Southern Philippines Research Articles

Analysis of Capacity Development Agenda on the Devolution Transition Plans of Local Government Units in Southern Philippines

This research investigated the imminent full devolution of services in the Philippines following the “Mandanas-Garcia Ruling” in 2018 and concretized by the E.O 138 in 2021, which augments local governments’ share in national tax revenue, bolstering their capacity and accountability. This study focused on the Southern part of the Philippines, specifically examining Local Government Units’ (LGUs) preparedness for expanded responsibilities. Employing a document analysis approach, the research evaluated the LGUs’ capacity status and delineated common and unique Capacity Development (CapDev) agendas in infrastructure, tourism, health, social welfare, and agriculture. Findings indicated that LGUs currently exhibit “low capacity,” signifying a basic capability of 20–39%, necessitating substantial interventions from national government agencies. The matrix of CapDev agendas underscored shared needs among LGUs. The study concluded by proposing indicative CapDev priorities to assist LGUs in prioritizing interventions effectively. This research contributed valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the devolution process in the Philippines, with implications for policy and practice in local governance.

Behind the curtain: A narrative inquiry into nurses’ working experience in the COVID-19 referral facility in Southern Philippines

Behind the curtain: A narrative inquiry into nurses’ working experience in the COVID-19 referral facility in Southern Philippines

A rapid assessment of the status, trends and challenges in small-scale commercial sardine fisheries in the Sulu Archipelago, southern Philippines

Sardines are a crucial component of Philippine capture fisheries, providing economic benefits and contributing to food security. This study aimed to provide an overview of the status, trends and challenges in the sardine fishery in the Sulu Archipelago, a major fishing ground for sardines, focusing on the traditional but less-documented small-scale commercial ringnets or locally called kulibu. The modern kulibu has an average size of about 10 gross tons and is operated by 7–15 crew members. We estimated about 500 kulibu vessels operating in the entire Sulu Archipelago, with Sulu having the most, followed by Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, respectively. The normal catch rates of a kulibu ranged from 10 to 20 tubs or banggera per night, with each banggera containing about 40 kg of fish. While some fishers reported that catches are still abundant and did not change much over the past three decades, we have identified some signs of overfishing. These include using of advanced technology and bigger boats/nets, expansion of fishing to more distant areas, the increasing frequency of low to zero catches, and a change in species composition indicative of fishing down marine foodwebs. Fishers have identified major issues and challenges confronting the fishery, such as intrusion of larger purse seiners into their fishing grounds, lack or inefficiency of post-harvest facilities, absence of a reliable market for their catches, and security risks at sea. To provide a comprehensive perspective, we adopted the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) framework, highlighting the broader implications of our findings for fishery management.Bottom of Form

Analysis on Zakat Knowledge Awareness among the Bangsamoro People of Southern Philippines

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of Zakat knowledge awareness among the Bangsamoro people in the Southern Philippines. Zakat, a fundamental tenet in Islam, mandates the contribution of a portion of one's wealth to specified organizations as outlined in the Holy Quran. Despite the pivotal role of Zakat in Islamic doctrine, uncertainties persist regarding the depth of awareness, particularly in less developed economies. This research systematically evaluates three dimensions of Zakat awareness—recognition of Zakat as an Islamic obligation, understanding of its diverse forms, and awareness of recipients—among the Bangsamoro population. Through a meticulously organized survey involving 226 participants, the study reveals unexpectedly high levels of Zakat awareness in the region. These finding challenges preconceptions rooted in widespread poverty and low education levels. The study concludes by proposing that the newly established administration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) can leverage this heightened awareness for transformative societal benefits by instituting structured mechanisms for Zakat collection and distribution. The research contributes valuable insights into Zakat awareness in less developed economies and underscores the potential for strategic policy interventions to unleash the transformative power of Zakat in fostering societal development.

