Misamis Occidental Research Articles

The Influence of Political Culture on Youth Officials’ Leadership Styles and Civic Engagement

Recognizing the underlying cultural factors that influence political attitudes can aid in resolving conflicts and promoting social cohesion. This study explored the influence political culture on Youth Officials’ leadership styles and civic engagement. The study was conducted in one of the universities in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. The descriptive-correlational design was used in the study. There were 135 students who served as the respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique. The researcher-made Youth Officials Political Culture, Youth Officials’ Leadership Styles, and Youth Officials’ Civic Engagement Questionnaires were used as research instruments. Weighted Mean and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used as statistical tools to analyze the data gathered. Results revealed that the youth officials perceived political culture in their respective barangays was very highly participant. The youth officials’ leadership style was democratic, while their civic engagement was to a very great extent. The perceived political culture generally influenced the respondents’ leadership styles and civic engagement. Political culture holds a major factor on how the youth officials lead their constituents and engage themselves in civic activities. It is recommended that youth officials sustain their democratic practices in governance to encourage citizens to participate freely in collective political action and influence decision-making processes.

A Sense of Pride and Representations: Figures of Speech Analysis on Selected Poems

This study presents an analysis of the selected poems of Restituto Acapulco, a native of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. This study utilized a textual analysis focused on figures of speech and the implications of five selected poems to culture and religion. The figures of speech used in 5 poems analyzed are synecdoche, hyperbole, metaphor, personification, simile, metonymy, apostrophe, repetition, imagery, alliteration. This study has revealed the representation and meanings pertaining to the religious culture specifically faith and religious activities of the devotees and residents of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines.

Reptilian Diversity in Selected Riparian Systems in Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Reptiles are one of the most ecologically important organisms in the ecosystem. Studying their diversity is important in the conservation of the habitats to where each of these reptiles live. This study aimed to explore the diversity of reptiles in the areas around and within Labo and Clarin rivers, two of the most important river systems in the province of Misamis Occidental. Three sampling techniques were applied, which are visual encounter surveys, opportunistic encounters, and road-kill encounters. The results recorded a total of 21 species, including eleven endemic species, with nine Philippine endemic and two Mindanao endemic. Most notable among the species recorded was Lycodon ferroni, which is the second documented occurrence of the species and the first outside Samar Island. Labo River has the highest species richness, abundance and percent endemism of the two riparian systems, with the upstream sites of both rivers having the highest species richness and percent endemism. Studying the nearby riparian areas using other sampling techniques is recommended to fully understand the extent of reptilian diversity in the province and to effectively implement conservation and sustainability programs for the preservation not only of the reptile diversity but as well as the riparian ecosystem.

Exploring Gender Differences in Self- Efficacy and Academic Performance among College Students

This study explored the relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance on gender and academic program differences among 204 undergraduate students at a university in Misamis Occidental. This study employed a descriptive-correlational method. The respondents were predominantly female with the majority enrolled in Social Work and Psychology. While they showed a strong belief in their academic abilities, this inconsistently translate into higher academic performance. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed across academic programs, with Social Work students reporting the highest levels and Psychology students the lowest. However, gender insignificantly impact either self-efficacy or academic performance. This study suggests that self-efficacy must interact with other factors, such as motivation, learning strategies, and program-specific influences, instead of making it a direct predictor of academic success. Investigating the long-term impact of self-efficacy on academic outcomes, the role of external factors and their interaction with self-efficacy, and their contribution to a deeper understanding of its influence on academic outcomes must also be considered for further studies. Institutions should implement targeted interventions to enhance student self-efficacy and academic resilience as additional support for lower-performing programs for a more holistic approach to student development in higher education.

Experiences of Program Heads in Supervising Teachers: A Phenomenological Study

The supervision of teachers is essential for ensuring effective teaching methods, ongoing professional growth, and student success. This study explored the experiences of program heads in supervising teachers. It was conducted in a local college in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. The phenomenological design was used in the study. Eleven program heads served as the participants selected through the purposive sampling technique. The Interview Guide was used as the research instrument. Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology of data analysis was utilized to analyze the data gathered. Results revealed the following main themes: the critical role of supervision in advancing teacher development and educational excellence, mutual learning and growth, the role of program heads in teacher supervision, overcoming challenges in teacher supervision, and effective communication strategies. Supervision improves teaching and learning quality, which supports professional development. The complex nature of supervisory roles requires adaptive strategies and strong support networks. It is recommended for program heads and teachers to establish open communication to help address the challenges encountered during supervision.

