La Trinidad Research Articles

ROLE AND IMPACT OF COMMUNITY FIRE AUXILIARY GROUP IN LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET

The Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) played a vital role in enhancing fire safety within La Trinidad by fostering community involvement, facilitating early detection of fires, and promoting education on fire prevention measures. The research aimed to assess residents' perceptions of the CFAG's effectiveness in three key areas: fire prevention, fire response, and community engagement, as well as its overall impact on their knowledge and practices regarding fire safety. Using a descriptive survey method, the study involved 380 respondents from Barangay Balili, Barangay Betag, Barangay Pico, Barangay Poblacion, Barangay Puguis, and Barangay Lubas- barangays that had established CFAGs. Data was gathered through surveys, personal interviews, and literature reviews. The findings revealed that La Trinidad residents generally viewed the CFAG positively, recognizing its effectiveness in preventing fires and improving response times during incidents. The CFAG successfully fostered a sense of collective responsibility among residents and effectively engaged them in fire safety initiatives. Additionally, residents reported feeling informed about fire safety protocols and confident in their ability to respond to emergencies due to CFAG training sessions. However, while there was strong agreement on the importance of these initiatives, the study highlighted a need for improved participation rates in training sessions and better information sharing within the community. To enhance the CFAG's effectiveness, it was recommended that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) implement continuous training for CFAG members, increase accessibility to training sessions, collaborate with local organizations for outreach, conduct regular fire drills, distribute educational materials, engage community leaders for advocacy, and undertake longitudinal studies to assess the impact of these initiatives. These strategies were deemed essential for fostering a proactive and resilient community prepared for fire emergencies. KEYWORDS: Community Fire Auxiliary Group, fire safety, fire prevention, fire response, community engagement

Common Errors in Essay Writing among Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Filipino Language

This study aimed to assess the common errors in essay writing among students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Filipino Language and to identify the factors contributing to these errors. The current Filipino curriculum emphasizes the cultivation of communicative abilities, necessitating a parallel enhancement of students' grammatical proficiency. To achieve this, a content analysis design was employed to evaluate the narrative essays of 55 groups of students at Benguet State University-Main Campus, La Trinidad, Benguet. The analysis revealed that the students’ grammatical skills are not fully developed, indicating a need for improvement. Additionally, several factors were identified that affect students' essay writing, including knowledge of grammatical rules, organization of ideas, lack of understanding of the topic, interest levels, and environmental influences. These findings highlight that the rules of grammar and orthography in the Filipino language are not yet fully grasped by students, impacting their overall writing abilities. It was recommended that there are strategies to enhance students’ grammatical proficiency and knowledge of Filipino orthography. It is also crucial to address the various factors influencing writing skills and to implement a seminar design specifically aimed at improving students’ essay-writing capabilities. Such interventions are essential for aligning with the goals of the Filipino curriculum and fostering better communication skills among students.

Assessment of Practice Preparedness among Novice Nurses in Private Hospitals: A Cross-sectional Study

Background. The crop of novice nurses who are currently employed is a product of flexible learning who had limited contact hours with actual patients, which is contrary to those who graduated from traditional learning modalities. Hence, it is essential to evaluate how the impact of flexible learning modality has affected the practice preparedness levels of novice nurses in the hospital setting. Objective. This study aimed to determine the level of practice preparedness and its associated factors among novice nurses who work in private hospitals. Methods. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Data was gathered from a total enumeration of ninetyfour novice staff nurses who graduated from the flexible learning curriculum and are currently employed in private hospitals in Baguio City and La Trinidad. The tool used was a questionnaire in two parts. Part 1 consisted of questions related to demographic information and factors related to practice preparedness, and part 2 included the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale, with validity and reliability scores of >0.924 and 0.90, respectively. The data was analyzed using the SPSS V27 trial version. The protocol was approved by the Saint Louis University Research Ethics Committee. Results. Findings reveal that more novice nurses in private hospitals perceived themselves as well-prepared across all domains of practice preparedness: “Collaborative Interpersonal Relationship” (n = 94, 100%); “Patient Centeredness” (n = 92, 97.90%); “Self-regulation” (n = 90, 95.70%); “Clinical Judgment and Nursing Performance” (n = 78, 83.00%); and “Professional Attitudes” (n = 76, 80.90%). There is a significant association between practice preparedness and the following factors: “Attended more than one Training/Seminars per year” (p = 0.02), “Graduated from Private Schools” (p = 0.03), and “Assigned in Regular Wards” (p = 0.05).On the other hand, no significant association was found between practice preparedness and the following factors: “Sex” (p = 0.61) and “Membership in Professional Organizations” (p = 0.73). Conclusion. In agreement with existing studies, practice preparedness is multifactorial. However, what this study contributes are new factors that are favorable in making novice nurses more confident in performing their roles and responsibilities. These include being a graduate of private schools, being assigned to regular wards, and attending professional training/seminars more than once annually. Advantageously, these factors that promote practice preparedness are modifiable.

