Quezon City Research Articles

Riverine macroplastic survey along the segments of Tullahan River in Metro Manila, Philippines

The Philippines is one of the world’s main contributors to global marine plastic pollution. However, field data remains scarce, so model estimates of riverine plastic pollution may be inaccurate. This paper aims to characterize the macrolitter observed along the Tullahan River, with focus on plastics, passing through the barangays of Quezon City and Valenzuela City in Metro Manila. The impact of solid waste management and land use activities on plastic flux were also investigated. For the floating litter, visual counting and float method were used to determine the plastic flux and river velocity, respectively. Riverbank litter was collected manually to characterize it based on plastic product and polymer type. Results show that the macroplastic flux was lowest on the site where residential houses are farthest from the stream. Waste characterization revealed that riverbank litter was primarily plastic – 30%–41% were residuals, and 5%–21% were recyclables. Both methods revealed that wrappers and thin PE plastics are the top contributors to riverine macroplastic pollution. Therefore, the entry of macroplastics into the river may be due to land use activities and weak enforcement of existing solid waste management (SWM) policies. The points discussed in the study can help in improving SWM and land use planning. The results can also increase the accuracy of model estimates.

7796 The Profile And Associated Risk Factors Of Diabetic Foot Disease Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Seen At Outpatient Clinics In A Tertiary Private Hospital In Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract Disclosure: D.C. Lopez: None. K.T. Lim: None. B.C. S.: None. O.C. Dampil: None. The Profile and Associated Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Disease Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Seen at Outpatient Clinics in a Tertiary Private Hospital in Manila, Philippines. Background: Diabetic foot disease is a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus and is a major source of morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. Determining the risk factors of diabetic foot ulcer is important to prevent the devastating consequences among patients with diabetes. This study aims to determine the profile and associated risk factors of diabetic foot disease among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus being seen in private specialty clinics. Methodology: A single center, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at outpatient clinics in a tertiary private hospital in the Philippines. Clinical information and laboratory results were obtained during the time of consult; and patients were classified as either low risk, moderate risk, high risk for diabetic foot disease or in active foot disease. Interaction between various risk factors was explored by multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 129 adult patients with diabetes mellitus were evaluated using the Diabetes Foot Screening and Risk Stratification Tool from January to May 2021. The demographic and clinical profile of the study showed that proportion of patients with neuropathy (χ2=60.66, p=0.001), long duration of diabetes (F=5.92, p=0.004), and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (F=3.70, p=0.023) was significantly higher in patients with moderate to high risk for diabetic foot disease. Univariate polynomial logistic regression analyses showed that neuropathy greatly increased the odds of having moderate (OR=115.63, p=0.001) and high risk stratification (OR=166.50, p=0.001). Other factors were also noted to affect the risk stratification for diabetic foot disease such as duration of diabetes (OR=1.09, p=0.004) and hypertension (OR=2.45, p=0.027). On the other hand, normal eGFR (OR=–1.02, p=0.011), left normal ankle brachial pressure index (OR=–4.32, p=0.042), and good glycemic control (OR=–5.41, p=0.050) significantly decrease the likelihood of having high risk stratification for diabetic patients. Conclusion: Those most susceptible to developing high risk for diabetic foot disease were patients with neuropathy, hypertension, and long duration of diabetes. High-risk patients with the given profile should be followed closely in order to prevent complications brought by diabetes. Keywords:Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic foot disease, Foot ulcer Presentation: 6/3/2024

School mental health and psychosocial support practices in congressional District 1 Schools Division of Quezon City: Basis for an intervention measure

School mental health and psychosocial support practices in congressional District 1 Schools Division of Quezon City: Basis for an intervention measure

Correlation between Productivity and Relationship with Co-Workers and Supervisors among Selected Nurses in Quezon City

Correlation between Productivity and Relationship with Co-Workers and Supervisors among Selected Nurses in Quezon City

Assemblages of frugivorous butterflies in two urban parks in Quezon City, Philippines

Assemblages of frugivorous butterflies in two urban parks in Quezon City, Philippines

