Laguna State Polytechnic University

Abstract Severe heavy metal contamination in soils poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly in mining-affected regions of the Philippines. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of Guadua angustifolia ( iron bamboo) for nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in soils exceeding 1,000 mg·kg⁻¹. Propagules were cultivated in spiked soils under controlled conditions for 365 days, with soil and plant tissues analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Paired-samples t-tests revealed significant reductions in soil metal concentrations, with Ni showing the highest removal (47.8%), followed by Cu (22.9%) and Pb (18.0%). Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) analyses indicated that G. angustifolia functions as a phytoextractor for Ni (BCF = 5.45, TF = 1.05), a moderate phytostabilizer for Cu (BCF = 1.01, TF = 0.64), and a weak stabilizer or excluder for Pb (BCF = 0.38, TF = 0.54). Growth performance, assessed through dry biomass, was not significantly affected by metal contamination (t(10) = 0.339, p = 0.742), demonstrating high physiological tolerance. These results highlight G. angustifolia as a functionally versatile species capable of simultaneous Ni phytoextraction and Cu/Pb stabilization, supporting its potential role in ecological restoration and soil rehabilitation initiatives. The study provides empirical evidence for incorporating this native bamboo into sustainable, low-cost phytoremediation strategies for multi-metal contaminated sites in tropical regions.

The study investigates assessment and monitoring strategies for Sampalok Lake in San Pablo City to promote sustainable practices. Qualitative research involving key informants reveals knowledge disparities and fragmented monitoring systems, as well as emerging threats such as microplastic contamination. Community initiatives like clean-up campaigns and youth involvement show potential in addressing these challenges. The research highlights the need for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach incorporating scientific advancements, indigenous knowledge, and policy coordination. The study discusses various suggested measures to safeguard the ecological health of lakes in the Philippines. Among these are setting up a collaborative lake monitoring group, promoting community-based scientific ventures, launching a university-driven extension program, utilizing real-time monitoring technology, and strengthening public outreach campaigns. These approaches underscore the significance of employing diverse and adaptable methods to guarantee the protection of lakes across the nation.

Compassion is essential in nursing practice, particularly in high demand settings such as hemodialysis units, where prolonged patient interaction may predispose nurses to compassion fatigue. This study aimed to determine the levels of compassion and compassion fatigue and examine their relationship with selected demographic variables among hemodialysis nurses in the Third District of Laguna. A descriptive correlational design was employed involving 65 hemodialysis nurses. Data were collected using adopted and standardized questionnaires, including a 16-item compassion scale and a 30-item compassion fatigue scale. The instruments were validated by four experts using an authorized validation tool and pilot-tested prior to data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution, median, Spearman’s rho, and chi-square tests. Results showed that a majority of respondents reported low (68%) or moderate (32%) levels of burnout. In terms of secondary traumatic stress, 40% of the nurses experienced low levels, while 60% reported moderate levels, indicating a notable presence of compassion fatigue among the respondents. Compassion satisfaction was significantly associated with selected demographic factors, including age, years of service, and marital status, with older, more experienced nurses reporting higher levels of satisfaction. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between demographic variables and overall compassion levels. These findings suggest that compassion fatigue among hemodialysis nurses is influenced more by work-related demands and professional exposure than by demographic characteristics alone. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that promote nurses’ well-being, support emotional resilience, and help sustain compassion to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality patient care.

This study explores the relationship between digital literacy levels and the use of GenAI chatbots as learning support tools among senior high school students. The main objective was to determine whether senior high school students' digital literacy levels correlate with their usage of GenAI chatbots for academic purposes. A cross-sectional correlational quantitative design was employed, utilizing a four-part survey questionnaire to gather data from a total of 367 senior high school students. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho correlation analysis were utilized to analyze the data. The results revealed a very weak positive relationship between digital literacy and ChatGPT usage (<tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\text{rs} = 0.090, p=0.086$</tex>), indicating that the correlation is not statistically significant. However, while most senior high school students exhibited average to high digital literacy levels, there is still a small percentage of students who demonstrated low or very low levels. Educators and policymakers should consider integrating GenAI literacy into digital education programs, ensuring that students not only know how to use these tools but also understand their limitations and ethical implications. Schools should also provide targeted support for students with lower digital literacy to bridge existing gaps and promote equitable access to digital learning resources.