Prostate cancer: diagnostic utility of multiparametric prostate MRI with 3D spectroscopy in the CMDLT January-June 2023

The prostate gland secretes citrate, the levels of which vary in benign prostatic hyperplasia and tumors. Multiparametric MRI of the prostate, although sensitive, has limitations in its specificity. Spectroscopy can quantify these cellular metabolites. At the La Trinidad Teaching Medical Center, 46 studies were carried out with 3D spectroscopy in patients referred from the urology service from January to June 2023. The objective was to verify the diagnostic usefulness of 3D spectroscopy with multiparametric Magnetic Resonance of the prostate. The findings in the 3D prostate spectroscopy metabolite map were described, the results of the mpMRI PIRADS score and the metabolite map were analyzed, and the anatomical pathological and 3D spectroscopy results were compared. A 1.5T Philips Anchieva resonator was used with 3D prostate spectroscopy sequences in 36 patients. The metabolites in 3D spectroscopy showed correlation with the suspicious criteria according to SCORE PI-RADS, especially in the suspicious nodular areas. The sensitivity and positive predictive value were 88%, while the specificity and negative predictive value were 96%. However, more studies are needed to obtain more conclusive results.

The Use of Technology in the Delivery of Instruction in Public Schools

This study explores the adoption of emerging technologies, particularly IoT, by teachers and the associated benefits and challenges in instructional delivery across three schools in the Eastern part of La Trinidad District. Data was gathered via surveys and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that teachers predominantly utilize smart TVs, laptops, and desktops for instruction, citing benefits such as increased student engagement, heightened excitement in teaching and learning, and fostering student proactivity and creativity. However, challenges persist, including insufficient teacher familiarity with new technologies, limited student access to the internet, and the need for enhanced mentoring or training to effectively utilize these tools. In response, the study recommends prioritizing professional development opportunities for teachers to effectively integrate technologies into their teaching methodologies. This proactive approach aims to bridge the gap between technology adoption and instructional implementation, ultimately enhancing the quality of education delivery in the digital age.

Phonemic Awareness Strategies in Teaching Reading in Kindergarten

Phonemic Awareness is not as new to the field of literacy as some may think, although it is only in recent years that it has gained attention. For over 50 years, discussions have continued regarding the relationship between a child’s awareness of the sounds of spoken words and his or her ability to read. The research deals with the teacher’s effectiveness in using phonemic awareness strategies to teach kindergarten reading. The study used a questionnaire as the main instrument in gathering data; total enumeration and descriptive research were employed. The participants were 50 kindergarten teachers from La Trinidad, Benguet. The study showed the effect of strategies and utilization of the strategies along the variables. It can be said that teaching in kindergarten requires a strong ability of teachers to process the features of reading to accommodate the learner's different levels of phonemic awareness. However, many challenges will need to be addressed while they do this in the process.

Exploring Transformational Leadership Practices among School Leaders in Korean Schools

This study explored transformational leadership practices among school leaders in Korean Schools specifically in Baguio City, Philippines. Utilizing a combined-method approach, the respondent pool consisted of 20 school heads and 108 teachers from three Korean schools in Baguio City and La Trinidad, carefully selected through purposive sampling. The data collection process encompassed dual sets of questionnaires and interviews tailored for both school heads and teachers. The gathered data was processed using frequency counts and percentages, weighted mean, F-test, and Pearson correlation which formed the basis for the discussion and interpretation of data in the results and discussion section of the paper. Findings revealed consistent engagement in highly practiced transformational behaviors, with a notable emphasis on clear communication, continuous support, coaching, and mentorship. Education level and tenure of service emerged as key factors, indicating a significant effect on leadership practices and their impact on teachers. However, challenges such as resource constraints pose hurdles that need addressing. Recommendations include recognition programs for academic accomplishments, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and implementing personalized coaching and mentorship initiatives to enhance leadership effectiveness. Strategies to overcome resource constraints involve exploring partnerships and optimizing resource utilization for sustainable transformational leadership practices. The Korean schools may implement suggested strategies, promoting the effectiveness of school head transformational leadership practices and ultimately contributing to a thriving educational environment.

