Zamboanga Del Norte Research Articles

Factorial Evaluation on the Effectiveness of Microenterprise Law in the Town of Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

Microbusinesses as owned by microentrepreneurs require a lot of attention and consideration because they are the foundation of highly developed, industrialized companies and corporate giants, much as how the area around a thriving business community should be seen. A law that provides incentives and benefits to registered microenterprises was passed by the Philippine government in 2002. Yet no in-depth analysis has been carried out to produce an exact quantification and result. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Barangay Micro-business Enterprise Law on certain microenterprises and to use it as a benchmark for other countries' implementation of similar laws. With a weighted mean of 4.281, the descriptive-correlational research method using quantitative data analysis came to the conclusion that the BMBE Law was clearly effective to registered microenterprises in the town of Katipunan. This indicates that the law has been useful and effective for the beneficiaries in terms of the three BMBE incentives factorial-analysis.

Unravelling the Gbeklug of the Subanens through the Lens of their Folk Narratives

Folk narratives are rich repositories of the cultures of Indigenous peoples. For example, the Subanens in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao, Philippines, have several folk narratives that can shed light on their material and non-material cultures. This ethnographic study explored the gbatad (culture) of the Subanens, as depicted in the folk narratives called the gukitan or sinugel. The study's research locales were the municipalities of Katipunan and Mutia in Zamboanga del Norte and San Miguel and Lakewood in Zamboanga del Sur. A first-hand gathering of the folk narratives was conducted to produce a corpus of folk narratives as the primary data from which the Subanen gbatad was identified. Actual narrations were done by the tribal leaders and select tribesmen who served as the key informants of the study. In addition, focus group discussions were made to elicit the cultural underpinnings of the narratives. The research resulted in the gathering, transcriptions, and translations of 79 narratives, in which two of them talked about a gbeklug, the most sacred communal gathering among the sub-groups of the Subanens in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Gbeklug, which stands prominently as a marker of the cultural identity of these Indigenous people, requires strict adherence to the process and the materials needed for the construction of the gbeklugan (platform). The performance of such a grand festivity demands utmost caution from all people in attendance.

Behavioral Identity of Top Executives in Higher Education Institutions: the Coexistence Theory

Purpose: This study paper's primary goal is to develop a theory that may be used to describe the behavioral identity that Higher Education Institutions' top management faces when switching between various university contexts. Theoretical framework: Cheek et al. (1994) defined identity orientation as the relative weight people give to different identity features or characteristics when defining who they are. Identity traits fall into three broadly distinct categories: personal, social, and collective. Design/methodology/approach: The study utilized a quantitative approach with a survey questionnaire distributed to 16 top executives in Public and Private Higher Education Institutions in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Factor Analysis of maximum likelihood was the statistical tool used in this study. Findings: Results revealed that three co-existence theory factors were established: socio-cultural, intra-personal, and socio-collective factors. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study explains the implications of the behavioral identity of top executives and offers suggestions for further study. Originality/value: The author proposes a new theory that will add to the body of knowledge in the study of behavioral identity and guide further investigation of the three identified factors of the co-existence theory.

Written Feedbacks on Police Blotters

Writing a report requires not only writing skills but also the capacity to perceive, analyze, process information, and use language. The study aimed to look into the written feedback on police blotters in the police stations of Dipolog City and Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. The descriptive-survey method of research was utilized in the study, wherein it required a thorough, comprehensive, and careful analysis in looking into the written feedbacks on police blotters in the Police Stations of Dapitan and Dipolog Cities. The frequency count, percentage distribution, and t-test were the statistical methods employed for the investigation. The study revealed that the profile of the global errors identified in the police blotter extracts in both Dipolog and Dapitan Cities, in terms of morphological errors ranged from 0.00% to over hundred percent and less error was detected in terms of syntax, particularly on fragments. Run-on phrases and word ordering were where most of the mistakes were identified for both police stations. Additionally, the most frequent local errors involved word choice, word usage accuracy, and the appropriate use of prepositions, while the most frequent mechanical errors involved capitalization. With this, it is concluded that the police officers assigned to the blotter section need to develop their writing skills by focusing on errors which are more dominant and be conscious to even the smallest grammatical details to generate accurate police blotters that serve their intended purpose. This suggests that police officers working in the blotter section should participate in seminars or training to hone their technical writing skills; higher education institutions should also offer extension services to the police stations like tutorials, mentoring, and coaching to help the police officers sharpen their grammar; and apply standard rules in writing, especially the conventions for capitalization to afford mastery of writing skills.

