Philippine Population Research Articles

Challenges and Opportunities in Establishing a COVID-19 Patient Registry in a Regional Setting in the Philippines

The purpose of this review is to evaluate various challenges and opportunities as well as propose solutions for the development and implementation of a prospective COVID-19 patient registry within a regional context in the Philippines. To comprehensively study the course of COVID-19 in the Philippine population, it is essential to develop a comprehensive dataset that includes relevant treatment and diagnostic information. While individual patient reports related to the disease are available at various institutions in the Philippines, there is a need for a more extensive and representative database to facilitate robust analysis. The primary clinical objective of establishing a COVID-19 patient registry was to enhance the accuracy of disease diagnosis. In this review, we present a comprehensive explanation of the systematic rationale, design, and execution of a COVID-19 patient registry in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Based on this review, several factors exist that hinder the implementation of a COVID-19 patient registry in this regional setting in the Philippines, including lack of funding, facilities, infrastructure, manpower, and expertise, and unwillingness of some hospitals to pursue research. We also discussed herewith the proposed program implementation for the establishment of such a registry in a regional setting in the Philippines.

The Moderating Effect of Population Growth on the Relationship between Carbon Emission and Economic Development in Surigao Del Norte, Philippines using Predictive Algorithm

This paper explored the moderating effect of population growth on the relationship between carbon emissions and economic development in Surigao del Norte. The descriptive research design of the study has been complemented by data mining techniques in the analysis of the gathered data. The results revealed that the trend of population growth, economic growth, and carbon emission in Surigao del Norte from 2019-2022 were fluctuating based on pre- and post-pandemic effects as well as increased economic activities, industrial growth, and changes in energy consumption patterns. Moreover, the forecasted trend of population growth, economic development, and carbon emission in the next decade is also fluctuating based on the data but notable increase in the population growth for the province will significantly be seen and since the forecasted trend of population growth, economic growth, and carbon emission is fluctuating, it does have a significant contribution to the Philippines population growth, economic development, and carbon emission in the next decade. Consequently, the economic development in the province of Surigao del Norte poses a significant impact towards the province’s carbon emission in the next years and lastly the population growth of Surigao del Norte has a significant and positive influence towards the economic development of the province and its corresponding carbon emissions in the next years.

Using mangrove and field observation data to identify fine-scale species distributions: a case study in bockadams (Serpentes: Homalopsidae: Cerberus).

Characterization of species distributions is a fundamental challenge in biodiversity science, with particular significance for downstream evolutionary studies, conservation efforts, field-based faunal studies and estimates of species diversity. Checklists and phylogenetic studies often focus on poorly known, rare taxa with limited ranges. However, studies of widely distributed, ecologically important species that are abundant in their preferred microhabitats are also important for systematics and local conservation efforts, but less often studied. We collected novel natural history data during fieldwork (2019-2023) for Philippine populations of bockadams (Homalopsidae: Cerberus), one of the most abundant vertebrates in Southeast Asian aquatic systems. Considered a coastal snake, many studies report Cerberus inland. We report the frequency of encounters of Cerberus schneiderii, and the IUCN data-deficient, Philippine-endemic Cerberus microlepis during six expeditions (62 days; 1041 person-hours). We report new occurrence data for 69 C. schneiderii and 6 C. microlepis for coastal and inland populations, water measurements and dietary observations. Regression analyses and ecological niche models show the importance of coastal and mangrove habitats for Cerberus. Our study is the most comprehensive assessment of Philippine Cerberus populations to date and provides critical baseline natural history data for downstream research on widespread and range-restricted species of Southeast Asian snakes.

Variability and forensic efficiency of 12 X-STR markers in Namibian populations.