Women’s Empowerment and Economic Sustainability During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Davao Oriental, Southern Philippines

Abstract The crisis during the pandemic restrained the livelihood of women and disrupted their economic opportunities. Specifically, during the height of the lockdown, when people were restricted from going out, the livelihood of women who sold and peddled seafood products was greatly affected. This paper unfolds women’s socio-demographic profile and knowledge regarding the laws for protecting women’s rights in the lexis of the Republic Act No. 9710, also known as the Magna Carta of Women, and their economic condition in the informal economy during the pandemic. This descriptive mixed method quantitatively surveyed 70 women and another 10 women for the Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The findings have shown that women in the informal economy were predominantly in the middle and late adulthood stage, married, the majority had a low level of education (i.e., elementary & high school levels) and were the breadwinners in the family. Also, the average size of each family consisted of 7 members with an average family monthly income of 7,407 pesos. The themes unearthed that informants perceived the Magna Carta of Women as unfamiliar and vague concepts, inconsistent implementation, and responsive leadership. On the other note, informants highlighted that the imagery of women in society gained parity in gender roles. It was revealed that women struggled with delayed assistance, parental obligations, prejudice, and partial treatment.

Association of Clinicodemographic Factors and Tissue Biopsy Results Among Patients with Thyroid Nodules at the Southern Philippines Medical Center

Objective: To compare selected clinicodemographic factors of patients with thyroid nodules who underwent thyroid surgeries with their tissue biopsy results and determine any association between clinicodemographic factors and tissue biopsy results.
 Methods:Design: Retrospective review of recordsSetting: Tertiary Government Training HospitalParticipants: 251 patients with thyroid nodules
 Results: Of 251 patients with thyroid nodules, the majority (218; 86.9%) were females while 33 (13.1%) were males. The average age in years was 41.5±13.3 The same population also had malignant outcomes at 79.3%. Most of the patients did not have family history of thyroid malignancy (54%) and had no palpable cervical lymph nodes at presentation (75.9%). Furthermore, there was no distant metastasis at presentation for both lungs (97.7%) and bones (98.9%). There were no significant differences in tissue biopsy results when correlated with age (df=249; t=-.144; p = .886), duration of goiter (df=249; t=-.829; p = .408), and distant metastasis at presentation for lungs (Z=-5.977; p = .052) and bones (Z=-.457; p = .648). Significant differences were only evident for clinicodemographic factors such as sex (Z=-2.570; p = .010), family history (Z=-2.239; p = .020), palpable cervical lymph nodes at presentation (Z=-5.977; p = .000), and the following comorbidities: pulmonary tuberculosis (Z=-2.388; p = .017) and bronchial asthma (Z=-2.148; p = .032) and smoking history (Z=-3.455; p=.001). Furthermore, having no palpable cervical lymph nodes at presentation were associated with malignant tissue biopsy results (B=3.616; p=.001). Patients without palpable cervical lymph nodes at presentation were 37.204 times [OR=37.204] more likely to have benign biopsy results [95% CI: 4.705 – 294.168].
 Conclusion: There are greater odds of having benign biopsy results for patients without palpable cervical lymph nodes at presentation.

Macroinvertebrate assessment in seagrass ecosystem in Sinacaban Municipality, Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Abstract. Mahilac HMO, Tandingan JP, Torres AG, Amparado JRR, Roa-Quiaoit HA. 2023. Macroinvertebrate assessment in seagrass ecosystem in Sinacaban Municipality, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 5586-5597. Marine ecosystems such as seagrasses are economically and ecologically important in tropical coastal areas like Sinacaban municipality, southern Philippines. This study assessed the macrobenthic species and water quality (e.g., pH, salinity, temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and total suspended solids (TSS) in three seagrass areas in the municipality. The study showed the seagrass habitats with 40 macrofaunal species from the classes Gastropoda (27), Bivalvia (11), and Crustacea (2), with Clibanarius longitarsus as the most abundant species (77 individuals or 24% relative abundance). The Strombidae family holds the highest dominance within the Gastropoda class, whereas the Arcidae family is the most dominant within the Bivalvia class. However, there is no dominant family within the Crustacea class. Water quality showed pH at 7, 30 ppt salinity, and 28? within their standard limits, while DO (8 mg/L) and TSS (127 mg/L) exceeded their range. This study recorded eight economic important species and five least concern International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species. Among the three (3) sites, the seagrass area in Libertad has the highest species richness (28), Shannon’s Index (2.92), and species evenness (0.66). The Chao estimation result revealed that Libertad (37.17) and Poblacion (18.5) have lower uncertainty in their species estimates than Colupan (39.60), which has a wider range of potential species richness. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) proved that there are species that can adapt to a certain level of environmental parameters, like Angaria delphinus, while Decatopecten radula is one of the species that does not correlate with the water parameters in the study. The findings are critical for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, sustainable resource use, and adaptation to changing environments in order to maintain ecological balance and the long-term health of the seagrass ecosystem.

