Province Of Batangas Research Articles

A new species of freshwater crab, Sundathelphusa roberti (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae) from highlands in Batangas, Luzon, Philippines

Abstract A new species of freshwater crab belonging to a group of species morphologically similar to Sundathelphusa philippina (Von Martens, 1868) is described from highlands in the province of Batangas, southern Luzon, Philippines. Sundathelphusa roberti new species, however, differs from members of this group by the position and strength of the epigastric and postorbital cristae, form of the posterior epistomal margin, shape of the third maxillipeds, and structure of the male first gonopod. The new taxon is the 35th species of Sundathelphusa known from the Philippines.

Two New Ant-Eating Spider in the Genus Mallinella Strand, 1906 (Araneae: Zodariidae) from Tingloy Island, Batangas, Philippinesa

Two new species from the genus Mallinella Strand, 1906 (Zodariidae) were collected from Barangay Sto. Tomas of the island municipality of Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines from January to June 2018 through the use of pitfall traps. Male and female genitalia of Mallinella tingloy n. sp. and Mallinella marikaban n. sp. were observed and documented in details including their specific posterior ventral spines (PVS), a shared character among Mallinella spiders. This faunistic exploration and inventory of Zodariidae revealed that Mallinella tingloy n. sp. and Mallinella marikaban n. sp. are the sixth and seventh Mallinella species collected and recorded in the Philippines, respectively, and the first recorded species of Mallinella in the province of Batangas and in the island municipality of Tingloy. The new taxa are hereby described and photographs are provided to facilitate species identification. Diagnosis of each species is summarized herewith: Mallinella marikaban n. sp. is a member of the hilaris-group and it runs close to M. acanthoclada Dankittipakul, Jocqué & Singtripop, 2012 found in Thailand, but the new species from the Philippines can be distinguished from the latter by its distinct thick and sclerotized embolus with bifurcated tip and a “mouthlike” epigynum with a pair of spherical widely spaced spermatheca. Mallinella tingloy n. sp., on the other hand, belongs to the annulipes-group and runs close to M. calilungae (Barrion & Litsinger, 1992) found in the Philippines, and can be distinguished from the latter with the presence of long and broad embolus with deep longitudinal groove and a sclerotized, lip-like epigynum with widely-spaced longitudinal spermatheca with globular tip.

Effectiveness of primary health care services in one municipality in the Province of Batangas

Effectiveness of primary health care services in one municipality in the Province of Batangas

Crop Switching as Climate Change Adaptation Strategy of Farmers in the Province of Batangas

Crop Switching as Climate Change Adaptation Strategy of Farmers in the Province of Batangas

Tourism industry in the province of Batangas: Basis for development

Tourism industry in the province of Batangas: Basis for development

The Correlation Between Total Quality Management Practices and Employees' Job Performance: Basis for Proposed Sustainable TQM Strategies

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) success factors implementation and the employees’ job performance of an oil company located in the province of Batangas, Philippines in order to propose TQM strategies that could further sustain the implementation of the practices. The 100 employees selected through purposive sampling are the participants of the study. The validated questionnaire was administered through electronic data surveying. Data were statistically treated with the techniques used such as measure of central tendency to determine the participants’ demographic profile, assessment of the TQM success factors and the effect of TQM to the employees’ job performance, and Pearson correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between the implementation of TQM success factors and employee job performance. The results indicated that employees strongly agree that all the eight success factors of TQM are visibly implemented in the company. Among the eight success factors, it is training and development, quality culture and customer focus which garnered the highest ratings. For the effect of TQM in the job performance, it was revealed that the employees consider the TQM implementation with respect to doing their excellent performance in their jobs. Lastly, there is a significant relationship between the implementation of TQM success factors and employee job performance. This findings give an implication that oil companies may consider the full implementation and decide on proper application of the success factors to their organization as these are significantly affecting the job performance of the employees. Thus, the proposed TQM strategies can be of help in the sustaining the implementation of TQM practices.
 Keywords: TQM practices, job performance, oil company

Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage of Microenterprises in the Province of Batangas, Philippines

Increasingcompetitive pressures froma highly competitive global economy are forcing microenterprises to reevaluate their strategic position. Hence, adopting and implementing strategic management techniques enable them to respond proactively to change, leading to competitive advantage. This study examines strategic management and its relationship to the competitive advantage of microenterprises. This study surveyed 331 microenterprises in the province of Batangas in the Philippines. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and focus group discussions. The results showed that most microenterprises need a written business plan, communicate and assign people to implement the strategy, and offer incentives or rewards to employees. They also need to improve in selling low-cost products, collaborating with business partners, and expanding to other locations.

A QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON THE CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSES: BASIS FOR ENHANCED PANDEMIC RESPONSE

The main problem of the study is to explore the challenges experienced by Community Health Nurses (CHN) during the pandemic and how these challenges bring about an enhanced pandemic response. Specifically, the study dealt with the experience met by the CHNs in physical, psychological, social challenges, and challenges in work resource. A quantitative research design was utilized in the study. The statistical treatment of data of frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and ANOVA were calculated. The respondents of the study were 41 Community Health Nurses from selected cities and municipalities in the Province of Batangas. In general, the study found that Community Health Nurses generally had good physical and emotional health, but occasionally experienced fatigue and emotional demands related to their work. They faced some limitations in financial and supply resources, as well as advanced training opportunities. However, despite the challenges, the nurses had mostly positive experiences in their work. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the extent to which challenges were met when respondents were grouped according to age, sex, highest educational attainment, and work resources challenges. However, there were significant differences in the extent to which challenges were met when respondents were grouped according to civil status and social challenges, as well as the length of work experience and social challenges. An enhancement program for pandemic response is recommended to support the emotional demands and occasional fatigue experienced by nurses, as well as improve access to advanced training opportunities.

FIRST RECORD OF HOYA MELIFLUA (BLANCO) MERR. (APOCYNACEAE, ASCLEPIADOIDEAE) IN THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS OF BATANGAS IN LUZON ISLAND, PHILIPPINES, WITH NOTES ON ASSOCIATED FLORA

The Philippine islands host a significantly high concentration of native and endemic Hoya species. However, there are no previous records of this genus in the natural ecosystems within the province of Batangas, Luzon Island. The present study pioneered the exploration of Hoya plants and their associated communities in Batangas. A route-walk method was employed within the forests of Lobo, Batangas, to document Hoya species. Morphological characteristics, habitat, host plants, substrates, and associated flora were also recorded. Only one species was identified, Hoya meliflua (Blanco) Merr., with material deposited in the Batangas State University – The National Engineering University Lobo Campus Herbarium (Reg. #: Pasado 001). The morphology and other plant references and databases confirmed its identity. The study found that the individuals of H. meliflua in Lobo inhabit the secondary riverine forests along ecotourism sites, with Schizostachyum textorium (Blanco) Merr., Ficus balete Merr., Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook.f. ex Merr. and Pterospermum diversifolium Blume as the major host plants. The assessment of the associated flora revealed 46 species, of which 100% were natives, 13% were Philippine endemics, and 14% were threatened nationally and internationally. The conservation of H. meliflua in Batangas can be improved by mainstreaming its importance as an ornamental plant and a key biodiversity species within ecotourism sites. Further studies can help in revealing the presence of other Hoya spp. on the island.

Optimal selection of COVID-19 vaccination sites in the Philippines at the municipal level.

In this work, we present an approach to determine the optimal location of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination sites at the municipal level. We assume that each municipality is subdivided into smaller administrative units, which we refer to as barangays. The proposed method solves a minimization problem arising from a facility location problem, which is formulated based on the proximity of the vaccination sites to the barangays, the number of COVID-19 cases, and the population densities of the barangays. These objectives are formulated as a single optimization problem. As an alternative decision support tool, we develop a bi-objective optimization problem that considers distance and population coverage. Lastly, we propose a dynamic optimization approach that recalculates the optimal vaccination sites to account for the changes in the population of the barangays that have completed their vaccination program. A numerical scheme that solves the optimization problems is presented and the detailed description of the algorithms, which are coded in Python and MATLAB, are uploaded to a public repository. As an illustration, we apply our method to determine the optimal location of vaccination sites in San Juan, a municipality in the province of Batangas, in the Philippines. We hope that this study may guide the local government units in coming up with strategic and accessible plans for vaccine administration.