Social Media as A Tool for Direct Selling Business in Dipolog City, Zambo-anga Del Norte

The presence of social media has disrupted the way people live, behave and interact. Philippines is ranked number one as active social media users with an average of 4.17 hours per day. Direct selling businesses in the country continue grow each year, and have introduced new products and expanded new customer reach. With this information presented, the right use of social media will help direct selling businesses reach a well-engaged community of buyers. The research aims to develop relevant marketing strategies to promote the use of social media in direct selling. Descriptive research was being utilized with two sets of researcher-made questionnaires. A pre-survey activity was performed prior to the actual data gathering to validate the reliability of the survey tool. There were one hundred twenty (120) total respondents: comprised of one-hundred (100) direct selling customers and twenty (20) direct sellers, who participated in the data gathering process. Furthermore, the study will use frequencies, percentages, and weighted means for the data treatment. The findings of the study show that Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are the most widely used channels among the respondents of the study. The extent of social media usage by the direct sellers is moderate and social networking site is the most preferred platform to use in doing direct selling-related activities to achieve convenience, productivity, product availability and market growth. Therefore, it can be concluded that social media can be a strategic tool for direct selling business in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.

Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy on Exercise among Elderly Retired Philippine Army: Basis for Policy-making on Physical Activity Program

This study aimed to investigate the physical activity and the level of self-efficacy in relation to exercise among the retired Philippine Army based in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines during the months of May and June 2023. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was utilized in the study. Data were gathered from 19 retired Philippine Army personnel during the Armed Forces Veteran Association- Zamboanga del Norte’s monthly meeting. Frequency count, weighted mean and Pearson Correlation was used to analyze the collected data. The study found out that there was no significant relationship between physical activity on age, gender and length of service. It was also noted that there was a positive correlation between the variables age, gender and length of service this suggests that if there were changes in the variable physical activity, all other variables would change on the same direction. Moreover, Results showed that age and gender had a significant relationship as well as age and self-efficacy as both relationships showed a positive correlation. However, length of service and self-efficacy does not show significant relationship because of its negative correlation. Furthermore, results show no significant relationship between physical activity and the level of self-efficacy among Armed Forces veterans in Zamboanga del Norte. The results revealed a positive correlation which indicates that when the variable self-efficacy changes, the variable physical activity also changes on the same direction.

Socioeconomic Characterization of a Southern Philippine City, before 1898-2015: A Historical Perspective

The socio-economic characteristics of a city unfolded from its past can help policymakers understand its socio-economic trend and devise plans for its development. This paper focused on documenting and characterizing the socio-economic status of Dapitan City, Philippines, briefly before 1898, during the American occupation until the present republic in 2015 by making use of archival methods. Furthermore, interviews with the seven key informants supported and strengthened the data. Over the years, Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte has become greatly dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which is the fiscal transfer in the Philippines that serves as the biggest source of operating revenues for the local government units (LGUs) to perform their functions. In its history, the economic conditions of Dapitan improved, albeit slowly if compared to other progressive cities in the country. This rate of transition from a less progressive to a more progressive state can be explained by Dapitan’s natural and historical aura, which is still being preserved and protected. Despite this advantage, the transition depicted in the history of Dapitan did not offer an abundance of economic opportunities that would have catered to the needs of its human resources and eventually helped disadvantaged groups move above the poverty line. Dapitan did not take advantage of becoming the center of a progressive economic structure due to the different paths it took to formulate its concept of progress and modernization. Life in Dapitan is simple as the city is not subject to the rapid process of industrialization. It only attracted a few big business investors that could create more and a variety of jobs.

