Occidental Mindoro Research Articles

Factors Affecting Perceived Effectiveness of Government Response towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several developing countries to fall behind on vaccination at the onset of the pandemic, thus affecting the mobility of easing restrictions and lowering virus transmission. The current study integrated the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and extended the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate factors affecting the perceived effectiveness of government response towards COVID-19 vaccination in Occidental Mindoro. A total of 400 respondents from the municipalities of Occidental Mindoro answered the online questionnaires, which contained 61 questions. This study outlined the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination had significant direct effects on its perceived severity. Subjective standards had significant adverse effects on willingness to follow. In addition, perceived behavioral control was discovered to impact willingness to follow positively. It also showed that perceived government response was significantly affected by adaptive behavior and actual behavior regarding the perceived government response. Meanwhile, it was found that the perceived government response had significant effects on perceived effectiveness. The current study is one of the first to study the factors that affect the perceived effectiveness of government response toward COVID- 19 vaccination.

Alangan Mangyans’ Household Coping Strategy During Food Shortage in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

The study was conducted to determine the household coping strategy employed by the Alangan Mangyans during food shortage in Sablayan & Sta Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The study employed a descriptive design. The research instrument used were the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument and Coping Strategy Index (CSI). The Alangans are middle-aged with an average age of 41 years old. They have medium average household sizes of five persons per household, had only reached lower secondary education. They experienced “food insecure without hunger,” which resulted to employing dietary change. The Alangan Mangyan households are considered poor due to low agricultural production and lack of diversified sources of income which resulted in the adequate food supply in the household. The low agricultural production is the “highly serious problem” related to food security because of this, they change their diet relying on less preferred plant food sources and cheaper instant foods readily available in the community.

LIVELIHOOD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE INFORMAL FOOD SECTOR IN OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

The informal food sector is a vital part of rural, peri-urban and urban communities sitting alongside formal economic activities and trading procedures for centuries. It largely contributes to the local economy. However, since they source their supplies from agricultural produce in the local markets, they become vulnerable to the uncertainties which could possibly result to livelihood vulnerability. This descriptive study aimed to assess and describe the livelihood vulnerability level of the informal food sector, determine the issues, challenges and opportunities and identify policy implications that could improve the livelihood resiliency of the informal food sector in Occidental Mindoro. The Livelihood Vulnerability framework of Hahn (2009) where seven indicators were used in determining the vulnerability: socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, social network, health security, food security, access to utilities, and disaster experience. A random sampling of 200 informal food enterprises was employed to three market areas San Jose, Magsaysay and Rizal in Occidental Mindoro. The livelihood vulnerability index was used to describe the vulnerability level. The study revealed a low to moderate vulnerability level of the informal food enterprises. The issues, challenges and opportunities of the informal food sector include their limited access to formal credits, high dependency ratio, poor educational background, low marketing skills all contribute to their livelihood vulnerability. However their high adaptive capacity specifically in livelihood diversification and their ability to supply the essential needs of the market enhance their resilience They bank on two business strengths: affordability and availability which have become their investment to develop their regular buyers.

CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES OF SALT FARMING IN OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, PHILIPPINES

This study drew the profile of the salt farm owners and farmers in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines; their salt production characteristics in terms of salt farm size, material used for salt beds and intended use of the salt produced and post-harvest practices. It also identified the constraints and challenges faced by the salt farm owners and farmers. Key Informant Interview using an interview guide was used to gather data from 52 salt farm owners/farmers. Results of the study indicate that the salt farm owners and farmers are males, between 41-55 years old married and belong to large households. The salt production area is 10 hectares or less, clay (from Vigan) and stones are used to line the crystallizers, and salt produced include agricultural grade salt for the coconut fertilization, yellow quality raw salt for bagoong and dried fish production, cleaning purposes, green quality raw salt for human consumption, iodized salt for human consumption (table salt), washed and refined salt for human consumption (table salt) and food industries (chips, biscuits). Findings of the study also revealed that majority of the salt farmers did not own a warehouse to store their salt and used sacks to package the salt. It is recommended that the Occidental Mindoro Salt Industry Road Map be translated into reality by providing government support to the industry in the form of research and development projects and programs on salt production, post-harvest, logistics and marketing strategies, provision of loan facility to augment capitalization and encourage industry-academe and government line agencies collaboration for an inclusive Occidental Mindoro Salt Industry revitalization.

