive research design was conducted through purposive samplingto document the socio-demographic information in relation to ethnobotanical knowledge among the residents of Mt. Kitanglay, Initao, Misamis Oriental. A participatory community discussion (PCD) was used as the research tool with some modification such as asking the basic socio-demographic information of the participants. Sampling areas were at Brgy. Aluna (S1), Brgy. Kamelon (S2) and Brgy. Tawantawan (S3) in the municipality of Initao. A total of 90 participants composed of mostly elders with experience in herbal medicine healing and treatment. Results show that majority of the participants are females, 40-49 years old, married with 5-7 children, elementary graduate, and farming as main livelihood with family monthly income of Php 9,000 to Php 11,000 and annual income of Php 25,000 to Php 30,000. The data concluded that the residents’ ethnobotanical knowledge is still present among them. However, it shows a relative decline of knowledge among the younger generation due to lack of interest and the presence of available synthetic medicines from local health centers. Hence, there is dire need to increase awareness among local constituents, government and scientific communities for the preservation of medicinal species and the ethnomedicinal knowledge in Mt. Kitanglay at Initao, Misamis Oriental.

Indigenous Knowledge on Pest Management in Rice Production in the Province of Masbate

A total of 90 rice farmers who are used in adopting IK in rice pest management were considered using a convenient sampling method in selecting respondents. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The result showed that 40% of rice farmers are 51-60 years old, male (80%), married (95%), elementary graduate (44%), with a household size of 1 to 5 members (70%), and 37% were engaged in farming for 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, farmers are dominated by the land owner (57%), planted traditional or local varieties (61%), with farm size of less than 1 hectare (47%), and obtained an average yield of 50 caravans per hectare (35%). Rice farmers claimed that IK was handed down by their ancestors with less intervention from agricultural institutions, and rice farmers have practiced it for 20 to 30 years. Most (32%) farmers perceived they were more familiar with indigenous knowledge than new technology. The level of awareness of IK on pest management in rice production in the province of Masbate revealed that rice farmers were aware of the IK practices with a weighted mean of 2.87. Furthermore, data also revealed that the level of utilization of rice farmers who utilized IK on pest management in rice production is often with a general weighted mean of 2.85. Similarly, the result shows that the IK practices on pest management in rice production in the province of Masbate are cost-effective, with a general weighted mean of 2.85.

Technology and Home Environment Factors as Correlates of Pupil’s Learning Outcomes in Epp V

The study aimed to determine the Correlations of Technology and Home Environment Factors in the Pupil’s Outcomes in Edukasyon Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan Grade V among the 100 Grade V pupils at Manggalang I Elementary School for the school year 2022-2023. The study made use of descriptive method where questionnaire was the primary data gathering instrument. Frequency, Percentage, Mean, and Pearson were used in the statistical analysis of data. The study revealed that most of the respondents were male and 10 years old of Age, belongs to the low family income and the fathers were mostly Elementary graduate and high school level and mothers of the respondents were mostly high school level, the fathers of the respondents were mostly full-time, and the mothers’ respondents were mostly unemployed. There is no significant relationship between psychomotor, social environment and EPP V Learning outcomes except between the psychological environment factors and Cognitive performance and between the social environment and Affective performance which were found significant. Therefore, the hypothesis stating that there is no significant relationship between technology factors and EPP V Learning outcomes was partially not sustained.

Evaluation of health-seeking behaviour among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali and Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The COVID-19 pandemic poses the highest risk to older people with comorbidities, as the rapid spread of the virus reduces the community's access to formal healthcare facilities. This leads to the search for medical alternatives from several informal health sources. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate healthcare-seeking behaviour (HSB) among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aims to determine the factors influencing this behaviour. Data were obtained from Older People Community-Based Study in Bali and Yogyakarta province, Indonesia, between December 2020 and March 2021, using a phone survey technique. These were analyzed using bivariate (Chi-square test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses, to examine the association between the binary outcome of HSB types and explanatory factors. The result showed that 58.3% of the 1241 participants were female, as most were elementary graduates (31.5%) with the average age being 69 years old. During the pandemic period, 49.8% sought medical care at formal health facilities, with a 36% reduction observed in the visitations to formal wellness centres, compared to the pre-pandemic interval. In the multivariate logistic regression, some positive and significant factors were found to influence HSB in visiting formal health facilities. These factors included higher education level/university (AOR=2.04, p<0.05), unemployed status (AOR=1.36, p<0.05), unhealthy lifestyle (AOR=2.53, p<0.001), chronic hypertension disease (AOR=1.78, p<0.001), diabetes (AOR=3.73, p<0.001), and lung disorder (AOR=2.76, p<0.01). In addition, the proportion of inappropriate HSB was relatively high, leading to the necessity to apply the following alternative healthcare techniques, (1) Telephone consultation with professional clinicians, and (2) Provision of village-level care agents, to help monitor older persons' medical conditions during a health crisis.

