Western Mindanao Research Articles

A new species and new records of the subtribe Lebinthina (Grylloidea, Eneopterinae, Lebinthini) from Mindanao, Philippines.

A new species of Falcerminthus is described from Zamboanga del Norte in western Mindanao: Falcerminthus hispidus sp. nov. We also present a new locality record for Falcerminthus parvus (Baroga-Barbecho & Robillard, 2020) in the south of Mindanao, i.e., South Cotabato, Lake Sebu; and Lebinthus luae Robillard & Tan, 2013 in Mindanao.

Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, Motivation, and Support Needs for Out-of-Field Science Teachers in Western Mindanao

Challenges, Coping Mechanisms, Motivation, and Support Needs for Out-of-Field Science Teachers in Western Mindanao

Exploring linguistic signage in higher education: An empirical study of a linguistically diverse context

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the linguistic landscape in a nonmetropolitan university, focusing on the dominant language used in university signage. The study primarily delves into the multilingual characteristics and nature of Western Mindanao State University, situated in a linguistically-diverse environment. The study employed analytical categories, which was utilized to serve as basis in selecting and gathering data from various signages across the university, to ensure the accuracy of the data collection. The findings of the study indicated that the university contains five (5) languages that make its linguistic landscape, specifically: English (95.51%), Filipino (7.81%), Chavacano (3.07%), Tausug (1.28%), and Bisaya (0.64%). The data was analyzed using the content analysis to accurately interpret the taken photographs in the university. The study also uncovers the inequality of the number of signages, wherein majority of the signages are monolingual nature, and only limited on the bilingual and multilingual signs. The investigation also revealed a significant result that English is the dominant language used on signages despite the locale’s diverse linguistic and cultural background. The major findings of this study portray that Western Mindanao State University employs both official and non-official signages throughout the campus and in terms of linguistic diversity, local languages are not entirely prevalent and observable on the signages across the entire campus. Consequently, despite the university’s focus towards internationalization and global excellence, there is observable scarcity in multilingual signages. It is imperative to acknowledge the value of multilingual signages, not only for the purpose of communication, but for the preservation of local languages, that are crucial for cultural and ethnic representations.

Rediscovery of Ctenitis atrorubens Holltum (Dryopteridaceae) after More Than a Century, with Notes on Morphology, Anatomy, and Ecology

Ctenitis atrorubens Holttum, previously known only from the type collection made in 1905, was rediscovered through fieldwork in Central Mindanao, the Philippines. This rediscovery expands the species’ original distribution from Western Mindanao. A detailed and revised description of the species – including notes on its morphology, anatomy, and ecology – is provided.

Social Media Use and Body Dysmorphia among Adolescents in Western Mindanao, Philippines: A Cross-sectional and Case Series Study

Abstract Introduction: The widespread use of social media has raised concerns about its impact on mental health among the youth. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a debilitating mental disorder, involving an excessive fixation on the belief that certain body parts are distorted. The study sought to determine the relationship between social media use and body dysmorphia symptoms and explore reasons influencing these. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design and a case series were utilized. The participants (n = 154) were adolescents 15–19 years old in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to measure social media use, and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) questionnaires were used to screen for BDD. A case series was done through key informant interviews among the three highest-scoring participants on the AAI. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation were utilized in the study. Results: Positive BDD screening was significantly associated with increased time spent on TikTok and was correlated with posting text-based comments on one’s profile, looking at photos and posts on others’ profiles, and editing photos before posting. Increased time on Facebook, TikTok, and total time spent on all platforms positively correlated with AAI scores, while time on Threads exhibited a negative correlation. Conclusion: The study presents the concerning impact of social media on the mental health of young people, associating significant use to increased symptoms of BDD. It underscores the importance of fostering digital literacy and responsible social media usage to mitigate these negative effects among adolescents in Zamboanga City.

Temporal Patterns of Insect Pollinator Diversity in Relation to Flowering Plant Phenology in the Western Mindanao State University Experimental Forest Area, Upper La Paz, Zamboanga City, Philippines

Temporal Patterns of Insect Pollinator Diversity in Relation to Flowering Plant Phenology in the Western Mindanao State University Experimental Forest Area, Upper La Paz, Zamboanga City, Philippines

Short Communication: Rediscovery of the Zamboanga peninsula endemic Boesenbergia longipetiolata (Ridl.) Merr. (Zingiberaceae) after a lapse of over a century, including an amended description and an updated distribution