Assessment of the Disaster Response of the Barangays (Villages) in the River Basin Communities in Southern Philippines

Threat to safety and security is the new norm faced by the Local Government Units. Climate-related hazards, especially in the barangays within the Tagoloan River Basin (TRB) area, are now part of the realities of the residents. The importance of governance as a catalyst of change in managing the community is to become responsive to the new order of the environment and the demands of public service. Results revealed that the tasks of the Barangay (Village) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) in the river basin communities on disaster response were partially accomplished. As a whole, the performance of the BDRRMCs is generally satisfactory (3.19). This is broken down into ‘upon alert’ (satisfactory = 3.36) and ‘during alert’ (satisfactory = 3.02). The findings further revealed that the performance of the BDRRMC in disaster response is significant when the Punong Barangay’s (Village’s Head) educational attainment, BDRRMC budget and community’s experience in flood are higher. The FGD responses indicated that the TRB barangays have issues and concerns considering the appropriate disaster response during imminent danger (upon alert) and disaster. There is a cogent need for all government offices handling the DRRM functions to provide appropriate attention at the Barangay level to properly implement the DRRM Plan.

Jurassic-Paleogene spreading history of the northern Indian Ocean as a constraint on the evolution of the north Australia continental margin

The spreading history of the northern Indian Ocean is re-examined with the aim of interpreting the late Mesozoic-Paleogene evolution of the northern Australian continental margin in eastern Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The earliest seafloor spreading (‘Argo phase’) developed between approximately 155-131Ma (Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic to Valanginian, Early Cretaceous). A clockwise pole of rotation relative to Australia (‘Argo pole’) is interpreted at 7°09’S, 133°07’E, a present-day location near the Tanimbar islands in eastern Indonesia. A second ‘Gascoyne’ phase of spreading, between 131-100Ma (late Early Cretaceous), had an interpreted clockwise rotation pole at 3°40’N, 125°00’E, a present-day location between the islands of Mindanao (southern Philippines) and Sulawesi (eastern Indonesia). A third ‘Wharton’ phase of spreading, commencing at the beginning of the Late Cretaceous (~100Ma) had a more distant pole (clockwise pole at 5°S, 171°E: Jacob et al., 2014), although more local rotations are interpreted for the Greater Sula Spur continental terrane, about a pole estimated at 9°24’S, 134°40’E, close to the earlier Argo pole.The motions of two continental terranes are inferred from the spreading history. The Argoland Terrane, which is identified in this study as eastern Sundaland (Borneo and Java), would not have entirely detached from Australia before the mid Cretaceous due to the relatively proximal locations of the Argo and Gascoyne rotation poles. In this scenario Argoland could not have collided with Eurasia in the Cretaceous, as suggested by several previous studies. The Greater Sula Spur Terrane (several continental fragments in present-day eastern Indonesia), is repositioned in the initial reconstructions immediately north of Timor, and did not move northward to its late Paleogene (pre-Neogene collision) location until the Wharton phase of rifting that commenced in the Late Cretaceous. This northward motion of the Greater Sula Spur was accommodated by the development of a narrow oceanic basin (the Banda Embayment).The reconstructions suggest that the Argoland and Greater Sula Spur continental terranes formed a continuous crustal connection between SE Asia and northern Australia throughout the late Mesozoic and early Paleogene, and that the Indian Ocean developed entirely within the body of the disrupting Gondwanaland supercontinent, rather than linking eastwards into the Pacific Ocean.

