Sorsogon Province Research Articles

Lived Experiences of Teacher-Writers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teacher-writers were at the forefront of developing instructional materials that became in demand by both teachers and learners. The instructional materials produced by the teacher-writers served as major learning tools for remediation, enhancement, and mastery of specific learning competencies. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to examine the lived experiences of these teacher-writers in the province of Sorsogon for the school years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. It also analyzed the crafting and coping mechanisms faced by the teacher-writers during the pandemic. The data were gathered through a structured interview with seven elementary teacher-writers in the province of Sorsogon. The informants’ responses were transcribed verbatim, translated, and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. Findings revealed that elementary teacher-writers were adjusting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the development of instructional materials, insufficient experience, inadequate training, and a scarcity of resources pose significant challenges for most teacher-writers. However, despite their experiences, teacher-writers have shown optimism to continue as teacher-writers even after the pandemic. As a result, the researchers identified coping mechanisms to help teacher-writers navigate their writing journey beyond the pandemic.

A Decodable Reader in Southern Sorsoganon for Grade One Pupils

This study developed and validated decodable reader in Southern Sorsoganon as a supplementary reading material for Grade One pupils at Bulusan Central Sachool, Bulusan District, Division of Sorsogon Province for the school year 2023-2024. The respondents of the study were twenty (20) Grade One pupils. Seventeen (17) pupils were from the last section who took the Modified Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (mCRLA) for the Beginning of School Year to determine their reading profile, while three (3) Grade One pupils were from the first section who took the field testing since they were identified as At Grade Level/fluent readers. Additionally, five (5) evaluators validated the said supplementary reading material. The study employed ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model instructional design in the development and validation of the material. The decodable reader covered Mother Tongue 1; Quarter 1 under the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). The validity of the decodable reader was evaluated by evaluators using Evaluation Sheet for Print Resources adopted from DepEd Learning Resource Development and Management (LRMDS) along with the following factors: Content, Format, Presentation and Organization, and Accuracy and Up-to-datedness. The decodable reader in Southern Sorsoganon for Grade One pupils passed DepEd Learning Resource Management and System (LRMDS) standards. Moreover, all evaluators agreed that the material should be approved for use in public schools if the necessary changes and revisions were made. The decodable reader, according to evaluators, would effectively supplement the teaching-learning process for the target pupils. In addition, based on the result of the field testing, the pupils regarded the decodable reader as relatable and interactive reading material.

EXPLORING GRADE 7 STUDENTS’ SECOND LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

This study investigated the second language difficulties of Grade 7 students in one national high school in Sorsogon province, Philippines, S.Y. 2023-2024. Specifically, it identified the grammatical errors of students in their narrative essays along with subject-verb agreement and verb tenses. It determined the second language difficulties leading to their grammatical errors and their implications for language teaching and learning. Based on the 45 essays analyzed by the 15 students, the results showed that the grammatical errors identified were along the verb tense, which ranked highest (66%), and subject-verb agreement (42%), indicating a high level of students’ writing difficulty. Several linguistic difficulties that contributed to these errors were vocabulary gaps, limited knowledge of grammatical rules, syntactic differences between the students’ local language (L1) and English language (L2), the challenging learning environment, lack of resources, distractions, and insufficient family support. The students’ L2 difficulties may have implications for teaching and learning, particularly in terms of communicative effectiveness, reading comprehension, shift in teaching approach, and balancing formal and communicative activities.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0977/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Sports Development Program: The Case of Technical Vocational High School in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines

Sports, as one of the extracurriculars in the school, has a significant impact on the development of the youth. The school is an avenue to give students opportunities to improve their physical health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to determine the status, strengths, and weaknesses of the sports development program (SDP) of a technical vocational high school in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines. This study utilized the convergent mixed method of research using a survey, unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis. The respondents included two school administrators, twelve teacher coaches, and seventy-four student-athletes. The study’s findings provided an in-depth analysis of the status in terms of athlete development, staff development, facilities and equipment, and the school administrator’s support for the SDP. The qualitative findings concorded on the development program and strength of the SDP, discorded on the facilities and weaknesses of the SDP, and expanded on athlete development, equipment, and the support of the school administrator for the SDP. Furthermore, this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the SDP’s status, strengths, and weaknesses, guiding the development of a new sports development program with policies and procedures to address the challenges faced by the current SDP.