Economic Behavior of Fisherfolks that Govern their Decisions to Practice Accounting: Evidence from Probit Models

The study reveals the economic behavior of fisherfolks that governs their decisions to practice accounting in Partido district, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Economic behavior was modeled and measured through the following parameters: the socioeconomic characteristics of the fisherfolks and their economic transactions; the economic perceptions on socioeconomic contribution, market sustainability, and financial viability of fishing activity; the recordkeeping practices they adopt and constraints they encounter; and the Willingness to participate in accounting enhancement programs. Nonlinear models were utilized, and a causal-explanatory design was applied. The survey was conducted throughout the four sectors of the district. Most fisherfolks are married men with an average age of 45. Most are elementary graduates, have 7-8 children, and are impoverished. They have been observing 6 recordkeeping practices and have asserted 14 types of constraints. They have identified 10 economic transactions that need a formal bookkeeping system and expressed 21 economic perceptions about the fishing industry. Based on probit models, 11 variables govern their decisions to practice accounting: 2 socioeconomic characteristics; 3 composite economic perceptions; 3 composite economic transactions; and 3 fishing activities as control variables. Finally, the study proposes policy interventions to improve the livelihood and uplift the accounting practices of fisherfolks.

21st Century Loom Weaving in Ilocos Sur: A Cultural Heritage

This study determined the socio-demographic profile of loom weavers, the equipment, tools materials, processes, patterns, designs, and terms in loom weaving. It also analyzed the chain of supply and the effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the community. It was conducted using the quantitative and qualitative descriptive research design. A self-structured questionnaire and ethnographic processes was utilized to obtain relative data.Majority of the loom weavers are: females, senior citizens, elementary graduates, purely weavers as to their field role, with experience of 26 years and above, having estimated monthly income of 5,000, who organized themselves into associations and most of their products are marketed to customers through the micro entrepreneur-weavers. They utilize almost the same type of loom, loom accessories, tools, materials and processes. The weaving patterns they are producing are: Plain, Twill, and Overshot. Out of these patterns, varieties of designs are created. The loom weaving supply chain reflects the interconnections and movement of raw materials into finished products up to its market outlets. The effect of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status is described as Much Beneficial and Moderately Beneficial respectively. A collaborative intervention program is recommended to be initiated by concerned agencies to control the occurrence of dearth of loom weavers in the future, to improve marketing system, and to level up the benefit of loom weaving to tourism and socio-economic status of the people.

Exclusive Breast Feeding: Infant Feeding Pattern and Practices among Mothers in Santa Fe, Romblon

If the following characteristics of respondents are taken into consideration: age, number of living children, marital status, income level, employment level, educational background, current feeding practices, and level of knowledge about the importance of EBF, it is hypothesized that these characteristics will have an impact on feeding among infants aged 0 to 6 months. A descriptive research employing a normative survey was conducted with a study population of 102 mothers from the Municipality of Santa Fe in the province of Romblon, after informed permission had been obtained. The following is the outcome: moms between the ages of 21 and 25 are the most prevalent, accounting for 39 percent of all respondents who use EBF. With more children in their household, the percentage of respondents who practice EBF increases. Additionally, 55 percent of respondents said that they are living with a partner, either married through a church wedding, civil marriage or in the state of cohabitation. Lower-income mothers (45 percent) practice EBF more frequently than mothers from other income classes. Mothers without a job are more likely to practice EBF (51 percent), while elementary graduate mothers are more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (63 percent). Forty-four (44) mothers out of one hundred and two (102) respondents are practicing exclusive breastfeeding, and at least 63 percent have revealed little knowledge about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Infant Feeding Pattern and Practices among Lactating Mothers in Santa Fe, Romblon Philippines