Abstract. Yongco JE, Amparado OA, Naive MAK. 2023. Short Communication: Rediscovery of the Zamboanga peninsula endemic Boesenbergia longipetiolata (Ridl.) Merr. (Zingiberaceae) after over a century, including an amended description and an updated distribution. Biodiversitas 24: 6305-6309. Zamboanga Peninsula is one of the important sites for biodiversity studies in the Philippines. Despite that, there have been limited attempts for field explorations focusing on the floral diversity and plant inventories in the region, resulting in the scarcity of floristic data and has left many of its plant species, including their status, unknown. Included is Boesenbergia longipetiolata, a poorly known plant species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, endemic to the Zamboanga Peninsula, Western Mindanao, Philippines and considered a long-lost species as its existence had not been reported since it was first collected in 1909. A meticulous examination of a specimen collected from a recent botanical exploration conducted in Mount Timolan Protected Landscape of Zamboanga Peninsula in July 2022 revealed the rediscovery of B. longipetiolata after a lapse of over a century. This species is unique among all other Philippine endemic Boesenbergia species by having a very long petiole and is closely similar to the Malay Peninsula endemic B. longipes but differs significantly by having lower stature, narrowly ovate to lanceolate lamina, a longer calyx and a slender corolla tube. In this study, an amended taxonomic description, including information on its geographical distribution and habitat, and a proposed conservation status are provided.

Range Extensions of Endemic Butterflies in Western Mindanao, Philippines

Range Extensions of Endemic Butterflies in Western Mindanao, Philippines

Tadpole transport behavior of the Philippine Small-disked Frog, Limnonectes parvus (Taylor 1920), from Western Mindanao, Philippines

Tadpole transport behavior of the Philippine Small-disked Frog, Limnonectes parvus (Taylor 1920), from Western Mindanao, Philippines

Rediscovery of Thottea philippinensis(Aristolochiaceae) from Naga‐Kabasalan Protected Landscape, Zamboanga Sibugay including the confirmation on the occurrence ofT. tomentosain the Philippines

Collecting expeditions carried out in the Zamboanga Peninsula of western Mindanao (Philippines) led to the rediscovery of Thottea philippinensis, previously known only by a single collection made 93 years ago. Here we provide an extended description, comments on the affinities among closely related species, an updated geographical distribution, habitat information, conservation assessment, and the first‐ever published photos of living T. philippinensis in the wild. Additionally, the occurrence of T. tomentosa in the Philippine archipelago is confirmed.

Media Content Preferences and Perceptions Towards Dominant Value Orientations in Media Among Pre-Service Teachers

Media Content Preferences and Perceptions Towards Dominant Value Orientations in Media Among Pre-Service Teachers. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the media content preferences and the perceptions towards dominant value orientations in media, as the media is one of the strongest influences on learning in an individual. It plays a huge part in molding an individual's personality and their views and opinions, as well as their customs, beliefs, morals, and ideologies. The media is important to pre-service teachers because it influences their personality traits such as preferences and value orientation. Methods: This research employed quantitative research design through the use of an online survey technique to ascertain the pre-service teachers' media content preferences and their perceptions of dominant value orientations in media Findings: The findings showed that there are gender differences in relation to the pre-service teachers' thematic content preferences. In terms of the preferable television program content and the gender of pre-service teachers, it revealed a statistically significant difference. A positive and negative correlation was also shown between the pre-service teachers' viewing habits and their perceptions of dominant values that are presented in various television programs, as well as in the pre-service teachers' preferences for music genres and the values promoted in several music videos. Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate that the media content preferences of pre-service teachers at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) differ from their perception of media values. In addition, monitoring content preferences also provides insight into the perception of media values. Keyword: media content preferences, value orientations in media, pre-service teachers DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v13.i2.202315

On the identity of Cryptocoryne pygmaea (Araceae) from Western Mindanao and the description of a new species from the islands of Palawan and Busuanga

Recent fieldwork in Zamboanga del Norte resulted in the recollection of the poorly known aquatic aroid, Cryptocoryne pygmaea. In this study, we have clarified the identity of C. pygmaea as well as provided a detailed morphological description based on our recently collected material, updated its geographical distribution information, ecology, phenology, and a proposed conservation status. Through this recollection, it was revealed that plants previously identified as C. pygmaea in Palawan and Busuanga are different, thus we describe them here as C. palawanensis, a species new to science and the eighth representative of the genus for the Philippine archipelago.

