Northwest Samar State University

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shifting the status quo of mathematics education and technology integration in the classroom, yet discipline-specific evidence on teachers’ AI-informed technology knowledge remains limited in the Philippine context. This study examined professional correlates of Artificial Intelligence–informed Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (AI-TPACK) among public secondary mathematics teachers in the DepEd Schools Division of Northern Samar, Philippines (SY 2025–2026). Using a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational survey, 215 teachers were proportionally randomly sampled from 457 eligible teachers. A structured questionnaire gathered professional profile data and measured AI-TPACK using a mathematics-specific 16-item scale across AI-Technological Knowledge (AI-TK), AI-Technological Content Knowledge (AI-TCK), AI-Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (AI-TPK), and AI-Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (AI-TPCK). Results indicated that teachers’ AI-TPACK levels were generally Knowledgeable (M = 3.68, SD = 0.88). Educational attainment and teaching position were not significant correlates. Years of teaching experience showed small but significant negative correlations with overall AI-TPACK (r = −0.238, p < .001). In contrast, relevant AI/ICT training exposure was positively correlated with overall AI-TPACK (rₛ = 0.304, p < .001). Access to AI technology emerged as the strongest correlate, showing moderate positive associations with overall AI-TPACK (rₛ = 0.523, p < .001). The findings suggest that strengthening AI-TPACK in resource-constrained divisions requires sustained, needs-based training and more equitable access to AI tools.

Anxiety in learning mathematics and science remains one of the most common emotional barriers that hinder student performance, confidence, and participation. While many studies have explored traditional interventions for improving academic outcomes, fewer have examined how experiential learning specifically addresses anxiety and motivates learners to engage meaningfully in these subjects. This study investigated how experiential learning strategies reduce learner anxiety and enhance motivation in mathematics and science-oriented courses, as observed by instructors from basic and higher education institutions in Calbayog City, Samar and Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Using a qualitative research design, data were gathered through online semi-structured interviews with twenty-five (25) instructors who had at least two years of teaching experience and practice in implementing experiential learning approaches. Thematic analysis identified recurring strategies that foster a positive and participatory classroom environment. The findings revealed that experiential learning activities such as collaborative problem-solving, hands-on experimentation, reflective debriefing, and real-world applications help normalize mistakes, reduce fear of failure, and cultivate confidence. As anxiety decreases, students exhibit higher motivation, improved persistence, and greater interest in problem-solving tasks. The study concludes that experiential learning provides an effective framework for enhancing both the emotional and cognitive dimensions of mathematics and science education. KEYWORDS: Experimental, Anxiety, Inducing, Mathematics, Science

Background: The study explored the potential of banana core as an alternative filler for traditional pork-based siomai. Siomai, a popular steamed dumpling in Asian cuisine, traditionally contains ground pork and other meats, but growing health and environmental awareness has encouraged the search for sustainable and nutritious alternatives (Liu et al., 2020). The banana pseudostem’s inner core is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6 (Munishamanna et al., 2020), and previous studies revealed its high nutritional composition, including 50% carbohydrates and 13% protein (Dayod et al., 2016). However, its use in meat-based food products remains limited, presenting a research gap that this study aimed to address. Methods: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, using five treatments with varying proportions of pork and banana core: T0 (100% pork), T1 (75% pork, 25% banana core), T2 (50% pork, 50% banana core), T3 (25% pork, 75% banana core), and T4 (100% banana core). A total of 78 respondents, including Home Economics students and faculty from Northwest Samar State University – San Jorge Campus, participated in a sensory evaluation using a 9-point Hedonic Scale to assess taste, texture, aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability. Results: The revealed that Treatment T3 (25% pork and 75% banana core) achieved the highest ratings across most sensory attributes, indicating an optimal blend that retained the desirable characteristics of traditional siomai while incorporating plant-based ingredients. Conclusion: The study concludes that banana core is a viable and sustainable substitute for pork filler in siomai, capable of maintaining favorable sensory qualities and enhancing product innovation.

Higher education institutions produce graduates who are competitive in the dynamic labor market. This study aimed to determine the employability of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management of the College of Management of Northwest Samar State University in batches 2022 and 2023. Specifically, this study sought to determine the employability of graduates in terms of sex, frequency of employment, percentage of employment, location of employment of the graduates, and whether they are employed or not. A descriptive research design was employed in the conduct of the study. The researchers gathered the data with the use of questionnaires and interviews. The researchers used total quota sampling as their sampling technique. A total of 28 graduates from batch 2022 and 58 from batch 2023 were the respondents of the study. Results revealed that, for batch 2022, the majority of the employed graduates are working within Calbayog City and few are working in other areas. The majority of employed graduates are females from batch 2022. The findings also revealed that among the graduates of batch 2023, only one male was employed and working outside Calbayog City. The researchers recommend conducting periodic tracing of graduate employability, enhancing curriculum to help graduates become more competitive in the labor market, indulging faculty members in industry immersion programs, considering other variables in future graduate tracer studies, and making use of this research as the basis for future conclusive research.

One of the best things a teacher can do to help students achieve a quality learning process is to create and validate learning resources or instructional materials, such as a workbook. With this, a descriptive-developmental research design was utilized in development and validation of most essential learning competency-based workbook in General Physics 1 for Senior High School. The development of the MELC-based workbook in General Physics 1 was based on the 85 most essential learning competencies for the whole semester using the six components namely topics, specific objectives, key concepts, directions, activities and reflection. The developed workbook was fielded to the three groups of respondents such as group of experts, teachers handling General Physics 1 and grade 12 STEM students. The study disclosed that these groups of respondents evaluated the workbook to be both content and face valid as evidenced in their assessment labeled as “agree” in the indicators. Moreover, the results showed that the MELC-based workbook has met the standard and can be used as a learning material in teaching General Physics 1 for Senior High School. As such, it was recommended by the researchers that the said workbook be used as learning material in teaching General Physics 1 for Senior High School. Further study on the effectiveness of the said workbook must be warranted with consideration to some factors.

