Tacloban City Research Articles

Physical Properties of Soils in Selected Subdivisions in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte

The study was conducted to analyzed and to determine the physical properties of soil such as texture, bulk density, water holding capacity, soil moisture content, pH, and organic matter content in selected subdivisions in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte. Analysis of pH, texture, water holding capacity, and organic matter was at the Soil Research Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory (SRTPAL) Department of Agronomy and Soil Science (DASS) VSU Baybay, Leyte. While the bulk density, soil moisture content was computed using the standard formula. To analyzed the result Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the SPSS Program to determine whether soils from subdivisions categorized as waterlogged and mountainous, developed and developing subdivisions derived from their filling and parent materials were significant different. The results showed that soils from various categories from subdivisions had no significant effect on bulk density, water holding capacity, & soil moisture content. However, some properties such as soil pH were significant in the waterlogged and mountainous area. It is recommended that a further study be conducted to include all appropriate soil parameters and procedures such as liming for acid soils, cause of erosion, flooding, water drainage capacity, depth to water table and other significant soil quality parameters. Also recommend for in-depth study by the developers and engineers to ensure that the soil quality be suitable for housing and for the safety of the homeowners.

A Phenomenological Study of Street Vending in Downtown Area, Tacloban City

This study investigates street vendors' lived experiences in downtown Tacloban City, Philippines, focusing on their economic contributions, challenges, and coping mechanisms in the informal sector. Street vendors play an important role in urban economies by making goods and services more accessible and affordable, as well as providing livelihood opportunities for people with few job options. Despite their economic importance, street vendors frequently face legal and social challenges, such as harassment and a lack of recognition from the government. Using a phenomenological approach, the study seeks to fill a gap in the literature on the financial practices and capital management techniques of street vendors in Tacloban City. The study looks into the factors that influence the prevalence of street vending, its impact on vendors' livelihoods and well-being, and the strategies vendors use to overcome daily operational challenges. The findings are expected to guide policy interventions aimed at improving the quality of life and economic resilience of street vendors. Amartya Sen's Human Agency Theory, Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, and Hernando de Soto's Informal Economy Theory all serve as foundations for the analysis. These frameworks provide a thorough understanding of the agency, motivation, and economic dynamics of street vendors. The study's findings are intended to benefit street vendors, policymakers, community initiatives, and future research by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for urban informal economies.

“We Are Not Lazy (Rather We Persevere) But Please…”: The Resilience of Homeless Filipino Youths in the Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed and changed individuals and communities across the globe, particularly vulnerable populations such as homeless youths. This exploratory qualitative research study through a descriptive phenomenological lens delves into the resilience of homeless Filipino youths (N = 10) in Tacloban City, Philippines, during the pandemic, examining their ability to adapt and thrive amidst the crisis toward their relative well-being. Results showed that homeless youths have complex and unaddressed needs and challenges, such as longing for parental love, suffering from social discrimination and mental stress, receiving no government services, and thinking and feeling of suicide. Nonetheless, homeless youths exhibited remarkable resilience, employing differentiated or collective coping mechanisms like developing and strengthening friendship and family relations while believing in God to navigate the pandemic’s disruptions and thus meet resolutions across the tensions surrounding resilience. The paper contributes to developing informed policies and programs tailored to the immediate and long-term needs of homeless youths. Future research may conduct follow-up or longitudinal studies on the dynamics of homelessness and the resilience of the same or related social groups in post-pandemic while transitioning into middle adulthood and beyond.

Perceptions on Community-based Rehabilitation by Physical Therapy Alumni at Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc.:A Qualitative Research Design

This qualitative research study aimed to assess the perceptions of physical therapy alumni after participating in Community-Based Rehabilitation activities. Using phenomenological approach, data were analyzed from surveys and direct interviews with 10 participants from Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc. (DRTREFI), Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines, who were selected to gain deeper understanding of their perceptions and experiences with community-based rehabilitation. Participants included physical therapy alumni from 2019 to 2020 batch of Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc., who have worked in at least two barangays, managed three different patients, and gained over two months of experience in community-based rehabilitation (CBR). Study narratives revealed the importance of creativity in patient care. Through participation in community-based rehabilitation (CBR), participants developed a critical approach to managing their patients. After participating in community-based rehabilitation, physical therapy alumni became more open, sensitive, and mindful of their actions towards the community. This experience helped them better relate to the struggles of their patient, thus improving their initial perceptions of the patient-Physical Therapy relationship and enhancing their approach to providing health care in the community.