Multimodal Reading Model for a Rural Elementary School

This study intends to develop a multimodal learning model to assist teachers in addressing issues related to students’ poor reading performance in a rural elementary school in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines. The study used the qualitative case study method to achieve its objectives. Data were acquired through document reviews, individual interviews, and focus group discussions with the informants purposefully selected for the study. Results showed that for the school year 2023 to 2024, out of 166 learners, four pupils belonged to the description of meeting expectations; 53 belonged to full intervention; 55 belonged to moderate intervention; and 54 belonged to light intervention. Meanwhile, for the school year 2022 to 2023, out of 202 learners, 30 pupils belonged to the description of meeting expectations; 16 belonged to full intervention; 104 belonged to moderate intervention; and 52 belonged to light intervention. Given this reading performance, this study proposes a multimodal reading model for a rural elementary school. The goal is to enhance the reading proficiency of the pupils by supporting reading teachers who use multimodal reading models to teach non-readers. The teachers’ feedback on using multimodal reading tools revealed both their positive and challenging experiences. Future studies may aim to develop, implement, and evaluate advanced multimodal reading technologies used in autonomous cooperative learning and reading intervention programs and activities.

Parental Support: Its Influence on the Well-being of Youth in the Province of Sorsogon

This study determined the level of parental support and its influence on the well-being of youth in the province of Sorsogon. The main respondents of the study were 308 students from Grades 9 to 12 level from Prieto Diaz District I and II (SY 2022-2023). The study used a researcher-made and standardized questionnaire that underwent validation pre-testing. The study utilized descriptive-correlational and evaluative methods to analyze the impact of parental support on youth well-being. The descriptive method analyzed weighted mean, percentage, and rank, while the correlational method determined significant differences between parental support and respondents' well-being using Analysis of Variance. The evaluative method tested relationships between parental support and well-being among aspects using Pearson R. The study found that parental support for aspects of the well-being of the youth is very good. Youth exhibit excellent well-being. The relationship between parental support and youth well-being is highly significant, suggesting that if indicators of parental support are good, high well-being is expected. The proposed sustainable plan was crafted to help the local government unit sustain and upscale the level of parental support to the well-being of their children.

Phonological idiosyncrasies of the Southern Sorsogon dialect in Bulan, Philippines

This research sought to examine the Southern Sorsogon (Sso) dialect's distinctive phonetic features in Bulan, Philippines. In the urban and rural communities of Bulan in the province of Sorsogon, six native speakers were specifically selected based on the selection criteria. The qualitative text analysis approach used in this study was based on the transcripts of in-person interviews and other contacts between the researchers and native speakers. The Sso dialect's segmental sounds and phonological characteristics were examined to unravel its phonetic characteristics. The results showed that there were four vowels with unique vowel lengths [a], [i], [u], [ʊ], fourteen consonants [b], [p], [m], [d], [t], [s], [n], [r], [l], [g], [k], [ŋ], [ʔ], [h], and two semiconsonants [w], [y]. Sounds like voiced alveolar-fricative [z], labiodental [v], [f], interdental [ð], [θ], palatal-fricative [Ʒ], [ƒ], post alveolar fricative consonant [sh], and palatal-affricate [ʤ], [tʃ] were non-existent in the Sso dialect. Other features detected were the gliding consonants, the widespread use of /r/ for further plurality, the suffix /-on/ for comparative, superlative, or exaggerations, and lexical variations for emphatic expressions and even angry registers. Although this study contributes to the documentation, preservation, and enrichment of the Sso dialect for its future in machine translation, further investigations are recommended to confirm the findings.

Factors Affecting the Capability of Offender to Post Bail in The Province of Sorsogon, Philippines: An Assessment

Many factors affect the capability of the offenders to post and avail the privilege of acquiring temporary liberty. In this study, the researcher aimed to identify the major factors that greatly affect the opportunity for offenders to post bail in the province of Sorsogon (Philippines). Using the descriptive research method and its instruments, the researcher meticulously gets the response of each of the respondents, which will be the basis for computing the data needed for the study. The responses reflect that the capability of the offenders to post for bail is clearly affected due to financial disability, and this is one of the major problems of every offender in availing temporary liberty in the province of Sorsogon. As part of the objectives of this study, the researcher formulated a proposal for the proper fixing of bail to ease for some time the burden that the offenders would always encounter.

