Northern Samar Research Articles

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Folk Beliefs and Practices of Bagong (Amorphophallus sp.) Farmers in San Roque, Northern Samar

This study investigated the folk beliefs and practices of bagong farmers of San Roque, a coastal town 29 kilometers from Catarman, the capital town of Northern Samar. Going by Spanish sources, initial readings suggest that bagong, a root crop of genus Amorphophallus, has long been cultivated in Samar (Alcina 1668/2005). Unlike in other parts of the country where the plant is primarily utilized for pig feeding, the bagong in San Roque is served during special occasions like Christmas and New Year. These occasions are preceded by folk practices unique to the community. This study documents bagong farming and analyzes folk practices, with their attendant narratives and beliefs. Ethnographic observations and interviews were conducted among farmers and townsfolk. Results of the study will have implications on cultural education and cultural policy formulation.

DIVERSITY OF SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE ISLAND TOWNS OF NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPPINES

This study aimed to identify the shrubs and trees in the five island towns of Northern Samar, Philippines; determine their abundance, community structure; and economic uses to the locals. Four barangays in every island town represented the north, south, east, and west sides. Line Intercept Transect (LIT) at intervals of 100m and plot method with an area of 10m x 10m were used in gathering the data. Transect walks, field plots, and transects were also used in gathering data. There were 207 species of shrubs and trees belonging to 152 genera and 64 families. Shrubs constituted 55.33% and trees 44.67% of the total number of species. Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) ranked first in relative density (25.50%), relative frequency (25.30%), and importance value (59.15%). Plots in the island of Laoang were observed to have the highest Shannon Diversity Index (3.25%) and Simpson’s Dominance Index (1.86%). The most abundant shrub and tree species in the island towns were Citrus microcarpa (Cucurbitaceae) and Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) respectively. The least abundant shrub and tree species were Gardenia jasminoides (Rubiaceae) and Cananga odorata (Annonaceae) respectively. There were more species of shrubs and trees in the island town of Laoang than in the other four island towns.

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English

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English

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Local Government Finance: It's Relationship to the Socio-Economic Development in the Municipalities of Northern Samar, Philippines

Local government units are recognized as viable organs for the performance of local functions; they are challenged to use their limited resources for delivering better services. Hence, the grant of local fiscal autonomy is considered necessary for the effective local government system and to achieve the objective of alleviating the economic conditions of the locality and efficient delivery of essential services to the populace. This paper has examined the financial management skills of local chief executives and the local government finance regarding social services, economic services and socioeconomic development in the twenty-four municipalities of Northern Samar. It also looked into the significant relationship between the financial management skills and local government finance of the local chief executives. Questionnaire and interview guide were used, utilizing a descriptive correlation method of research. The analysis concludes that the local chief executives are much skilled in financial management, have a high level of performance in local government finance in terms of social and economic services while an average level of performance in terms of socioeconomic development, it was also shown that the financial management skills of the local chief executive are related to local government finance.

MODELING QUALITY EDUCATION IN A STATE UNIVERSITY

An exploration and analysis of the processes involved in crafting the institution’s strategic plan, identifying its quality assurance policies, documenting its graduates’ performance in government licensure examinations, description of the processes to ensure sustainability of educational programs, and portray the administration’s fund generation and management mechanisms was made in an effort to create a model for quality education in the University of Eastern Philippines, University Town, Northern Samar.
 It utilized the descriptive-evaluative method of research with a total of 400 respondents composed of students, faculty members, alumni, community residents, and University officials. Qualitative data were taken from respondents’ answers to open-ended questions, which were then validated through interviews. Quantitative data on the other hand, were taken from both primary data derived from responses to items in the questionnaire, and secondary data on graduates’ performance in professional examinations.
 It was revealed that most stakeholders were aware of the institution’s strategic plan, although some were not consulted in the crafting of such an important document. They aver that policies and guidelines are established, implemented, and strictly adhered to by the administration in its daily operations involving faculty, students, staff, fund generation and management, instruction, research, extension, production, faculty development, and student support services.
 Although graduates performed consistently well in some government examinations, in the years 2009 – 2014 they performed generally below the national average. Respondents agree that curricular programs must regularly be updated to conform to minimum standards set by the Commission on Higher Education to ensure sustainability of programs. For students to be globally relevant and competent, respondents agree to the provision of educationally qualified and competent teaching force, state-of-the-art facilities, modern instructional materials and methods, coupled with good governance and cooperation among stakeholders, are the key ingredients of an ideal quality of education in the University of Eastern Philippines.

Detection of canine Schistosoma japonicum infection using recombinant thioredoxin peroxidase-1 and tandem repeat proteins.