Identification of common fungal pathogens of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) in Sarangani Province, Philippines

Fungal disease is one of the major challenges that affects yield quality and profit in dragon fruit production today, as it causes a considerable amount of production loss. In this study, fungal pathogens of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) plants in Southern Philippines were identified. Sample collection was conducted in selected farms in Saranggani Province, Philippines. Diseased parts of the dragon fruit plants were collected and brought to the laboratory to culture its associated fungi. Grown fungi were pure cultured and subjected to pathogenicity testing using the detached stem method. A total of eight distinct fungal colonies were isolated from the collected dragon fruit samples. The pathogenicity test revealed that three of the isolates caused lesions in a healthy dragon fruit plant tissue, which turned yellow soft and watery as the infection progressed. The three pathogenic isolates were molecularly identified as Fusarium oxysporum (FRI3), Aspergillus minisclerotigenes (FRI2), and Fusarium incarnatum (FLI3). Interestingly, F. incarnatum and A. minisclerotigenes were new recorded pathogens of dragon fruit. Identification of fungal pathogens on economically important crops is an essential step in the development of strategies to address problems related to fungal diseases which, in turn, will help farmers to enhance their production.

The genus Usnea (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in the southern Philippines: a first phylogenetic approach

AbstractA first integrative survey of the genus Usnea in the southern Philippines, taking into account morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular characters, resulted in the recognition of 20 taxa, including three species new to science: Usnea angulata Ach., U. baileyi (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. bismolliuscula Zahlbr., U. brasiliensis (Zahlbr.) Motyka, U. confusa Asah., U. croceorubescens Stirt., U. dasaea Stirt., U. himalayana C. Bab., U. krogiana P. Clerc, U. longissima Ach., U. nidifica Taylor, U. norsticornuta A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by a moderately thick cortex and by the presence of norstictic acid), U. paleograndisora A. Gerlach & P. Clerc sp. nov. (characterized by an orange subcortical pigmentation in the medulla, with enlarging soralia and a moderately thick and shiny cortex), U. pectinata Taylor, U. pygmoidea (Asahina) Y. Ohmura, U. rubicunda Stirt., U. rubrotincta (Stirt.) Zahlbr., U. spinulifera (Vain.) Motyka, U. subscabrosa Motyka and U. yoshihitoi P. Clerc & A. Gerlach sp. nov. (characterized by a lax medulla with non-conglutinated hyphae). Usnea krogiana is a new record for Asia; Usnea brasiliensis, Usnea confusa and U. croceorubescens are new records for the Philippines. This is the first phylogenetic study to include DNA sequences of Usnea from the Philippines. Molecular data from the ITS rDNA (76 newly generated sequences) are presented for most taxa except for U. himalayana, U. longissima and U. subscabrosa. At least six further taxa remain unidentified, awaiting the collection of additional specimens.

Assessing Stakeholders’ View of University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines’ Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives: An Awareness Study

This study assesses students', faculties', and other stakeholders' understanding and awareness of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines' (USTP) Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives (VMGO). The study closely examines how these various groups understand and implement the principles of USTP. According to the results, a wide range of respondents—including faculty, students from different academic years, and other stakeholders—were represented. Above all, the results show that most participants had an excellent knowledge and understanding of USTP's VMGO, as shown through the high mean scores. These results show that the students and other stakeholders of USTP are aware and understand its plans.

