Filipino Research Articles

The Economic Nationalism of Alejandro Lichauco

Alejandro Lichauco, a nationalist economist and lawyer educated at Harvard, relentlessly waged a nationalist crusade in the 1950s. Lichauco attributed the so-called "Philippine crisis" to the inexorably continued encroachment of the United States on the country's post-war economic affairs. Thus, the study examines Lichauco's economic nationalism from a historical standpoint and explains how he articulated its core principles in his writings. The researchers utilize Karl-Otto Apel's critical hermeneutics and historical method. By positing the concepts of nationalism as "power" and a "philosophy of power," Lichauco emphasized the paramount importance of economic sovereignty during a time of reinvigorated Filipino nationalism. He asserted that the power to formulate economic policies and determine the nation’s economic direction rests on the Filipino people. They should exercise complete control over the means of production and harness the country’s resources in their best interest. He advocated decolonization, heavy industrialization, nationalist industrialization, economic democratization, and economic planning.

A Case Report on Maxillary Ameloblastic Fibroma in a 55-Year-Old Man

Ameloblastic Fibroma (AF) accounts for only 2% of all odontogenic tumors.1 It has been shown to be more common in males than females.2 A malignant transformation of this tumor is known as ameloblastic fibrosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports on AF in the Philippines, with only one report of its malignant counterpart, ameloblastic fibrosarcoma.3 We present a rare case of AF with an unusual presentation and discuss its rarity, pathogenesis, histologic features and management. CASE REPORTA 55-year-old Filipino man consulted at our tertiary government hospital for a one-year history of a gradually enlarging maxillary alveolar ridge mass extending to the hard palate. Upon first noticing the mass a year prior, he consulted with a local dentist and an intraoral examination revealed a smooth swelling on the right maxillary alveolar ridge between the first and second maxillary premolar, approximately measuring 2 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm. The mass was noted to extend to the hard palate. (Figure 1A) He was advised consultation with an ENT surgeon for further evaluation and management but he did not comply. In the interim, the mass gradually enlarged. Upon first consultation at ITRMC, intraoral examination revealed a 6 cm x 4 cm x 2 cm soft, non-friable, ulcerative mass with irregular borders on the right maxillary alveolar ridge extending to the hard palate. (Figure 1B) The mass was malodorous, easily bled on manipulation and had violaceous areas. A punch biopsy revealed AF. Past medical history was unremarkable. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) revealed a 6.7 cm x 8.7 cm x 6.7 cm expansile, lobulated, mixed attenuating, heterogeneously enhancing mass in the midface. The bulk of the mass involved the right maxilla but extended to involve the entire hard palate and most of the left maxillary sinus. (Figure 2) The lesion was associated with osteolytic destruction and abutted the floor of the right orbit and bilateral zygomaticomaxillary buttresses. The inferior and posterior portions of the nasal septum were also eroded. (Figure 3) Given the clinical and radiographic features, odontogenic myxoma and ameloblastoma were considered as differential diagnoses as they may present as a painless, slow-growing, multiloculated mass with bony expansions.4,5 Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma was also considered. The mass was excised via a right subtotal maxillectomy and left inferior maxillectomy using a Weber-Ferguson approach (Figure 4) and a temporary surgical obturator was fitted. Post-operative recovery was unremarkable and the patient was discharged after five days. Once the surgical site healed he was fitted with an acrylic surgical obturator. Final histopathological report was AF, compatible with the pre-operative biopsy result. (Figure 5) On follow up three months post-surgery, the patient was able to eat and speak with ease and no tumor recurrence was observed. One year and three weeks later, there was still no recurrence noted on inspection of the surgical defect, his speech was hypernasal but understandable, and he had no difficulty communicating and eating.

Lalaki ka, hindi ka dapat umiiyak!: barriers of help-seeking behaviour in Filipino men