Assessing Cognitive Factors of Modular Distance Learning of K-12 Students Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic towards Academic Achievements and Satisfaction.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought extraordinary challenges to K-12 students in using modular distance learning. According to Transactional Distance Theory (TDT), which is defined as understanding the effects of distance learning in the cognitive domain, the current study constructs a theoretical framework to measure student satisfaction and Bloom’s Taxonomy Theory (BTT) to measure students’ academic achievements. This study aims to evaluate and identify the possible cognitive capacity influencing K-12 students’ academic achievements and satisfaction with modular distance learning during this new phenomenon. A survey questionnaire was completed through an online form by 252 K-12 students from the different institutions of Occidental Mindoro. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the researcher analyses the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The model used in this research illustrates cognitive factors associated with adopting modular distance learning based on students’ academic achievements and satisfaction. The study revealed that students’ background, experience, behavior, and instructor interaction positively affected their satisfaction. While the effects of the students’ performance, understanding, and perceived effectiveness were wholly aligned with their academic achievements. The findings of the model with solid support of the integrative association between TDT and BTT theories could guide decision-makers in institutions to implement, evaluate, and utilize modular distance learning in their education systems.

Macrophyte Diversity and Conservation Values of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines

The diversity and distribution of marine macrophytes – including seaweeds and seagrasses – in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), Philippines, was assessed covering nine sites across four provinces (Batangas, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro). Presence-absence data were compared to those of other sites within the VIP collected in earlier studies. Data from the VIP were then compared to sites with similar environmental and geographical features in other parts of the Philippines. A total of 116 macroalgal species and nine seagrass species were recorded from the VIP. This macroalgal richness represents approximately 12% of the reported macroalgae, and the number of seagrass species represents almost half of the known species in the country, suggesting that VIP supports a high diversity of marine macrophytes. Data analyses showed significant clustering of sites within the VIP. Some of the neighboring sites with similar environmental conditions also clustered together. The separation of clusters with sites outside the VIP may, in part, be explained by differences in local environmental conditions such as types of substratum, water depth, and current patterns (water motion). The diversity and uniqueness of marine macrophytes in the VIP highlight the importance of the ecosystem services and functions that these organisms provide. The role of various abiotic and biotic factors in driving variations in macroalgal diversity in the passage needs to be further verified with increased sampling efforts to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the conservation value of the VIP.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF SALT WORKERS: AN ERGONOMIC APPROACH

This study focused on the ergonomic risk assessment of salt workers in Occidental Mindoro. The study intended to determine which work activities posed risks to the farm workers, find if significant relationship between profile variables and the total pain and body parts pain experienced by the salt workers from doing the work activities that posed risks. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to detect symptoms to the neck, back, shoulders and extremities. It is composed of 28 multiple choice questions and structured into two well-differentiated parts, the first part refers to symptoms in nine parts of the body(neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, lower back, hip/thighs, knees and ankles during the last 12 months. The second part refers to the symptoms in three parts of the body (neck, shoulders and lower back) throughout the subject’s working life/seven days beforehand. To interpret data, correlation analysis and descriptive statistics were used. Findings of the study revealed that the salt workers are middle adults, have been working in the salt farms for most of their lives, have heights and weights that are well within the average height and weight for Filipino males. Results further suggest that the work activities that posed risks and caused pain to the salt workers are, transporting salt, collecting salt and filling the salterns with brine. Further, age and years of working in the salt farms are also found to be significantly related to the pain in body parts experienced by the saltworkers in doing the activities that pose risks to them. The body parts that are likely to feel pain are neck, lower and upper back and knees. Lastly, in knowing the risky work activities of salt farmers, mitigation measures can be proposed.

Employability and Job Performance of Graduates of Occidental Mindoro State College Graduate School

This descriptive study determined the employability and job performance of Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) Graduate School graduates. The study was conducted from January 2020 to August 2020 at OMSC Main Campus, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. A total of 40 respondents selected through simple random sampling participated in the study. A self-made questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering data for the endeavor. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson-r moment correlation. Most respondents are middle-aged females who took Master of Arts in Education and graduated in 2013. The majority of the respondents are regular employees designated as unit heads, recently promoted, attended a few seminars and training, and did not receive any award and recognition after obtaining their master's degree. On the other hand, the respondents perform their jobs very well, as shown in their work quality, work habits, human relations, and leadership skills. Furthermore, there is a relationship between gender, graduation year, academic program, promotion, and graduates' job performance. It was concluded that gender, graduation year, academic program, and promotion might affect the graduates' job performance.

Operational Optimization Of A Potable Water Refilling Station

This is study which focused on the determination of the coastal water quality, of the Aroma Beach, a strip of gray sand which stretches more than one kilometer and located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. To determine water quality, water samples were taken monthly from February 2019 to May 2019 and subjected to analysis for pH, DO, temperature and oil and grease. Microbiological tests include determination of total coliform and fecal coliform measured in terms of most probable number per 100ml of the water sampled. Results of the study indicate that the coastal waters at Aroma Beach is safe for contact swimming and other recreational activities, however, values of its oil and grease have exceeded the maximum concentration slightly exceeded the DENR threshold for this pollutant. 