Typewriting Services in Tacloban City amid the Digital Age: A Case Study

Typewriting, once a common service, has largely faded due to the rise of computers and digital technology. However, in Tacloban City, Philippines, one typewriting business has persisted for over 26 years. The study explores the factors behind the continued operation of this lone typist, investigating their motivations, clientele, and adaptation strategies in the digital age. Researchers employed a qualitative case study approach, utilizing purposive sampling to gather data from the sole typewriting service provider. Thematic analysis, following Caulfield's (2019) framework, was used to analyze the data. Findings reveal that the typist's dedication, specialized services, and specific customer base who prefer traditional methods contribute to the business's enduring success despite the widespread availability of digital alternatives. This study offers deeper understanding on the resilience of traditional businesses in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and provides insights into the dynamics of creative destruction and cultural lag within a specific industry.

Fecal coliform assessment and detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and tetA in Escherichia coli isolated from selected river waters of Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Fecal coliforms (FCs) are generally used as indicators of fecal pollution in water systems. High levels of FC pollution in water bodies may also be associated with antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli, a member of the FC group, is generally commensal and harmless. However, some strains can cause various diseases in humans. The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli has been reported in several river systems worldwide. Herein, we report the most probable number (MPN) of FC and E. coli and the first detection of blaTEM, blaSHV, and i>blaSHVetA antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as well as ARG combinations (i.e. blaTEM + tetA and blaSHV + tetA) in E. coli isolates from river waters with high levels of FC in Tacloban City. MPN was determined using a multiple-tube fermentation technique, and ARG was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results show that the Bagacay River had the highest MPN of FC and E. coli (both >160,000 MPN/100 mL), followed by the Burayan Creek (>160,000 MPN/100 mL; 160,000 MPN/100 mL), the Mangonbangon River (92,000 MPN/100 mL; 54,000 MPN/100 mL), and the Tigbao River (35,000 MPN/100 mL; 24,000 MPN/100 mL). Among the 113 uidA gene-confirmed E. coli isolates, blaTEM, blaSHV, and tetA were detected in 39 (34.5%), 7 (6.2%), and 83 (73.5%) E. coli isolates, respectively. Moreover, 34 (30%) of the isolates possess both blaTEM and tetA, and five (4.4%) of the isolates have both i>blaSHV and tetA. These results imply that the rivers are unsafe for anthropogenic use and the presence of ARGs in E. coli isolates pose a threat for locals. Hence, the public is urged to ensure safety and awareness in relation to these water environments. Further monitoring and source tracking are recommended to enhance environmental and public health safety among locals.

Evaluation of the Anti-MRSA Activity of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Macerated Crude Extracts of Padina spp. Collected from the Coastal Waters of Tacloban City, the Philippines

The World Health Organization classifies methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a high priority in the pathogens list for research and development of new antibiotics. Natural compounds from brown algae are being studied for their potential as alternative sources of antibiotics, including Padina spp. This study aims to evaluate the anti-MRSA activity of the crude extracts obtained through supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCCO2) and maceration (MAC) of Padina spp. seaweeds from the coastal waters of Tacloban City, the Philippines. The evaluation of extracts for their anti-MRSA and anti-MSSA (methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus) activities was done via the resazurin microplate assay, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare these activities. Results show that MAC exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 2,048–4,096 μg/mL and 512–4,096 μg/mL for SCCO2 for the MRSA and MSSA control and clinical isolates, respectively. While the MICs for the SCCO2 extracts were lower than those for the MAC extracts, no significant difference was found between the MICs of the extracts from the two extraction methods. No significant difference was observed between the MICs of the extracts against the MRSA (43300) and MSSA (25923) ATCC strains and clinical isolates. Finally, significant differences were observed between the MICs of the control antibiotics and both extraction methods.