Assessment of the Women‘s Participation to Disaster Preparedness and Response in the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas

In the Province of Batangas, Municipality of San Juan, Batangas is regarded to be vulnerable to disaster. It has coastal, upland and populated lowland geographical areas. In the fortuitous event of catastrophe, women are deemed the frailest among the marginalized sectors. While the Magna Carta of Women gives women the right to protection and security in terms of disasters, specialized needs of women may be overlooked, gender-blind and insensitive to the development actions. This study assesses the participation of women to disaster preparedness and response in the Municipality of San Juan. Research surveys states that in the event of fire, traumatic experiences of people affected therein got the highest weighted mean of 3.3640. In terms of flood, the highest weighted mean is 3.4740, where flood is caused by the large amounts of rainwater, which cannot be absorbed in to the ground, drainages and canals. Relative to typhoon, the highest weighted mean is 3.4260, an intense circulation of the weather system causes typhoon over tropical seas and oceans accompanied with very strong winds, heavy rains and large ocean waves. About landslide, it is triggered by other natural hazards such as prolonged, heavy rainfall, and typhoon or by other sources of water, which increases the water content of the slope materials and got the highest weighted mean of 3.4200. Regarding earthquake, the highest weighted mean is 3.370, where earthquake is caused by sudden slippage of rock masses below or at the surface of the earth. In terms of participation in disaster preparedness and response, the lowest weighted mean is 2.3380, it is where women slightly or sometimes participate in forming and mobilizing women’s group in the local government units during disaster to protect and meet the necessary needs of women. Based on findings, the extent of participation in disaster preparedness and response practices in the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas is significant and highly important on the assessment of the respondents regarding disasters and their empowerment is necessary in developing a disaster resilient community. Thus, this study serves as basis for the determination in policy-decision making process necessary to address and integrate the specialized needs of women in the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas relative to participation to disaster preparedness and response.

Operational Management and Financial Performance of Tourism Industry in Selected Towns of Batangas

This study primarily aimed to accomplished four basic objectives, which are: determine the company profiles of tourism businesses at selected towns in Batangas; evaluate the level of effectiveness of the operating management practices of tourism companies in terms of the human resource, marketing and financial management; examine the level of their financial performance in terms of sales growth and profitability; and, find the significant correlation in the respondent’s assessment on the effectiveness of the operational management practices and financial performance of the tourism companies. This study employed the descriptive survey research method that engaged 270 proprietors and managers of different tourism enterprises across the province of Batangas. Convenient sampling technique was used and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to process the data. The researcher utilized Frequency and Percentage Distribution, Weighted Mean and Pearson Correlation Coefficient.
 The study revealed that most tourism businesses in selected towns in Batangas belong to Sun and Beach Tourism. Majority are sole proprietorship, with less than three million capitalizations. Years in business operation are mostly 1 to 5 years, with more than 20 employees. Findings illustrate that the majority of tourism businesses of Batangas gave more importance on certain aspects of operational management over the others. For financial management, financial control has been prioritized over financial planning. Marketing management is assessed as one of the most essential aspects of business operation. The study found a very weak to weak correlation in Human Resource, Financial and Marketing Management vs. Sales Revenue Growth and Profitability Growth.