Functionality of Learning Sites for Agriculture as Farmers’ Field Schools in the Province of Benguet, Philippines

This study examines the functionality of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) as Farmers' Field Schools (FFS) in delivering key agricultural extension services in the BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay) areas of the province of Benguet, Philippines. The research focuses on four primary services: training, technology demonstration, farm business advisory, and information and communication support. A cross-sectional comparative design was used, with a sample of 50 local farmers and 16 LSA cooperators. The study employed t-tests and ANOVA to compare perceptions of these services between the two groups. The findings revealed that local farmers and LSA cooperators generally shared similar perceptions, with no statistically significant differences across the four services (p > 0.05). Training and technology demonstration services were considered sufficient, while farm business advisory and information support services were moderately sufficient. Challenges in information and communication services were noted, particularly regarding limited internet connectivity in remote areas. Overall, the results indicate that LSAs effectively meet the needs of small-scale farmers in Benguet province. The improvements in information and communication infrastructure could further enhance their impact. Future research could explore the long-term effects of LSAs on agricultural productivity and the effectiveness of specific extension methods across different regions.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption and risk of cognitive impairment: a prospective study project

AbstractBackgroundAging is the main risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Yerba mate (YM) tea or mate Ilex paraguariensis is an infusion widely consumed in Argentina and other South American countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Experimental studies suggest a YM antioxidant and protective effect against amyloid deposition in AD. Previously, our group and others identified an inverse association between YM consumption and Parkinson’s Disease. The aim of this project is to evaluate a potential association between YM consumption and the risk of cognitive impairment development.MethodTwo different stages were designed. Stage I is a descriptive study designed. Adult patients fulfilling mild cognitive impairment criteria (MCI) evaluated at the Sanatorio de la Trinidad Mitre between January 2021 and December 2022 will be included. Each participant or their caregiver will be invited to complete a survey about lifestyle and nutritional information, including YM consumption. Stage II is a case‐control study. Patients with MCI will be distributed by severity and subtypes of MCI. The control group will be constituted by individuals with normal cognitive evaluations matched by age, sex and educational level who agree to answer the afore mentioned survey. All data will be recorded in an anonymized electronic database and statistical analysis will be carried out. Project duration is estimated at 12 months for each stage.ResultResults from stage I will describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with MCI and the frequency and duration of YM consumption in this group of patients, as well as any potential correlation between neuropsychological tests and YM consumption. Results from stage II are expected to identify an inverse association between the magnitude of YM consumption and MCI.ConclusionObservational evidence of the association between YM consumption and MCI might be the first step to develop experimental studies using Ilex paraguariensis in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders.

Comparison of the Reliability and Validity of Math Anxiety Scale with Different Scale Formats

The study compared the reliability and validity of the Math Anxiety Scale (MAS) in different scale formats: 5-point scale, checklist, visual analog scale, and 4-point scale. Specifically, it sought to assess the student’s level of math anxiety, determine the reliability coefficients of each scale format, test the concurrent validity against the standardized scale, and compare the extracted factors with the original MAS. The respondents were 67 students, a total enumeration from two sections of a laboratory school in La Trinidad, Benguet. The standardized MAS (5-point scale) was adopted and transformed into a checklist, visual analog scale, and 4-point scale. The tests were administered at three-day intervals. The findings indicated that students experienced a moderate level of math anxiety, with cognitive dimension substantially contributing to their anxiety. The visual analog scale demonstrated the highest reliability coefficient, followed by the 4-point scale, checklist, and 5-point scale, respectively. Concurrent validity analysis revealed that the visual analog scale exhibited the highest concurrent validity, followed by the 4-point scale and checklist, respectively. Based on the results, the majority of the students are experiencing a moderate level of math anxiety. Among the four scale formats, the visual analog scale provides the most reliable and valid responses to be used in measuring math anxiety among junior high school students with ages ranging from 11 to 13 years old.

Contextualization of Indigenous Knowledge in the Selected Elementary Schools

This study focused on the contextualization of indigenous knowledge in selected elementary schools in the La Trinidad District. The knowledge of teachers in contextualizing Indigenous Knowledge is limited to translation of words and mentioning practices; teachers are limited to teaching only what is available at hand without mapping what needs to be learned on Indigenous Knowledge; essential Indigenous Knowledge lessons and practices are not identified in different levels of the curriculum; and challenges of teachers are in instruction, curriculum, teachers and L1 of learners. The informal interview was used as the main instrument in gathering the needed data for this study. The results were narrated and analyzed citing direct quotes and narratives from the respondents. The presentation of the data included direct quotes from verbal narratives to enrich the themes that emerged during the interview. The findings revealed that the respondents’ knowledge of contextualization was the use of the different mother tongue of the learners and the use of available indigenous resources. The contextualization teaching practices in using Indigenous Knowledge were the basics of localization and indigenization; the respondents frequently made use of contextualized teaching practices on Indigenous Knowledge; and the teachers encountered challenges categorized as to teachers; learners; and parental and other stakeholders.