English Teachers’ Perceptions of Supplemental Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease, often known as COVID-19, has been a global pandemic since March 2020. According to UNESCO, schools in approximately 100 nations, including the Philippines, are shuttered due to a public health emergency. Due to the condition, teachers migrated from face-to-face instruction to modular learning, online learning, blended learning, and other learning modes. Teachers in Tacloban City switched to modular modality and other forms of learning to reach out to our students. Supplemental teaching was designed as one type of teaching approach in the classroom. Teachers' perceptions of supplemental teaching in English language acquisition were analyzed in this study. Their perspectives were examined in three areas: their opinions on using online platforms, their attitudes toward language teaching and preparations, and their perceptions of the usefulness of online supplemental teaching. The study utilized a qualitative design that gathered in-depth information through a semi-structured interview. The responses of 12 junior and senior high school English instructors at Sagkahan National High School were elicited through an interview. The results of this study showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 7 out of 12 participants had a favorable opinion on the effectiveness and usefulness of supplemental teaching-learning approaches. However, 5 out of 12 participants, nevertheless, disagreed with its applicability. They believed that poor and inconsistent internet connections, numerous internet problems, and a lack of efficient teacher-student interaction rendered online learning unproductive. Even though teachers confront numerous challenges in the online teaching process, they can demonstrate the proper attitude toward using technology to educate online amidst the pandemic.

Empty pantries: The death of survival myths among typhoon Haiyan survivors in resettlement sites during COVID-19

Research has shown that globally, people often rely on their social networks to survive and recover from crises and disasters. This phenomenon has also been seen in the Philippines, a nation well-acquainted with disasters. This paper will look at the role social capital has played in the survival of an understudied and vulnerable group in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic - the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Typhoon Yolanda) living in resettlement sites north of Tacloban City. Using a qualitative approach to analysis 357 household surveys of resettlement site residents across Tacloban City, we argue that the myth of social capital as a lifeline for Filipinos in times of disaster does not necessarily apply to Haiyan survivors in resettlement sites during the pandemic. The paper finds that respondents’ relational social capital is imbalanced, with Haiyan survivors relying mainly on themselves or their bonding ties like close family members for financial assistance during the pandemic. The lack of diversity in their relational social capital in turn impacts their ability to survive and recover from COVID-19. Meanwhile, the relevance of collective social capital among respondents during the pandemic is not clear either – participants see value in engaging in mutual support initiatives (i.e., bayanihan) and share relatively strong relationships with some members of their community but also possess low levels of trust toward fellow resettlement site residents.

Understanding Speaking Difficulties of Accountancy Business and Management Students at Leyte National High School

This paper explored understanding the speaking difficulties of Grade 11 and 12 Accountancy, Business and Management students at Leyte National High School, Tacloban City. Respondents were 239 grade 11 and 170 grade 12 ABM students. During class recitation, students have difficulties in expressing their thoughts and ideas using the English language. Though, results presented that majority of the ABM students are having moderate anxiety in speaking the English language, which means that in general they do not feel anxious about speaking the English language, although they are still anxious in certain situations. On the other hand, grade 11 and 12 ABM students are having specific difficulties in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. They also fear of making mistakes and that they lack confidence. Moreover, poor grammar skills, poor pronunciation skills and lack of vocabulary are considered major factors affecting speaking difficulties for grade 11 ABM students. While grade 12 ABM students considered lack of vocabulary and poor grammar skills as major factors affecting speech difficulties

Rain-t: Daily Rainfall Predictive Model Using 6-Gene Genetic Expression for Historical Data-Based Forecasting

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfalls have been wreaking havoc not only in urban areas but also in an entire watershed. The development of a flood management plan and flood mitigating structures to alleviate the impacts of flooding is very crucial because it needs intensive and continuous historical data. However, missing data due to equipment failure that gathers the rainfall data could be a problem. Rainfall data is not only useful in designing flood mitigating structures but also in planning our day-to-day activities ahead of time. To address this problem, this paper proposes a predictive model which able to forecast in a short lead-time and predict missing data within the dataset. In this paper, three predictive models will be compared namely recurrent neural network, Gaussian processing regression, and the proposed 6-gene genetic expression-based predictive modeling (MGGP). 29-year 24-hour cumulative rainfall data which were sourced in PAGASA Tacloban city weather station, Philippines, was used. The data were cleaned by removing negative values. Two datasets were created, the first (RFDS1) dataset which makes use of three indices (year, month, and days), and the second (RFDS2) dataset which was orchestrated and transformed to increase correlation and reduce prediction errors which had an additional two datasets (ave(t-1,t-2),t-1). Each method used three and five time-based indices. The result shows an erratic behavior of the model from three methods that used the RFDS1, while RFDS2 had a more stable predictive model. This shows that the data orchestration and transformation greatly improved the correlation and reduced errors. However, MGGP showed the best results among the three methods.

