Caraga State University (formerly Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology, abbreviated NORMISIST) is a state-controlled university in Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Its main campus is in Ampayon, Butuan with an auxiliary campus in Cabadbaran.On July 27, 2009, the Congress of the Philippines passed into law Republic Act No. 9854 which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 16, 2009, fusing together Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology in Butuan and Northern Mindanao College of Arts, Science and Technology in Cabadbaran into Caraga State University retaining the Butuan branch at its main campus.
This study examines the phenomenology of God using Edmund Husserl's phenomenological method as interpreted by Manuel Dy Jr. Husserl's approach, which includes epoche, eidetic reduction, and transcendental-phenomenological reduction, serves as the framework for uncovering three essential aspects (eidos) of the experience of God: transcendent, mediated, and personal or relational. These dimensions are not metaphysical definitions but structures of appearance within human consciousness. While phenomenology does not claim to determine God's essence, it provides a reflective means to understand how the divine is experienced and given meaning in lived reality. The study acknowledges the divine as both approachable and mysterious, grasped only in part through human experience. Rooted in returning to original experience, the inquiry draws from personal encounters and reflective interpretation. The phenomenological encounter with God thus reveals both the limits of human knowing and the enduring sense of the sacred within existence. By situating phenomenology as a bridge between classical philosophy, Christian theology, and contemporary phenomenological theology, this paper advances the philosophical dialogue on religious experience and highlights the interpretive significance of Filipino religiosity. It shows that phenomenology offers not only a method of description but also a path toward understanding the relational mediation of the divine in human life.
PurposeThis study aims to explore the daily challenges and adaptive communication strategies of Filipino families caring for children with autism. By focusing on family guardians' lived experiences, it highlights barriers such as limited resources, high therapy costs, public stigma, coping mechanisms and impact to the faith to God. The research proposes the Autism Communication Support Framework (ACSF) to improve inclusion, support and policy for families affected by autism in Butuan City and throughout the Philippines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative, phenomenological approach, interviewing 60 Guardians of family members from therapy centers in Butuan City. The interviews documented their experiences, coping mechanisms and communication behaviors. Thematic analysis revealed consistent themes, while ethical protocols ensured voluntary participation, providing a comprehensive understanding of familial dynamics and autism caregiving difficulties.FindingsGuardian caregiving is predominantly undertaken by middle-aged, married women from middle-income households, who encounter considerable financial and emotional stressors. Notwithstanding these challenges, families demonstrate resilience via transparent communication and collective duties. External challenges encompass expensive therapy, limited governmental assistance and societal stigma. The research highlights the significance of advocacy, accessible resources and culturally attuned communication to enhance support and inclusion for families with autistic children.Research limitations/implicationsThis study's focus on urban, middle-income families in Butuan City may overlook rural or lower-income perspectives, necessitating comprehensive research for more inclusive autism policy and interventions.Practical implicationsThe Autism Communication Support Framework (ACSF) provides guidelines for caregiver training, accessible services and government support, serving as a blueprint for comprehensive autism support at local, national and international levels.Social implicationsPromoting open communication and public advocacy helps reduce stigma and foster social inclusion for autistic individuals. This study encourages collective action and community engagement to better support families facing autism.Originality/valueThe research uniquely examines Filipino family experiences with autism, introduces ACSF and addresses local gaps, offering culturally relevant recommendations for improving care and policy in the Philippines.
Background. Despite the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, disparities in access to reproductive health information and family planning services continue to contribute to unmet contraceptive needs among women of reproductive age (WRA) in the Philippines. Area classification (urban versus rural) has been recognized as an important determinant of contraceptive behaviors; however, evidence comparing these disparities in the Caraga Region remains limited. Objective. The study aims to determine the influence of area classification disparities on contraceptive use and nonuse among Women of Reproductive Age in the Caraga Region, Mindanao, Philippines. Methods. The study employed a descriptive correlational research design. The study respondents are Women of Reproductive Age. The age range covers 15-49 years old. The area classification of the respondents was determined and tested for correlation with contraceptive use and non-use. This includes the number of known contraceptives and their uses, factors for contraceptive use and non-use, and contraceptive sources of information. Results. The area classification and the number of known contraceptives and their use have no significant relationship. These have p-values higher than the significance level (0.241; 0.163). The area classification disparities and reasons for using contraceptives (Child Spacing and Avoiding unplanned pregnancy) have no significant relationship. This has a p-value of 0.858 and 0.969. On the other hand, area classification and the factor for not using contraceptives (fear of side effects) are significantly associated. This has a p-value of 0.042. Lastly, the public clinic, as the frequently visited health facility, and lectures, as well as family planning professionals, are also significantly correlated (P-values: 0.001, 0.007, and 0.003). Conclusion. The key significant disparities revealed that urban WRA respondents have a higher tendency to fear side effects as a factor for contraceptive non-use and family planning lectures as the source of contraceptive information. On the other hand, rural WRA respondents have public clinics as the frequently visited health facility and family planning professionals as the source of contraceptive information.
This study presents the successful design and implementation of a dual RF energy harvesting system and a dedicated DC-DC boost converter for the AS7038RB biosensor. The system collects ambient energy from two RF sources—2.4 GHz and 5 GHz—using a voltage multiplier to charge a 1.5 V battery. This battery then powers the boost converter, which steps up the voltage to a regulated 3.8 V output across a load current range of 0.5 μA to 1 mA. To maximize efficiency under light load conditions, the converter operates in Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) mode, minimizing switching losses. The design incorporates a current sensor, zero-current detector (ZCD), off-time controller, and bandgap voltage reference to maintain precise output regulation, low quiescent current, and stable operation. The system achieves a peak efficiency of 85.08% at 900 μA load current, proving the feasibility of efficient, self-powered operation for compact, wearable biosensing applications without external power sources.
Earth observation (EO) has become central to monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG Indicator 11.3.1, which assesses land-use efficiency (LUE) through the ratio of land consumption rate (LCR) to population growth rate (PGR). Current EO-based implementations remain predominantly retrospective and deterministic, relying on historical mappings of built-up area and population. However, decision-making for sustainable urban development increasingly requires forward-looking and uncertainty-aware information. This paper argues that the future of EO-enabled SDG monitoring lies in uncertainty-aware forecasting rather than deterministic retrospective assessment. We present a global EO-driven framework that integrates deep-learning-based forecasting of built-up area and population with Monte Carlo uncertainty propagation to derive probabilistic projections of SDG Indicator 11.3.1. Using multi-decadal EO-derived time series for 8,478 urban centres worldwide, we demonstrate how forecast uncertainty is structurally transmitted through SDG Indicator 11.3.1 and how deterministic forecasts can mask substantial uncertainty in future LUE classifications. The results highlight forecasting and uncertainty quantification as essential components of next-generation EO analytics for sustainable development.