Evaluation of the physicochemical parameters on the water quality of the major rivers of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

<abstract> <p>The province of Zamboanga del Norte is endowed with ample water resources which are the primary sources of domestic water for the people in the area. Nevertheless, these water resources face several man-made and industrial activities that generate unwanted pollution. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics of the major rivers of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines were investigated to know the present condition and assess the overall water quality. The physicochemical parameters that were investigated includes pH, temperature, nitrate-nitrogen (NO<sub>3</sub>-N), total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphates ($ {\mathrm{P}\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{2-} $) and total mercury (Hg). The results of the water analyses revealed that the pH, temperature, nitrate as NO<sub>3</sub>-N and the total Hg were within the acceptable range prescribed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and World Health Organization (WHO). However, there was a significant increase of the total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations of 138±58.9,142.3±36.6 and 243±9.5 mg/L, respectively from downstream, midstream and upstream of Sindangan river. The total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations exceeded the permissible limit of 25–65 mg/L recommended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Furthermore, the data showed that all values of the total phosphates for all the river systems exceeded the prescribed limit. Thus, to maintain the water quality of these rivers, proper monitoring and government intervention are very much required.</p> </abstract>

Issues and Challenges among Cooperatives in Zamboanga del Norte in pursuit for Survival and Sustainability during the CoViD-19 Pandemic

Cooperatives and other businesses around the world are being affected by the CoViD-19 pandemic and responding in a variety of ways. Different types of cooperatives exist and different sorts of help are available. The objectives of the study were to investigate the issues and challenges encountered by the cooperatives in Zamboanga del Norte and how they deal with them in order to survive. A qualitative research method was used and the researcher developed the interview guide questions. Results revealed that cooperatives encountered several challenges during the pandemic. The cooperatives mitigated those challenges through assistance to members and community, flexible working arrangement, improved health and sanitation, internal operation management, kumustahan, penalties and interest condone, and product and services innovation and adaptation.
 More importantly, these discoveries provide valuable insights to BODs and management on maintaining and/or improving good member-patron relations. Moreover, keeping members informed about the updated policies and products offered, operating procedures, and development programs is also important for ensuring the cooperative's survival and sustainability.

Understanding and Attainability of the School Administrators’ Performance Framework in Zamboanga del Norte Division

The education system has just recovered from the adversities brought on by the pandemic. Still, despite those unforgettable experiences, the school heads had established a complete understanding of the Office Performance Commitment and Review Form (OPCRF) and could provide evidence for this rating. This study used a descriptive-correlational design in which means and correlation coefficients are presented and interpreted. The questionnaire under understanding yielded an overall WM=4.53, with VD-Extremely Aware, while the attainability has an overall WM=4.47, with VD-Very Probable. The coefficient correlation obtained rs (165)=r .819,p=.000. Thus, the null hypothesis of no significant relationship is rejected. This implies that the greater the understanding of the Office Performance Commitment and Review Form, the higher the probability that the Means of Verification (MOVs) are attainable. Based on the studys findings, the school heads, during their compliance with this form, did not encounter any difficulty, especially in securing different documents to attach to their final submission, as the results show everything was feasible.

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.

Cyrtandra villosissima var. flavovirens (Gesneriaceae), a new variety from Zamboanga Del Norte, Philippines

A new variety of Cyrtandra villosissima from Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, C. villosissima var. flavovirens, is here described. Both C. villosissima var. villosissima and C. villosissima var. flavovirens are erect suffrutescent plants, with large leaves that are slightly falcate, and have inflorescences with linear, densely hirsute bracts. Cyrtandra villosissima var. flavovirens can be distinguished from C. villosissima var. villosissima by its pale yellow to yellow-green corollas and its pedunculate inflorescences. A key to morphologically similar taxa, distribution maps, and photographs of the varieties are here provided.