Ink leisure: deviant or divine

ABSTRACT This qualitative inquiry examines the evolving perceptions of tattoos among the Filipinos, investigating whether tattoos persist as markers of societal deviance or have transitioned into mainstream vehicles for self-expression and leisure pursuits. The recruitment phase, conducted in August 2023, targeted residents of Quezon City, encompassing tattoo artists and individuals both with and without tattoos. Through in-depth interviews, insights were gathered from a demographically diverse cohort comprising 22 male and 13 female participants. Employing thematic analysis, three overarching themes were delineated: “Tattooing as Artistic Expression,” “Tattoos as Personal Narratives,” and “Social Perceptions and Stigma.” The findings underscore the nuanced role of tattoos within Filipino society, advocating for scholarly engagement to deepen comprehension of this multifaceted phenomenon. The research illuminates a discernible shift in Filipino attitudes towards tattoos, positioning them as legitimate conduits for self-expression and leisure engagement. While societal stigma persists, the study advocates for informed awareness and ongoing dialogue to cultivate acceptance of tattoos as legitimate modes of artistic expression and identity formation within the Filipino cultural context.

Adaptation and Effectiveness of Artificial Technology Used by Selected Hotels in Quezon City

Adaptation and Effectiveness of Artificial Technology Used by Selected Hotels in Quezon City

Preliminary Study on Mercury and Lead in the Ambient Air of Metro Manila, the Philippines

Despite being acknowledged as an air pollutant, heavy metal contaminants in the atmosphere are not yet well studied in the Philippines. This study aims to assess the particulate matter, as well as mercury and lead concentration, in Metro Manila's ambient atmosphere. A one-hour sampling period was used to collect data at seven sampling stations using a respirable dust sampler with a flow rate of 1.4 m3/min. The mercury concentration was determined using cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy, whereas lead concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Taguig had the highest level of total suspended particulates (TSP) at 524.07 μg/NCM, followed by Caloocan (459.92 μg/NCM) and Quezon City (434.50 μg/ NCM). Parañaque reported moderate particulate levels – recorded at 298.95, 291.69, and 347.36 μg/NCM, respectively. Valenzuela had the lowest TSP level at 263.85 μg/NCM. Results show that mercury concentrations were highest in the City of Manila with 0.09 μg/m3, followed by Valenzuela City with 0.009 μg/m3, against the lowest concentration in Taguig City and Quezon City with 0.001 μg/m3. However, based on the legal airborne permissible exposure from the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the mercury concentration in the seven cities of Metro Manila did not exceed its 0.5 mg/m3 (50 μg/m3) limit. Furthermore, results revealed that atmospheric lead concentration in Metro Manila existed only in trace amounts (≤ limit of detection). The high concentration of mercury in the City of Manila could be attributed to its high population density combined with massive industrial, commercial, and transport activities. Monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in the atmosphere is critical for the development of effective strategies for reducing the negative impacts of these global pollutants.

Vegetable consumption and diet diversity among households with and without vegetable gardens in Quezon city, Philippines

BackgroundDietary diversity is key in determining the quality of a person’s diet by including theconsumption of several food groups. Vegetable gardening is a holistic approach toproducing nutritious food and reducing food insecurity. Higher vegetable consumption isclosely associated with better diet quality and dietary diversity score.ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze the vegetable consumption and diet diversity of householdswith vegetable gardens and households without vegetable gardens.MethodsThe study used a quantitative method and a descriptive and inferential research design.Given the specific profile of respondents, purposive sampling was employed. However,quotas per profile were set. The data were collected using quantitative tools such as guidedquestionnaires and a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire.ResultsThe majority of the gardeners were female, ages 54 to 64, mainly living in the Barangay UPcampus, with high school as their highest educational attainment. The non-gardenerswere Vegetable gardeners who earned less than ₱20,000 compared to the non-gardenerswho earned. Vegetable gardeners were likelier to meet the recommended vegetableconsumption and had a higher Dietary Diversity Score.ConclusionsThe respondents who met the recommended vegetable intake of three to five servings weremostly vegetable gardeners. Thus, vegetable gardening aids in increasing the vegetableconsumption of households because of the accessibility they have to nutritious foodscompared to households that do not practice home gardening.