This paper examines whether the profile of the respondents: age, number of living children, marital status, income status, employment status, educational background, current feeding practices, and level of knowledge on the importance of EBF affects feeding among infants 0-6 months old. The study uses a descriptive analysis using a normative survey with a study population of 102 mothers from the Municipality of Santa Fe Romblon respondents who were informed and given consent to secure. The result is as follows mothers, whose age ranges from 21 to 25, are the most prevailing, 39%, of the total respondents are practicing EBF. The more children the respondent had higher the percentage of practicing EBF, 55% of respondents say; they are living in with a partner, either married through church wedding, civil or in the state of cohabitation, lower-income mothers (45%) practice EBF more compared to other income class. Mothers without job practice EBF more (51%) exclusive breastfeeding are practiced more by elementary graduate mothers (63%), forty-four (44) mothers out of one hundred two (102) respondents are doing exclusive breastfeeding, at least 63% have revealed little knowledge on the importance of exclusive feeding.

Exclusive Breast Feeding: Infant Feeding Pattern and Practices among Mothers in Santa Fe, Romblon

This paper examines whether the profile of the respondents: age, number of living children, marital status, income status, employment status, educational background, current feeding practices, and level of knowledge on the importance of EBF has an effect in feeding among infants 0-6 months old. This is a descriptive study using a normative survey with a study population of 102 mothers from the Municipality of Santa Fe, Romblon upon informed consent was secured. The result as follows mothers, whose age ranges from 21 to 25 are the most prevailing, 39%, of the total respondents is practicing EBF. The more children the respondent had the higher the percentage of practicing EBF, 55% said that they are living with a partner, either married through church wedding, civil or in the state of cohabitation, lower-income mothers (45%) practice EBF more compared to other income class. Mothers without job practice EBF more (51%) exclusive breastfeeding are practiced more by elementary graduate mothers (63%), forty-four (44) mothers out of one hundred two (102) respondents are doing exclusive breastfeeding, at least 63% have revealed little knowledge on the importance of exclusive feeding.

Cultural Practices and Academic Performance of Blaan Pupils in Sinapulan Elementary School

This study generally aimed to determine the level of cultural practices and academic performance of the Blaan pupils in Sinapulan Elementary School, Sinapulan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. Moreover, it was intended to find out which of these practices are still prevalent. The study employed the descriptive method of research. The researchers utilized a self-formulated survey questionnaire which was validated and approved by a panel of experts. The same underwent tests of validity and reliability. The statistical tools utilized in the study were mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA and correlation. Majority of the respondents were males, whose parents were elementary graduates. The extent of cultural practices as perceived by Blaan pupils was Highly Evident. Their level of academic performance was Satisfactory. There was a significant relationship between the pupils’ extent of cultural practices and their academic performance. There were no significant differences in their academic performances as to gender, age, parents’ educational attainment and monthly family income.

Cultural Practices and Academic Performance of Blaan Pupils in Sinapulan Elementary School

This study generally aimed to determine the level of cultural practices and academic performance of the Blaan pupils in Sinapulan Elementary School, Sinapulan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. Moreover, it was intended to find out which of these practices are still prevalent. The study employed the descriptive method of research. The researchers utilized a self-formulated survey questionnaire which was validated and approved by a panel of experts. The same underwent tests of validity and reliability. The statistical tools utilized in the study were mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA and correlation. Majority of the respondents were males, whose parents were elementary graduates. The extent of cultural practices as perceived by Blaan pupils was Highly Evident. Their level of academic performance was Satisfactory. There was a significant relationship between the pupils’ extent of cultural practices and their academic performance. There were no significant differences in their academic performances as to gender, age, parents’ educational attainment and monthly family income.