Non-verbal communication in the workplace: Perceptions of hospitality management Filipino student interns in the service encounters

Effective communication plays a crucial role in the hospitality industry's successful service encounter. Although verbal communication is significant for this role, non-verbal communication is just as significant. However, there's a relatively limited body of knowledge about non-verbal communication in the hospitality and tourism literature. Therefore, the study's objectives are to elucidate the perception of Filipino hospitality management student interns of the roles of non-verbal communication and how its dimensions assist in the service encounters. By achieving the abovementioned objectives, the findings have provided valuable insights to the inadequate knowledge. Using a qualitative approach, specifically interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), target students from Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) taking an internship in Tacloban City. Applying purposive convenience sampling, 18 selected participants who conformed to the criteria were interviewed (semi-structured). The data collected were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2021) thematic analysis, followed by Saldaña's (2015) manual coding for the emergence of themes imperative for final conclusions. Findings show that non-verbal communication is an important part of service encounters, promoting effective connections, improving customer satisfaction, and optimizing customer interaction. While the non-verbal dimensions including facial expressions, kinesics, paralinguistics, and proxemics greatly aids by creating exceptional customer experiences and enhancing overall service quality. While the student interns met the customer's demands and forged stronger bonds by effectively utilizing and understanding these non-verbal cues. Therefore, it concludes that non-verbal communication intervention and the assistance provided by its dimensions contribute to successful service encounters and create favorable experiences for both student interns and customers.

Meme virality and humour style: Exploring internet memes as a multimodal language in social media

The study only includes the randomly chosen students from one of the state universities in Tacloban City, Philippines, in its scope. This study takes into account every aspect of the students' individual personal lives, including their understanding and prior experience with internet memes. For this study, the researchers used qualitative research, especially the survey/interview method. This design will be used by the researchers to examine the influence that an internet meme has on an individual across all social media platforms. Studies that use randomization and the evaluation of interventions are known as qualitative research. The following factors contributed to the researchers' decision to randomize the respondents: (1) easy access to study participants, (2) large/universal sample size, and (3) to be able to identify trustworthy participants who, based on their own experiences, have sufficient knowledge of internet memes. Memes can be used to spread a particular message, serve as a platform for mass communication, and serve as a form of entertainment, according to the study's analysis of data from 26 carefully chosen participants. According to the research, it would be preferable for the reader to understand the meme's meaning because it would make it possible for them to more clearly understand the message or even just enjoy the meme. The reader will be able to understand the content as a result.

Examining police officers’ preparedness and attitude in conducting investigative interviews in the Philippines

The field of police examinations has made great strides shifting towards a more ethical and basic aspiration of amplifying the quality and volume of data from suspects, rather than the narrow focus on carrying a concession of guilt (Milne & Bull 1999). In recent studies, analysis of the inquiry-based practices of interviews with suspects and accused persons showed that appropriate practices are not being used often. (Snook et al, 2012). It revealed that most of the officers used counter- productive and risky questions that limited narrative responses from the youth offenders (Del Rosario & Ballesteros-Lintao, 2018). Using qualitative research through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), this study aims to examine the attitudes employed and the preparations done before conducting an investigative interview. Nine transcripts of audio-recorded interviews from various investigative officers of Tacloban City police officers were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results yielded reveals that there are positive relations between the police officers’ attitudes and presentation in conducting investigative interviews. Participants who can build rapport and are equipped with necessary tools and information can generate reliable and more extensive information.

Persuasive techniques of life insurance agents: an analysis of sales strategies and customer perceptions in the Philippines

In today's fast-paced market, skilled life insurance agents artfully employ diverse techniques to captivate customers, customizing their approach to satisfy unique needs and confidently promote life insurance policies. This study delves into the fascinating world of sales strategies employed by life insurance agents and takes a closer look into the underlying factors that influence customer perceptions. Using a qualitative survey of 10 life insurance agents and 10 customers in Tacloban City, the study investigates the persuasive techniques used by life insurance agents to sell policies, and the perceptions of customers about these techniques. Through the conduct of a thorough semi-structured interview and through the application of rigorous thematic analysis, the responses of the participants revealed eleven commonly used persuasive techniques by life insurance agents: Prospect Potential Customers to be Persuaded; Message the Customer and Make a Connection; Building Customer Relations; Determine and Understand the Needs of the Customer; Make Use of Social Media to be Known and to Have a Good Standing; Track the Expenses and Make a Financial Health Analysis for the Insurance Coverage; Encourage the Customers through Realization and Other People’s Experiences; Application of Theories and Describing the Purpose of the Policies; Show Consideration and Value to the Customer; Consistent Support and Assistance to the Customers; and Credibility of the Agent. Researchers also found that in customer-agent interactions, highlighting the importance of life insurance was the most effective approach. While one customer was not persuaded, successful persuasive techniques were used with other customers that met their needs.

