Davao Research Journal

Local tourists’ perception towards mangrove forest conservation and regeneration in the Guang-guang Mangrove Park and Nursery, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Meriam Inoco — 2024-03-11

Mangroves are crucial for preserving and safeguarding coastal communities and the ecosystem along the shore. This study focused on determining the perception of local tourists towards the importance and current efforts and initiatives for mangrove forest conservation and regeneration in Guang-Guang, Dahican, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Using in-depth interviews with ten local tourists, major themes relating to and difficulties facing conservation and regeneration programs, as well as the ecosystem services and functions of mangrove forests, were investigated. The local tourists perceived that mangroves operate as storm barriers, prevent coastal erosion, and serve as essential habitats for aquatic organisms. However, anthropogenic activities like the establishment of shrimp ponds, plastic pollution, land reclamation, and illegal logging were documented to threaten the mangrove forests. The study also highlighted the government's efforts to implement regeneration programs and engage local communities and stakeholders in tree planting and coastal clean-up activities. The significance of mangrove forest conservation and regeneration was underscored, considering their roles in providing habitats, protecting coastlines, promoting biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods. The implications of the study emphasized the need to raise public awareness, improve environmental education, involve communities in decision-making, and implement regenerative conservation initiatives.

Breaking down the enigma of out-of-field research teaching among private senior high schools in Davao City, Philippines: A transcendental phenomenological inquiry

Evardo Jr. Orville — 2024-03-13

Subject matter expertise goes far beyond simply knowing and regurgitating facts. It is a multifaceted ability encompassing a deep understanding of the content, pedagogical knowledge, assessment proficiency, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and cultivating positive attitudes and values. This transcendental phenomenological study was conducted to understand the lived experiences of SHS out-of-field research teachers in terms of assignment, instruction, and feedback. To grasp the phenomenon's essence, transcendental phenomenology aims to set aside the researcher's preconceived ideas and strive for neutrality. The study was participated by 14 teacher-participants from the selected private senior high schools in Davao City, Philippines. Findings show that in terms of assignment, participants' experiences include adherence and submission to school administrators, consideration of teacher potential, experience, and training, and feelings of anxiety and frustration. With regards to instructional experiences, it includes lack of experience, aptitude, and administrative support; difficulty in establishing authority and checking outputs. With those, participants must be resourceful and creative and engage in professional development activities. In terms of feedback, participants were honest and open-minded and experienced the welcoming nature of the students. The findings elaborate on the complex and multi-faceted nature of out-of-field teaching, which is expected to inspire improved teacher hiring and placement policy. It is recommended that educational institutions should provide professional development programs to help those out-of-field teachers stay updated with best practices.

Flood preparedness and utilization of early warning systems among households in selected flood-prone areas in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte

Boyeth Pelone — 2024-03-18

Flooding, a widespread natural disaster, poses significant threats globally, impacting infrastructure, property, and lives. Barangay San Miguel, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, emerges as a particularly vulnerable area with substantial repercussions for its surrounding communities. Hence, assessing household preparedness and the effectiveness of early warning systems is crucial. A survey of randomly selected respondents, using the Slovin formula, evaluated indicators like first aid kits, evacuation plans, food supplies, and participation in seminars and training. The findings indicate commendable overall household preparedness yet reveal deficiencies in capability building and the lowest mean value in flyers and leaflets for the early warning system. Policymakers should prioritize targeted training programs to enhance knowledge and skills while allocating resources to strengthen early warning systems, focusing on effective information distribution through flyers and leaflets. This holistic approach enhances community resilience and reduces vulnerability to flooding in Barangay San Miguel and similar areas.

Flood-resilient and inclusive futures: Integrating community, governance and ecology

Boyeth Pelone — 2024-03-21

Various parts of the Davao region, particularly in Davao del Norte, have recently experienced severe flooding and landslides caused by prolonged heavy rainfall due to the shear line weather system and a low-pressure area. The aftermath has led to significant displacement, disruptions in transportation networks, and loss of homes and lives. The response requires a collective effort from local authorities, NGOs, private sectors, and affected communities, focusing on well-equipped evacuation centers, meeting basic needs, and sustainable design principles. Safeguarding vulnerable populations, including women, children, and senior citizens, is emphasized, requiring tailored assistance and inclusive decision-making processes. Regenerative solutions beyond temporary relief, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning are imperative to address long-term challenges. Flood management is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, and integrated approach, involving community participation, collaborative governance, and application of ecological principles. A holistic understanding of the nexus between human societies and the environment is crucial for fostering resilient social-ecological systems, encompassing coping mechanisms, adaptive strategies, and transformative capacities to thrive amidst the dynamics of nature.

Examining university performance and services through discriminant analysis across faculties and college affiliations: A comprehensive mapping of the student experience

Jerd Dela Gente — 2024-03-25

Today, there is a greater focus on worldwide academic excellence and quality of education. The industry can be more selective nowadays because there is a wide range of graduates due to a variety of institutions offering many qualifications of different standards and quality. For a higher education institution to be successful, quality of performance and services needs to be ensured and delivered. In this paper, discriminant analysis was used as a means of analyzing the effect of 18 variables upon the dependent variable university’s faculty performance and services which the respondent is affiliated. The study revealed that the student’s overall health had the lowest Wilk’s Lambda value of .930 and the largest Mahalanobis D 2 and significance values of .034 and .001, respectively. In the final model-building, health, inclusive access, and internet accessibility emerge as principal determinants influencing students' engagement with the performance and services of the university. The discriminant analysis can aid educational institutions in identifying their strengths and weaknesses concerning these factors, enabling them to formulate plans for enhancing their performance and services.

Trophic state of the reservoir influences the allometric coefficient and condition factor of Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) cultured in perennial reservoirs of Sri Lanka

R.G. Sanuja — 2024-03-27

Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is an essential crustacean species in culture-based fisheries of Sri Lanka. Studying the morphometric characteristics and empirical models in fishing and aquaculture is highly beneficial; thus, it is the most accurate way of analyzing growth patterns. The present study aimed to establish the length-weight relationship and compute the relative condition factor for the M. rosenbergii cultured in trophically different perennial reservoirs in Sri Lanka, considering the trophic status of the reservoirs. The allometric coefficient and condition factor of M. rosenbergii concerning the trophic state of the reservoir were empirically ascertained from the samples collected from twenty-five dry-zone perennial reservoirs of Sri Lanka. Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI) was calculated based on the chlorophyll-a content. The allometric coefficient and relative condition factor were computed using the total length and weight of the M. rosenbergii. The TSI ranging between 44.09±0.47 and 65.15±0.24 differed significantly (p<0.05). Sexual dimorphism in the growth of males over the female M. rosenbergii was ascertained with the aid of allometric coefficient (b value) 3.2306 (positive allometric growth) and 2.9534 (negative allometric growth), respectively. In eutrophic perennial reservoirs, Giant Freshwater Prawns showed the highest allometric coefficient in both sexes. There was a positive correlation between the allometric coefficient and TSI among males, r(23)=0.7210, p<0.001, and combined sexes, r(23)=0.7900, p<0.001, respectively. The results of the present study revealed that the trophic state of the reservoir influences the allometric coefficient and condition factor of M. rosenbergii cultured in perennial reservoirs of Sri Lanka.