Stunting, IQ, and final school attainment in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey birth cohort

School attainment is an important aspect of human capital, and a key determinant of long-term health and well-being. Early life deprivation and poor nutritional status are well known predictors of school entry and progression. We examine the persistence of early life influences and subsequent socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) across the multiple school continuation decisions that lead to final school attainment. Using data from a Philippine birth cohort followed for 35 years, we model 6 continuation decisions: Did not complete elementary school, elementary graduate only (completed grade 6), some secondary schooling, high school graduate, some postsecondary schooling, and college graduate, as well as total years of schooling. We estimate the association of school attainment with early life length for age Z-score (LAZ at 2 years of age) and cognitive development (IQ) as well as underlying indicators of SED and other family influences through early adulthood. The analysis sample includes >1900 participants in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Females completed, on average, one year more schooling than males, and twice as many females as males were college graduates (29.1 vs 15.0 %). LAZ and one standard deviation of IQ were each independently associated with 0.4 more years of attained schooling. A path model demonstrated strong direct associations of SED with years of schooling as well as indirect associations through LAZ and IQ. Sequential logits used to estimate continuing education decisions show persistent associations of early life LAZ and IQ and schooling even after accounting for changing SED of households over the schooling life course. Filipino parents had high but often unmet educational aspirations for their children because of the child’s loss of interest in school and perceived financial barriers. Results further emphasize the importance of early life SED as a key risk factor for suboptimal school attainment.

PERCEIVED ATTRIBUTES OF GOVERNMENT IRRIGATION AGENCY ADVISORY AMONG RICE FARMERS

This study was entitled Perceived Attributes of Government Agency Advisory Among Rice Farmers. This study is conducted to know the perceived attributes of the NIA-UPRIIS advisory among the rice farmers in division IV Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. This is important in order for NIA-UPRIIS to design communication materials that are perceived by the farmers as accessible, available, comprehensive, clear, timely, adequate, and appropriate. This study is conducted through Multi-stage sampling and it was analyzed and interpreted by descriptive analysis. The researcher used a questionnaire in data gathering. The researcher gathered 30 respondents each in the 3 clusters specifically the upper-stream, middle-stream, and lower-stream for the study, and the respondents only are the rice farmers. Most of the farmer's ages 48 years old, male, Elementary Graduate and most of their income is 3338 pesos. The most used communication source of the NIA-UPRIIS is the fellow farmers, the most used communication channel of the NIA-UPRIIS is the Group meetings, most of the message of the advisory of NIA-UPRIIS is consisting are if there is a meeting to be held, the clearing operation of the irrigation canal or lining and the day and month of the irrigation. The communication source preferred by most of the farmers is the NIA-UPRIIS personnel or technician while the communication channel preferred by the farmers are the field visits or personal or face-to-face and when it comes to the overall ratings of the perceived attributes of the advisory of NIA-UPRIIS it is graded a good quality of an advisory.

AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION ACCESS OF FARMERS THROUGH RURAL RADIO AGRICULTURAL RADIO PROGRAMS

This study was entitled Agricultural Information Access of Farmers through Rural Radio Agricultural Radio Programs. This study was designed and conducted to determine the information access and utilization of rural farmers through the communication strategies employed by Radyo Natin Guimba. (RNG) It was conducted at Barangay San Andres and Barangay Guiset, Guimba, Nueva Ecija, the Philippines using descriptive research design. The samples were chosen randomly. The age range of 46-49 was the most active group of respondents and the majority were males and married. Findings also reveal that almost half of the respondents were elementary graduates with 119,392 pesos as the average annual income. The average year in farming among the respondents was 24 years while the average size of the farm, 1.84 hectares. Moreover, the average value of the production of rice per hectare of the respondents was 85.13. The media sources of agricultural information among the respondents were brochures, pamphlets, television, radio, seminar, and fellow farmers. The majority of the respondents were farmers who listened to a radio station. The communication strategies which the RNG employed in the implementation of agricultural radio programs were information generation, expert invitation, production of spots, plugs, and jingles, production of communication materials, straight talk programming, office call and farm visit, farmers’ forum, community organizing, volunteer recruitment and involvement, and resources and support generation. Despite the communication strategies described in the present study, there were also problems encountered by RNG in disseminating agricultural information and in the implementation of agricultural programs. These were high turnover of staff, limited production of spots, plugs, and jingles, the sustainability of the production of communication materials, and time availability of rural farmers in conducting farm visits and farmers’ fora. In this study, the hypotheses were rejected generally because there was no significant relationship between the selected socio-economic of the respondents, and information access and utilization through Radyo Natin Guimba.