Factors Influencing Agricultural Land Management Practices in Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Gaining insights into prevailing land management practices and discerning the factors influencing their adoption is important since it can help pinpoint areas that require enhancement and help formulate targeted strategies to optimize existing agriculture support services in the province. This paper aims to identify the determinants that can influence the implementation of different land management practices among the farmers in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the socio-demographic and farm characteristics of the farmers, while a logistic regression model was used to determine correlations between these characteristics and the adoption of different management practices. Results of the analysis indicate that farmer’s age, monthly income, family size, farm ownership, farm size, farm age, education, and association membership can influence the implementation of different practices in various ways. Since farm age (p=0.03) and organization membership (p=0.01) emerged as significant influencing factors, it is recommended to strengthen and support these organizations so more new farm owners can be engaged to participate in land conservation efforts within Misamis Occidental watershed

Assessing Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in mussel Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) collected in Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Baroy, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines

Bivalve mollusks, such as mussels, are bioindicators used to monitor environmental health due to their filter-feeding behavior, which allows them to accumulate contaminants from water. In this study, we focused on one mussel species, Mytella strigata, which has been reported as invasive in the Philippines. We investigated both the densities of M. strigata and the occurrence of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria in samples collected from Tangub, Misamis Occidental, and Baroy, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines. Mussels larger than 40 mm were randomly gathered, cleaned, and measured for shell length and weight, and their meat was carefully extracted and sealed for subsequent analysis in a controlled laboratory setting. The densities of M. strigata in Tangub City and Baroy were 2333 ind/m2 and 2100 ind/m2, respectively. A higher Most Probable Number (MPN) was found in Baroy compared to Tangub for both E. coli (>1600/100 g) and coliform counts (>1600/100 g) and results were statistically significant for E. coli counts based on t-test (p<0.05). As M. strigata mussel is an edible species, these results are therefore useful for wastewater treatment measures, ensuring the safety and hygiene of shellfish.

Perceived level of understanding in writing action research of clarin south district elementary teachers: Basis for capacity building

Writing action research has become central for effective and productive learning to happen. This research aimed to determine the perceived level of understanding in writing action research among the 124 public elementary teachers from the 14 schools in Clarin South District, Division of Misamis Occidental. Frequency Count and Percentage, Weighted Mean, Standard Deviation, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Mann-Whitney U Test were used to quantify data on the perceived level of understanding in writing action research and its significant differences when grouped according to profile. Results revealed that most of the teachers were female, 41 to 50 years old, had earned master’s degree units, and had been working as Teacher I for less than 10 years. The perceived level of understanding on writing action research among teachers of Clarin South District was generally very high (GWAM=3.37) and did not significantly differ when grouped according to their profile. Therefore, teachers were committed to ongoing professional development and had the skills and knowledge required to conduct action research. Thus, it is suggested encouragement and support for professional development, and implementation of action research training and support for collaborative research.

The Significant Role of Organizational Size on the Level of Non-Financial Performance Among Livestock and Poulrty Agribusiness Firms in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

This study assessed the level of Non-Financial Performance among livestock and poultry agribusiness firms in Northern Mindanao, Philippines and ascertained the significant role of organizational size. The study employed complete enumeration and used the responses of 307 farm workers in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin Island. Descriptive-correlational research design was employed to accomplish the research objectives. Pre-tested questionnaire with Cronbach alpha of 0.979 was used to gather the data through personal interview. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the organizational size measured in terms of the number of employees and the level of non-financial performance among agribusiness firms. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) plus a post hoc test was performed using the Tukey test to assess the significance in the difference of the level of non-financial performance with respect to organizational size. Results revealed that the level of non-financial performance is high. Non-financial performance of livestock and poultry agribusiness firms significantly differs when grouped according to organizational size. It is recommended that multigroup comparison can also be made between micro, small, medium and large firms and between other agribusiness sub-sectors (cereal crop, fruit crop and vegetable crop production and processing; cooking oil production, sugar, starch and coffee production and processing).