Correction to: Sustainability assessment of community-based enterprises in selected fragile and conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines

Correction to: Sustainability assessment of community-based enterprises in selected fragile and conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines

Species Composition and Assessment of Zingiberaceae in the Forest Patches of Mt. Musuan, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines

This study documented 11 species of gingers belonging to nine genera distributed in three tribes and two subfamilies from Mt. Musuan and its vicinity in Bukidnon, Southern Philippines. Data revealed that Zingiberaceae species in these sites constitute ca. 8% of the total number of Philippine Zingiberaceae. Alpinia haenkei C.Presl., A. purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, Etlingera philippinensis (Ridl.) R.M.Sm., Hornstedtia conoidea Ridl., Meistera muricarpa (Elmer) Škorničk. & M.F.Newman, and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith. were recorded in Mt. Musuan, while Amomum dealbatum Roxb., Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm., Hedychium coronarium Koenig, Hornstedtia conoidea Ridl., and Wurfbainia elegans (Ridl.) Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen. were collected in CMU View Deck in Kibulawan. Of the collected species, five of these (3.52% endemicity compared to the total number of Philippine Zingiberaceae) are endemic to the Philippines, while the other six species are introduced. These species are mostly associated with fern species, such Dicranopteris linearis (Burm.f.) Underw. and Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.f.) Sw., and angiosperms Musa textilis and under the shades of dipterocarpaceae species. This paper is the first taxonomic report on Zingiberaceae in Mt. Musuan and vicinity which was not documented in the previous studies conducted at Philippine Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Sites. Since Mt. Musuan is not a protected area and an open site for ecotourism which is constantly visited by daily hikers, these species might be prone to depletion in their wild habitats. There is an urgent call for in situ conservation efforts that should be done by the concerned authorities of Central Mindanao University to help preserve and protect these ginger species.

P3.7: Identification of barriers that limits organ donation by monitoring death by neurological criteria at southern Philippines medical center.

P3.7: Identification of barriers that limits organ donation by monitoring death by neurological criteria at southern Philippines medical center.

Sustainability assessment of community-based enterprises in selected fragile and conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines

Abstract Community-based enterprises (CBEs) are generally perceived as a sustainable poverty reduction strategy in marginalized communities. In the southern Philippines, it has become widely used in poverty alleviation and rebuilding efforts in fragile and conflict-affected areas. Engaging economically disadvantaged sectors in community-based entrepreneurship is often more likely to be sustainable than participating in conventional poverty reduction programmes, but this is rarely explored. This study aimed to assess the sustainability of CBEs in terms of their social and economic benefits and operational durability. The study reveals that both contextual challenges and opportunities drive the emergence of CBEs. Most CBEs are engaged in producing and marketing agricultural products and eventually diversify into offering service-oriented entrepreneurial activities. CBEs’ locally embedded internal capacity and established external linkages that fostered ‘connections’ facilitated their operational durability. CBEs provide economic benefits through livelihood opportunities and income, expand members’ livelihood network, and create profitable products from local resources. The social benefits include addressing personal and collective concerns, enhancing collaborative problem-solving, and improving access to institutional services. This study concludes that the CBE’s social and economic benefits serve as a safety net and social protection, a buffer to drowning into a deeper poverty level. This study provides empirical evidence on the sustainability of CBEs in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

Attitudes on ICT Integration among SPAMAST Instructors in the New Normal

The study of attitudes on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in the new normal was conducted at Southern Philippines Agri- Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology. Descriptive-research design was employed and a total enumeration of the respondents was used. Data were gathered with the used of adopted survey questionnaire and the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using percentage, mean and frequency count.
 The result of the analysis revealed that most of the respondents are female. Moreover, the SPAMAST instructors had very high positive attitudes of integrating ICT in teaching. Therefore, they are willing to learn more about effective ICT integration approaches to teaching and learning. With regards to obstacles faced by the teachers, it was revealed that a minimal obstacles faced by the teachers after incorporating it in teaching. The effort when integrating ICT tools in teaching, network connectivity, ICT tools are changing too fast to be up -to date and students lack of ICT skills were the obstacles faced by the teachers in integrating ICT in teaching.