BUILDING-LEVEL POPULATION ESTIMATION USING LIDAR-DERIVED BUILDING VOLUME DATA

Abstract. Population censuses serve as pivotal repositories for demographic and socioeconomic information. Conducted quinquennially in the Philippines, these censuses aggregate population data into administrative units, with the barangay as the smallest unit. However, this aggregation, when used in analyses, often presumes homogeneity within these units, potentially leading to overgeneralized results. With the advent of micro-level data, such as building-specific population counts, more nuanced spatial analyses become feasible. This study leveraged existing mathematical model to estimate residential building populations in Quezon City, utilizing 3D building information derived from elevation models, building footprints, local regulations, and land use types. The study yielded promising results, achieving a normalized absolute error (NAE) of 0.133 and an R2 value of approximately 0.976, indicating a high degree of model accuracy. However, the model also revealed systematic biases, notably underestimating populations in high-density areas and overestimating in low-density barangays. These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing the model's performance, ranging from building digitization errors to assumptions about floor height and living area per person. The study thereby elucidates the valuable role that 3D building information can play in disaggregating population data for more granular analyses, while also highlighting areas for further model refinement to mitigate issues of overestimation and underestimation.

DEVELOPMENT OF TIME-EFFICIENT WASTE COLLECTION ROUTES FOR THE UP DILIMAN CAMPUS USING GIS-BASED NETWORK ANALYSIS

Abstract. Accumulation of waste poses significant environmental and public health concerns. Currently, the Campus Maintenance Office (CMO) of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) facilitates all large-scale waste management procedures through contractual means with the Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works of Quezon City (DSQC), being guided by CMO upon entry into UPD. The study aims to create time-efficient routes and maps for the current conditions of UPD and CMO through GIS-based network analyses. The datasets utilized in this study include the current UPD traffic scheme, the managed CMO waste collection points, impedance factors like speed bumps, and digitized and estimated traffic data obtained through combined sources from field measurements and online materials. The workflows for the network analysis in ArcGIS involve the preparation of the road network layer, calibration of the network considering the observed collection routes, and the generation of time-efficient routes with appropriately split collection points for the north and south sectors of UPD. The study's new routes found slightly different collection times than the observed collection routes but were able to accommodate more stops that were not observed during fieldwork in comparison.

TREE PLANTING PRIORITIZATION IN NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, PHILIPPINES USING REMOTE SENSING, ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS AND GIS

Abstract. The need for trees in cities is rapidly increasing because of global warming, rapid population growth, and urbanization. To maximize the benefits of trees, areas of greatest need should be identified and prioritized. In this study, a geospatial framework for tree planting prioritization is developed for NCR using remotely sensed datasets, AHP, and GIS. A Planting Priority Index (PPI) for NCR is derived based on five criteria with corresponding weights calculated based on ratings from 18 experts – air quality (25.2%), tree cover (23.8%), land cover (17.8%), population (17.4%), and land surface temperature (15.8%). The AHP resulted in a consistency ratio (CR) value of 1.7% and a consensus value of 53.2%. PPI values were calculated and statistically significant prioritization clusters and outliers were identified using Anselin Local Moran’s I statistics. The resulting PPI and cluster maps showed that the high-priority areas for tree planting clustered near the region’s center and northwest portion covering the cities of Malabon, South Caloocan, Navotas, Quezon City, Marikina, San Juan, and Mandaluyong, while the low priority areas were found mostly along the region’s outskirts at cities of Pasay, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Valenzuela, and North Caloocan. The generated maps showing PPI values across the region may aid local government agencies and environmental organizations in evaluating and recalibrating their local greening programs. The workflow presented in this study can also be adopted in other regions with localized variables and site-specific goals relevant to tree planting and greening programs.