Validation and Determination of Level of Social Acceptability of Hydroelectric Power Plant Project of Hedcor Inc. in La Trinidad, Benguet

Validation and Determination of Level of Social Acceptability of Hydroelectric Power Plant Project of Hedcor Inc. in La Trinidad, Benguet

Female Police Officers of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station: the Influence of Gender on Law Enforcement

Female Police Officers of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station: the Influence of Gender on Law Enforcement

Detecting misidentifications of strawberry cultivars in the Philippines using single nucleotide polymorphism markers

ABSTRACT In the Philippines, misidentification of strawberry cultivars is highly likely because of inadequate methods of identification by farmers. An attempt was made to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and use them to detect possible misidentification among commercially grown strawberry cultivars. Leaf samples from several cultivars were obtained from strawberry farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet, the Philippines. Expressed sequence tags from the anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) gene were screened for putative SNPs. Eleven SNP markers were developed and used to discriminate among the collected samples. The SNP markers grouped the cultivars into five genotypic clusters with seven distinct genotypic identities. Clustering analysis revealed inconsistencies between the farmers’ identification and the molecular classification. ‘Sweet Charlie’ samples were assigned to four genotypic clusters and ‘Strawberry Festival’ samples were grouped into three separate clusters. There is a high probability that cultivar misidentification has indeed occurred. The molecular markers developed in this study could assist in future cultivar verification efforts, germplasm management, and breeding programmes.

Revaluation of Local Waste through an Ecotechnologies Strategic Plan: A Case Study with Digesters

In Mexico, the accelerated and unplanned growth of population causes the increment in informal facilities, complicating access to essential services such as adequate sanitation and organic waste management, where the most affected are usually the vulnerable population. The Mexican government has implemented programs and support to encourage the use of ecotechnologies and thus provide alternatives to improve their living conditions by taking advantage of local resources and waste. However, these programs and supports lack planning, creating little interest from users. This research proposes an acceptance strategy for the integration of ecotechnologies that adapt to the lifestyle of populations that need an alternative for their method of sanitation and organic waste management. The strategy is mainly based on a course of action that operates with four main lines of intervention. It was executed as a practical exercise with biodigesters, in the Mexican community of La Trinidad, in the municipality of Tequisquiapan, Querétaro. With the help of the strategy, important factors for the end-user were identified that must be considered when integrating one ecotechnology into the population. In general terms, the strategy showed an improvement in sanitation and organic waste management and a greater acceptance of biodigesters as an alternative of use.

Enseñanza de las maniobras de soporte vital básico en alumnos de un ciclo formativo, ¿se mantiene la calidad de las maniobras en el tiempo?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of basic life support after a standardized training process and study their short-term evolution. Materials and methodsExperimental study with students from the training cycles of Higher Technician in Physical Conditioning and Higher Technician in Teaching and Socio-Sports Animation of the Colegio de la Trinidad from Córdoba. An initial evaluation is carried out, an evaluation of 15 days after training and another 30 days later; consisting of an evaluation by a theoretical test, and a practical evaluation of 2min of CPR. For the development of practical evaluations, we used the Resusci Anne® QCPR simulator. The main outcome variable is the global percentage of CPR obtained using the SimPad SkillReporter®. ResultsWe study 45 students, 71.1% of them male. Statistically significant differences are observed in the total theoretical score of the initial evaluation and the 15 days evaluation (7.81 vs. 6.82 points; P<.0001), and between the 15-day and 30-day evaluation (6.82 vs. 7.66 points; P<.0001); and in the overall percentage of CPR between the initial evaluation and the 15-day evaluation (27 vs. 49 points; P=.008) and between the initial evaluation and the 30 days evaluation (27 vs. 6.15 points; P<.0001). ConclusionsThe CPR quality improves after training, being close to the quality standards established by the ERC.