STR loci localized on the X chromosome provide information additional to the autosomal markers routinely analyzed in forensic genetics, integrating genetic systems as Y-STRs and mitochondrial DNA in the investigation of complex kinship scenarios and mass disaster cases.In this study we genotyped 12 X-STR loci in 251 male samples from four populations of Namibia in southern Africa using the Investigator Argus X-12 kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Forensic efficiency parameters indicated high power of discrimination in the considered populations. As part of our investigation, we highlighted partial linkage associations between loci within known linkage groups (LGs) and identified several occurrences of previously unreported out-of-ladder (OL) alleles.Genetic distances between the Namibian populations here investigated and other African (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Guinea, Cape Verde) and non-African (Germany, China, Philippines) populations using loci grouped in LGs mirrored their biogeographical distribution differently for each linkage group. Haplotype sharing within each LG revealed a high degree of population-specific types, hinting to the potential of these markers for ancestry applications.These results highlight the importance to produce specific and freely available population databases especially for multi-ethnic countries. This novel dataset is expected to be of interest for population studies that need an accessible reference dataset of African regions not currently well represented, as well as possible relevance for forensic applications focusing on the biogeographic origin of samples.

Exploring youth’s satisfaction with Bicol Police Programs and activities in the Philippines

Filipino youths are considered the most valuable resource of the country comprising more than 40 percent of the total Philippine population. This descriptive-correlational study determined the satisfaction level of the 141 samples of young Bicolanos (81 were males and 60 were females) with the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s programs and activities. The multi-stage sampling designs were used to ensure representative samples from each of the six provinces in the Bicol region, Philippines. The gathered quantitative and qualitative data from a validated questionnaire revealed that Bicol youth respondents are generally satisfied with the PNP’s programs and activities in the campaign against criminality, the campaign against illegal drugs, public safety, and public security. The youth respondents in the region felt that they were publicly safe and secure when they observed the PNP’s visible campaigns against criminality and illegal drugs. The paper recommends promoting and enhancing programs and partnerships with the community involving the youth sector such as the out-of-school youth, students, and young professionals.

Proximate Composition, Trace and Macro Element, and Heavy Metal Content of Edible Seaweed Solieria robusta in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Solieria robusta is a red seaweed consumed widely by the local population in the southern Philippines. However, current information regarding its proximate composition, trace and macro element, and heavy metal content is lacking. This study marks the first attempt in the Philippines to ascertain the proximate composition, trace and macro element, and heavy metal content of edible seaweed S. robusta. Our findings revealed that S. robusta primarily consists of ash content, measuring 44.30 ± 0.4 g/100 g, followed by carbohydrates at 32.96 ± 0.45 g/100 g. The moisture content of dried S. robusta was 16.91±0.04 g/100 g. The crude protein content of this edible seaweed was determined to be 5.61 ± 0.05 g/100 g, with total fat noted at 0.22 ± 0.01 g/100 g. The average concentration of trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mg, and Cu), macro element (K), and heavy metals (Pb and Cd) followed the order of Zn > Fe > K > Mg > Pb > Cu > Cd. Notably, three essential minerals -Zn, Fe, and K- were present in significant quantities in S. robusta, with concentrations of 219±8.70, 209±5.75, and 9.83±0.22 mg/kg, respectively. However, one trace element, Zn, and one heavy metal, Pb, exceeded the permissible values, and the rest were within the safe limits. This study constitutes a significant contribution to the comprehension of the nutritional profile and mineral composition of S. robusta, emphasizing its potential as a valuable dietary resource.