Beach forests play a vital role in disaster mitigation and climate change mitigation. These forests protect coastal communities against natural calamities. It has been observed that areas with less or absence of beach forests and mangrove systems were highly devastated compared to those with. However, these ecosystems were neglected due to lesser studies and baseline information about the species diversity and community structure and its role in the overall ecology of the area. The study assessed the species diversity and community structure of beach forests in San Fernando, San Jose, Antique, Philippines. The study used the transect line plots method in an area that was purposively selected. The general floristic composition was based on an ocular survey of the selected site. Characterization of community structure was done using accepted parameters. Results showed a total of sixteen (16) beach forest species that belong to twelve (12) families. Tabernaemontana pandacaqui and Jatropha gossypifolia were found to be the most frequently occurring species. The plant diversity of the area is low (mean H’ = 0.968) which is attributed to anthropogenic disturbances. The species with the highest Importance Value was Capparis micracantha (IV =61.02). Overall, beach forest in San Fernando, San Jose has a high species evenness (J’ = 0.929) which proves that conservation and preservation efforts must be increased. It is recommended that local government units must develop plans to promote awareness and strengthen values for conservation and protection of the beach forests among its people. Keywords: Beach Forest, Forest Conservation, Biodiversity, Importance Value.

Sport promotes good health in students, as athletes are fitter and healthier than others, and these students are typically more active, self-assured, and enthusiastic. The study assessed the level of adequacy of sports facilities, equipment, and sports performance of the public high schools in Tinambacan District, Schools Division of Calbayog City. Descriptive-correlation research method was employed using the survey questionnaire. This study used a total enumeration as a sampling procedure since all MAPEH teachers and school heads served as the respondents. Results revealed that there is still a lack of MAPEH teachers among schools, budget allocation for sports was too meager, sports clubs were established, and sports development programs. Nevertheless, most of their athletes have participated in regional and national sports competitions. More so, the sports facilities and equipment were deemed “adequate.” Despite the unavailability of state-of-the-art sports equipment and facilities, the performance of athletes in public high schools was generally viewed as good. The study also disclosed that the number of MAPEH teachers, budget, and sports training and development programs was considered predictors of sports participation, but not sports organizations. The number of MAPEH teachers, expected budget, presence of sports groups, and current sports training and development were also predictive of athlete success, but not the degree of involvement. Athletes' performance and sports facilities and equipment quality are directly correlated. As a result, the researcher suggests that the sports development program be enhanced and that greater emphasis be placed on the holistic development of the learners.

The productivity of degraded soils greatly depends on a good understanding of their characteristics. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics of degraded soils in Sta. Rita, Samar, Philippines. Four representative soil profiles located in different physiographic positions were examined, characterized and sampled. The examination was conducted using a pit measuring approximately 1-m wide and 1-m depth. Soil samples were collected from each horizon, processed and subjected to field and laboratory analyses. Results showed that the soils were derived from sedimentary rocks (i.e., shale). Well-developed soils were found on the summit and foot slope position (horizon sequence: Ap-Bt-BC-C), while moderately developed soils were obtained in the middle slope position (horizon sequence: Ah-Bt-C). Soils had a clayey texture with moderate bulk density, porosity and water holding capacity. They were friable to firm when moist, but plastic and sticky when wet. The soils were highly acidic (soil pH close to 5.0). They had a moderate amount of organic matter, low total nitrogen (N) and low available phosphorus (P); all of which had decreased amounts with soil depth. Exchangeable bases (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) were high in most soil profiles. Thus, N and P fertilization and organic matter addition are highly recommended to increase the productivity of these degraded soils. Moreover, the soils were classified as Typic Hapludalfs or Haplic Luvisols because of their development degree. They were mature with the presence of an argillic horizon (B horizon with high clay accumulation) and high base saturation.

Adaptation to climate change is seen as the immediate response of people anywhere in the world. However, there is still a problem in its implementation as no solution fits all problems. Coastal communities’ vulnerable situation is not exempted from climate change impacts, but the fact that it has numerous ecosystems provide basic life support. Thus, this paper is guided by the following objectives 1) determine ecosystems and socioeconomic sectors reliant and dependent on strategies and policies of coastal communities; and 2) examine the current adaptation strategies and activities. Focus group discussions among key officials and document analysis were carried on. After a rigorous examination, it was discovered that coastal communities are reliant on fishery and water resources ecosystem services. In this regard, adaptation options are geared toward the protection of these services to continually provide to local communities. Alternative livelihoods are also seen as a long-term response to climate change adaptation apart from policy and ordinances to protect and conserve the ecosystems. Keywords: Climate Change Adaptation, Ecosystem Services, Adaptation Strategies, Climate Environmental Protection Laws And Policies, Coastal Communities.

Teachers play a very important role in helping individuals build a better future. A better education is also important for a better society. This study examines the experiences of night high school teachers in Calbayog City Night High School located in Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines. This study was conducted by using a phenomenological approach. Ten participants were identified and invited to join the interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the gathered data. The gathered data were then transcribed and read repeatedly to identify common patterns in the responses of the participants. Codes were then used to develop themes aimed to explore and provide qualitative understanding of the experiences of night high school teachers in Calbayog City. The researchers were able to develop themes such as Expectations & Challenges and Coping Mechanisms and Rewards. Conclusions were made based on the results of thematic analysis and actual statements of night high school teachers.