ABSTRACT Objective Filipino men's self-perceived masculinity and their inclination to seek help are influenced by the cultural context, and barriers in their help-seeking behaviour moderate this relationship. It is hypothesised that higher self-perceived masculinity corresponds to a diminished tendency to seek help, shaped by categorisation into social groups based on masculinity. Method The respondents were 348 Filipino males, aged 21–45 years, who accomplished the online survey. The participants completed the Male Role Norms Inventory-Revised, Barriers to Help Seeking Scale, and General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. A series of moderation analyses utilising JAMOVI was performed to investigate the moderation of help-seeking barriers on the relationship between masculinity and help-seeking behaviour. Results Results showed that when Filipino men's self-perception of masculinity increases, their help-seeking behaviour, specifically formal help-seeking, decreases. The following barriers act as moderators – Need for Self-Control and Self-Reliance, Concrete Barriers, and Distrust of Caregivers, significantly influencing the relationship between masculinity and formal help-seeking. Conversely, when seeking informal help, all identified barriers show no buffering effect, as Filipino men prefer informal help-seeking, consistent with the cultural context. Discussion Findings support the hypothesis that masculinity predicts their propensity to seek help. Add a one-liner recommendation based on the results. Future authors should focus on conducting localised research that examines the specific cultural factors influencing masculinity and help-seeking behaviours. Additionally, exploring the intersectionality of masculinity with other social factors can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers men face in seeking help.

7498 Pituitary Apoplexy Associated With COVID 19 Infection in a 55 Year Old Filipino Male: A Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: C.L. Macrohon: None. J.Y. Mercado: None. R.G. Gan: None. Introduction: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare fatal disorder resulting from acute ischemia or hemorrhage of the pituitary gland. Major predisposing factors include patients with anti-thrombotic drugs. However, there has been an increasing number of cases reported associating COVID- 19 and pituitary apoplexy. Case: This is a case of a 55-year-old Filipino male, who came in with right eye ptosis and blurring of vision associated with headache and dizziness. Significantly, 2 weeks prior the patient had developed cough and colds. On admission, he was noted to be febrile and presented with a visual acuity of light perception on the right eye and hand movements on the left. Plain MRI of the brain revealed a well-circumscribed hemorrhagic sellar-suprasellar mass with mass effect on adjacent structures worrisome for pituitary apoplexy. Incidentally, patient tested positive for COVID- 19. Hormonal work- up revealed hypopituitarism presenting with central hypothyroidism and hypogonadism. Patient was then started on Hydrocortisone 100mg intravenously as loading dose then 50mg intravenously every 6 hours to cover for adrenal insufficiency. At this point, thyroid hormone replacement was also started at 100mcg/day. Initially, patient was scheduled for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. However, due to euvolemic hyponatremia with a serum sodium of 119mmol/L secondary to SIADH, surgery was delayed and was performed on the fourth day of admission. Post- operatively, patient had improvement of vision and was eventually discharged stable without any complications. He was sent home on thyroid hormone replacement and steroids were discontinued since adrenal insufficiency was ruled out with a post operative serum Cortisol of 27.27ug/dL taken 24 hours after last dose of hydrocortisone. Discussion: COVID- 19 with associated hypophysitis or pituitary apoplexy has been reported in literature. The pituitary gland was proposed as possible targets of SAR- CoV-2 due to the presence of ACE- 2 receptors on the surface of their cells. Hazzi et al. discussed that infection by COVID-19 could play a role in the disruption of the equilibrium between the high energy demand and limited blood supply of underlying adenomas. They also discussed on possible routes of entry of COVID 19 particularly thru the nasopharyngeal epithelium via olfactory nerve or pass through blood brain barrier or thru the median eminence. Other possible contributing factors may be due to coagulopathy, endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulative state seen in COVID- 19. Conclusion: With increasing reports of pituitary apoplexy in the setting of SARS-COV-2 infection there is a possibility that COVID 19 may be a risk factor for pituitary apoplexy. Hence, the prevalence of COVID- 19 may increase risk of patients with underlying pituitary tumors to develop pituitary apoplexy. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Clinical and Ultrasonographic Bilateral Split Elbow Sign as the Initial and Sole Presentation of Suspected Motor Neuron Disease in a Young Filipino Male: a Case Report

Clinical and Ultrasonographic Bilateral Split Elbow Sign as the Initial and Sole Presentation of Suspected Motor Neuron Disease in a Young Filipino Male: a Case Report

Abstract B024: Be your own fan: Who do you get screened for?: A culturally sensitive and community-vetted colorectal cancer awareness campaign tailored for the Filipino community in Los Angeles County