A Baseline Assessment of the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Province of Batangas, Philippines

Batangas is a first-class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and the provinces of Cavite and Laguna border it to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea. Geographically, Batangas is a combination of plains and mountains, including the world’s smallest volcano, Mt. Taal, with an elevation of 600 meters, located in the middle of the Taal Lake. Other important peaks in Batangas include Mt. Makulot with an elevation of 830 m, Mt. Talamitan with 700 m, Mt. Pico de Loro with 664 m, Mt. Batulao with 811 m, Mt. Manabo with 830 m, and Mt. Daguldol with 672 m. The province has many beaches and is famous for its excellent diving spots. It has the second largest international seaport in the Philippines after Metro Manila. The city's identification as an industrial growth center in the region and the focal point of the CALABARZON program resulted in the increasing number of business establishments in the city’s Central Business District (CBD) and numerous industries operating at the province’s industrial parks. Given the geographical nature of the province and its current development, the present study was envisioned to assess its preparation for any forms of an imminent natural disaster. In particular, the study assessed the usage of multi-hazard early warning systems in the province using survey interviews with various stakeholders. The results of the 30 survey interviews showed that there is a limited multi-hazard early warning system in the province although the majority of the participants have experienced natural disasters in their respective areas.

Prevention of Fetal Neural Tube Defect with Folic Acid Supplementation

Prevention of Fetal Neural Tube Defect with Folic Acid Supplementation

Health System and Organizational Resilience of Public Hospitals in Batangas Province

In highly volatile and uncertain times, organizations need to develop a resilience capacity which enables them to cope effectively with unexpected events, bounce back from crisis and foster future success. This study is meant to deepen the understanding of the public health system and the embedded construct of resilience of public hospitals in the province of Batangas. Adapted from the Health System Rapid Diagnostic Tool (2012) and Organizational Resilience Capability Assessment (2016), the study aimed to come up with a typology of the public hospitals in the province based on their health system and organizational resilience. Results revealed that public hospitals in the province of Batangas have a good achievement in the standards of health workforce while fair achievement in terms of service delivery, information, financing, medicines and leadership and governance. It revealed that the public hospitals have a defined level of resilience and that there is a significant relationship between the health system and organizational resilience. Based on the focus group discussion, the challenges encountered by the public hospitals match the gaps in resources and governance. Lastly, eight public hospitals in the province of Batangas were classified as developing and three as progressive. Health interventions and strategies were also developed to improve resilience during health emergencies and achieve sustainable transformations in the field of health care delivery.

Competency Assessment of Batangas Marine Protected Area and Bantay Dagat Networks: Basis for Capacity Development Program

Competency of people determines the fate of the organizations in any endeavor. This study assessed the levels of competencies of people involved in a conservation strategy in the form of a marine protected area (MPA) and a Bantay Dagat (BD) networks in the Province of Batangas. It aimed to formulate a capacity development program that is tailor-fitted to needs assuring the success of this strategy. The study used purposive sampling method in the conduct of survey, key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) with seventy-nine (79) respondents, sixteen (16) are senior managers, thirteen (13) are skilled workers, forty (40) are MPA stakeholders and 10 are technical specialist respectively. The study used statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean and Chi-square. Findings revealed that Level of competencies of all MPA managers and BD in planning and communication are high while the level of competencies of some MPA managers and BD are low to moderate in financing, enforcement and monitoring and evaluation. Stakeholders were satisfied in the competencies of MPA managers and BD in terms of planning and communication and moderately satisfied in terms of financing, enforcement and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Difference on the level of competencies of MPA manager and BD in knowledge in enforcement and M&E was significant when grouped according to their age. Problems, issues, and challenges fall under: Fiscal Administration, Human Resources Management/Human Resource Development, Organizational Structure, Public Policy and Program Administration, Technology Management, Voluntary Sector Management/People Involvement, and Environmental Management.

An explanatory-sequential approach on PERMA and resilience among students of local colleges in the province of Batangas

An explanatory-sequential approach on PERMA and resilience among students of local colleges in the province of Batangas

Implementation of School-Based Sports Management Program of Private Higher Education Institution