Exploring the Gap between Real and Ideal Poverty Graduation: A Case of Graduated 4Ps Household Beneficiary

In its effort to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to eradicate the adverse influence of poverty, the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, otherwise known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), distributes conditional cash handouts to the underprivileged households of the country. While numerous studies on the efficacy and effects of the 4Ps program have been undertaken, none of them have looked into the recent case of some household beneficiaries graduating from the program. Through this study, the gap between the real and ideal poverty graduation in the case of a graduated 4Ps household beneficiary was explored. The researchers utilized a single case study as a research design and interviewed one (1) graduate 4Ps household beneficiary of Tacloban City who was purposely selected. Furthermore, the data gathered were comprehensively examined through thematic content analysis. As a result, the definition of poverty graduation may vary depending on the household’s level of self- sufficiency at the time of program exit. Thus, this finding was drawn based on the participant’s identified challenges encountered, including high dependency on lifeline connections, insufficient financial support, and decadency of financial capability, as well as the employed coping mechanisms namely supplementary capital investment to business and shoestring budgeting.

Mangrove conservation and utilization in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Mangrove conservation and utilization in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Households condition and satisfaction towards post-disaster resettlement: The case of typhoon Haiyan resettlement areas in Tacloban City

This paper provides an assessment of residential satisfaction of post-disaster resettlement areas that were built in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. We analyze four components of residential satisfaction: environmental, infrastructure and management, social and neighborhood and economic-livelihood services. Results from the study indicate that the residents are moderately satisfied with the post-disaster housing provided after typhoon Yolanda. A multiple linear regression was employed in the study to determine the factors that are correlated with housing satisfaction. Results from the regression show that use of houses for cultural activities, presence of health infrastructure and membership in associations were the common predictor variables to determine residential satisfaction. Meanwhile, the presence of infrastructural defects such as wall cracks and distance from the city center are negatively associated with housing satisfaction. The data from this study provides specific factors that can influence residential satisfaction which can provide targeted interventions for future resettlement projects.

Fundamental Thermal Concepts: An Assessment of University College Students’ Conceptual Understanding of Everyday Perspectives

The phenomenon of the basic thermal concept is a challenging topic in the early learning of thermodynamics. This research investigated students' understanding of basic thermal concepts from an everyday perspective. Nineteen open-ended multiple-choice questions equipped with written justifications for the student's answer choices were used in this study. Items based on everyday perspectives avoiding scientific terminology were given to 244 university students of Leyte Normal University Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. This study shows that students' written responses are specific alternative conceptions commonly used. Most of the students could not provide correct reasons for their answers. The results of this study imply that the teaching style in junior and secondary schools in the Philippines may be problematic. These results can be used as a guide for developing appropriate teaching strategies in introductory physics courses, especially on heat.

Resiliency Efforts of Residents in Disaster-Prone Communities: A Pre-Pandemic Perspective

Climate change is a major, global threat that needs to be addressed with heavy attention. The government is the backbone of decision-making and policy-crafting so strong political intervention in this context will be a leap toward sustainable development. Community engagement also weighs the same as that of the political aspect in mainstreaming climate change. The effects of climate change- increase in intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, drive vulnerability and exposure of many people to climate-related hazards (Lasco, 2012). With these, this paper is aimed to explore the climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) practices of residents in coastal barangays in Tacloban City- ways on how they adapt to and mitigate climate change. Using purposive random sampling and descriptive statistics, results showed that there were respondents who did not know the effects of climate change. While it could not suffice to conclude their level of knowledge of climate change, it could be an indicator of a poor understanding of climate change. A more all-inclusive information and education campaign using local language and their most accessible media. Solutions to water scarcity, transport, and livelihood challenges should also be made to address the large number of respondents who were moving back to their original places from the relocation site. On another note, a high level of practice of climate change adaptation and mitigation was noted among them; most of them were aware of the existence of environmental protection ordinances while others had participated in and expressed the importance of the disaster drills. Keywords: climate change, mitigation, resiliency, adaptations, practices