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Filipina women and third among Filipino men, especially in Los Angeles County with the second largest concentration of Filipinos and immigrants. Recent trends show that Filipino experience late-stage diagnosis and lower survival rates. Despite the large number of Filipinos working in healthcare industry dedicated to caring for others, many Filipinos neglect to prioritize their own health and well-being. In collaboration with the Art Center College of Design, Cedars Sinai Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) developed a colorectal cancer awareness campaign, "Be Your Own Fan: Who do you get screened for?" aiming to evoke emotion and prompt reflection on the importance of health through storytelling, imagery, and tailored health materials (i.e., traditional hand fan, infographics, t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, photocards). Methods To determine relevance of the health campaign, five 1 hour semi-structured focus groups were conducted both in English or Tagalog via Zoom with n=23 adults ages 18 and over who self-identify as Filipino to provide community input on appropriateness of the messaging, colors, symbols, and community engagement approach. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling at in-person community outreach events, and email distribution. Results Participants represented diverse professions such as nursing, home healthcare/caregiving, public health, and accounting. Majority were 69% middle-aged adults, 57% female, and 4% colorectal cancer survivor. Research findings show that Filipinos take pride in their traditional culture, particularly in the use of Philippine flag colors (red, blue, yellow, and white) in health materials as opposed to other hues or tints. Either English or conversational Tagalog were preferred languages since it may be challenging to represent over 100 different languages spoken by Filipinos. Lastly, featuring stories and images of trusted community figures like healthcare professionals, church and community leaders, and family members are effective in pulling the heartstrings of the Filipinos to empower them to be their own fan/advocate. With this feedback, the campaign has been revised and deployed in the community and preliminary findings with n=77 people reached indicate increased awareness on colorectal cancer and intent to get screened. Conclusion. Developing health campaigns that closely reflect the community they serve can lead to increased awareness, participation, and adherence to health recommendations and behaviors. Citation Format: Reener Balingit, Mark Bondoc, Dong Hee Kim1, Zul Surani. Be your own fan: Who do you get screened for?: A culturally sensitive and community-vetted colorectal cancer awareness campaign tailored for the Filipino community in Los Angeles County [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B024.

Lazy or Creative: Linguistic Behavior of Filipinos

This paper aims to explore the linguistic behavior of Filipinos through the lens of the pragmatic philosophy of language and the prototype theory of cognitive linguistics. It provides answers to whether Filipinos are linguistically lazy or linguistically creative. Surprisingly, Filipinos do not usually care about what a word or a concept is; they only care about how a word will be used in their daily lives. This research uses textual analysis methodology to provide possible explanations for the linguistic traits of Filipinos using philosophy and cognitive linguistics. In-depth analysis of the works of William James and Eleanor Rosch was done to answer the research problem. Pragmatism explains that Filipinos are genius communicators who prioritize the practical use of a word rather than its definite meaning, while prototype theory validates the wisdom of Filipino people in creating prototypes in language for easy communication. Therefore, this paper concludes that Filipinos are linguistically creative and not lazy.

Linear immunoglobulin A/immunoglobulin G bullous dermatosis with celiac disease in a 26-year-old Filipino male

Linear immunoglobulin A/immunoglobulin G bullous dermatosis (LAGBD) is a rare form of autoimmune blistering disease characterized by circulating anti-keratinocyte cell surface antibodies from both the immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G. It presents as blisters, erosions, and pustules with erythematous lesions, primarily on the trunk and extremities. A 26-year-old Filipino male presented with a 4-year history of multiple pruritic vesicles on an erythematous base on the mentum spreading on the face, scalp, neck, upper trunk, and upper extremities. Skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence suggest a diagnosis of LAGBD. The patient underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed duodenal villous atrophy. A small bowel biopsy revealed duodenal villous atrophy with a predominance of lymphocytes. He was treated with dapsone for two years with remarkable improvement. He was also advised to do a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. After a 5-year follow-up, he only experienced occasional very mild flares treated with topical clobetasol 5% cream. We present a rare case of a patient with LAGBD with celiac disease. Systemic involvement, particularly gastroenteropathy, should also be investigated. Dapsone and a gluten-free diet have been the primary treatment modalities for this case.

Unearthing the disabling perplexities of a Filipino PLHIV online community on X’s #PLHIVDiaries as socially shared inquiry fostering pakikipagkapwa

Abstract Filipino People living with HIV (PLHIV) have used X, formerly Twitter, as an avenue to make sense of what it means to live with HIV in the Philippines. However, big data analyses do not provide a comprehensive investigation of X as a community. Grounded in the concepts of Alfonso’s (1992) socially shared inquiry (SSI), this paper discusses how this discursive process of sense-making and sense-giving occurs in an X hashtag called #PLHIVDiaries through analyzing and interpreting tweets (n = 1089) that narrate the daily experiences of Filipino PLHIV. This describes how their different struggles are framed and reframed through SSI process which unravels disabling perplexities such as problem, barrier, conflict, absence, dilemma, and error. Among the non-disabling frames that serve as a foil to disabling perplexities, we identified a variety of tweets that contained testimonies, personal triumphant stories, and answers to problems that were endorsed and authenticated by community members.