Humans and dogs live very close together and share various pathogens causing zoonotic parasitoses like schistosomiasis. A previous population genetics study done for schistosomes in the Philippines suggested that there is a high transmission level of Schistosoma japonicum among humans and dogs proving that the latter are important reservoirs for this zoonotic parasite. A more sensitive and specific test detecting schistosome infection in dogs will therefore strengthen the zoonotic surveillance, which might help in the possible elimination of this ancient disease. In this study, recombinant thioredoxin peroxidase-1 (SjTPx-1) and tandem repeat proteins (Sj1TR, Sj2TR, Sj4TR, Sj7TR) previously tested on human and water buffalo samples were used to assess its diagnostic applicability to dogs. Fifty-nine dog serum and stool samples were collected in the schistosomiasis-endemic municipalities of Calatrava, Negros Occidental and Catarman, Northern Samar in the Philippines and examined using the ELISA as compared to microscopy and fecal sample-based PCR. Samples positive for Babesia gibsoni and Dirofilaria immitis were also used to check for cross-reaction. Results showed that SjTPx-1 (80% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity) and Sj7TR (73.3% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity) have good potentials for diagnosing S. japonicum infection in dogs. These diagnostic antigens will therefore improve the surveillance in the transmission of the parasites from dogs to humans.

Effect of Internet Addiction on the Academic Performance of Junior and Senior High School Students of Mapanas Agro-Industrial High School, Mapanas, Northern Samar: University of Eastern Philippines Extension Services Collaborative Output

Effect of Internet Addiction on the Academic Performance of Junior and Senior High School Students of Mapanas Agro-Industrial High School, Mapanas, Northern Samar: University of Eastern Philippines Extension Services Collaborative Output

Help-Seeking and Management Behavior of the Deans and Academic Chairpersons in the University of Eastern Philippines

This study investigated the help-seeking and management behavior of Deans and Academic chairpersons in a state university In Northern Samar. It determined the effect of help-seeking behavior on management behavior of the administrators. A total of thirty-two college deans and department heads participated in the study. Colleges administrators admitted that they seek help from others when faced with challenging situations. Findings showed they are participating in decision making efficiently. Similar efficiency level was found on management behavior in terms of problem-solving, conflict management, and crises' intervention. Overall, management behavior of college school administrators was considered efficient. Help-seeking behavior positively Influenced the problem solving and conflict management abilities of the colleges' administrators. On the other hand, the test of the relationship between help-seeking behavior and performance of the school administrators showed that only occupational competence had a significant relationship with help-seeking behavior. Schools administrators' help seeking behavior is much helpful in dealing with their duties particularly on management areas of their occupation. Occupational competence was significantly related to decision making, problem-solving and conflict management. On the other hand, professional and personal characteristics were also significantly, related to crisis intervention. Punctuality and attendance had no significant relationship to any of the management behavior. Lastly, the test of difference in help-seeking behavior of colleges administrators when compared by age and gender showed that help seeking varies among different age groups. Younger colleges administrators seek more help compared to seasoned administrators. No significant difference was found on the help-seeking ability between male and female administrators. Implications of help-seeking on school administrators were discussed.

COASTAL RESOURCE ENVIRONMENT PROFILE OF CATARMAN NORTHERN SAMAR

The coastline of the municipality of Catarman, Northern Samar stretches about 13.32 kilometers and its municipal waters has an estimated area of 66.304 square kilometers. Generally it has a plain bottom topography, consisting of coarse sand and muddy terrigenous soil that is carried and deposited by the fresh water that gush out from Catarman River, the major tributary of ‘sweet water’ which enriched the substrate with nutrients that eventually give rise to algal and plankton blooms that invite schooling pelagic fishes jacking up the commercial value of the municipal water. The soft bottom sediment gently slopes on the average of 3 degrees from the intertidal zone and stretches up to 60 meters deep seaward.
 The municipality has an estimated aggregate coral reef area of 2,558 square meters with only 20% live coral cover that is mostly concentrated at the seaward side of reef edge, and with massive coral as its dominant life-form structure.
 The death of coral reefs (60 percent of the cover) is generally presumed to be an aftermath of heavy siltation that is brought about by the influx of fresh water from Catarman river and other tributaries as evidenced by the brownish color of the silted coral heads. However, sites of coral rubbles (about 10%) believed to be a remnant of the blast fishing in the area had been noticed. Non-biodegradable Solid wastes such as cellophanes and plastics were also observed neck-tied on some coral heads.
 Most of the fishes observed within 1-4 depth range along UEP- Cawayan Fringing reef and Puputihon patch reef are non-commercial reef fish species, such as Palata, Gono, Alibang-bang, lubayan while those fish species that are most preferred by fishermen are in least abundance and can only be observed at greater depth range (Molmol, Baraka, Mayamaya). Commonly, the sizes of the reef fish that were observed ranges from 6- 30 centimeters fork length suggesting that the fish stock in the area is still young. The volume of the fish stock within the reef system of Puputihon and UEP-Cawayan area is estimated to be at 15 kilograms per hectare. The high importance value of the” non-target” reef species connotes that the surrounding reef habitat has still the capability to carry out the necessary ecological processes of reef fish reproduction.
 There are 5 species of seagrasses that thrives in Puputihon islet and UEP-Cawayan fringing reef. Ecologically, these seagrass areas serve as breeding and feeding grounds for some seagrass- specific fishes and mollusks. The Turtle Grass, Thallassia Hemprichii and Cymodocea sp.dominates the seagrass community (constituting about 85 % of the area). The Eel grass (Enhalus acoroides), Spoon Grass (Halophila sp.), Needle Grass (Halodule sp.) are noted to be less occurring. Though, this macrophyte community could well serve the reef system ecologically because of its high diversity, its environmental importance is not much due to its negligible area. Approximately, the seagrass community cover an aggregate of 500 square meter.
 Of the twenty one (21) species of marine algae, ten (10) of which are chlorophytes or green algae, (four)4 phaeophytes, brown algae and Seven (7) Rhodophytes or algae that gives off red color. Only Gelidiella acerosa, a Rhodophyte and Caulerpa spp.a chlorophyte are harvested by the fisherfolks for commercial purpose. Gelidiella acerosa or gulaman dagat have a density of 98.9 square meters per hectare during the conduct of the survey.
 There are about 37 species of mollusks that are present along the UEP- Cawayan sampling sites, most of which are considered for commerce and domestic food.
 Findings revealed the species composition of mangroves in all sampling stations. There were seven (7) families, nine (9) genera, comprising fifteen (15) species of true mangroves that are found in sampling stations. A total of 654 number of individuals were identified, counted, and measured. According to number of individual (ni), api-api (Avicennia officinalis) of the family Avicenniaceae registered to be the most abundant among other species and present in all sampling stations followed by bakauan-lalake (Rhizophora apiculata) and bakauan-babae (Rhizophora mucronata) of the family Rhizophoraceae with 73 and 66 number of individuals, respectively. The least encountered species were tangal (Ceriops tagal) and pototat (Bruguiera sexangula) with 2 and 1 number of individuals, respectively.