In 21st century context, there are lots of online resources teachers may use as references and tool in teaching science. These different digital knowledge resources from software to application is very helpful and reliable sources of information for effective teaching of science. This study sought to determine the digital knowledge resources utilized by Science Teachers in different central high schools in Baybay Laguna. Descriptive research design was used in this study and purposive sampling techniques. The respondents of this were the forty-five DepEd science teachers from 7 different central high schools in Baybay Laguna. The study revealed that most of the digital knowledge utilized by DepEd Science Teachers is YouTube. The overall level of acceptability of the science teachers is at the moderate level. Furthermore, the result shows significant relationship in age and position/title of science teachers and digital knowledge resources they utilized. However, there is no significant relationship in terms of gender and grade level handled by the science teachers. There is no significant relationship between respondent’s profile and level of acceptability of the digital knowledge resources the results regardless of age, gender, position/title, and grade level handled. This research indicates that a common digital knowledge resource utilized by science teachers is YouTube. This type of digital tool is effective in teaching science since it has a wide variety of tutorials and science discoveries videos that can be used as teaching resources. Teachers regardless of their age must incorporate the use of digital knowledge resources as an effective support tool for learning science.

Breast cancer represents a significant burden of disease for women across the globe. Screening has been demonstrated to decrease breast cancer‐related mortality. However, many nations do not have population breast cancer screening programs, which are key to early detection and can decrease mortality rates. In 2024, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) established the Committee on Breast Health to raise awareness about breast disease, advocate for improved prevention and treatment, and promote best practices. This manuscript aims to review national policies in screening and early detection across 7 of the countries represented in the FIGO Committee on Breast Health: Chile, Germany, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Senegal, and the United States. Policies for population screening for breast cancer are reviewed and compared across countries, as well as efforts in risk stratification. A framework for addressing population screening for breast cancer is also proposed that acknowledges resource and infrastructure limitations across nations. These efforts represent a critical step in addressing breast cancer‐related mortality worldwide.

This study examined how transformational teaching practices and the adoption of flexible learning strategies influence students’ university experiences. Adopting qualitative approach and employing thematic analysis, 10 participants who had encountered flexible learning during and after the pandemic were involved in the research. The study incorporated a series of unstructured interview questions. These questions formed the interview protocol, which included the research inquiries. The findings revealed various key themes about transformational teaching practices, the implementation of flexible learning, and their impact on students’ university experiences. These themes encompassed students’ perceptions of teaching and learning, the significance of transformative education, their experiences with flexible learning, and strategies to improve university experiences. Based on the study findings and conclusions, it is recommended to create an effective approach by cultivating a collaborative environment infused with technology. Research has shown that such environments can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. The pandemic has underscored the importance of social interaction and teamwork for learners at all developmental stages, making it essential for education in a post-COVID world. Future researchers may explore the impact of philosophical beliefs on the integration of transformative teaching methods and adaptable learning approaches in the academic journey of university students through a concurrent investigation.

This research is about the development of DepEd-TESDA Competency-Based Learning Materials in Computer Systems Servicing. It is designed to enhance the academic performance of Grade 12 ICT students. The developed learning materials have their purpose, and it is for the students to be job-ready because their content is aligned with the industry standards, increases the employability rate, and provides the students with the knowledge and skills aligned with the competency standards. The developed learning materials were validated by the expert and passed the reliability test. After utilizing the learning material, students are ready to face the outside world. The participants of this research are the thirty-six (36) Grade-12 ICT students from Gov. Felicisimo T. San Luis National Agro-Industrial Integrated High School, 24 male and 12 female. Thirty-six Grade 12 learners in ICT-CSS participated in this study, who were selected through purposive or judgment sampling. This study used the following research instruments: (1) the developed DepEd-TESDA CBLM in CSS, (2) the validating tool of the DepEd-TESDA CBLM, and (3) the assessment tool (pretest and post-test). Weighted Mean, Standard Deviation, paired t-test, and Cohen's d were used as statistical tools to quantify the data. A consent letter was sent to the students, and approval from the principal was obtained before the utilization. This research is based on a quasi-experimental research design, specifically the one-group pretest-posttest design. This design only requires fewer participants. The results show that the academic performance has improved after using the DepEd-TESDA Competency-Based Learning Material, and it has a significant positive difference. As a conclusion, the research identified a positive outcome, and the researcher suggests that the utilization of the developed learning material will also serve as a teaching material for other teachers because it covers topics about Computer Systems Servicing that can help the students elevate their performance and be globally competitive, and pass the National Assessment of TESDA.

This study examines the stressors in the student's environment, well-being, and academic performance as a basis for a mental health program. Stress at school can lower your quality of life and harm your relationships, general well-being, and level of enjoyment at home. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the stress level of 250 first-year Psychology college students from 4 different campuses to their well-being and academic performance. The findings indicate that the impact of academic pressure stressors on the respondents only felt less regarding social media usage. Peer pressure has little of an effect on the respondents. The respondents' knowledge of physical stressors was extensively assessed regarding the physical factor. The responders have few or no issues with the financial factor.