ChemsexPH: The association between chemsex, HIV status and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among men who have sex with men in the Philippines.

Chemsex, the use of psychotropic drugs before or during sexual intercourse, is associated with various HIV risk factors, including condomless sex and reduced adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis or antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the Philippines, there are still limited studies exploring the associations between chemsex, HIV status and ART adherence. This study aims to compare recent and lifetime chemsex engagement in association with self-reported HIV status among Filipino men who have sex with men (MSM). We further explored the association between chemsex and ART adherence among people living with HIV engaged in chemsex. A cross-sectional online survey of 479 Filipino MSM was conducted from 3 August to 1 December 2019. Demographic profiles, sexual behaviours, drug use, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), chemsex engagement and HIV status were collected and analysed. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to assess the association between self-reported HIV status and chemsex engagement. Among the 479 respondents, Filipino MSM engaged in drug use and chemsex were generally older compared to those not engaged in drug use and chemsex (average age 31-33 vs. 29 years old; p<0.05). Methamphetamine was the most common drug for people who reported using drugs. An HIV-positive status was associated with recent chemsex engagement (aOR = 5.18, p<0.05) and a history of STIs (aOR = 2.09, p<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that 79% (166/200) of persons living with HIV were adherent to ART. There was no significant association found between chemsex and ART adherence in the logistic regression analyses. Chemsex behaviour, particularly recent chemsex engagement, is significantly associated with self-reported HIV status. The emerging data on MSM engaged in chemsex require integration of a more person-centred, comprehensive and robust harm reduction programmes into the existing combination prevention strategies in the country. Health education for Filipino MSM engaged in chemsex should prioritize raising awareness about methamphetamine effects and overdose risks, alongside proper medical management.

Social Masks and Identity Construction in Lualhati Bautista’s Bata... Pa'no Ka Ginawa?

This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, combining textual analysis with cultural and socio-cultural perspectives, to investigate the portrayal of social masks, identity construction, and resilience in Lualhati Bautista's novels, focusing on "Bata, Bata... Pa'no Ka Ginawa?" The study explores how selected characters navigate social roles, adopt personas, and engage in impression management within Filipino society. Through close reading and theoretical interpretation using Goffman's and Mead's frameworks, the research uncovers insights into the intricate dynamics of identity construction, social interaction, and resilience depicted in Bautista's narratives. Significant findings include resilience among characters and its intersection with identity construction and social interaction. Additionally, the study reveals the influence of cultural norms, historical events, and socio-economic factors on characters' identity construction and resilience strategies. It also highlights moments of authenticity, vulnerability, and resistance, analyzing how they challenge or reinforce social masks and identity performances. Overall, the research contributes to understanding the complexities of Filipino identity and resilience in contemporary society as portrayed in literature.

The Unwanted Soft Spot: A Rare Case of Biventricular Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy Causing Heart Failure in an Adult Filipino Male

Biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy caused by an early cessation of compaction of trabecular meshwork during embryogenesis. The clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to severe reduced ventricular dysfunction. We present a rare case of biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy in an adult Filipino male presenting with heart failure symptoms. A 61-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of easy fatigability accompanied by bipedal oedema. ECG showed AF in rapid ventricular response. Echocardiography revealed wall motion abnormality with mid-range ejection fraction. Cardiac MRI showed biventricular dilatation with reduced systolic function. He was stable throughout the hospital stay and discharged with guideline-directed heart failure medications. Biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy is rare. However, it can be seen as a spectrum of phenotypic manifestations as this may be a form of cardiomyopathies. The management primarily depends on the clinical manifestation, as no specific treatment protocol exists. A correct diagnosis is essential because of the possible associations and the need for long-term management and screening of family members.