Food Safety Practices Among Street Food Vendors In The Twin Cities Of Zamboanga Del Norte

This paper aimed to examine the food safety practices among street food vendors in the Twin Cities of Zamboanga del Norte. Food safety practices covered two indicators; Sanitation and Personal Hygiene practices. There were two types of respondents in the study. First, there were 50 owners and proprietors of street food vendors in the twin cities, breakdown into 25 respondents for each City. Second, there were 400 total respondents in the study, and these were customers of the street food vendors; 200 respondents were allocated for Dapitan, while another 200 respondents were from Dipolog City. The study revealed that the majority of street vendor owners are college graduates. However, 98% or 49 of the respondents have not attended any food safety seminars. Further, sanitation practices are often practiced. Moreover, personal hygiene practices were frequently and sometimes practiced. There was a significant difference in the personal hygiene practices of when group according to Age. It implies that the younger generation of street vendors are still learning and could eventually learn as they grow older. A strong reason why hygiene practices differ between young and old street food vendors in these two cities. Most street vendors are mature individuals but are still active in the street vending business. However, these street food vendors still have poor food safety practices for a lack of appropriate knowledge, and most did not attend any sanitation and personal hygiene seminars/ workshops. Street vendors may be subject to a regular sanitary inspection regarding how street food merchants sell their goods to prevent contamination and keep the food they serve from any health risks. The LGU of both Cities may organize a seminar/training related to sanitation and personal hygiene to improve the standard of their Food vending continuously. A policy/program to be developed by each LGU as their support for these street food vendors.

Rediscovery and amended description of a Philippine endemic Argostemma arachnosum (Rubiaceae)

Botanical exploration in 2021 in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, resulted in the collection of Argostemma arachnosum Merr., an endemic species first described in 1922. This species was not reported and documented to exist elsewhere after its discovery. Here, we present an amended description of A. arachnosum. Colored photographs, distribution map, notes on its ecology and preliminary conservation status are also provided.

Microhabitat Preference of Strombidae in Selected Intertidal Areas of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, Philippines

This study aimed to identify the microhabitat preference of Strombidae species present in selected intertidal zones of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental. A total of 406 individuals of Strombidae were collected and identified into 15 species. Most species of Strombidae were recorded to be abundant in seagrasses (Cymodocea rotundata and Thalassia hemprichii) and in algae (Gracilaria salicornia, Ulva lactuca and Ulva intestinalis). Strombidae were also observed along rocks, muddy sand, black sand, sediments and tide pools. A Kruskal-Wallis Test showed that there was a significant difference in species abundance among different microhabitat types (H[6] = 13.46, p = 0.036). This implies that the abundance of species among different habitats was not the same. Supporting this, the Cramer’s contingency test revealed a significant association between the abundance of species to their microhabitat type with a contingency coefficient of 0.76. Canarium labiatum was observed to inhabit G. salicornia, while Canarium mutabile preferred both rocks and tide pools. Canarium urceus favored C. rotundata; Canarium (Canarium) esculentum occurred in G. salicornia and T. hemprichii. Conomurex luhuanus was observed in U. intestinalis and G. salicornia. Euprotomus aurisdianae inhabited the seagrass, while Euprotomus bulla occurred in T. hemprichii and muddy sand. Laevistrombus (Gonggonus) turturella inhabited the C. rotundata. Lastly, Lentigo lentiginosus and all Lambis species were noticed in G. salicornia. Strombidae preferred both seagrasses and algae apparently because these microhabitat types serve as food and nutrient sources to these species.