Quality Of The Coastal Water Of Aroma Beach San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

This is study which focused on the determination of the coastal water quality, of the Aroma Beach, a strip of gray sand which stretches more than one kilometer and located in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. To determine water quality, water samples were taken monthly from February 2019 to May 2019 and subjected to analysis for pH, DO, temperature and oil and grease. Microbiological tests include determination of total coliform and fecal coliform measured in terms of most probable number per 100ml of the water sampled. Results of the study indicate that the coastal waters at Aroma Beach is safe for contact swimming and other recreational activities, however, values of its oil and grease have exceeded the maximum concentration slightly exceeded the DENR threshold for this pollutant.

Job Satisfaction and Extension Modalities Employed by the Extension Professionals in the Occidental Mindoro State College’s Extension Delivery Service

The study was conducted to determine the extension modalities employed by the extension professionals, problems encountered in conducting extension service, and their job satisfaction in the extension delivery service.
 The study employed descriptive research design. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) collection instrument was used. The respondents were purposively selected from the list of faculty and staff actively involved in extension service. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the gathered data.
 Result shows the extension modalities were “sometimes” employed by the extension professionals during the conduct of extension activities.
 Further, the “highly’ serious problem encountered were lack of extension worker's competencies, change in political leadership , lack of trainings in extension methods and communication skills, and too much academic work in addition to field work. However, they were “highly satisfied” with their extension work.
 As the fulfilment of extension professionals in the academe, there is a need to revisit their job satisfaction that could also lead to an improved and effective delivery of extension.
 The paper presents a model on job satisfaction that draws on experiences of extension professions that could be applied to early career and continuing professional development in the academe.

Resistance to Change and Work Engagement of the Faculty of Occidental Mindoro State College, Philippines

Teachers’ resistance to change is believed to affect their engagement in work which could lead to slow the implementation of educational reform. This study had the main purpose of investigating the work engagement of the faculty of Occidental Mindoro State College in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines as influenced by the extent of their resistance to change given the new teaching and learning modalities. Descriptive research design was used to address the problems of the study. It was found that the faculty’s extent of resistance to change does not influence the level of their work engagement and none of the factors of resistance to change significantly influence the level of work engagement of the faculty. When the teachers are grouped according to college/department, they are found to differ on the level of their resistance to change specifically in terms of routine seeking, emotional reaction, and short-term focus. Since there are changes in the educational set-up in most higher education institutions in the country, teachers may resist change for a variety of systemic or individual reasons. Understanding those reasons for resistance may provide educational leaders with more effective strategies for implementing change.

English

The descriptive research aims to identify the communication strategies employed in promoting topics on Reproductive Health and the communication problems encountered in promoting Reproductive Health information. The study was conducted in selected Barangays in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. This study employed descriptive research method. The sample size was determined by the epinfoTM software with 80% confidence level. Thereafter, the 39 Community Health Care Workers were the one who voluntarily responded in the survey and interview. The survey instrument and Focus group Discussion were used to gather the data. Prior to data collection, permission to conduct the study was sought to the different Barangays in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. Descriptive statistics was used in the study. While, Person Moment Correlation was used to determine the relationship among variables. Result shows that the community health workers are female, middle aged, literate, and with long experience as community health workers. The communication strategies used by the BHW is rated as “moderate.” It is observed that the strategies with a “very high” rating were home visits, SMS/Text message, flyers/brochures, Barangay ordinances and public meetings. The BHWs have “very high” concern with the insufficient allowances for home visitation and have the least concern with the lack of knowledge on the content of the RH materials, and lack of support from LGU. Lastly, there was no significant relationship between the profile of the respondents in age, years spent in formal education, and years spent as BHWs. Key words: IEC materials, reproductive health, Barangay health workers.

Extent Of Compliance To Standard Precautions Among Healthcare Workers In Accredited Birthing Facilities In San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine the extent of compliance of health care professionals employed in birthing facilities in the municipality of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Specifically, it sought to determine the demographic data of the respondents as to age, educational attainment and years of experience; investigate their level of compliance to standard precautions and examine if there exists a significant relationship between the demographic variables of the respondents and their level of compliance to standard precautions. There were 23 health workers who participated in the study. The main instrument used in the study is the CSPS, a standardized checklist for measuring compliance to SP. Results showed that health workers in birthing facilities in the municipality are young, graduates of bachelor’s degree and are new in the service. They are also highly compliant with SP. It was also found that age and experience are significantly related with compliance to SP. The researchers recommend that this study be replicated using other health professionals as respondents such as doctors since they are the ones who are most exposed to health hazards. It is also suggested that further studies be conducted considering other variables which are not covered in this study.