A Study on How Cafe Amadeo Development Cooperative Affects the Coffee Farmers’ Living Wage

Agriculture, specifically farming, has been the primary source of livelihood for a large proportion of the Philippine population. Despite an increase in consumption, there is a decrease in coffee output that needs to be increased to supply domestic demand. Due to financial instability and a lack of resources, farmers join cooperatives to solve their concerns. This study examined and analyzed the effect of Cafe Amadeo Development Cooperative (CADC) initiatives on the living wages of their coffee farmers' members. This research proved whether CADC effectively boosts their living wages to enhance their lifestyles. Using Ordinal Regression Analysis, calculate the data from the primary data gathered through a quantitatively designed survey questionnaire from the members. The study's findings highlight the importance of coffee bean pricing and dividends in enhancing the living standards of coffee farmers. These factors contribute to higher living wages and improved overall well-being. However, loans and patronage, while not directly impacting living wages, play an essential role in addressing the financial needs of coffee farmers, both as farmers and as family providers. The research findings reflect on CADC initiatives and serve as a roadmap for their upcoming approach to promoting coffee farmers' advancement. Researchers recommend that Cafe Amadeo Development Cooperative (CADC) implement advances in farming practices and introduce modern machinery to foster growth. These measures can empower farmers, enhance their productivity, and increase their living wage.

USING GHSL TO ANALYZE URBANIZATION AND LAND-USE EFFICIENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES FROM 1975–2020: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract. This study analyzed the trends and patterns of urbanization and changes in land-use efficiency in the Philippines from 1975–2020 using the Global Human Settlement Layers (GHSL). Utilizing the GHS-BUILT-S, GHS POP, and GHS-SMOD raster datasets from the GHSL Data Package 2023, we examined the spatiotemporal expansion of built-up areas and the growth of population in urban and rural regions of the country. Using the same datasets, we also measured the country's achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)11.3, particularly on inclusive and sustainable urbanization through efficient land utilization, by computing the ratio of land consumption rate (LCR) to the population growth rate (PGR), also known as LCRPGR. The results of our analysis revealed an increasing trend in the overall built-up area and population of the Philippines within the examined period. Built-up areas and population in urban regions more than tripled in size from 1975 to 2020, demonstrating a notable shift towards more urbanized regions over time. In addition to presenting evidence of the Philippines' developmental progress and urbanization, our analysis of GHSL data shows a decline in land consumption, a deceleration in population growth, and an overall enhancement in land-use efficiency within the country. These findings suggest a shift towards more controlled and sustainable land development practices, supporting the country's goal of sustainable urbanization and land management. The implications of these findings are crucial for policymakers and urban planners in the Philippines, offering valuable insights to guide the formulation of effective and comprehensive land management strategies. Further work includes conducting localized analyses at the city or municipality level to provide valuable insights into the unique urbanization patterns and land-use dynamics across different islands and regions, enabling tailored policy interventions and spatial planning strategies to promote sustainable development.

Ensuring Aquatic Food Security in the Philippines

The human population of the Philippines is expected to reach 158 million by the year 2050, or an increase of 37% relative to 2022. This implies increased demand for aquatic food (or “fish” hereafter). This begs the question of whether the Philippines can meet the expected increase in fish demand. We estimate that even if the Philippines can maintain its current fish production, the Philippines will still require 1.67 million metric tons more fish per year by 2050 to at least maintain its current per capita fish consumption of 34.27 kg per year. Continued mismanagement of inland and marine fisheries will further widen the gap in fish supply. However, we argue that simultaneously rebuilding overfished fisheries, restoring degraded habitats crucial to supporting productive fisheries, addressing current threats to fisheries sustainability, and expanding sustainable marine aquaculture (or mariculture) have the potential to meet future fish demand in the Philippines. Sustainably expanding mariculture requires careful siting and management of mariculture development areas so that mariculture can improve food security without disenfranchising and marginalizing local coastal communities.

Geospatial mapping of 2-hour access to timely essential surgery in the Philippines

ObjectivesTimely access to safe and affordable surgery is essential for universal health coverage. To date, there are no studies evaluating 2-hour access to Bellwether procedures (caesarean section, laparotomy, open fracture...

