The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) is a private, non-sectarian university in Cebu City, Philippines. USPF boasts of diverse program offerings, a highly competent teaching force, and complete facilities to ensure that its students receive quality instruction and skills-based education. As a testament to its pursuit of excellence, USPF’s programs have been granted accreditations by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). USPF is also among the few institutions in Region 7 to have the Level III accreditation status..
Development of all-cellulose composites is a promising approach to fabricate functional textiles. Our research presents a proof of concept to incorporate modified cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) into a regenerated cellulose textile fibers. In this work, CNFs are modified with a thiol-containing silane coupling agent, available to undergo a “click” reaction with additives possessing a terminal alkene or alkyne. Resulting mercapto-CNF (mCNF) was dissolved in ionic liquid along with the dissolving pulp to attain a controlled concentration of the functional groups. Cellulose-mCNF fibers were spun using Ioncell® technology, resulting in fiber that contains a high percentage of regenerated CNF. During this process, the incorporated silane coupling agents did not withstand the dissolution and were not found in the resultant fiber, likely being discarded with the spin bath.
The increasing integration of digital technologies in education has reshaped instructional practices, with Collaborative Online Learning (COL) emerging as an important strategy to enhance engagement, interaction, and learning outcomes in higher education. This study examined the attitudes and behaviors of College of Teacher Education Arts and Sciences teachers toward COL and determined whether significant relationships exist between these variables and selected demographic profiles. A descriptive-comparative-correlational survey design was utilized, involving 22 faculty members who responded to a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, attitudes, and behavioral engagement toward COL. Results revealed that respondents demonstrated a generally negative attitude toward COL, despite exhibiting a moderate level of behavioral engagement in related practices. This suggests that while teachers may still engage in COL activities due to institutional or instructional requirements, their perceptions remain less favorable. Further analysis showed no significant relationship between attitude and behavior (p > 0.05), indicating that behavioral engagement does not necessarily reflect positive attitudes. Likewise, demographic variables such as age, gender, and educational attainment did not significantly influence either attitude or behavior, suggesting a relatively uniform response pattern across groups. The study concludes that there is a persistent gap between teachers’ perceptions and their actual engagement in COL practices. To address this, the proposed COLLAB-TEACH Program is recommended to strengthen teachers’ digital competence, confidence, and pedagogical readiness in implementing collaborative online learning strategies. The findings highlight the need for sustained institutional support, targeted professional development, and policy interventions to improve the effective and meaningful integration of COL in higher education.
Introduction: employee wellness has become essential to institutional productivity and sustainability. This study assessed the physical fitness status of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) employees and evaluated the effect of a 30-day workplace fitness program on their body mass index (BMI). It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 8, and 10, emphasizing health, decent work, and reduced inequalities.Methods: a quantitative research utilized descreptive design was used, involving 35 randomly selected CAS faculty members who participated in a structured 30-day fitness program consisting of group exercises, aerobic sessions, and wellness workshops. Data on demographic profiles and pre- and post-program BMI were collected through a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized participants’ characteristics, while a paired sample t-test determined significant differences between pre- and post-program BMI results at a 0.05 significance level.Results: findings revealed that most participants (57.14 %), had a normal BMI before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between pre- and post-program BMI (t(34) = -0.42, p = 0.676). The short intervention duration and varying participation intensity likely contributed to the absence of measurable anthropometric change. However, the program was valuable in promoting health awareness and fostering a culture of wellness within the academic workplace.Conclusions: although the 30-day program did not significantly alter BMI, it offered key insights into the design of effective wellness initiatives. Extending program duration, integrating nutrition and behavioral components, and assessing broader health indicators are recommended to enhance outcomes and support sustainable employee well-being.
Chronic hunger and food insecurity remain persistent global concerns affecting health, economic stability, and social development. Despite advancements in food production systems, many households continue to experience limited access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food due to challenges in accessibility, utilization, and stability of food resources. This study assessed the food protection and prevention strategies against chronic hunger in Barangay Apas, Cebu City, and examined the relationship between respondents’ demographic profiles and these variables. A descriptive-correlational survey design was utilized involving 30 household respondents selected from Barangay Apas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that food protection strategies were moderately effective, particularly in food assistance, school feeding, emergency food aid, and coordination with local government units and partner organizations. However, gaps were observed in the inclusion of senior citizens in assistance programs. Similarly, prevention strategies were also moderately effective, with strengths in livelihood programs, financial literacy initiatives, employment opportunities, and skills training, while weaknesses were noted in urban gardening initiatives and long-term food security planning. The study concludes that Barangay Apas demonstrates moderately effective but fragmented food protection and prevention strategies, where implementation is supported by community participation and government programs, yet requires stronger integration, inclusivity, and sustainability. It is recommended the barangay strengthen integration of programs, enhance senior citizen inclusion, expand urban gardening and backyard farming initiatives, intensify nutrition education, and establish stronger monitoring systems and inter-agency coordination to ensure sustainable food security interventions.
Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the level of disaster awareness and preparedness of the employees in a Higher Education Institution. It also determined the relationship between variables and the factors that influence disaster awareness and preparedness. Method: The study used a descriptive-correlational design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches in determining the level of disaster awareness and preparedness of the 212 employees in a higher education institution which utilized a complete enumeration. There were 30 randomly selected participants involved in the interview. The study utilized a researcher-made questionnaire and a validated tool to evaluate the level of disaster awareness and awareness. Both questionnaires were pre-tested using Cronbach’s reliability testing. The study also utilized an interview guide question on factors that influence disaster awareness and preparedness. The study was analyzed using simple percentage, weighted mean, chi- square and spearman rant test. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret and analyze qualitative data. Results: The employees are partially aware and partially prepared on disaster. Age, length of service and number of related trainings and seminars attended were found to have a significant relationship with the level of disaster awareness. The level of disaster preparedness was found no significant relationship to the profile. The factors that facilitate disaster awareness are trainings and seminars, disaster manual, information campaign, and warning signs. The facilitating factors for disaster preparedness are disaster drills, emergency equipment, evacuation plan, and trainings and seminars. The hindering factors for disaster awareness are passive attitude, inadequate information, limited resources, and insufficient warning signs. The factors that hinder disaster preparedness are equipment and facility uncertainty, passive attitude, and dormant disaster risk reduction team.