Message

Greetings! Warm congratulations to the Editorial Board of the Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (PJO-HNS), headed by Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña, on the publication of this issue. The Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS) is proud to have such an eminent team curating and reviewing research articles from specialists from all over the world in order to provide the PSO-HNS Fellows and the wider medical community with information essential to the practice of ORL-HNS. The primary purpose of the PSO-HNS is to engage in the promotion of the welfare, training, and scientific advancement of ORL-HNS in the Philippines; in particular (among many other objectives): to develop programs to promote the exchange of scientific information among members, and to encourage, support and institute publication of scientific ORL-HNS literature for national and international consumption. Considering the journal that you are currently reading, I declare success in achieving these objectives. Our Society has been growing and evolving through the years, and the PJO-HNS is proof that PSO-HNS is now more than just a social organization. We are a force for good of ORL-HNS practice and optimum patient welfare. If we are to continue taking the best care of our patients, we must practice evidence-based medicine, and research will be the bedrock on which we build. I leave you with my life verse for this year. From Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let us continue doing good for each Fellow, for the PSO-HNS as a whole, and for the Filipino people who need our care. May you be inspired to do good, to do research, and to do good research as you read this issue. His Blessings!

The Road to Change: The Perspectives of Academicians on Charter Change in the Philippines

The ongoing campaign to modify the current 1987 Philippine Constitution is part of being a democratic society. Resisting such an endeavor, if supported by a logical public consensus-building process, is also an important component of democracy. As a democratic country, the Philippines fits ideally into this constitutional reform setting. As such, this paper will examine the perspectives of Filipino academicians in addressing the growing pursuit of constitutional change to assist people in making better decisions and ideas for contemporary societal concerns. Using purposive sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with the selected Filipino academicians. The interview elicited participants' perspectives on the growing concerns about the charter change in the Philippines, considering the timeliness, scope of changes, complicated legal procedure, and impact on the economy, politics, and Filipino people. Furthermore, it investigates if the implementation is necessary in the current circumstances. According to the data, most Filipino academicians oppose the present constitutional amendments since the government's goals are unclear. As suggested, there must be clear rules and intents that the charter change aims to solve, as this cannot be accomplished alone through a constitutional amendment, ordinary legislation, or executive action. The government must establish definitive rules and give the Filipinos the exceptional political leadership that all citizens deserve.

Syphilitic Unorthodoxy: A Case of Lues Maligna in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-negative 28-year-old Filipino Male

Lues maligna, also known as malignant syphilis, is an uncommon variant of syphilis at the secondary stage – more commonly reported in immunocompromised patients or those with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this report, we present a case of a 28-year-old HIV-negative male with a 9-month history of multiple, well-defined, irregularly-shaped, erythematous papules, and small plaques evolving to ulcerated plaques and nodules with crusts, associated with pain, pruritus, and episodes of fever, arthralgia, and weight loss. Positive treponemal and nontreponemal tests, aided by histopathologic findings consistent with syphilis led to the diagnosis of lues maligna. Significant improvement of lesions was noted with 3 weekly doses of 2.4 million units of benzathine penicillin G. For patients presenting with painful and pruritic erythematous ulcerated plaques with crusts associated with systemic symptoms, and with a significant sexual history despite testing negative for HIV infection, a high index of suspicion for uncommon presentations of other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis could aid in early diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

SPACE+ DATA DASHBOARD: EMPOWERING INSTITUTIONS AND CITIZENS WITH SEAMLESS SPACE DATA ACCESS

Abstract. This paper presents the Space+ Data Dashboard (SDD), a robust platform developed by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), designed to revolutionize space data access for institutions and citizens. Built using open-source technologies, the SDD seamlessly manages spatial and non-spatial datasets. The SDD is composed of three core components: backend, frontend, and database. The backend uses PostgreSQL with PostGIS for data storage and indexing, Geoserver for vector files, and the Open Data Cube for raster files. Django handles other data types and serves API requests. The front-end uses TerriaMap, a customizable web front-end built on TerriaJS to provide public access and geo-visualization, and ReactJS for user interface and interaction. The SDD is envisioned to fulfill PhilSA’s mandate to empower government institutions and the Filipino people using space technologies. It democratizes data access to facilitate the use of space + geospatial data in disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and informed decision-making. The dashboard also offers direct downloads of various space-derived datasets. In championing data accessibility, PhilSA ensures data-driven decision-making, advancing both national space initiatives and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Perceptions of Muslim Educators on Postcolonial Education in the Philippines: A Qualitative Inquiry