The Community- Managed Agritourism Trek in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines: Cbpar Approach

The study aims to develop a community-managed agritourism trek in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines through Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) that may serve as a vehicle in uplifting the socio-economic condition, preserve the biodiversity of the locality and in support to the governments’ plans and programs in promoting agriculture and tourism which will benefit the farmers, creates job opportunities, preserve nature and in response to RA 10816 of 2016 otherwise known as Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016. The study adopts the exploratory method through focus group discussions in classifying potential agritourism activities and determining possible obstacles. Interviews and ocular site visits were also conducted for validation. The participation of Agtang Tabanganon and the community shed insights in developing community-managed agritourism trek in the locality. Based from the results, the socio-demographic profile reveals that most of them were elementary graduates and their job were laborers and housekeepers while in classifying agritourism potential activities reveals agri-entertainment has the most number of activities followed by agri adventure and agri products where tourists will experience the traditional way of picking up products without any machinery used. The identified possible obstacles and the necessary trainings are opportunities towards a competitive operation of community-managed agritourism trek activities that will help the indigenous people, women, family farmers, habalhabal operators generate additional income while improving the value of the tourism experiences.

Determinant Mapping on the Knowledge of Barangay Police Safety Officers on Their Duties and Responsibilities in San Roque, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija: A Basis for Re-Engineering Action Programs through Suc Intervention

Barangay enforcers are in the vanguard of the effort to maintain peace and order in every barangay in the country. This paper was written to explore the level of knowledge of barangay police safety officers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. This study ought to determine the respondents’ demographic profile, their level of knowledge about their duties and obligations, their first responder’s function, as well as patrolling and hazard identification duties. This study made use of the descriptive-correlational design of quantitative research by utilizing a researcher-made instrument which is in the form of a questionnaire checklist to scientifically measure the level of knowledge of barangay enforcers and an interview guide to determine the veracity of their answers. The respondents of this study are the existing enforcers of Barangay San Roque, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Nineteen barangay enforcers were present at the barangay hall when the instrument was distributed. The result of the study disclosed that the majority of the barangay enforcers belong to age above 55, male, married, elementary graduates, high school undergraduates, high school graduates, have 1 - 3 years of experience as barangay enforcers and receive only 1 - 3 training which is related to their functions as enforcers. Based on the data gathered, the respondents are highly knowledgeable when it comes to their duties and responsibilities. The respondents professed that they are highly knowledgeable about their role as first responders. Allegedly, they are likewise highly knowledgeable in patrolling and hazard identification duties. That being said, it is highly suggested that the proposed training plan be funded and implemented to improve the barangay enforcers’ knowledge and skills in the areas highlighted as needing improvement.

