Southeast Asian Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences

Competencies and Professional Development Needs of Philippine Alternative Learning System (ALS) Teachers: Strategies, Challenges, and Learning Facilitation Insights

Cyrus P. Casingal — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Philippines is essential for the provision of educational opportunities to adults and adolescents who are not enrolled in school. This study assessed ALS teachers' competencies and professional development needs in Makati City's Schools Division Office, examining their teaching strategies, challenges, and engagement methods. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 53 ALS teachers through Google Forms to gather data on self-perceived competencies and professional development needs. Results revealed that while teachers rated their competencies as satisfactory to substantial, significant variations existed across instructional areas. Differentiated instruction emerged as the most substantial competency (4.1/5.0), while assessment and evaluation techniques needed the most improvement (3.6/5.0). Teachers reported using diverse engagement strategies, with collaborative learning (28%) and multimedia resources (26%) being the most effective. Key challenges included learner engagement, managing diverse backgrounds, and resource constraints. The study found that self-perceived competencies increased with teaching experience, highlighting the need for experience-based professional development. Based on these findings, recommendations include implementing tiered professional development systems, enhancing technology integration, developing learner diversity and engagement strategies, creating ALS-specific resources, fostering collaborative learning environments, and revising policies to better support ALS teachers. Future studies should explore learner perspectives and conduct comparative analyses across regions to identify best practices.

Biogas Digester for Power Generation using Rabbit Manure as Feedstock: Design, Fabrication, and Evaluation

Aldrin James M. Adriano — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Assessing rabbit manure’s potential as a biofuel source for small-scale internal combustion engines was the primary objective of this study. The research utilized rabbit manure as feedstock, which was inoculated with carabao manure. A total of 60 kilograms of rabbit manure was subjected to treatment using a 1:1 water-to-manure ratio with a retention time of 25 days. Additionally, a microbial inoculant comprising 10% carabao manure was incorporated into the digestion process. The design consists of a split-type biogas digester with gasholder storage and a three-stage gas cleaning system, an internal combustion engine connected to a DC generator, and a simple lighting circuit. Findings indicated that the pH level recorded at 7.75 resulted in alkalinity which helped the biogas production by preventing the slurry from acidity. The total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded at 3137 ppm, and it increased to 6980 ppm. For the performance evaluation in fueling the engine using biogas, the engine operated for 80 seconds and generates an average power of 31.66 watts.

Assessment of the Intervention Design and Benefits of Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA) on Corn Farmers in Ilagan City, Isabela, Philippines

Aries V. Tayao, Imelda SA. Navarro — Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Sustainable farming systems have been acknowledged as an approach that balances the production of food and preservation of the environment. It involves practices that protect natural ecosystems such as soil conservation and water management, while also supporting the long-term economic viability for the farmers. To promote sustainable agriculture, various soil conservation technologies were introduced to corn farmers in Ilagan City, Isabela, Philippines through Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA). This study aimed to assess the intervention design and benefits of SLRMA to the 49 farmer-beneficiaries using the collected data on contour farming systems, crop diversification, training, and challenges encountered. A quantitative research design was utilized, incorporating descriptive and comparative approaches to examine and interpret the collected data. The analysis was focused on changes in production and profit before and after the implementation of SLRMA, using paired t-tests to compare these variables. Results revealed that SLRMA has had a positive and significant effect on farming practices and livelihoods, particularly for those with 2 to 5 years of participation. These beneficiaries experienced increased income, improved farming practices, and enhanced land productivity, including reduced soil erosion, restored cultivation areas, and higher crop yields. Beneficiaries with 5 years of involvement saw significant increases in ROI (from 16.54% to 147.81%), net income (from PhP5,504.45 to PhP45,724.45), and overall income (from PhP42,979.35 to PhP94,095.64). Similarly, 4-year, 3-year, and 2-year participants experienced notable improvements in ROI, net income, and overall income, with significant statistical results. On the other hand, only minimal changes with no significant impact on ROI and net income in the production were observed with 1-year participants. The study found that prolonged participation in the program was associated with higher income, but further analysis using more robust statistical methods is needed to determine the actual drivers of income changes. Based on the findings, recommendations include provision of additional support on manpower or financial assistance on the first year to ensure crop survival; evaluation of the suitability of the research design and methodologies employed for future researches; and formulation and implementation of strategic adaptation and upscaling plan for the SLRMA.

GIS-based Mapping of Crop Suitability Rating for the Re-Delineated Soil Types in Barangay Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Rodelio Jr. T. Alejo, Fernan T. Fiegalan — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Crop suitability assessment is essential for land use planning, sustainable farming, and resource management prior to production. This research focused on the identification and re-delineation of soil types in the agricultural lands of Barangay Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and aimed to determine the suitability rating of the top five agricultural crops produced in the Philippines. With the use of the Handbook for Soil Series Identification in Nueva Ecija and the hydrometer method for soil texture determination of the surface soil (0–20 cm), six soil types were identified in Brgy. Bantug: Maligaya Clay, Maligaya Clay Loam, Maligaya Loam, Maligaya Silty Clay Loam, Maligaya Silty Clay and Bantog Clay Loam. The soil type map generated was used as land mapping units in crop suitability assessments of wetland rice, upland rice, corn, onion, mango, and sugarcane. In Maligaya Clay Loam and Bantog Clay Loam, all crops are potentially highly suitable. The permanent limitations from other land mapping units are basically related to the rooting condition, specifically the soil surface texture. The latest taxonomic classification based on secondary data indicates that the Maligaya Series is fine, smectitic, isohyperthermic, Typic Epiaquert, while the Bantog Series is very fine, mixed, isohyperthermic, Typic Endoaquert. The processes and maps used and produced from this research can benefit the local government unit in land use planning, the farmers in selecting crops to be produced, and future researchers in the identification and re-delineation of soil type maps for crop suitability assessment.