The Muslims in the Philippines were unsubjugated and resisted the influence of colonization with their education system still intact today. However, constructs of postcolonial education among Muslim-Filipino educators are scarce. With these gaps, the study sought to establish a baseline conceptualization of Muslim education in the postcolonial Philippines. The study employed a qualitative research design to increase understanding of a relatively narrow concept or empirical phenomenon. The study utilized an interpretivist approach, particularly a transactional epistemology, and used purposive sampling with five Muslim educators as research participants. The results of the study provide a general overview of postcolonial praxes and constructs of Muslim education in the Philippines. However, the study is limited to five selected research participants. The study’s results highlighted balancing secular and non-secular education, Muslim and Filipino identities, and learning institutions for knowledge preservation. The findings are imperative in addressing the dearth of professional literature on the hermeneutic of postcolonial Muslim education in the Philippines. In conclusion, further studies on its essence primarily as an impetus for relevant, appropriate, and responsive education and policies among Muslim educators and learners are sought. Keywords: Postcolonial praxes, post-coloniality, Muslim education, Muslim-Filipino, Philippines

Profile and trend analysis of diseases of the genitourinary system in the Philippines

&lt;p&gt;In the Philippines, kidney disease is acknowledged as a significant public health issue as it causes considerable suffering, negatively impacts health, and possibly death to people inflicted it, this is despite the available programs and efforts to combat these diseases. This study evaluated and analyzed six decades of data (1960-2019) from Philippine Health Statistics to provide precise and valid information regarding its mortality trend and to assess the country’s improvement in effectively dealing with these diseases. Factors such as gender, geographical location, and lifestyle were found to affect kidney disease chances. We also found out that there are age and gender disparities in the vulnerability of the people of the Philippines to kidney diseases, with elderly ages 70 and up and males recorded to be at greater risk of dying due to it. Differences in the regional outcome were also observed with Region XII having the highest mortality rate, and Region ARMM having the lowest. Urgent need to expand treatment advancements and programs for the population is needed to decrease the burden of kidney disease in the country in the following years.&lt;/p&gt;

Agents of the Settler State: Incarcerated Filipino Workers, Conjugal Migration, and Indigenous Dispossession at the Iwahig Penal Colony

Abstract: This essay examines a conjugal migration program at the Iwahig Penal Colony in the early twentieth-century Philippines that was designed by American colonial administrators and built by incarcerated Filipino men. The penal colony was part of a settler colonial project that was pushing to transform Indigenous spaces into terrains primed for the influx of land-seeking migrants from Hispanicized islands. Before the prison was opened, Indigenous Tagbanua lived at the site, which had never been governed by Euro-American colonizers. US officials cast Tagbanua families as impediments to development. The penal colony's incarcerated men were from lowland areas that had come under colonial rule for centuries. Colonial administrators saw their labor, conversely, as the linchpin that would turn the land, and eventually the entire island, into a terrain for commercial agriculture. Bureaucrats worked to transport women to Iwahig who had been in romantic relationships with prisoners before their arrests in order to support this project. Even though only 10 percent of incarcerated men were ever joined by their female partners, state agents cynically characterized the nuclear families formed through conjugal migration as institutions that sat at the foundation of the penal colony's settler colonial goals. Ultimately, American colonizers used these logics to confiscate Indigenous land that they identified as "underutilized," and integrate it into the colonial political economy.

Men's physical health and life history transitions in the Philippines: Evidence for ‘marital selection’ but not protective effects of partnering and fatherhood

In Euro-American societies, married people typically have lower overall risks for total mortality and for certain chronic conditions compared to non-married people. However, people becoming partnered and parents also tend to gain weight in Euro-American settings. Few studies have tested whether links between physical health and life history status translate to other cultural contexts where the socio-ecological dynamics of family life may differ. This limits the application of these insights to men's well-being in global public health. To help address this gap, we drew on a large, long-running birth cohort study of Filipino men, using data collected at three waves between 2005 and 2014 when men were 21.5–30.5 years old (N = 607, obs. = 1760). We tested for the effects of the transition to partnering (marriage/cohabitation) and fatherhood on men's physical health (waist circumference, fat-free mass index, and grip strength). Men becoming partnered or partnered fathers (P/PF) had comparable longitudinal physical health trajectories to men remaining single non-fathers. However, men who became P/PF by their mid 20s had higher fat-free mass index values than single non-fathers at each wave, with the largest effect observed when all men were single non-fathers at baseline. Men who became P/PF by their early 30s were also stronger than the reference group at baseline. Thus, men who were more muscular and stronger at baseline were more likely to transition to P/PF status, consistent with a ‘marital selection’ model. In complementary analyses, men did not exhibit adverse health effects when they became partnered fathers as young adults or parents to infants, respectively. These findings suggest that links between health and life history transitions in this setting differ from those commonly observed in Euro-American societies. While transitions to marriage and fatherhood are promising windows for interventions to improve men's health, our results highlight the importance of tailoring such approaches to local dynamics.