Conditions of Correctional Facilities in the Philippines: Jail Wardens’ Perspectives and Experiences

The study explored the perspective and experiences of jail wardens in managing jail facilities in the Philippines for the calendar year 2019. A qualitative study with a transcendental phenomenological research design was used. The study focused on 10 jail wardens from correctional facilities in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. The themes reflect the participants' experiences on the conditions of correctional facilities and their viewpoint on quality correction such as erosion in conformity with the rules, scarcity of resources critical to jail services, the perils of poor staffing, freedom from congestion, infrastructure development, technology in correction, lifelong attempt for improvement and character development. This study concluded that the problems and challenges encountered by the correctional wardens in handling persons deprived of liberty (inmates) and in managing the jail facilities affected their roles and responsibilities in improving the conditions in the correctional facilities such as in the implementation of the reformation process of the PDLs, peace, and order within the facility, and in securing the safety of the personnel and the community. Thus, it is high time for the government and the legislative body of the Philippine government to improve the quality of correctional facilities, the following may be considered: the installation of high technology, construction of new and standard correctional facilities, and quick rehabilitation of old, outdated, or destroyed jails, allocation of budget or appropriations to enable the employment of more staff/personnel, and limiting the number of inmates in a prison cell.

Financial Decision Making-Skills among Managers of Small and Medium En-terprises in Relation to Business Performance

The financial environment of a company is a main factor for the business success, especially SMEs forced to be highly efficient in allocating their limited resources to ensure survival and generate profits by financial constraints. This study aimed to look into the relationship of financial decision skills among managers of SMEs and business performance in Dapitan and Dipolog Cities, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines during calendar year 2018. The study utilized the quantitative method. A standardized questionnaire checklist was made. The respondents were managers and employees. Secondary data from financial statement was also utilized, and the use of financial ratio was made in determining the business performance of SMEs. The main statistical tools used were frequency count, mean computations, analysis of variance, and Pearson r product moment coefficient of correlation. The study revealed that managers of Small and Medium Enterprises in Dapitan and Dipolog Cities only exhibits intuitive skill to cash ratio and rational skill to debt ratio. These findings support the claim that managers or owners practice intuitive skills and rational skills were effective in dealing their financial obligations. The researcher recommended that managers of SMEs should participate in training and seminars to enhance and develop the exact skills in financial decision-making that are attributable to the business performance.

Two new species of Begonia (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae) from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, and a redescription of Begonia parvilimba

Two new species of Begonia section Petermannia from Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines are described and illustrated: Begonia amamampang and Begonia turugsoy. Begonia parvilimba was also rediscovered and an updated description is provided. All morphological characters and measurements were observed in the wild from living plants. This brings the record to a total of 16 Begonia species under this section found in the region of Zamboanga Peninsula making Zamboanga a center of diversity of section Petermannia in the Philippines. Notes on their ecology, distribution map and proposed conservation assessment are provided.

Status of agricultural goods as affected by the farmers’ marketing practices and perception in Manukan, Zamboanga del norte, Philippines during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Status of agricultural goods as affected by the farmers’ marketing practices and perception in Manukan, Zamboanga del norte, Philippines during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Job Satisfaction and Quality of Work Life among Government Employees in the Municipality of Liloy Zamboanga Del Norte, Philippines

This study aimed to assess the job satisfaction and quality of work life of the government employees in the Municipality of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, during the calendar year 2020. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed in this study. Using frequency counting and percent, weighted mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation, data were obtained from 170 employees of the Local Government Unit in Municipality of Liloy Zamboanga del Norte. The study found that the perceived level of employees' job satisfaction is strongly agreed upon and highly satisfied. Standard deviations less than 3.0 supported a high degree of homogeneity in their responses. In addition, the study discovered that the respondents' perceived quality of work life is strongly agreed upon and described to a very large extent. Standard deviations less than 3.0 supported a high degree of homogeneity in their responses. The study found no significant difference in the perceived level of employees' job satisfaction regarding age, sex, and level of education. Moreover, the study also found no significant difference in the perceived level of employees' quality work of life in terms of age, sex, and level of education. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant relationship between job satisfaction and employees' quality work of life in the Local Government Unit of Liloy. This indicates that job satisfaction is significantly related to quality work of life. Hence, management strategy and working environments would be enhanced to boost job satisfaction and employees' quality of work life.