The Climate Change Awareness Among Senior High School Students in Sorsogon Province, Philippines

The researchers of this study determined the climate change awareness of senior high school students in Sorsogon Province Division during 2022-2023. The subjects of this study were 412 officially enrolled Grade 11 and Grade 12 Academic and Technical Vocational Livelihood students of Juban National High School and J.P. Laurel High School. The researchers utilized descriptive survey design and used adapted research questionnaires. Moreover, the researchers applied weighted mean and ranking and also used other researchers’ works in explaining the gathered data. Findings revealed that the senior high school students are neutral on climate change mitigation and agree on the effects of climate change. Additionally, internet, television, school, and radio are the major sources of information of senior high school students relative to climate change. The researchers recommended that the senior high school students must continue in educating through the different available sources of information in order to improve their views on climate change which are useful in taking actions in connection with mitigation.

Cost of Mass Drug Administration for Filariasis Elimination in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines

Objective. Elimination efforts for lymphatic filariasis are underway in the Philippines using mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole as one of the main strategies. This cost analysis was done to determine the MDA implementation cost and provide useful information to the control programme on how to best utilize limited resources.
 Methods. This cost analysis study was conducted in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines in 2004. The study was done from a program perspective. Cost data for 2003 was obtained retrospectively viakey informant interviews and records review using a standardized guide from a multi-country cost analysis study of filariasis elimination programs. Cost figures were classified as either economic or financial costs and expressed in real terms using 2002 as base year. Sensitivity analysis was likewise performed.
 Results. The total economic cost and cost per person treated with MDA were estimated at US$223,549.55 (Php12,116,385.48) and US$0.40, respectively. The financial costs were less than half ofthe economic costs. The main cost driver was drug distribution. The highest economic and financial costs were incurred at the national (54.5%) and municipal (74.4%) levels, respectively. High variation in costs of MDA activities was observed.
 Conclusion. This cost analysis provides reasonable estimates which may be used to assist government and other stakeholders in program planning and resource generation for filariasis elimination programs in endemic areas.

Crime Rates in the Philippines: A Comparative Analysis of Bulan and Irosin Municipalities from Sorsogon Province

The low crime rate has been identified as a predictor of a calm, orderly, and secure neighborhood. Furthermore, a safe and secure environment is essential in encouraging investment and economic progress in a country. Crime statistics can help criminal justice professionals predict increased crime risk. This study, therefore, aims to compare the crime rate of two municipalities in the province of Sorsogon: Bulan Sorsogon and Irosin Sorsogon from the calendar year 2018 to 2020. This study used document analysis to analyze and compare the crime data in the Municipality of Bulan and Irosin Sorsogon. Data reflected that in the comparison of the two municipalities in the province, the Municipality of Bulan has the highest crime rate (61%) compared to the Municipality of Irosin which has a (39%) total crime rate. Data also revealed that the crime under special law was the most numbered crime committed with (253) total in the five parameters of crime in both municipalities. Interestingly crime against property was (32) total crimes committed in both municipalities, showing a low number of crimes based on the record. Hence, the police may continue to collaborate closely with many community sectors to guarantee the seamless implementation of its programs and projects to protect public safety and security Information awareness campaigns in any form like in any platform of social media in all their programs and projects may be made available in the community to increase awareness and support of stakeholders, especially in the far-flung areas in the municipality.

Utilization of Instructional Materials Developed by the Mathematics Teachers in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines

Development and utilization of teacher-made instructional materials in local public schools in the Philippines has taken an increase of demand especially during the implementation of the distance education- blended learning modalities in response to the Pandemic. However, in rural provinces, this remains a big challenge. This study investigates the utilization of instructional materials developed by mathematics teachers in public secondary schools in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. About fifteen teacher-authors and IM developers from different districts and municipalities across the province are the respondents of this study. The researcher made use of mixed method in the analysis and treatment of data. Findings reveal that mathematics teachers developed and utilized instructional materials that are very limited for classroom consumptions in the Division of Sorsogon. It further concludes that teachers encountered difficulty in utilizing instructional materials.