Taxonomy of the genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Mindanao, Philippines IV: Begonia bangsamoro subsp. bagasa (Begonia section Petermannia), a new subspecies from Zamboanga del Sur

A subspecies new to science, Begonia bangsamoro subsp. bagasa Naive (section Petermannia) discovered in Zamboanga del Sur, Western Mindanao, Philippines is herewith described and illustrated. The new subspecies differs significantly from the type subspecies in having staminate and pistillate flowers with very narrow tepals. A colour plate, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, proposed conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria as well as a checklist of Begonia species present in Zamboanga Peninsula are provided. With this discovery, Zamboanga Peninsula now holds a total of 17 Begonia taxa, and the very first subspecies described for the Philippine archipelago.

"Challenges and Strategies in Online Learning: Perspective of Filipino Pre-Service Teachers amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic"

The abrupt upsurge of the COVID-19 pandemichas indeedcaused chaos in various educational institutions. As schools and universities suddenly migrated from traditional classes to online learning, unwanted challengeswere experiencedby bothstudents and teachers.Thus, the search for effective strategies in this regardis deemed more than pivotal to survive this new paradigm shift. This present study basically aims to provide a nuanced understandingof the challenges and strategies employed by Filipino pre-service teachers in online learning. Furthermore, the research designutilized in this study was qualitativeapproachwhereinthe participantsenrolled in Western Mindanao State University were purposively selected. The results of content analysis disclosed the followingthemes of their challenges in online learning:unstable internet connection, lack of concentration, role conflict, vague lesson instructions, unhealthy lifestyle, lower self-esteem, overloaded requirements, lack of needed device, poor learning environment, and insufficient learning references. On another note,the results oftheir strategies in online learning revealedthe following themes: searching for a conducive environment, being self-prepared, being motivated, getting in touch with friends, asking help from classmates, making use of search engines, being organized, and being optimistic and relaxed. Based on these findings, compelling suggestions were then elaboratedto help the participantscopewith their struggles inonline learning.

Pre-service teachers’ autonomy in English language learning

PurposeThe present quantitative-descriptive study aims to measure the level of English language learning autonomy of the pre-service teachers.Design/methodology/approachA short list questionnaire developed by Dixon (2011) was administered to 61 pre-service English teachers enrolled in Western Mindanao State University in order to measure their English language learning autonomy. Differences on the levels of English language learning autonomy across participants’ gender, number of languages spoken and first language were also explored.FindingsResults revealed that participants are highly autonomous in English language learning. Gender, number of languages spoken and first language were found to have no significant influence on English language learning autonomy.Research limitations/implicationsResults on the level of English language learning autonomy indicate that pre-service teachers are highly autonomous and, therefore, ready for lifelong learning. This implies pedagogical and instructional advantages, as they can learn and explore the language independently.Practical implicationsSince gender, number of languages spoken and first language do not significantly influence the level of English language learning autonomy, it is suggested that English teachers do not need to develop differentiated instructions and activities anymore, which will cater the three profile variables in fostering autonomous learning, as participants already exhibit a level of autonomy in English language learning.Social implicationsThis would allow teachers and students to be aware of the importance of autonomy in language learning. Thus, it will prepare them to be independent and lifelong learners, as they engage themselves in the professional world.Originality/valueAs one of the Asia’s developing countries, the Philippines have captured a small number of studies and contributions to autonomous learning in the field of research (Madrunio, Tarrayo, Tupas and Valdez, 2016 as cited in Iñigo, 2018). Specifically, there is no research study conducted that measures “language learning autonomy” in the Philippine’s higher education much to the knowledge of the researcher. Thus, this study will be the first one to determine the level of autonomy of pre-service teachers in English language learning in the Philippine context. Furthermore, the present study also intended to determine significant differences on the level of language learning autonomy of pre-service teachers across genders, number of languages spoken and their first language.

The impact of sports coaching proficiency on student‐athlete skills

AbstractThe objective of this study is to determine the level of coaching proficiency of sports coaches and the level of skill of student‐athletes. It uses a descriptive‐correlational approach that ends up in developing a development plan. Respondents of this study came from the four selected state colleges and universities in Zamboanga Peninsula for the school year 2018–2019. The four selected schools were Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Western Mindanao State University, Josefina H. Cerilles State College, and Zamboanga State Polytechnic College. The variables of this study are educational attainment, length of coaching experience, sports specialisation, activities or seminars participated in, knowledge, skills, and attitudes of coaches. It also includes the basic skills, tactical skills, and behavioral skills of student‐athletes. Findings revealed that the skills of coaches were a great contributor to the development of student‐athletes’ tactical skills. On the other hand, the overall skills of student‐athletes were influenced by the skills of coaches.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF ONLINE LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE NEW NORMAL: THE WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

