Nueva Ecija Research Articles

The Internal and External Environment of Maritime Competitiveness in Nueva Ecija (SWOT Analysis)

The Internal and External Environment of Maritime Competitiveness in Nueva Ecija (SWOT Analysis)

Assessing the Biking Suitability in National Highways: The Case of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Assessing the Biking Suitability in National Highways: The Case of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Student’s Readiness on the Implementation of Face-to-Face Classes: The Aftermath of Face-to-Face Class Restriction

<p style="text-align:justify">This research analyzes the effects of restricting face-to-face classes during the lockdown and students' preparation for face-to-face instruction. During the academic year 2021-2022 break, it was conducted at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST)-Gabaldon Campus's College of Education. This study employed a descriptive correlational and descriptive comparative research design. The 151 education students who participated in this study were chosen using a stratified sampling method. According to the study, students received satisfactory to very satisfactory grades during the lockdown. The study also showed that after the lockdown and after the Commission on Higher Education recommended face-to-face classes, the majority of respondents agree that they are academically, socio-emotionally, and physically prepared to go through a face-to-face mode of learning. The majority of them prefer face-to-face classes to any other form of distance learning. The general weighted average of a student is a predictor of academic readiness in face-to-face classes. In addition, students' general weighted averages have direct link to their socio-emotional readiness. Students' profiles, on the other hand, have no impact on their physical readiness. There is no significant difference in student preparation in face-to-face classes when students are grouped by gender, year and section, and civil status. There is no association between the student profile and their preferred mode of learning. The theoretical and practical ramifications of the research were also addressed.</p>

Mung bean production as a source of livelihood among farmers in a municipality in the Philippines: Challenges and opportunities

This study explored the opportunities and challenges of mung bean production as a source of livelihood among farmers in the municipality of Cuyapo Nueva Ecija, where 223.4 hectares have been devoted to mung bean farming. The study used a descriptive research design and surveyed 214 mung bean farmers from 51 barangays in the municipality. The results of the study revealed that mung bean production provides income to farmers, having a 116.81% return on investment as shown in the cost and return analysis conducted. Mung bean production also provides additional income to local households as many laborers are needed, particularly during the harvesting period. However, mung bean farmers were challenged by the high cost of farm inputs, the low farmgate price of their mung bean harvest, farm destruction caused by stray farm animals, the threat of widespread pest infestation, and the low volume of production. To support the farmers in coping with these challenges, national and local government agencies might provide them with farm input subsidies, cash aid, marketing support, and technical assistance regarding proper crop management.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 11, No. 3

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 3Aurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesEncarnación ABAD ARENAS, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanYusramizza Md Isa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com

STRESSORS AND COPING MECHANISM OF BPED STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

This research study is all about the Stressors and Coping Mechanisms of BPEd Students during the Pandemic at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. The descriptive research design was used. Descriptive studies are usually the best methods for collecting information that have been demonstrated the relationship and described the world as it exists. An online survey questionnaire was used in collecting the data that needed to make the research study successful. Researchers adopted the study of Shannon E. Ross, Bradley C. Niebling and Teresa M. Heckert (2008) about the four factors of stress that affects the students in an International School. In this research study we have the Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Academic and Environmental Factors that affect the students, and each factor have five questions provided. As a finding in the study, the Bachelor of Physical Education Students were stressed mostly on intrapersonal factors particularly in scenario of change in sleeping habits. Whilst students are never stress in the scenario of Serious argument with Teacher/Instructor under the academic factor. KEYWORDS: stressors, interpersonal factor, intrapersonal factor, academic factor, environmental factor

Student Support Services Towards Institutional Change and Development

Assurance of quality and assessment of the current state of services provided by government-funded colleges and universities are constantly dominating the agenda in most countries. Developing countries in the Asia Pacific, such as the Philippines, are concerned with continuously improving their academic standards while pursuing greater access and opportunity. Quality arrangements are now being sought to balance quantity, quality, and public accountability as it moves toward mass higher education with a greater diversity of students and modes combined with tightened or limited resources. As a result, SUCs (State Universities and Colleges) and LUCs (Local Universities and Colleges) are expected to constantly respond to changes in the higher education environment to address their students' diverse learning and support needs. Under such circumstances, this study is relevant. The main objective of this research is to cover the student assistance services offered by SUCs and LUCs, given that higher education institutions are focusing on meeting the standards assigned by recognized accreditation agencies on a standard-by-standard basis. Since HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) place a high value on quality assurance, and institutional and program accreditation leveling for global recognition, this study determined the current state of SSP as perceived by student respondents. This research is limited to a particular degree program (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) from the following government-funded HEIs: University of Makati (UMak), Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), and Bulacan State University (BulSU).