Echolocation call characterization of insectivorous bats from caves and karst areas in southern Luzon Island, Philippines

Bats are excellent bioindicators and are increasingly used to assess ecosystem health and monitor changes in the environment. Due to increased awareness of the potential transmission of pathogens from bats to humans and recognizing the limitations of traditional bat sampling methods, the use of of non-invasive sampling techniques such as bat recorders were recommended for field-based monitoring studies. In the Philippines, however, bat bioacoustics is still a growing field, and the scarcity of acoustic data hinders the use of echolocation calls to conduct accurate inventories and population monitoring of echolocating bats. Here, we recorded and characterized echolocation calls of insectivorous bats from caves and karst areas located in southern Luzon Island, Philippines. In addition, we compared our results with other studies performed within and outside the country to identify possible regional and local variation in acoustic characters for some species. A total of 441 echolocation calls were recorded from six bat families: Hipposideridae (five species), Rhinolophidae (five species), Vespertilionidae (three species), Miniopteridae (two species), Megadermatidae (one species), and Emballonuridae (one species). Discriminant function analyses (DFA) with leave-one-out cross validation correctly classified bats emitting calls dominated with a constant frequency (CF) component (rhinolophids and hipposiderids) with >97% success and those producing frequency modulated (FM) calls (Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae) with 88.9% success. We report echolocation calls for Philippine population of two species (Megaderma spasma and Hipposideros lekaguli) for the first time. Moreover, we present geographical variations in call frequencies for some species by comparing previously reported acoustic data elsewhere across the species’ range. This underscores the importance of establishing a readily accessible and comprehensive local reference library of echolocation calls which would serve as a valuable resource for examining taxonomic identities of echolocating bats, particularly those whose calls exhibit biogeographic variations.

A comparative analysis of the cost-utility of the Philippine tax on sweetened beverages as proposed and as implemented

In response to increasing overweight and obesity, the Philippine government introduced a tax on sweetened beverages (SBs) in 2018. Evidence suggests that the beverage industry influenced the final tax design, making it more favourable for industry than the initially proposed bill. This study aimed to compare the relative health and economic benefits of the proposed SB tax with the implemented SB tax. Philippine dietary consumption data were combined with price elasticity data from Mexico and data from Australia adapted to the Philippine context to estimate reductions in SB purchases and changes in body mass index (BMI) following the implementation of the tax. A multi-state, multiple-cohort Markov model was used to estimate the change in health-adjusted life years (HALYs) due to reduction in the epidemiology of obesity-related diseases, healthcare cost savings and government taxation revenue, resulting from both the proposed and implemented tax policies, over the lifetime of the 2018 Philippine population. The proposed and implemented taxes were modelled to be dominant (cost-saving and improving health). Intervention costs were modelled to be PHP305.2 million (M) (approximately US$6M). Compared to the proposed tax, the implemented tax was modelled to result in a 43.0% smaller reduction in targeted beverage intake (51.1 ml/person/day vs. 89.7 ml/person/day), a 43.5% smaller reduction in BMI (0.35kg/m2 vs. 0.62kg/m2), 39.7% fewer HALYs gained (2,503,118 vs. 4,149,030), 39.9% fewer healthcare cost savings (PHP16.4 billion (B) vs. PHP27.3B), and 27.7% less government taxation revenue (PHP426.3B vs. PHP589.4B). While the implemented tax in the Philippines will benefit population health, it is likely to yield less benefit than the proposed tax. The influence of the food and beverage industry on policy processes has the potential to lessen the benefits of population NCD prevention policies. OH was supported to conduct this research by an Australian Government Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship. The funding body had no role in data collection and analysis, or manuscript preparation.