Occurrence of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria in Commercially Sold Seafood from Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Seafood is a nutritious food that is an enviable component of a healthy diet. Nevertheless, there are health risks associated with the consumption of seafood.&#x0D; This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. in 200 seafood samples purchased from several retail outlets in Ozamiz City, Philippines. Different samples analyzed using standard microbiological techniques were clam, shrimp, squid, and fish (anchovy and oil sardines). The Vibrio species identified and isolated were V. parahaemolyticus (47%), V. cholerae (16%) and V. alginolyticus (9%). Thirty percent (30%) of the samples analyzed were positive for S. aureus and 9% of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella sp. The total aerobic plate count mean log10 cfu/g of clams, shrimps, head/gills, intestine of fish (oil sardine, anchovy), and squids were considered as medium to high risk of transmitting pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the clams and head/gills of oil sardines were considered to be at medium to high risk of transmitting pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. The findings revealed that seafood samples analyzed microbiologically were loaded with potentially pathogenic bacteria. This result is of public health concern because these organisms are documented as causes of food-borne diseases.

SCHOOL READINESS AMONG KINDERGARTEN LEARNERS: BASIS FOR POLICY RECOMMENDATION

The ability, knowledge, and mindset that learners need for both academic performance and future learning and life experiences are known as school readiness. To be prepared for school, learners must have developed their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted to assess the level of school readiness of the 227 randomly chosen kindergarten learners from 30 public schools in Tudela District, Division of Misamis Occidental. A total of 227 samples were obtained using the sample size calculator to collect data from the respondents using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Checklist Record. Results revealed that the Self-Help Domain had the highest level of preparedness, while the Receptive Language and Expressive Language Domains had the lowest. Assessment results described that kindergarten as having “overall average development” described as ready to start Grade 1. Thus, the study suggests providing additional support for language development; fostering continued independence; monitoring and tracking progress; and using evidence-based interventions.

Teaching Styles and Pupils’ Learning Styles: Their Relationship with Pupils’ Academic Performance

The concept of teaching and learning styles suggests that every individual is unique. Every teacher teaches in his way, and every learner learns according to his preference. This study determines the relationship between the teachers’ teaching styles and the learning styles of the pupils and their academic performance. A total of (27) Grade 6 teachers and (208) Grade 6 pupils of public elementary schools of Lopez Jaena District, Division of Misamis Occidental participated in the study. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, and spearman rho correlation coefficient were the statistical tools used. Findings revealed that teachers teaching styles in the classroom, with expert being the most preferred style, followed by formal authority, facilitator, personal model and delegator respectively. The pupils used a variety of learning styles, with auditory being the most common, followed by visual and kinesthetics. Pupils demonstrated very satisfactory academic performance. Further, a significant relationship between teachers’ teaching styles and pupils’ learning styles, as well as a significant relationship between teachers’ teaching styles, pupils’ learning styles, and pupils’ academic performance shown. These suggest that teachers should consider adapting their teaching styles to match the learning styles of their pupils, which could potentially enhance their academic performance.

Increasing Learners’ Motivation Through STAR (Student’s Token for Active Response)

Motivation plays a crucial role in learners’ academic success, and understanding the factors that influence motivation is essential for educators. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of STAR in increasing learners’ motivation during the Academic Year 2023-2024 at a public secondary school in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. The research utilized a Classroom-based Action Research design, selecting 35 students through purposive sampling. Researcher-made questionnaire and interview guide questions were used to gather data. The data is interpreted using statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, and thematic analysis. The results indicated a significant increase in the learners’ motivation levels after incorporating STAR into the learning process. Furthermore, there were noticeable enhancements among the learners after the implementation of STAR in the classroom, such as, increased interest in learning and improved confidence. The study concluded that using tokens and prizes enhances student motivation levels, demonstrating STAR’s effectiveness as a motivational strategy. Recommendations include conducting further research to study the long-term and diverse impacts of STAR or giving rewards, exploring enhancements, and additional outcomes to validate further and improve its effectiveness.