Assessing on-the-job trainees' proficiency in office productivity tools: An investigation of training needs and strategies

This study aimed to assess the office productivity tool proficiency among on-the-job trainees in a public higher education institution in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Descriptive research was utilized and a self-made instrument developed. It was properly reviewed and revised to ensure valid and reliable results. Findings showed a disparity in the number of male and female respondents, with Web Systems Technology being the majority specialization and smartphones being the most commonly used gadget. Although the majority of the respondents had no formal office productivity tools training, they exhibited intermediate proficiency levels in document processing, spreadsheet, presentation, publication, collaboration, and online digital content creation applications. Notably, only a few respondents had advanced skills. A skills training template was designed as a result of the study, and recommendations were provided for future academic endeavors.

The plight of the onion industry in the onion capital of the Philippines: Basis for intervention strategies

The study aimed to assess the plight of the onion industry in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, dubbed the onion capital of the Philippines. The study employed a descriptive methodology. A total of 184 onion farmers from Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, served as respondents. The study revealed that most of the farmer respondents were “kasama” or tenants to the land owners. Farmers borrowed capital from trader-capitalists to finance their farm operations. Significant problems faced by onion farmers included the rising cost of farm inputs because they are imported, which could greatly affect net returns. Farm mechanization was limited, and a shortage of farm laborers was prevalent. Weather conditions and the severity of pest infestation influenced the volume of harvests. The difficulties were further aggravated by the farmers’ suspicion of price manipulation by big-time traders and unregulated importation directly competing with the price of local onions. Storing onions in cold storage facilities was the last recourse when the farmgate price was low. Based on the results of the study, intervention strategies are proposed that may be considered by concerned agencies when designing policies, programs, and projects to help the local farmers take advantage of the promising opportunities in onion growing and eventually improve the onion industry’s competitiveness in general.

CMS 21: INTEGRATING GAME-BASED LEARNING IN BASIC AUTOMOTIVE

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of Car Mechanic Simulator 21 (CMS 21) in learning concepts in Automotive. This study described the performance of two groups of students in different skills in Automotive before and after a series of instructions using the two learning interventions (module and CMS 21) using pre-test and post-test design. This study was conducted at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (20) students served as subjects. The study used the experimental design of research. Using t-tests, results revealed that i) there is statistical evidence to reject the null hypothesis “There is no significant difference in the performances of subjects under the controlled group in the pre-test and post-test, and ii) there is statistical evidence to reject the null hypothesis There is no significant difference in the performances of subjects under the experimental group in the pre-test and post-test. Lastly, after applying statistical treatments, there is statistical evidence to reject the null hypothesis There is a significant difference in the performances of the students between the two groups after their respective interventions. Thus, the use and implementation of CMS 21 is recommended. KEYWORDS: Basic Automotive; Car Mechanic Simulator 21; Distance Learning; Game-based learning, Modular learning

Critical success factors toward a safe city as perceived by selected medium enterprises in the province of Nueva Ecija: A crafted business development policy model

The purpose of this study is to further characterize and evaluate the important success criteria of a safe city for medium-sized businesses in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines, which will be used for the business development policy model. A descriptive method was employed to collect quantitative data. In order to determine or estimate the degree to which the values for the variables are related or vary in a discernible pattern, the descriptive design is an appropriate method for enabling the collection of accurate and trustworthy data through survey measurement of two or more variables. Purposeful sampling, also known as judgment, selective, or subjective sampling is used. This is a sampling strategy in which researchers utilize their own judgment when selecting members of a population to participate in a study. A group of 100 owners of mid-sized businesses in Nueva Ecija served as the study's respondents. Other initiatives outside of Nueva Ecija are also included in this report. The Critical Success Factor (CSF) Model was created and served as the foundation for the questionnaire. The research indicates that the city government and the LGU effectively promote objectives, guidelines, safety, and security. Cities are evolving into smarter places using new technologies for monitoring, analyzing, and planning to increase efficiency and quality of life. Coordination between government and stakeholders is necessary to foster smart cities, and robust economies drive the adoption of safer city programs. The research recommends continuous development of law enforcement, new integrated systems, and recovery assistance after business emergencies. Additionally, the research suggests continuing to develop a long-term program for public space enhancement that integrates crime prevention, designs inclusive public spaces, implements traffic safety campaigns, and promotes safer driving practices.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the university students and personnel