Radiation Sensitivity of Surface Mycoflora from Fresh Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. var. Sweet Charlie) from La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

Fungi cause postharvest diseases in a wide variety of crops around the world. Without proper identification of the prevalent fungal pathogens in crops, the efficiency of postharvest treatment is not always assured. Irradiation, a non-chemical approach, has been explored as an alternative treatment to control plant fungal pathogens. However, relevant studies on the radiation sensitivity of foodborne fungal pathogens in fresh produce and other relevant biological responses to radiation are quite limited, especially in the Philippine setting. In this study, surface fungal pathogens were isolated from fresh strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. var. Sweet Charlie) from La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines and identified through molecular techniques. Radiation responses of fungal pathogens such as in vitro radiosensitivity based on D10 value and physio-morphological changes were determined. Molecular identification and evolutionary analysis revealed the presence of two fungal pathogens, namely Mucor circinelloides and Mucor irregularis. Gamma radiation effectively reduced the fungal population with D10 values of 0.6 and 1.4 kGy for M. irregularis and M. circinelloides, respectively, with complete growth inhibition at 3-5 kGy. Disruptions of sporangium and sporangiophores were also observed for both isolates at 1-2 kGy. The result of this study is expected to provide new data on the possible use of gamma radiation as hurdle technology for fresh fruits in the country.

Low - Cost Artificial Potato for Impact Force and Vibration Measurements

Instrumented devices (ID) are useful for quantifying impact and vibration forces in postharvest supply chains of horticultural crops. In this study, a low-cost ID was developed capable of measuring impact force (G) and vibration. The ID was composed of an Adafruit Feather Adalogger microcontroller fitted with a triaxial accelerometer (± 200G range) shield and real-time clock stored time-stamped impact data in flash memory. A 3.7-volt lithium polymer battery served as the power source. The ID was encased in a semi-ellipsoidal shell fabricated from 3D-printed thermoplastic urethane (TPU95A) filament; the shell was printed at 25% fill density. The device weighed 80 g, which is representative of a medium-sized potato tuber. Drop tests showed a high correlation (R2 = 0923) between computed and measured peak acceleration in terms of G-force. The ID was tested by placing it in bulk-loaded potato tubers brought from Buguias to La Trinidad in Benguet province. GPS data was obtained using a mobile app to map the transport route and locate extreme impact events. Mean vibration of 1.18G intensity at 14Hz frequency was recorded throughout the 4-hour trip. Impact forces ranging from 4.6G to 6.61G were measured at certain points during transport. The device was assembled from commercially-available microcontrollers, sensors and other electronic components; total cost of fabrication was 94-98% less than comparable devices available in the market

Anatomía de la madera de Magnolia rzedowskianaVázquez, Domínguez &amp; Pedraza, especie endémica de la Sierra Madre Oriental, México

Introduction: Magnolia rzedowskianaVázquez, Domínguez &amp; Pedraza is a tree species endemic to the cloud forest of the Sierra Madre Oriental; its scanty (distributed) and isolated populations are considered at danger of extinction.Objective: To describe the microscopic anatomical characteristics of M. rzedowskiana wood to contribute to the biological knowledge of this species.Materials and methods: Wood samples were determined by a non-destructive method, extracting two growth cores from five adult trees in each of the four sampling sites located in Chilijapa and Zotictla in Hidalgo, La Yesca in Querétaro and ejido La Trinidad in San Luis Potosí. Cores were sectioned into subsamples to elaborate fixed preparations from tangential, transversal and radial cuts. Characteristics were identified using an optical microscopy and described according to IAWA (International Association of Wood Anatomists) criteria.Results and discussion: Growth zones, diffuse porosity, solitary and multiple radial pores in intermediate arrangement between radial and tangential; scalariform perforation plate and libriform fibers; diffuse and scanty paratracheal and apotracheal axial parenchyma; biseriate rays combined with triserial, uniseriate and heterocellular rays composed of procumbent cells with a row above and below of marginal square cells with oil bodies. The wood is distinguished by mesomorphism and resistance to drought.Conclusion: The anatomical description of M. rzedowskiana is a contribution to biological knowledge. From an economic point of view, this wood has potential use to produce pulp for paper.

Christian Values and Its Implication to Community Development as Reflected by Juvenile Delinquency Rate at Benguet State University-Elementary Laboratory School in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

The purpose of this study is to determine the association of the Christian Values Education to the child development and how it contributes to school community development at Benguet State University Elementary Laboratory School. Specifically, the study sought to determine the relationship between the manifestation of Christian values and child development and the implication of Christian values education to the school community development. The study utilized the descriptive correlation design. The study was done at the Benguet State University Elementary Laboratory School and BSU Guidance Office in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. The most of identified Christian values have generally affected the five domains of holistic development of the pupils because the school teachers have religiously inculcated values into their teachings and daily disciplines in school. However, the physical were less affected by the values of repentance, obedience, and responsibility. Likewise, cognitive domains of development was less affected by hope, trustworthiness and responsibility because which can be attributed to the rightful values that the teaching at the school were able to instill in the pupils with the sound jurisdiction of good and bad behaviors. Christian values education and holistic child development contributes in minimizing juvenile delinquency rate that leads to community development because a community with a very low delinquency rate implies a good community.