Using Flexible Learning Design in Teaching English: Narratives of First-Year College Students of Southern Philippines Amidst Pandemic

This study explored the experiences of first-year college students in learning the English language using the flexible learning modality during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It described students' experiences using the phenomenological approach, specifically during the lockdown period. The data were gathered using semi-structured interview guide questions to ten first-year college students who were purposely chosen. The interview was done individually and face-to-face, following the standard health protocols. Results showed that participants' experiences were categorized as favorable and negative. Participants enjoyed using the internet to learn and explore during their free time. Technology and instructor guidance helped them learn independently. However, they found it unfavorable when they could not interact with their peers because classes were situated online, and some did not have smart devices. Students also noted that poor internet connectivity restricted their online learning. Also, students faced difficulties. However, offline tasks like doing assignments, watching downloaded pre-recorded video lectures, and asking peers for help addressed these issues. While the study found that flexible learning cannot replace face-to-face instruction, it was noted that student ICT abilities were beneficial.

Prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in definitive and intermediate hosts collected from agricultural areas in Ampayon, Butuan City, Southern Philippines.

Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease and a leading cause of human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by rat lungwormAngiostrongylus cantonensis. This parasite infects a wide range of animal hosts, including snails and rats, which plays a significant role in zoonotic transmission. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence ofA.cantonensisinfection in freshwater snails and definitive rat hosts in the agricultural area in Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines. A total of 54 rat samples and 719 snail individuals were collected in June and July 2020. An overall 2.36% prevalence rate ofA. cantonensissnail infection was recorded, consisting of Pomacea canaliculataandMelanoides tuberculata, with a prevalence rate of 4.05% and 1.38%, respectively. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 38.9% in rat infection.Rattus tanezumi(48.48%) showed a higher infection thanRattus norvegicus(23.80%). Higher infection rates were found in rice field environments than residential houses, with 44.12% and 30% prevalence rates, respectively. Moreover, male rats showed higher infection rates (50%) than female rats (26.92%). Among age classes, adult rats had significantly higher infection rates (48.57%) than juvenile rats (21.05%). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation betweenA. cantonensisinfection intensity to the body length (r = 0.603; p = 0.001) and body weight (r = 0.715; p = 0.000) of rats. The study exemplifies the critical role of intermediate and definitive hosts for angiostrongyliasis. Infected freshwater snails and rats in rice fields make these agricultural areas a venue forA. cantonensisemergence. Integrated actions, health education campaigns, surveillance, hygiene, and good farming practices will help prevent the potential risk of the transmission of angiostrongyliasis in the area.

Legitimising Martial Law: Framing The 1974 Battle of Jolo (Sulu, Philippines) in the Bulletin Today Newspaper

After President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law on 21 September 1972, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a Muslim secessionist rebel group based in the Mindanao and Sulu archipelago waged war against the Manila-based government leading to armed clashes with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). One of their most violent battles happened on 7 February 1974, after rebels invaded the town of Jolo, the provincial capital of Sulu in the southern Philippines. With the help of state-controlled media like Bulletin Today, this battle became an avenue for the Marcos dictatorship to legitimise its authoritarian rule. Analysing frames of the Bulletin Today newspaper on the 1974 Battle of Jolo, this study argues that in an authoritarian regime where the government controlled the flow of information, media framing played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion which aimed to generate support from the public. Through a close reading of Bulletin Today newspaper issues from February to April 1974, this study unpacks how the Marcos-controlled media filtered, fabricated, and censored news and editorial articles to frame the 1974 Battle of Jolo to strengthen the dictator Marcos’ authoritarian legitimacy and image-making project. This study suggests that the Marcos government discredited the MNLF by labelling them as Maoist Muslims. Attaching such connotations to the secessionist group, the regime framed the group as bearers of harmful behaviour and a threat to the goals and values that Filipino society upholds. The Bulletin Today also underlined the competence of the Philippine military and the constabulary in dealing with the crisis. However, the regime also censored pertinent information about the battle, including their role in the bombing and burning of Jolo.