A delay in accepting or refusing a vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services is described as vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine hesitancy among the Filipinos is a significant challenge to achieving herd immunity. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology students and staff. Total sampling and descriptive study methodology were employed. To gather information about the profile, information sources, and hesitation regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, a questionnaire was created. Both informed consent and permission to conduct were secured. Researchers used a variety of statistical tools to assess the data. The respondents’ likely reasons to get vaccinated were to protect themselves and others, and the recommendation from a healthcare provider can help encourage those hesitant to get vaccinated. Moreover, the main reasons for their hesitancy were their fear of the side effects, and poor knowledge about the vaccine. With this, educational programs meant to educate those individuals who had vaccine hesitancy must be conducted. Moreover, vaccine hesitancy must be monitored, as it is expected to vary over time. Therefore, campaigns to disseminate the importance of the vaccine in the nation's public health must be continuously conducted for all types of diseases.<br /><div><div><div id="_com_2" class="msocomtxt"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div><!--[endif]--></div></div><div><div><div id="_com_2" class="msocomtxt"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div><!--[endif]--></div></div>

Tracer Study on the Employment Status of Nueva ECIJA University of Science and Technology - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Graduate from School Year 2017-2018

Tracer Study on the Employment Status of Nueva ECIJA University of Science and Technology - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Graduate from School Year 2017-2018

Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies of Dairy Buffalo Entrepreneurs in Nueva Ecija, Phillipines

This study aims to describe the profile of the dairy buffalo entrepreneurs and analyze their entrepreneurial traits, with the end view of improving these traits. The respondents were 170 dairy buffalo entrepreneurs from assisted cooperatives and associations of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Descriptive statistical tools (i.e., frequency counts, means and range and ranks) were used to analyze and interpret the data. Data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 20. Based on the results, the respondents were found to have a moderate score for persuasion and networking, but found to be strong in opportunity seeking, persistence, commitment to work contract, demand for quality and efficiency, risk-taking, goal setting and information seeking, systematic planning and monitoring and self-confidence. It is recommended that PCC should focus on enhancing the competency on persuasion and networking among dairy buffalo entrepreneurs through trainings and seminars.

Personal Well-Being of Dairy Buffalo Entrepreneurs in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Dairy buffalo entrepreneurship is an important livelihood strategy with great potential of providing sustainable livelihood to people particularly family entrepreneurs. Nueva Ecija, being the main area of intervention of the Philippine Carabao Center, has been well-supported for its buffalo-based dairy enterprises. Empirical studies assessing the well-being of families engaged in dairying in the province, however, were not much explored; hence this study.Data were gathered through face-to-face interview with 170 dairy buffalo entrepreneurs using a survey questionnaire. Personal well-being index (PWI) was measured in terms of the core set of items forming the PWI comprising seven questions on satisfaction with specific life domains. The satisfaction scores from all domains are simply summed up to produce a mean satisfaction value, known as the PWI score, to represent subjective well-being (SWB). The following guidelines for the interpretation of the PWI scores were used: 70+ points = ‘Normal’: A person is likely to be experiencing a normal level of well-being. 51-69 points = ‘Challenged’: Personal well- being is likely to be challenged/compromised. The PWI of the dairy buffalo entrepreneurs was found to be within the normative range of population, which means that they are generally experiencing a normal level of well-being. Findings further showed that while the entrepreneurs were simultaneously engaged in dairying and other sources of household income, such as non-dairy farm, off-farm and non-farm, they are satisfied with farm work and even managed to enjoy various leisure activities.

Teachers' Awareness of Students' Learning Situations During Distance Learning: Implications for Students' Academic Performance

<p style="text-align:justify">This study focused on teachers' awareness of students' learning situations during distance learning. It took place at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) - Gabaldon Campus during the academic year 2021-2022. The study employed descriptive-comparative and descriptive-correlational designs. The 249 students were selected using a stratified sampling technique, whereas the 25 teachers were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Findings revealed that teachers are aware of their students' situations. The students believe that they faced learning challenges during distance learning. There is a significant difference between male and female teachers in terms of student learning environment awareness, but no statistically significant difference in the teacher's awareness of the student's learning situation across age groups, service years, and academic rank. There is a significant difference in the learning anxiety of male and female students but not in the learning environment and blended learning readiness. The learning environment and readiness for blended learning do not differ significantly across age groups of students, but anxiety does. A statistically significant difference in student readiness in blended learning was observed based on students' courses but not on the learning environment or anxiety. There is no significant difference in students' learning situations based on family income or parental educational attainment. There was no significant difference in student achievement based on the teachers' level of awareness. Achievement is positively correlated with learning environment and readiness but negatively associated with anxiety. In addition, the study discussed its theoretical and practical implications. </p>

A Sentiment Analysis Approach on the Acceptance of Radio Frequency Identification Technology-Based Solutions among Schools in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Integrating new technologies in schools improves different processes and increases trust and confidence from various stakeholders. Advancements in education are a 21st-century goal that every learning institution should consider. This study aims to conduct sentiment analysis on the acceptance of Radio Frequency Identification technology-based solutions among the private and public learning institutions in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, that have implemented the technology. School administrators and teachers participated in the study. Sentiments were analyzed using open-ended questions relating to their acceptance of the technology. Based on the analysis, more favourable terms occurred in their responses than negative words, as presented using a word cloud. The researcher thinks that school administrators and teachers of today are more open to technological progress and integrating technologies into education to improve the quality of processes, improve the delivery of instruction, create a safer and more secure learning environment, and encourage the use of new technologies to raise the quality of teaching and learning.