Growth Performance of Rabbits with Varying Dietary Levels of Job’s Tear or Adlai Seeds (Coix lacryma-jobi L.)

Jinky Bell V. Ambos, Joanna Marie S. Bradecina, Honeylet J. Nicolas — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study evaluated the potential of Job’s tears or adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) seeds as an alternative feed ingredient for rabbit production. Using a 2x3 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), 54 male rabbits aged eight weeks from two breeds (Californian and New Zealand) were fed commercial feeds every morning in a 30-day feeding trial with varying amounts of adlai seeds (0%, 10%, and 20%), and fixed amount of 150 g napier grass in the afternoon. The nutritional analysis of the different feed formulation showed that the levels of moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, nitrogen-free extract, calcium, and phosphorus were either within or closely aligned with the recommended nutritional standards for growing rabbits. Growth performance was assessed through final body weight at 12 weeks old, average weight gain (AWG), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in all the performance parameters across treatments, indicating that adlai seed inclusion did not adversely affect rabbit performance. These findings suggest that adlai seeds can be a sustainable component of rabbit diets. Its potential to enhance growth of rabbits may be explored in future studies by varying the percentage of adlai seeds in the feed formulation for various breeds and growth stages.

Growth and Carcass Traits of Chicken Supplemented with Preparations of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) at Varying Inclusion Frequencies

Rictor Fortaleza, Honeylet J. Nicolas, Joanna Marie S. Bradecina — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The study was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass traits of Cobb^® Broiler broilers supplemented with different preparations of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) at varying inclusion frequencies. The study used the 3x2 factorial in Completely Randomized Design, with the type of butterfly pea preparation as factor A (A1 – Control Group, A2 – butterfly pea flower (BPF) as fermented juice, and A3 – BPF decoction, both supplemented in drinking water (10%), whereas factor B was the frequency of supplementation (B1 – every day, B2 – every other day). Day-old Cobb broiler chicks with similar average weight of 50–60 grams were randomly distributed to six groups, which had three replicates each, and seven birds per replicate, for a total of 126 birds. The body weight, average weight gain, and feed conversion ratio revealed there was no interaction effect for the two factors, but there were highly significant differences among the control and BPF preparations, and between the two frequencies of supplementation. Butterfly pea flower-treated groups had better results than the control, with BPF-fermented juice (A2) having the best results, followed by BPF-decoction (A3). Between the frequencies, it was everyday supplementation (B1) that showed better performance values. No significant differences were observed on carcass traits including dressed weight, carcass percentage, and relative organ weights (liver, spleen, gizzard, and heart).

Workplace Challenges Based on Sexual Orientation Among LGBTQIA+ in the Restaurants of Calamba City

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Challenges in the workplace can take many different forms, but it generally involves unfair treatment based on characteristics such as gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This study is an attempt to gain a thorough understanding of the discrimination experienced by employees at quick-service restaurants, guided by the Gender Spectrum Theory which refers to the idea that gender is a spectrum not limited to male or female, and that gender is externally communicated through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice and other forms of presentation. This study, which utilized a convergent mixed-method design, aimed to determine the top workplace challenges faced by employees in quick-service restaurants, explain discrimination based on those stated challenges, identify emerging themes, and, lastly, propose an action plan based on the results and findings. Respondents of the study included five (5) currently employed crew members from a quick-service restaurant in Calamba City. Findings revealed that lack of empowerment and career dissatisfaction were the top workplace challenges that the participants encountered. When asked to define gender discrimination, they indicated that it involves the right to express one's gender or the kind of person one is. The most prevalent difficulties they encountered had to do with their physical appearance. The themes that emerged are divided into the major themes of gender discrimination, gender equality, workplace discrimination, workplace challenges, and workplace policies. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating and implementing legal legislations like the Magna Carta for Women and the Safe Spaces Act to ensure equal opportunities for people of diverse SOGIESC.

Impact Assessment of the Coffee Rejuvenation and Rehabilitation Project to Coffee Farmers

Kenneth John S. Teodoro, Aileen G. Pineda, April A. Juan, Riniell C. Sevilla — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0800

This study assessed the impact of the coffee rejuvenation and rehabilitation project on coffee growers in Brgy. Talbak, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. The study employed a descriptive research design to assess the impact of the project on 36 coffee farmers in the study area. The result characterized the socio-demographic and farm profiles, the usefulness of the intervention provided, the benefits of the project, and the problems encountered by coffee farmers. The majority of coffee farmers surveyed were male, married, and members of the farmers' group. Though many of them were elementary and high school undergraduates, they had already received training in coffee production and processing. The majority were owners of the farm and planted the Robusta variety of coffee. The findings showed that from 2018, coffee rejuvenation and rehabilitation have led to a decrease in production from an average of 257.25 kg to 142.28 kg and income from an average of ₱28,297.50 to ₱17,073.33. Timing is crucial for successful rejuvenation; ideally, it should begin during the rainy season or when soil moisture is sufficient to promote optimal plant recovery and minimize stress. Also, some external factors were observed to contribute to the decrease in coffee production. One of these was the insufficient technical training provided to coffee growers, as each farmer attended only an average of five to six trainings covering coffee production to marketing. Furthermore, the improper and insufficient application of fertilizer was also identified as a reason for the lower coffee yields. Lastly, given the observed decrease in production and income, ongoing and targeted assistance from local and regional agricultural offices and extension workers is crucial to effectively guide farmers through the revitalization process and ensure the long-term success and sustainability of coffee yield in the municipality.