As higher education institutions strictly follow health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moving of classes including the closing of libraries is a way of helping the government to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. To that effect, libraries have also responded to the challenging needs in the educational system. In the Western Mindanao State University library where online services are offered, where the purpose of this study attempted to look into the challenges and opportunities faced by its stakeholders and the extent of satisfaction. The quantitative-qualitative research design employing a descriptive survey method was used. In the selection of respondents, systematic random sampling was also employed, and the five (5) point Likert-type questionnaire checklist was utilized. While a purposive sampling was also employed to library personnel. A total of 384 respondents coming from the students, faculty administrative personnel/staff, and library personnel were utilized. Based on the findings, OLC or the Online Library Cart facilitated by a social media platform was a big help to educators and learners in the academic community. The challenges and opportunities have also brought in the delivery of online services’ operation. The low internet connectivity and lack of personnel competency in the online delivery, among others were considered as challenges. In attaining quality library service, increase in the acquisition of e-resources, upgrading of personnel’s skills as well as strengthening the culture of partnership and collaboration are major factors to create an avenue to improve library services, the online delivery, in particular. The overall mean of 4.74 revealed a high level of satisfaction result from the three groups of respondents, implying that WMSU library online services are very much effective and functioning excellently. It is, therefore, concluded that online services offered by the WMSU Library should be sustained not only to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic but also to support the challenging needs of blended learning education in Western Mindanao.

Ethnomedicinal documentation of polyherbal formulations and other folk medicines in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Abstract. Pucot JR, Demayo CG. 2021. Ethnomedicinal documentation of polyherbal formulations and other folk medicines in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. Biodiversitas 22: 5331-5343. In Aurora-a rural municipality in western Mindanao, Philippines, wide patronization of folk medicines has been observed, and polyherbal formulations are one of the treatments used. However, knowledge of these formulations has not been documented, imposing a threat that might lead to its eventual loss. The lack of baseline information on these formulations also stagnates its development, and the danger of possible herb-herb interactions might remain high. Therefore, this study aims to compile polyherbal formulations and other folk medicine used by the healers and locals of Aurora and assess the utilization and knowledge of these indigenous practices with implications for its conservation and strengthening localized folk medicine pharmacovigilance. Through purposive and snowball sampling, a total of 23 key informants volunteered and were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Knowledge and practices about medicinal plants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 34 polyherbal formulations and ten other folk medicines were recorded. Most of the plant species used belonged to the Poaceae family (14 species), Arecaceae, and Musaceae families (10 species each) and were mainly utilized for bughat, pasmo, and kabuhi-illnesses linked with cultural beliefs. The concept of synergism was also observed when it comes to folk medicine usage. It is recommended that more surveys of polyherbal medicines be conducted along with chemical profiling and pharmacological investigations, especially in the rural areas where these folk medicines are still widely utilized.

Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea) of Northeastern and Western Mindanao, Philippines: The Potential Role of Marine Protected Areas in Maintaining Diversity and Abundance

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are considered strategic tools in conserving biodiversity and maintaining stocks of valuable resources. We assessed sea cucumbers in five provinces in northeastern and western Mindanao to describe the state of diversity and abundance and evaluate the role of MPAs in sustaining stocks of exploited species. We identified 36 species of sea cucumbers from fishery-independent surveys on shallow reef flats and deeper reef slopes, of which 33 species (92%) belong to order Aspidochirotida and three species belong to Order Apodida. The majority are shallow-water holothurians occurring on reef flats and seagrass beds, while a few species are found along reef slopes or in fresh catches by fishers sold to local traders or processors in some sites. Nine species are considered high-value to the global trepang trade but occur at low densities, while the rest are abundant or common species with low commercial value. Species richness (S=17-30 spp.) varies across sites, but species composition similarity is relatively high (Sørensen’s SQ = 0.62-0.78). Mean population densities and variances of high-value species are significantly higher inside enforced MPAs than in non-MPA sites(t-test, p <0.05; F-test, p<0.005) across five survey sites. The abundance of high-value H. scabra in Tubajon and H. fuscogilva in Capayas Island demonstrates the critical role of MPAs in conserving biodiversity, maintaining population levels, and ensuring natural recruitment of sea cucumber resources. Urgent management measures such as formulating a national management plan, regulating harvests, and establishing no-take MPAs are recommended.

Two new species of Metapocyrtus (Metapocyrtus) Heller 1912 from Mindanao, Philippines (Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini).

Two new species of Curculionidae, Pachyrhynchini, Metapocyrtus waoensis sp. nov., and M. lanaoensis sp. nov., both from western Mindanao are described. Images of habitus and fully everted endophallus and illustrations of male genitalia are provided for each species.