The The Liquidity Issues and the Profitability Index of Small-Scale Business Entities in Sorsogon Province, Philippines

This research was conducted to determine the liquidity issues and profitability index of small-scale businesses operating in the Second District of Sorsogon Province, Philippines as well as to establish the relationship of these two variables. This study used mixed design. A total of 223 small-scale business owners engaged in trading in the Second District of Sorsogon Province, Philippines were the primary respondents of this research. Vertical analyses and stepwise linear regression analyses were utilized.
 This study concludes that small-scale business entities in the Province of Sorsogon are highly liquid and profitable depicting their ability to pay short-term maturing obligation. Limited and unavailability of capitalization, Absence of Credit Policy, High Finance cost for debt financing, Inventory obsolescence, Shortage of resources and Lack of markets of measure and scope are the identified liquidity issues by small-scale business owners. To address the issues, the Use equity financing than debt financing, Strengthen the company’s policy of extending loan, Minimize the purchase of inventory or stocks, financial suffering by staying well-informed of your finances and Hiring Bookkeepers are highly recommended by the respondents.

Clinical Profile of Cerebrovascular Disease Population in Sorsogon: A Hospital-based Study.

In the Philippines, an estimated half million are affected annually by stroke. It is the third most common cause of mortality among Filipinos. Locally, there are limited data on the epidemiology of stroke in the country. This study aimed to study cerebrovascular disease in the rural setting in the country, primarily exploring the demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical profile, and outcomes of patients assessed with cerebrovascular disease in the province of Sorsogon. This was a retrospective study of all adult patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Sorsogon between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, with a stroke diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, Revision 10). A manual review of the charts and demographics, risk factors, clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, and outcome were recorded. A total of 721 cases with a mean age of 63.06 ± 13.96 years were involved in the analysis. Of all the stroke cases, 64.7% were ischemic, and 29.7% were hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factors for stroke occurrence were hypertension (65%), history of stroke (16.2%), and diabetes (11.4%). Most sought consultation was due to one-sided weakness (41.3%) and slurring speech (14.2%). In a third-class province in the Philippines, the most common type of stroke was an ischemic stroke. Analysis showed that diabetes was more associated with ischemia while hypertension was significantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke. A mortality rate of 26.8% was seen in this cerebrovascular disease population.

Abundance and characteristics of microplastic in cultured green mussels Perna viridis in Sorsogon Bay, Philippines

Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms is becoming an emergency threat to seafood industry, with farmed mussels as of particular interest. The context of trophic transfer accords that humans are at large into exposure to microplastic through its consumption. In the province of Sorsogon, Philippines, green mussel Perna viridis is sorted into various ‘grading label’: Small (5.0-6.9 cm), Medium (7.0-8.9 cm) and Jumbo (≥9.0 cm) and are marketed within and outside the province. Total microplastic varied from 0.31 to 2.5 items/ individual. Mussel size ranged from 5.0-6.9 cm showed the highest microplastics (2.57 items/ individual) while mussels below 2.9 cm has the least microplastic (0.31 item/individual). The majority of ingested microplastics were lines, while their colors and sizes varied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated organosiloxane and polyethylene terephthalate as the most common polymer type identified. The results suggested that microplastics detected in the mussels are relatively within the narrow range with no significant differences of its distribution across its categorical sizes. With the results can be used as a baseline contribution for the risk assessment of microplastic pollution in Sorsogon bay.

FACULTY ONLINE LEARNING READINESS OF A PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BICOL, PHILIPPINES AMIDST THE NEW NORMAL

The emergence of Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic required educational institutions to shift to new instructional paradigm to ensure learning continuity. With the restrictions on mass gathering, online distance learning has emerged as one of the alternative modalities. This descriptive study primarily aimed to assess the faculty readiness of St. Louise de Marillac School of Bulan (SLMSB), Inc., a private secondary school in Sorsogon Province, Bicol Region, The Philippines, in implementing online learning as an alternative instructional mode. Using an adopted survey-questionnaire, twenty (20) faculty members participated in this research. It was found that the faculty members of SLMSB are sufficiently ready on online learning in terms of their technology access, considering the measures being undertaken by the school administration. They are also ready in terms of their technology skills and their attitude towards online learning. However, despite the general result on readiness, analysis of the indicators revealed that they need to be trained in terms of use of online learning management system, and use of tools for developing learning materials. With these results, it is recommended that a capability-building program for faculty members of SLMSB be conducted in order to prepare them in facilitating online learning through an extension program that may be offered by Sorsogon State College – Bulan Campus.