Sports management programs should provide students with a hands-on and experience education which will provide them with the necessary preparation for real-world sports settings. As such schools’ sports programs should focus on providing students with the training they needed. The study investigated the implementation of the school-based sports management programs of private higher education institutions in the Province of Batangas. A cross-sectional survey of data collection was used to gather the data on 104 PE teachers and 30 sports coordinators. Implementation of the program was assessed in terms of objectives, administrative support, resources, activities and monitoring and evaluation, while the participation of the coordinators was assessed relative to collaboration, mechanisms, and decisionmaking. Alongside that, the issues and challenges of managing the program were also assessed. The study's findings revealed that sports coordinators' implementation and participation were highly visible. Respondents strongly agreed that there were issues and challenges in managing the program. The results also confirmed that the assessments of the sports coordinators and the PE teachers in terms of implementation and participation of the sports coordinators in managing the school-based sports management program were not significantly different. A prototype sports management program was designed by the researcher for private higher education institutions in the Province of Batangas.Physical education, Physical activity, School based, Commission on Higher Education, Sport coordinator, World Health Organization, Prototype College of Teacher Education, Progressive relaxation training, Implementation, Participation, Philippines, Management program, Sports coordinators, Decision making, Foundational premises, Sports program, Pe teacher, Administrative support, Private high education institution, Sport management program, Physical Education and Sport, Sport Value Framework”.

Revitalizing Science Instruction in Basic Education in the Province of Batangas

This study assessed Science instruction in basic education in Batangas Province for the purpose of developing a management program to revitalize instruction toward quality education. The study covered the respondents’ profile and assessment of Science instruction and investigated the managerial potentials of administrators and the issues and concerns in managing Science instruction. The study employed the descriptive research design and used a questionnaire as main data gathering tool. Respondents of the study were 117 administrators and 300 Science teachers. Frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, t-test, and ANOVA were used as statistical tools. Results showed that both respondents were at the middle-aged, married females, were master’s degree holders, had considerable years of service and were active in attending seminars. Both respondents assessed Science instruction in all areas as evident but considered materials and facilities as moderately evident. Significant differences were noted on the assessments of teachers on the areas of methods and strategies when grouped according to civil status. Study also revealed that both respondents manifested managerial potentials specifically concurring on their leadership, and supervisory functions. Sufficiency of laboratory equipment, and availability of Science laboratory room were the primary issues and concern in Science instruction. The proposed management program highlights some specific activities and suggested strategies and covered the issues and concerns in managing Science instruction. The study recommended that Science instruction be revisited to effectively address issues affecting the delivery of instruction. Furthermore, the proposed management program may be shown to Science supervisors and other DepEd authorities for their suggestions and enhancement before the implementation.

Teaching Engagement of Senior High School Teachers in Batangas Province

Senior High School (SHS) teachers are at the forefront of providing quality and innovative education for students who would either enter the world of work or pursue tertiary education. Therefore, their commitment and dedication to their craft should be carefully delved into, and one of the dimensions where they manifest such attributes in the teaching profession is the level of their engagement in the delivery of instruction. Hence, this study was conducted in order to assess the engagement of selected SHS teachers in Batangas Province during the academic year 2019-2020. It specifically covered the extent of teachers’ engagement as characterized by their vigor, dedication and absorption, and explored on the factors that contribute to their engagement as to school policy, school culture, teacher empowerment, and interpersonal relationship. It also analyzed how teaching engagement is manifested in terms of cognitive, physical, and emotional domains and looked into the sources of burnout in teaching, with the end view of proposing effective measures to foster effective teaching engagement. The descriptive method of research was utilized in the study with the use of a questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument. Gathered data were further enriched through the focus group discussion and interviews. Respondents included 85 school heads and 322 SHS teachers in the province of Batangas. The statistical tools utilized were weighted mean, ranking, and t-test. Results from the findings revealed that teachers manifest moderate engagement in vigor, dedication, and absorption. It was also revealed that school policy and administration moderately contribute to teachers’ engagement, while school culture and interpersonal relationships greatly contribute to their engagement. On the other hand, school heads assessed that teacher empowerment greatly contributes to engagement, while teachers claimed that this factor affects their engagement moderately. Comparison on the assessments between the two groups of respondents revealed they concurred in vigor, absorption, teacher empowerment, and interpersonal relationship, but differed in their assessments on dedication and school culture. Moreover, work overload issues, absence of an awards and recognition system, and big class sizes were found to be the primary sources of teachers’ burnout.