A complete species-level phylogeny of the Erythrura parrotfinches (Aves: Estrildidae)

Identifying species boundaries and phylogenetic relationships among groups of closely related species provides a necessary framework for understanding how biodiversity evolves in natural systems. Here we present a complete phylogeny of the avian genus Erythrura (family Estrildidae) commonly known as parrotfinches, which includes species threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade. Using both mitogenome and reduced-representation genome-wide nuclear DNA sequence data, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of the group by sampling all 12 recognized species, four of which had not previously been studied in a phylogenetic context. We included intra-species geographic sampling that allowed us to comment on species limits in some taxa. We recovered the Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae) of Australia which has often been placed in the monotypic genus Chloebia, as being sister to a clade comprising all Erythrura species. In addition, we recovered a well-supported clade comprising eight species distributed throughout the Pacific Island eco-region, whereas those species occurring in continental southeast Asia, the Greater Sundas, and the Philippines, were recovered as earlier branching lineages. Of note was the early branching of the Fiji-endemic E. kleinschmidti which corroborates its unique phenotype. We also found a deep phylogenetic split (8.59% corrected, 7.89% uncorrected divergence in the mitochondrial gene ND2) between the Java and Philippine populations of E. hyperythra, indicating unrecognized species-level diversity within this taxon. In contrast, genome-wide nuclear data suggested that the New Guinea endemic species E. papuana is embedded within the widespread species E. trichroa in all phylogenetic reconstructions, corroborating previously published mitochondrial data that suggested a similar pattern. By generating a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among all species of Erythrura parrotfinches, we provide a framework for better understanding the extant diversity and evolutionary history of this group.

Introducing the New Editorial Team

Introducing the New Editorial Team

Karyotypic and Molecular Analysis of Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau 1855) from the Lower Amazon River.

Pterygoplichthys pardalis is an armored catfish native to South America and an important resource for the ornamental fish industry. Recently, several exotic populations have been introduced into rivers on five continents. Despite its commercial and environmental importance, P. pardalis is poorly studied from a genetic perspective. In this study, we analyzed the karyotype of P. pardalis from the Amazon River and molecular variations in the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) between native and exotic populations. The karyotype presented diploid number 2n = 52 and NF = 100 without cytogenetic variation between males and females. Nucleolus organizer regions (Ag-NOR) in the distal region of the long arm of pair 12 coincided with the 18S hybridization signal, whereas 5S was syntenic to this chromosome but localized in the short arm. The constitutive heterochromatin was restricted in the distal regions of pairs 4, 12, 25, and 26. Telomeric probes showed only distal hybridization signals. The karyotype of P. pardalis diverged from that of its congeners, and COI molecular variation revealed four haplotypes. The Philippine population revealed the greatest diversity with three haplotypes, while haplotype H1 was the most abundant and observed in both native and exotic populations. This new genetic data contributes to species management and provides useful information from an aquaculture perspective.

"Cancer-Related Search Queries in the Philippines: A Trend Analysis Across a Fifteen-Year Period "

Analyzing the trends of internet search queries can provide rapid, unrestricted, and valuable insight on health-seeking behaviors of entire populations. More than half of the Philippine population use the internet; however, trends of search queries have rarely been analyzed. This study analyzed the trends of cancer-related search queries in the Philippines over a fifteen-year period. For the period spanning December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2022 in the Philippines, Google TrendsTM was used to compute the search volume index (SVI) for pre-selected cancer-related search terms. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post-hoc Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test was performed to detect a difference between the search terms across the period of study and to explore the trend of these differences. We observed statistically significant increases in SVI for the pre-selected terms from 2016 to 2022, indicating a significant increase in cancer-related search activity in the Philippines in recent years.

Clinical profile and non-recreational methamphetamine abuse (shabu) among stroke patients in the Philippine population