Journey of Success: Exploring Strategies and Resilience among Successful Criminologist

The study examined the strategies and resilience of successful criminologists during board examination preparation, focusing on nine purposively selected participants from Misamis Occidental. Utilizing an interview guide for data collection, the study found that participants emphasized the importance of emotional support, mentorship, and effective study techniques in overcoming the challenges of exam preparation. Their experiences underscored the significance of family, mentors, and peers in providing both academic guidance and emotional encouragement. The study's findings suggest the importance of comprehensive support systems in educational institutions to assist students in managing exam stress and achieving their academic goals in criminology. The findings revealed the demand for self-discipline, disciplined schedules, and intrinsic drive to attain academic success, with participants dedicating substantial hours to structured study routines and emphasizing the role of intrinsic motivation in maintaining focus and resilience. Overcoming barriers and enhancing exam preparation required a multifaceted approach, which included incorporating review center materials with personal notes to reinforce foundational knowledge, receiving emotional support from mentors and family to combat self-doubt and stress, and employing efficient study techniques such as peer collaboration and time management to optimize learning and performance. The study concluded that a thorough exam preparation strategy is strongly influenced by effective time management and self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, integrating review materials with personal notes, emotional resilience, mentorship, and peer collaboration, all of which lead to academic achievement. To help students prepare for exams, educational institutions should create customized study schedules, improve discipline, incorporate organized materials, and offer extensive support systems.

Uncovering The Stories of Repeaters in Criminologists’ Licensure Examination: A Phenomenological Study

The licensure examination is essential for many professionals as it validates their competency and expertise in their respective fields. This study investigated the experiences of repeaters in the Criminologist Licensure Examination. This study used the qualitative phenomenological research design, particularly Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology approach. The participants of this study were the 12 repeaters of the criminologist licensure examination from one of the Private Higher Educational Institutions in Misamis Occidental. It uses purposive snowball sampling to identify the potential participants. An interview guide was used as the instrument of the study. Moustakas’ method of data analysis was used in analyzing the data gathered. Results yielded three themes: having negative and mixed emotions, with subthemes: being disappointed with oneself after knowing the result of the examination and the consequences of heedlessness and procrastination; embracing support, self-belief, and perseverance with subthemes: receiving support from family and friends, being prepared and believe in oneself, pushing oneself to continue and never-give-up; and being optimistic in life with subthemes: having trust in God and divine timing, and embracing change and personal growth. The repeaters’ failure in the board examination several times caused delays in achieving their goals in life, and they were unable to meet their desired job due to this failure. Therefore, the school and its administration need to plan for programs and activities in the department, like enhancement/enrichment programs, to address the challenges the examinees encounter in dealing with the board examinations.

Challenges Encountered by College Students in Academic Writing

Academic writing is a formal writing used by the students in the academic setting. This study explored the challenges encountered by college students in academic writing in one of the schools in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. This study utilized the qualitative approach using phenomenological design. The study participants included 15 students enrolled for the academic year 2022-2023, English majors for the second semester, and were selected through purposive sampling. The researcher used a researcher-made semi-structured interview guide to elicit data from the participants using Moustakas’ structured method of data analysis. Results revealed five themes: Difficulty in grammar and language usage; Difficulty in organizing information; Insufficient amount of reliable information; Encountering vocabulary difficulties; Dealing with time- constraints. This study concluded that students encountered difficulties in grammar and language usage, creating a coherent structure, finding relevant sources, choosing the right words, and allocating time. It is recommended that teachers should prioritize the teaching of the writing process and encourage students in regular reading. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct studies about academic writing strategies that must be effective for students.