MANAGEMENT BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEADS ON INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

This study carry out a content analysis on the features of School Heads Development Program (SHDP) project outputs of school heads in the DepEd Schools Division of Sorsogon Province, Philippines. As part of the content analysis, the SHDP project outputs were categorized for instructional leadership. Also, the management beliefs and practices of school heads on instructional leadership along two-dimensional contracts were out in this study. The statistical tool used were Spearman and computed through the SPSS software program. The results were presented by frequencies in a descriptive way. The date collection technique was survey questionnaire and interview. The results indicated that the features were done, generative, systematic, standard-based and shared manner. School heads’ beliefs are strongly they frequently practiced instructional leadership. It can be concluded also that the management beliefs and practices of school heads on instructional leadership have significant relationship on communicating the school goals to conflict management as leadership process likewise, maintain high visibility to change process, meaning that school heads make use of leadership processes to perform well the instructional leadership function of an instructional leader.

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING MODULES IN BRIDGING STUDENTS’ LEARNING GAPS IN CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY THROUGH INDEPENDENT LEARNING

The transition of the educational system in the Philippines vastly affects basic and higher education. A mismatch of pre-requisite Mathematics learning competencies from the basic education level occurred when the student reached higher education. This descriptive-developmental method of the study utilized the developed contextualized learning modules for the bridging course on the identified learning gaps in Calculus with Analytic Geometry for the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Mathematics. Real-world concepts and situations featuring the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines were integrated into the learning modules while promoting independent learning. The content, format, presentations and organizations, accuracy, and up-to-datedness of information of the learning modules passed the evaluation of 13 experts (Mathematics Professors) from the different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Bicol Region, Philippines. Also, the 18 student participants were very much satisfied with the utilization of the learning modules that bridged their learning gaps in the conic section through independent learning.

Value Chain Analysis of Pen Shell (Baloko) in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines

Sorsogon Bay is home to the pen shell (Atrina pectinata), locally known as Baloko. This study was designed to assess the existing value chains of pen shell and identify areas for improvement. The sites covered were the municipalities along Sorsogon Bay in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. It employed the tracer methodology where only the processors and fisherfolks connected to the traders were selected as respondents of the study. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Secondary data were used to establish a good understanding of the pen shell industry in the areas of the study. Results show that the adductor muscle or tinga is a substitute for scallops, thus, an export product. The other parts of pen shell or rambit are also of high demand. The highest volume of pen shell catch occur during October to April during the northeast monsoon (amihan) and gradually decline from May to September during the southwest monsoon (habagat) months. The value chain maps reflect the whole meat and semi-processed value chains, the two distinct marketing practices traced in the pen shell industry. The actors in the two value chains are the fisherfolks, processors, traders, and exporters. The enablers are the fisherfolks’ organization, local government unit (LGU), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), microfinance institutions, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Phil Export. There is uneven distribution of value added in both chains. More value is created and captured by the processors while the fisherfolks have negative gains. The value-added captured by the processors and traders are higher in semi-processed practice. There is the need to focus on the supply of pen shell, the effects of pollution of Sorsogon Bay, market information, technology to preserve the quality of products, industry association, and basic researches on pen shell under Sorsogon Bay condition.

Value Chain Analysis of Carpet Shell (Baduy) in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines

The study was designed to assess the value chains of carpet shell and identify areas for improvement. The sites covered were the municipalities along Sorsogon Bay, in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. It employed the tracer methodology. Only the traders and fisherfolks connected to the concessionaires and exporters were selected as respondents. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Secondary data were used to establish a good understanding of the carpet shell industry. The highest volume of carpet shell catch occurred during December to April during the northeast monsoon (Amihan) and gradually declined from May to November during the southwest monsoon (Habagat) months. The Value Chain Maps reflected the fresh carpet for local market and for export market value chains, the two distinct marketing practices traced in the carpet shell industry. The actors in the two Value Chains are the fisherfolks, traders, concessionaires and exporters. The enablers are the fisherfolks’ organization, local government units (LGUs), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), and microfinance institutions. More value is created and captured by the traders while the fisherfolks have least gains. The value-added captured by the traders were higher in fresh carpet shells for the local market than the export market. The areas of improvement will provide solutions to the problems on the supply of carpet shell, pollution of Sorsogon Bay, market information, technology to preserve the quality of products, industry association, and basic researches on carpet shell under Sorsogon Bay condition.