Chronic non-recreational use of methamphetamine (shabu) is increasing among the Filipino population in Barcelona. The Asian population presents a different stroke pattern, with a higher incidence of haemorrhage, and different vascular risk factors and health behaviours. The objective of this study is to describe the stroke profile and incidence of methamphetamine use in patients of Filipino origin admitted to our centre. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, clinical data and prognosis were recorded. Methamphetamine exposure was analysed in plasma samples collected on admission, which were then analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of a total of 6,418 stroke patients, 73 (1.1%) were identified as being of Filipino origin. The mean age was 54.4 ± 12.1 years, 54% were male and the stroke was ischaemic in 64.4% of cases. Arterial hypertension was the main risk factor. Ten (13.7%) patients tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. These results confirm recent substance use prior to the stroke, mostly in men (80%). In patients who were consumers, 60% had a haemorrhagic stroke, with a poor functional prognosis at three months in 55.6% of patients. In our setting, patients of Filipino ethnicity admitted for stroke related to the consumption of shabu belonged a younger age bracket, with a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors and a predominance of the haemorrhagic subtype. Methamphetamine testing in Filipino stroke patients is recommended due to the high prevalence of methamphetamine use in our country.

The Relationship between Philippine Population, Remittances, Foreign Direct Investment, and Trade Openness on its Gross Domestic Product

Considering that GDP is one of the main indicators that influence the economic growth of a country, there are certain factors that affect its increase or decrease. This study was conducted to understand the relationship between the Philippines’ economic growth (Gross Domestic Product) and its economic factors namely: Trade Openness, Inflation rate, Foreign Direct Investment, and Labor Force. The researchers used a quantitative-correlational approach to determine the strength of the relationships between the variables. Moreover, the researchers concluded that the variables of Foreign Direct Investment, Trade Openness, Labor Force were significant determinants to explain economic growth, while Inflation Rate was insignificant. The Philippine government may utilize the paper to emphasize the relationship of the variables towards economic growth, specifically, the Trade openness variable, which showed a significant relationship towards economic growth yet had unsatisfactory results as an indicator for economic growth.

Caloglossa fluviatilis Krayesky, Fredericq & J.N.Norris (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) from Bataan province, Luzon Island, Philippines, a new country record

Caloglossa fluviatilis is one of the least known freshwater algal species of its genus, having been reported from its type locality in Pedro Miguel, Republic of Panama, and Chalakkudy and Periyar Rivers in the State of Kerala, India. This study presents a new locality record of the species from Bataan province on the island of Luzon, Philippines. C. fluviatilis is characterised by having (1) a thallus having a width at the internode region narrower than 1.0 mm, (2) moderate development of adventitious secondary branches at the node, and (3) fewer than eight rhizoidal filaments arising from pericentral cells at the node. Indeed, this Philippine population of C. fluviatilis has helped fill the gaps and extended the distribution of the species to the western Pacific region. Further studies and reassessment of freshwater Caloglossa specimens will contribute to further understanding of these little-known genus members.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the crescent perch Terapon jarbua (Centrarchiformes: Terapontidae) in the Philippines

The crescent perch Terapon jarbua is a catadromous fish widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region. It is found throughout the Philippines and is a valuable fishery resource in coastal communities. Despite its economic importance, little is known about its biology and population genetics. Two hundred and seventy individuals, from nine coastal areas, were sequenced for their full-length mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA CR) to examine their genetic diversity. For comparative analysis, 102 mtDNA CR sequences of T. jarbua from coastal China were retrieved from GenBank. Two hundred and sixteen unique haplotypes were identified from the Philippine T. jarbua populations. Twenty-five haplotypes were shared across the nine Philippine populations. No haplotypes were shared between the Philippine and Chinese T. jarbua CR sequences. Analysis revealed high haplotype and high nucleotide diversities, indicating large and stable populations. Population pairwise FST values were consistently small and non-significant, indicating a lack of genetic differentiation between populations. Neutrality tests based on Fu’s FS and mismatch distribution analyses suggested possible population expansion in the past. The maximum-likelihood (ML) tree and median-joining (MJ) network showed three lineages, with each lineage consisting of a mixture of Philippine and Chinese T. jarbua haplotypes, which indicated no geographic differentiation. Although high genetic variation was observed in T. jarbua populations, fishery management plans have to be put in place to sustain these high levels of genetic diversity while allowing coastal communities in the Philippines and other Asian countries to benefit from this food resource.