Challenges of the Criminology Students during the Internship Program: A Qualitative Study

The internship program is a crucial component of criminology education, providing students with practical experience in law enforcement settings. This study investigates the multifaceted challenges that criminology intern‟s face during their internships, aiming to identify key areas that need improvement to enhance their overall learning experience and academic success. The study used a qualitative approach using the phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences of ten (10) criminology interns from one of the universities in Misamis Occidental, who encountered a lot of challenges during their internship programs were considered as participants of the study. Analysis of the response was done using Moustakas phenomenological reduction. Results identified four themes: Emotional Stress and Nervousness, Transportation Challenges, Time Management, and Academic Pressure and Workload. Emotional stress arises from the pressure to perform and fear of making mistakes, impacting confidence and performance. Transportation challenges affect punctuality and overall performance, while managing academic and internship responsibilities leads to stress and fatigue. Financial constraints further exacerbate academic challenges. The study concludes that addressing these challenges is essential for improving the internship experience and academic performance of criminology interns. It is recommended to enhance transportation infrastructure, implement effective time management strategies, provide emotional support systems, and offer financial assistance to support criminology interns.

Implementation of Inquiry – Based Lesson on Lights, Mirrors and Lenses in A Gamified Classroom

Academic motivation has long been hailed as driver for improved academic engagement leading to improved academic achievement. This is the very premise of this study that a low-performing group of learners will be motivated to work harder for improved academic performance. The study started with the utilization of developed guided-inquiry virtual laboratory activities that were delivered as part of the lesson in a gamified context. The study utilized three heterogeneous grade 10 sections of a private school in Misamis Occidental. One section is generally a better-performing section and was made the control section, while the remaining two low-performing sections were taken as the experimental sections. The whole gamification activity involves four leader board displays where the first leader board showed equal initial performance for all learners. Results showed that the low-performing classes performed with very little difference with high performing control group. The normalized gain for all sections were all medium gain. The study points to the efficacy of a gamified classroom utilizing virtual activities in improving academic performance as indicated in the results of the normalized gain.

Teachers’ Challenging Experiences in Home Visitation During the New Normal Education: A Phenomenological Study

Home visits are intended to decrease the reading gap, improve parenting skills, foster parent-child contact and involvement, boost students' school preparedness and achievement, and advance literacy. The home visitation program was the only option for the teachers to validate their learners' academic performance during the Modular Distance Learning in the new normal education. This study explored the challenges that public elementary school teachers encountered in home visitation during the new normal education in Jimenez District, Division of Misamis Occidental. A phenomenological approach was utilized as a research design, with nine public elementary school teachers as participants in the study. They were selected through purposive sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather the data from the participants. The responses were analyzed using Moustakas’ method of data analysis. Results generated the following themes: threats to one’s security and safety, inadequacies of interpersonal connections among teachers, parents, and learners, conflict of other school-related activities and teachers’ coping strategies. The study showed that teachers experienced different challenges in home visitation during the new normal education. When teachers leave the confines of the school campus to provide services in locations other than where they are employed, they expose themselves to a significant risk and face potential threats to their safety and security. When students and their parents are absent during a home visit, it can be difficult for teachers to administer assessments or validate student work. Teachers also find that overlapping school activities and home visitation make for an exhausting experience. However, the study showed that despite the challenges the teachers have encountered, they remain diligent and responsive to the needs of their learners. Teachers' coping strategies have assisted them in remaining optimistic and flexible in facing different challenges. The buddy system, total health, and time management among teachers are recommended in this study.

The Phenomenon of Teachers’ Burnout: Its Implication for Job Satisfaction

Teachers play an indispensable role in the lives of children; however, in recent years, the demands of teaching have increased significantly. This study aims to determine the feelings of burnout among secondary public-school teachers in the District of Aloran, Division of Misamis Occidental. It examines the elements contributing to teacher burnout, its impact on job satisfaction, and the coping mechanisms teachers use to mitigate it. Informant teachers, who participated in one-on-one interviews, were employed during the 2023–2024 academic year and were identified as experiencing burnout based on the results of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A transcendental phenomenological approach and a qualitative study design were employed. The findings reveal that concerns about academics, administration, and workload demands significantly contribute to teacher burnout, affecting their well-being and hindering their professional growth. To manage burnout, teachers utilize coping strategies such as seeking social support and engaging in self-care practices. The study proposes program interventions, including upgrading and continuing current programs that support and enhance teacher well-being, along with offering competitive compensation and benefits. These findings suggest that a holistic approach addressing equity and inclusion, enhancing teacher professional development, and promoting cooperation among stakeholders will transform the school system, providing high-quality, relevant, and inclusive education.