Organizational Commitment and Employee Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a BPO Company

The pandemic necessitated remote workplace setup, and as employees’ homes doubled as their workplaces, it became difficult to distinguish between the two. With this reality came the challenge of enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study investigated the correlation between organizational commitment and employee performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved 158 employees of a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) company situated in Quezon City, Philippines. Non-parametric statistical testing such as Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to examine the significant differences in the respondent's ratings when their demographic profiles were considered. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between the constructs of organizational commitment and dimensions of employee performance. Results of the study revealed a high positive relationship between continuance commitment and employee performance. Furthermore, this study also explored organizational commitment along four demographic variables, resulting in the detection of significant differences in the perception of continuance commitment on account of gender, age, civil status, and length of service. A significant difference was also detected in affective commitment considering the length of service. Single, married, and widowed respondents also differed in their opinions on normative commitment. While research on organizational commitment exist, few studies have explored the role of demographic factors in shaping employee responses to pandemics. This study demonstrates value by examining the influence of demographic variables on organizational commitment and employee performance during the pandemic, adopting an intersectional perspective, and offering practical implications for organizational management, theoretical advancement, and future research directions.

Effectiveness Of Online Learning As Perceived By Selected Students At Quezon City University-College Of Education

Effectiveness Of Online Learning As Perceived By Selected Students At Quezon City University-College Of Education

MULTISECTORAL CAPABILITIES IN IMPLEMENTING THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS TOWARDS ENHANCED COMPETENCIES

This study evaluates the multisectoral capabilities in implementing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344 as amended by RA 10630) in major urban areas of the Philippines, specifically focusing on the Philippine National Police (PNP), Barangay Personnel, and Social Welfare Officers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diverse proficiencies involved in the implementation of this legislation, with a specific emphasis on the implementers and logistical capabilities of each sector. By employing a quantitative and descriptive methodology, this study aims to ascertain the level of competence and disparities among different demographic categories, with a specific focus on urban regions like Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. The results indicate that the professionals of the Child and Social Welfare Department (CSWDO) have satisfactory levels of competence in both executing and managing tasks. However, there is an immediate need for substantial enhancements in the PNP and Barangay sectors. Notwithstanding the presence of operational gaps, the research revealed no statistically significant disparities in the perceptions of capabilities across various sectors. This suggests that the difficulties are systemic rather than isolated flaws. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing a cooperative and multifaceted approach that includes extensive training, increased human resources, and enhanced logistical support to strengthen the implementation of RA 9344. This approach aims to prioritize a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach to juvenile justice, to promote the welfare and rehabilitation of children involved in criminal activities. KEYWORDS: Multisectoral Capabilities, Juvenile Justice and Welfare, Enhanced Competencies, Implementers, Logistics

Comparative Assessment of the Communication Strategies Used by the Teachers in Oral Communication in Context in a Private Higher Education Institution in Quezon City

The study identified the communication strategies (CS’s) used by the teachers in expressing themselves in English in teaching Oral Communication in Context, compared the assessments of the student-respondents and teacher-respondents, and tested if there were significant relationships among the interplaying variables. It was found out that student-respondents identified asking for clarification as Always used and message abandonment as Rarely used by the teachers. The teacher-respondents identified asking for clarification and asking for repetition as Always used and message abandonment as Rarely used by them. A Mann-Whitney U test examined the significant difference in the assessment of oral communication strategies used by teachers in expressing themselves in English while teaching the identified SHS course when student-respondents are grouped according to gender. The analysis revealed that variables such as paralinguistic devices, literal translation, code switching appeal for help, use of fillers, asking for clarification, and asking for repetition, yielded statistically significant results at .05. Kruskal-Wallis H test was done to examine if there was a significant difference in the scores in terms of oral communication strategies used by teachers in expressing themselves in English when student-respondents are grouped according to academic strand. Few identified variables such as circumlocution, message abandonment, topic avoidance , and asking for clarification, yielded statistically significant results at .05. It is recommended that teachers use only the identified most useful CS’s and avoid those that are useless.