School Heads' Use of Power in Empowering Northern Samar Teachers

This study determined the influence of school head's use of power in empowering teachers in the Division of Northern Samar and the level of empowerment and school heads' use of power. A correlational research method using Pearson r correlation was used for parametric statistical analysis combined with qualitative-analytical approach. Questionnaire, observations and unstructured interviews collected data from 358 public school teachers sampled through stratified proportional. Results showed that teachers are highly empowered and their empowerment is significantly affected by school heads' use of power. Furthermore, it was determined that those school heads with high level of special managerial and leadership knowledge, ability to recommend merit for the outstanding performances, and opportunities for advancement, and high level of influencing compliancy have teachers who are good decision-makers regarding the curriculum. It is recommended that professional development program for school heads should be intensified and participation of teachers in school-based management should be strictly implemented and monitored.

Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines

BackgroundCo-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum.MethodsA descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis.ResultsMean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species.ConclusionsThe study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites.

Mass drug administration and the sustainable control of schistosomiasis: an evaluation of treatment compliance in the rural Philippines

BackgroundPreventive chemotherapy is the current global control strategy for schistosomiasis. The WHO target coverage rate is at least 75% for school-aged children. In the Philippines, the reported national coverage rate (43.5%) is far below the WHO target. This study examined the factors associated with non-compliance to mass drug administration.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 among 2189 adults in the province of Northern Samar, the Philippines using a structured face-to-face survey questionnaire.ResultsThe overall rate of non-compliance to mass drug administration (MDA) in the last treatment round was 27%. Females (aOR = 1.67, P = 0.033) were more likely to be non-compliant. Respondents who believed that schistosomiasis was acquired by open defecation and poor sanitation (aOR = 1.41, P = 0.015), and by drinking unclean water (aOR = 2.09, P = 0.001) were more likely to refuse treatment. Uncertainties on whether schistosomiasis can be treated (aOR = 2.39, P = 0.033), their fear of adverse reactions to praziquantel (aOR = 1.94, P = 0.021), misconceptions about alternative forms of treatment (aOR = 1.45, P = 0.037), and that praziquantel is used for purposes other than deworming (aOR = 2.15, P = 0.021) were all associated with a higher odd of non-compliance. In contrary, being a farmer (aOR = 0.62, P =0.038), participation in past MDA (aOR = 0.30, P < 0.001), informed about impending MDA (aOR = 0.08, P < 0.001), and having heard of schistosomiasis (aOR = 0.22, P = 0.045) were all significantly associated with reduced non-compliance.ConclusionsTo improve drug compliance for schistosomiasis there is an urgent need for intensive health education campaigns before conducting MDA that would not only provide disease specific information, but also deal with prevailing misconceptions about transmission, prevention, treatment, and drug side-effects.

Individual and Societal Factors Influencing Technology Adaptation of Rice Farmers in Northern Samar

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Help-seeking and Management Behavior of the Deans and Academic

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Work Motivation and Awards Received, and Pupils' Academic Performance in Elementary Schools in the Division of Northern Samar

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Teachers? Motivation, Stress, and Awards Received and Pupils? Academic Performance in Elementary Schools in Northern Samar: Implications: For Policy Redirections

Teachers? Motivation, Stress, and Awards Received and Pupils? Academic Performance in Elementary Schools in Northern Samar: Implications: For Policy Redirections

Children and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Context of the Rights-Based Approach to Development; the Cases of the Municipalities of Catarman and Laoang in the Province of Northern Samar

Children and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Context of the Rights-Based Approach to Development; the Cases of the Municipalities of Catarman and Laoang in the Province of Northern Samar