Mat Graduate Students' Experiences And Satisfaction With The Educational Services Of Omsc Graduate School

This descriptive-correlational study determined the learning experiences and satisfaction of the Master of Arts in Teaching English and Filipino program graduates in Occidental Mindoro State College Graduate School.The study was conducted from January 2021 until August 2021 at OMSC Labangan Campus, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. A total of 25 respondents selected through simple random sampling participated in the study. Self-made questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering data for the study. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency and percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson-r moment correlation. The respondents are middle-aged females who took Master of Arts in Teaching English, a regular rank and file employees whose monthly income is Php 21,000-30,000. The extent of their learning experience is very high and with an overall high satisfaction level in terms of administrative support, faculty, curriculum, and student services. There is a relationship between profile, the extent of experience, and the level of satisfaction. Profile variables influence satisfaction. The provision of quality higher education services enhance graduate students' learning experience and can influence their level of satisfaction.

Intergenerational Transmission of Hanunuo Heritage Language

This case study explored the reasons, approaches, and challenges encountered in the intergenerational transmission of the Hanunuo heritage language. The study was conducted from April to June 2019 at Emok and Canabang, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. A total of 17 Hanunuo Mangyan selected through purposive sampling participated in the study. It was found that cultural heritage, strong adherence to language, strong identification with the group, residence in the speech community, and ease of communication were the reasons for heritage language maintenance. The oral approach is used in the intergenerational transmission of the Hanunuo heritage language. The challenges encountered include no proper documentation, non-Hanunuo teacher, school curriculum, technology, inter-marriages, and orthography is not taught by elders. Nevertheless, the Hanunuo Mangyan maintains their heritage language to facilitate communication. They have high orality in their language, and the challenges encountered were attributed to personal and societal factors.

Extension Methods Used in the Implementation of the Swine Production and Dispersal Program in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro Philippines

This study was conducted to evaluate the extension modalities employed in the Swine Production and Dispersal Program (SPDP) implemented in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. It employed the survey research method. It was conducted at Barangay Malpalon and Poypoy, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. The respondents were the 30 randomly-selected Swine Production and Dispersal Program (SPDP) beneficiaries for at least one year and had received at least one piglet from the program. A survey and interview were conducted to determine whether the extension program has helped the beneficiaries. Mean, frequency distribution, percentage, and Kendal-Tau b were used in this study. The results shows that the SPDP beneficiaries were middle-aged, high school graduate, female, and member of the SPDP. The seminar is the “most employed” communication method used by the Tamaraw Conservation Program in disseminating information regarding swine production. The said program had contributed to the increase of the SPDP beneficiaries’ monthly income at the time of the implementation of the program. The “most frequent” problem encountered in the implementation of the SPDP is the additional expenses incurred by the household with regard to its operation. Expenses had a significant relationship with the benefits and the problems encountered in SPDP. Further, expenses had a significant relationship with the benefits and the problems encountered in SPDP.

RULA and REBA risk assessment system on salt workers in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

This descriptive study focused on the ergonomic risk assessment of salt workers in Occidental Mindoro to determine which work activities posed risks to the farmworkers and assess the relationship between profile variables and the total pain and body parts pain experienced by the salt workers. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to detect symptoms composed of 28 multiple choice questions and structured into two well-differentiated parts; the first part refers to symptoms in nine parts of the body (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, lower back, hip/thighs, knees, and ankles) during the last 12 months. The second part refers to the neck, shoulders, and lower back symptoms throughout the subject’s working life/seven days beforehand. Correlation analysis and descriptive statistics were used to interpret data. The study's findings revealed that the salt workers are middle adults, have been working in the salt farms for most of their lives, have heights and weights within the average height and weight for Filipino males. Results further suggest that the work activities that posed risks and caused pain to the salt workers are, transporting salt, collecting salt, and filling the salterns with brine. Moreover, age and years of working are also significantly related to the pain in body parts experienced by the salt workers in doing the activities that pose risks to them. The body parts that are likely to feel pain are the neck, lower and upper back, and knees. Lastly, in knowing the risky work activities of salt farmers, mitigation measures can be proposed.

Members’ loyalty and participation: Their impacts on the cooperative governance in Samarica, Occidental Mindoro

Members’ loyalty and participation: Their impacts on the cooperative governance in Samarica, Occidental Mindoro

Determinants of rural credit access decision-making among small-scale rice farmers in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Informal sources of credit prevail in the rural areas of developing countries mostly cater farm households. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the determinants of rural credit access decision among small-scale rice farmers in Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines using binary logistic regression. A total of 74 randomly selected farm household heads, who have direct supervision in rice farming activities, participated in the study. The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that gender, age and education were the significant determinants of rural credit decision. This research recommends other factors, working sectors and settings for future research.