ACADEMIC STRESS AND COPING SELF-EFFICACY OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTENDING DISTANCE LEARNING DURING SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC

Purpose – Throughout the high school years, especially for senior high school (SHS) level, academic stress emerges as the prevalentpsychological state among students, particularly due to the simultaneous occurrence of adolescence and the increased intensityof academic obligations and responsibilities that must be fulfilled during this stage. As they approach college, they face the addedpressure of making important career-related choices, which further intensifies the challenges they encounter during this phase. Withclasses transitioning to online platforms as an alternative measure for schools during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the Philippines, presented numerous challenges and difficulties, it is crucial to examine the academic stress and coping self-efficacy among SHS students during this transition period. Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the predictors of academic stress and coping self-efficacy utilizing the sociodemographic profile of the participants. Methodology – A descriptive research design was employed in the study. A total of 446 SHS students from Grade 11 to Grade 12 in one of the academic institutions in Quezon City were purposively selected to participate by answering two self-administered online measures on academic stress (Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents) and coping self-efficacy (Coping Self-Efficacy Scale). The collected data analyzed using SPSS v25. Findings – Results revealed that self-expectation (M = 3.65) and workload (M = 3.45) are the primary sources of academic stress, andSHS students are more confident utilizing problem-solving (M = 6.17) to cope with academic stress. Further, being female (P= 0.01), level (P = 0.08), and belonging to the HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) strand (P = .08) increase stress scores. A significant negative correlation of -0.26 (95% CI:-0.35, -0.17) between stress and coping self-efficacy was also found, which suggests that as academic stress increases, coping self-efficacy decreases. Further, being a female, SHS2, and in the HUMSS strandtends to increase academic stress, while being a female who is unemployed and/or a mother whose working at home scores relatively low with coping self-efficacy. Significance – These findings have educational implications. It highlights the factors to be considered by offering guidance to counselors and educators in developing intervention programs, focusing on psychological well-being and skill enhancement that would help mitigate the adverse outcomes of this period of disruption.

Risk Factors for Fractures of Dogs in Quezon City, Philippines

A retrospective case-control study was conducted in dogs with bone fractures presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital - Diliman Station, Companion Animal Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños from January 2016 to December 2021. One hundred sixty-one dogs were diagnosed with bone fractures. Limping was the most common chief complaint with falling from a height being the most common cause. Close, complete, and oblique fractures were the most prevalent fracture type. Around 29.81% of the cases were given medications only and 16.77% were treated with external coaptation. Among the cases treated with external coaptation, only fourteen came back for follow-up with fully healed bone fractures. The mean age of dogs with bone fractures was 2.30 years old and was seen as a significant risk factor regardless of age group. Dogs fed with dry dog food and table food were 0.35 and 0.50 less likely to have bone fractures, respectively. The body weight, body condition scores, and dog breeds were not significant risk factors while the abode of the animal was a significant risk factor regardless whether the animal is indoor or outdoor. Age, diet, and abode were found to be significantly associated with bone fractures.

Adaptation and Effectiveness of Artificial Technology Used by Selected Hotels in Quezon City

Adaptation and Effectiveness of Artificial Technology Used by Selected Hotels in Quezon City

Assessment of Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb) Concentration in the Water and Sediments of the Angat River Network in Banga II, Plaridel, Bulacan

The Angat River Basin serves as a power and water source for Manila. However, the urbanization, industrialization and development in the surrounding areas could affect the water quality of the river. This study assessed the concentrations of arsenic and lead in the Angat River Network in Banga II, Plaridel, Bulacan, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and colorimetry from January to March 2023. All samples were examined at F.A.S.T. Laboratories in Cubao, Quezon City. Throughout the three months, the results of the water samples remained constant and were within permissible limits set by WHO, EPA, and DENR. On the other hand, the sediment samples show monthly variations in their results, but the concentrations remained within the permissible limits set by WHO and WSRA. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the Angat River Network in Banga II, Plaridel, Bulacan, as classified by the DENR, still meets the safety standards of Class B/C, which is suitable for its intended usage after appropriate treatment.