Parental Involvement and Academic Performances of Grade 7 Students

This study is focused on the Parental Involvement and the Academic Performances of Grade 7 students in Marikina High School, Relatively this study discussed the level of Parental Involvement in terms of Epstein’s six types of Parental Involvement . It Identified the relationship between the level of Parental Involvement and Academic Performance of the students by getting their General Weight Average for the second grading period. This research followed the Descriptive relational research design to determine the relationship between the Parental Involvement and Academic Performance of Grade 7 Students in Marikina High School. The Systematic Cluster Sampling procedures were utilized in this study , there were 265 respondents ( Parents of students ) from 7 sections of 20 sections for Grade 7 level of Marikina High School, School Year 2019- 2020. In order to obtain the pertinent data for this study , the deportment part of the students’ report card was used as it showed the academic performance . On the other hand, a Likert Scale Questionnaire was used to identify the level of Parental Involvement to categorize the Parental Involvement ( at home and school ) The researcher used the Family Involvement Questionnaire based on Epsteins’ Framework on Parental Involvement. The profile variables of the parents were also considered and correlated with the level of Parental Involvement, In terms of educational attainment parents, who finished high school had the largest frequency followed by elementary graduates and the rest were able to get higher level of education. In terms of Gender female parents or guardians mostly answered the survey or questionnaire. The parents with the age of 30-35 got the highest frequency. In terms of socio–economic status it showed that average monthly salary of family was about 11,000- 15,999 who got the highest percentage out of 265 parents respondents. The level of Parental involvement consisted of two variables ( school and home ) .The Level of parental involvement at home in terms of parenting, learning at home, decision making and communicating indicated that the parents were frequently involved except for decision making where the parents agreed that they sometimes participated in the decision about school matters. The level of Involvement of Parents in school such as volunteering , collaborating , decision making and for communicating was also frequent. Similarly the academic performance of the students were significantly correlated with the level of parental involvement at school. The age and educational attainment of parents were significantly correlated with the level of involvement of parents in the education of their children at home. The Parental involvement was moderately high level and the academic performance of grade 7 students was moderately satisfactorily in their class in grade 7. The findings of this study implies that Parental Involvement is very important to achieve the academic performance of students, especially those who were found to have unsatisfactory grades. The school could work in collaboration with the parents with the end view of bringing about improvement in the academic performance of the students. It is thus recommended that school should consider coming up with activities, projects or programs that will entice the parents to volunteer to be part of the said activity / project or program. It is also recommended that open communication be enhanced among parents, children and teacher to establish rapport. Guidance Counselor may take integrative programs to support the efforts of parents and teachers when it comes to academic performance of students. The school should consider conducting seminar / workshop for the parents on the use of technology and online spaces resources as a potential new formats to support parental involvement.

An In-Depth Study of the Production Practices of Broom Reed Industry of the Philippines

This study utilized the descriptive method of research. Conducted in municipality of San Antonio province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. There were 58 participants in the study who are the broom producers in the locality. Structured questionnaire was prepared and served as the main instrument of the study facilitated by an interview of the researchers. Majority of the producers are 41-50 years of age, male, married and elementary graduate only. Moreover, majority of their enterprises are single proprietorship and operating for more than 11 years. All broom reed enterprises are classified as micro enterprises having an asset of less than Php 3,000,000 and having employees of not more than 10. As to the production process, it was identified that the product of all producers are purely manual. There were no advanced equipment that use electricity and computer in operation. There are various simple tools in the production such as clap or locally called “pang-ipit”. Surprisingly, all producers are using their own houses only as the place for production meaning no producer invested in a separate area or building for production. As to the procurement of the raw materials, 86% of the producers took their main raw materials within the municipality and some other supplies for production. Based on the result of the study, the producers can produce 31-60 pieces during peak season and 1-15 pieced per day during normal or off-season. Furthermore, the production is decentralized in 98% of the producers. Indicating that producers split their production processes into various people. Majority of the producers do not have adequate safety and security measures. They do not have fire extinguishers in the production area considering that the dried tiger grass as the main raw materials is flammable though all of them prohibit smoking in the area. All producers have their own quality inspection of the final output. Quality inspection is usually done by the owner or other member of the family designated also as supervisor. Relative to this, 40% of the producers normally do not have defective units in the production. Majority of the producers have their own waste disposal method through burning of some excess and unusable supplies and materials. Based on the survey-interview conducted by the researchers, the common problems encountered by the producers are having lack of funds of capital for the production and further investments. They also feel that there is lack of assistance and attention coming from the local government units through different programs, relevant policies and subsidies. The researchers were able to arrive to a One-Year Strategic Action Plan for the industry. The plan was presented to the local government unit for appropriate actions. Significant programs included are giving technical assistance to the producers in improving their practices in production. Modernization of the production process was proposed to increase the number of the units produced and improve the quality of the outputs. Also, organization of the producers into a cooperative will help them to improve their ability to market and promote their products not only in the municipality but also in the country and eventually internationally. The local government units can also implement interventions by; (1) finding possible financing institutions for the producers, (2) improving the promotion of the industry through different activities that can attract investors and tourists, (3) giving subsidies in the raw materials, (4) expansion of the production area of the tiger grass in the municipality to increase the supply thus will reduce the cost of the raw materials of the producers, and (5) giving tax incentives for the producers. The researchers also recommend further studies relative to this to understand deeper the industry and identify other problems to be resolved specially in the areas of marketing and organization management. Personal and family values of the producers and employees can also be studied to determine the possible relationship of these factors to the performance of the broom reed enterprises.