Benguet State University

The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which libraries are disseminating open access (OA) through conducting a survey of the different library websites and systems of higher education institution (HEI) libraries in the Philippines. This also aims to identify the types, subject fields, quantity, and quality of the OA resources shared by private and public HEI libraries in terms of the links they embed in their websites and systems. The study employed a quantitative research design focusing on website analysis. The findings revealed that many libraries have established websites and systems that they use to embed information about OA resources. Most OA resource links disseminated by HEI libraries are multidisciplinary, and the majority of these are OA journals. Comparing the number of OA resources advertised by HEI libraries, private institutions tend to share more links. From the 2,917 OA resources embedded in 312 library websites, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) topped the most shared OA resource. Although librarians selected resources indexed in reputable databases, several resources were erroneous or flagged as predatory. Libraries need to improve their OA initiatives by increasing both the quality and quantity of the links they shared in their library management system (LMS) and content management systems (CMS). Librarians must also improve their knowledge about OA, predatory publishing, and indexing services to ensure the quality of OA resources being disseminated on their websites. The support of their institution of the resources needed by their library is also important for these initiatives to be implemented.

This study investigated the influence of demographic factors on college students' perceived barriers to physical activity participation across seven key domains: lack of time, influence from others, lack of energy, lack of willpower, fear of injury, lack of skill, and lack of resources. Utilizing a cross-sectional design and binary logistic regression analysis, the study surveyed college students to determine which demographic variables significantly predict physical activity constraints. The results revealed that gender identity, academic year level, field of study, and socio-economic status significantly influenced specific barrier domains. Female students were more likely to report psychological and skill-related barriers, while STEM students demonstrated higher odds of perceiving time and resource constraints compared to their HUMSS counterparts. Additionally, senior and middle-income students perceived fewer barriers, reflecting how maturity and economic factors shape physical activity participation. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive, targeted strategies in university settings that address group-specific challenges to promote equitable access to physical activity. These insights offer valuable implications for physical education programs, wellness interventions, and campus health policy design.

This study examined teachers’ participation in guidance services in elementary multigrade schools, focusing on the implementation of guidance programs, the extent of teacher involvement, and the challenges encountered. Anchored on the Comprehensive School Counseling Model of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the study adopted a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. Qualitative data were collected through unstructured interviews and open-ended questionnaires with multigrade teachers, followed by a quantitative phase using structured survey instruments administered to 30 teachers, 50 learners, and 20 school heads or teachers-in-charge in the District of Bokod, Benguet. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that foundational guidance services such as inventory, referral, testing, and information dissemination were widely implemented, while transitional services were moderately practiced and specialized services—particularly counseling, evaluation, and research—were least implemented. Teachers demonstrated a frequent level of participation overall, particularly in tasks aligned with instructional roles such as data gathering and learner support, but showed lower engagement in specialized functions requiring technical expertise. Major challenges included heavy workload, lack of training, insufficient resources, limited time, and weak parental involvement, resulting in fragmented service delivery. Teachers relied on coping mechanisms such as integrating guidance into instruction, collaboration with peers and external agencies, and personal adaptive strategies. The study concludes that while teachers play a critical role in sustaining guidance services, systemic constraints limit the depth and consistency of implementation. It recommends capacity-building, institutional support, structured programs, and strengthened partnerships to enhance service delivery. The study aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by highlighting the role of guidance services in promoting learners’ mental health and inclusive education. It contributes to sustainability by supporting institutional strengthening, improving psychosocial support systems, and fostering equitable and holistic learner development in resource-constrained educational contexts.

This study examined the effectiveness of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in the Local Government Unit of Kabayan, Benguet, and their relationship with sustainable local governance outcomes. Anchored on Strategic Human Resource Management, the study emphasized the alignment of HR practices with organizational goals, employee capability, accountability, and institutional performance. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed using a structured survey questionnaire adapted and contextualized from the PRIME-HRM framework and related HRM literature. The respondents were 130 regular, casual, and job order employees of the Local Government Unit of Kabayan, selected through total enumeration. Data were analyzed using weighted mean, variance, and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. Findings showed that HRM practices were generally implemented, particularly in recruitment and selection, learning and development, performance management, rewards and recognition, employee engagement and relations, and HR systems and institutional support. However, areas needing improvement included digital HR systems, communication processes, training needs assessment, feedback mechanisms, policy consistency, and strategic HR planning. Sustainable local governance outcomes were also generally evident, including quality public service, transparency and accountability, employee motivation and integrity, organizational adaptability, long-term institutional stability, service quality improvement, and community participation and satisfaction. The study concluded that HRM practices have a significant relationship with sustainable local governance outcomes, indicating that effective HRM contributes to organizational performance, employee commitment, institutional stability, and responsiveness to community needs. The study supports SDG 16, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 11 by addressing strong institutions, decent work, innovation in HR systems, and sustainable local communities. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening institutional capacity, workforce development, public service delivery, accountability, and governance continuity in a rural local government setting.

Etag, a traditional Philippine salted-and-dried pork delicacy, is central to the culinary heritage of the Cordillera region but remains restricted to local markets due to its traditional form. This study sought to modernize this indigenous product by developing and evaluating etag-based seasonings, specifically bouillon cube, granule, and liquid formats, bridging the gap between ethnic food preservation and the global convenience market. The current study profiled the sensory characteristics (color, flavor, texture, and clarity) of hot-smoked, cold-smoked, and sun-dried variants, and assessed consumer acceptability across local and non-local demographics. Sensory profiling by a semi-trained panel confirmed successful flavor replication: the cold-smoking process yielded the most intense smoke profile, while sun-dried variants retained a distinct, non-smoked cured pork flavor. Color profile showed high similarity to the original meat, ranging from butter yellow to amber, achieved without artificial additives. However, textural analysis revealed formatspecific challenges; while cubes were fine-textured, granules exhibited clumpiness, and liquid seasoning lacked clarity ("muddy"). Consumer acceptability was measured using a 7-point Hedonic Scale. Results indicate significant geographic segmentation; hot-smoked and sun-dried variants demonstrated universal appeal, showing no significant difference in liking between consumer groups. Conversely, the cold-smoked variant emerged as a niche product, highly favored by local consumers but significantly less accepted by non-local consumers due to its intense smoke aroma and taste. Despite these regional differences, all variants achieved an overall acceptability mean above 4.5, indicating good commercial viability. The study concludes that etag-based seasonings are market-ready, provided that processing refinements address liquid clarity and granule flowability. Strategic geographic marketing is recommended to align the intense profiles of traditional variants with appropriate consumer segments.