BARANGAY PEACEKEEPING ACTION TEAM OF SELECTED BARANGAYS OF CABANATUAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA

For some must watch, while some must sleep, so runs the world away-William Shakespeare, Hamlet. While you were enjoying your deep sleep, there are somebody tasked to ensure your safety, some of them are called BPATs (Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team). This study aims to determine the level of implementation, effectiveness and degree of problems encountered of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team in the City of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. it used of descriptive research design. A survey questionnaire was used as a main tool of the study that was validated by experts. Data gathered were tallied, tabulated, treated and interpreted using Likert Scale and Weighted Mean. The study was conducted in 9 selected barangays the City of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija where 605 respondents participated composed of; 40 PNP Personnel, 188 Barangay Officials and 377 Residents. Results showed that the BPAT were implemented, effective and the problems encountered were fairly serious. In conclusion, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of selected barangays in the City of Cabanatuan was mobilized, working and effective. The problems encountered were less serious and manageable. It is then recommended that implementers of the team should continue to perform well and to ensure the effectiveness of the team there is a need to systematize their daily routine activities in implementation of peace and order. Also, implementers of BPAT must strengthen and update the knowledge, skills and attitude of the members through a joint trainings and seminars. KEYWORDS: Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, Level of Implementation, Level of Effectiveness, Problems Encountered

The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Core Values in a Learning Institution in the Philippines: A Basis for a Plan of Action

This study aimed to assess the respondents' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the core values of stewardship, empowerment, empathy, discipleship, and solidarity. It provides a concrete discussion as to how the learning institution in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, was able to affect their students and how they internalized these core values. A descriptive research design was used in this study. The respondents comprised 61% male and 39% female students from the junior high, senior high, and college departments. Statistical data analysis technique was used. Results significantly revealed that the student's knowledge, attitude, and practice in the core values under investigation are highly evident. This means that the learning institution was effective and efficient in conducting activities that integrated these core values so that the students could internalize and practice them through their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The findings suggest that programs and activities must be crafted in the future to ensure that the core values are still effectively integrated for their continuous realization.

Mixing effects and yield performance of rice varietal mixture (VarMix) in selected areas in the Philippines

Research around the world has established the good performance of the varietal mixture (VarMix) approach in mitigating the ill effects of biotic stresses on various crops. Thus, the efficiency of this approach against abiotic stresses is also being studied. In the Philippines, the evaluation of VarMix is limited especially in large rice areas that experience water scarcity and unpredictable occurrence of pests and diseases. In this study, yield performances of 12 VarMix combinations and their corresponding single varieties were evaluated in 12 environments nationwide that suffer from water scarcity. VarMix ADCEF yielded highest at 7.7t/ha. Analysis of mixing effects showed that 10 of the 12 combinations gained positive MErelml mean ranging from 0.25 to 17.37%. This shows that their mean yield was higher by 0.25% to 17.37% than the yield mean of their single component varieties in different environments. VarMix ABCE achieved the highest MErelml value of 175.86% in Carmen, Bohol with a 17.37% mean. ABCE also had positive MErelml (1.44% to 19.76%) in Agusan del Norte; Aurora; Nabonton, Ligao, City Albay; Batac City, Ilocos Norte; Iloilo; Nueva Ecija; PhilRice Batac, and PhilRice Bicol. Further, ABCE had the highest positive MEmaxml value of 100.79% (found in Bohol), indicating that its yield was 100.79% higher than the maximum yield of its corresponding variety. Batac City and Iloilo likewise had positive MEmaxml of 1.40% and 0.90%. VarMix combinations BDE, AFE, ABCEF, and ABCDEF reached higher D(x)ml with the same mean values of 0.7 across the 12 locations. The highest D(x)ml of 1.9 was found in BDE and BCD. Based on the static measure of all genotype stability, BDE and single variety NSIC Rc 298 attained small �!i values of 2.0, where the lower the value of variability the more stable they were. In the analysis on responsiveness to environmental productivity, ADCEF was the most responsive and the largest stability (bi) value of 1.2 followed by ACDE, ABC and AFE with 1.1; bi >1 means they have higher responses to a given environment. VarMix combinations that showed yield increase through the mixing effects analysis in actual field conditions will facilitate the selection of elite VarMix for future deployment in areas with similar environment. Results from this study highlighted the potential of VarMix as a stop-gap approach for increasing yield in rice production areas with limited source of water and unpredictable occurrences of pests and diseases.