Romblon State University

Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) play a critical role in equipping Filipino secondary learners with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. However, in geographically isolated and resource constrained divisions such as Catanduanes, variations in instructional capacity and material support continue to affect program implementation. Despite strong national policy support for skills-based education, uneven delivery at the school level highlights the need for localized, teacher centered evaluations. This study examined teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the TLE program, and the challenges encountered in its implementation in the Division of Catanduanes, with emphasis on how these vary across teacher specialization, teaching experience, and training exposure. Using a descriptive comparative research design, data were collected from 139 senior high school TLE teachers selected through stratified random sampling. A researcher developed questionnaire with high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.986) measured program effectiveness in terms of curriculum relevance, teaching strategies, and resource availability, as well as implementation challenges across the same domains. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA were employed for data analysis. Results revealed that the TLE program was generally perceived as highly effective, particularly in curriculum alignment and instructional strategies, while resource availability emerged as the most serious implementation challenge. Significant differences in perceived effectiveness and challenges were found across specialization, teaching experience, and number of trainings attended, underscoring the influence of professional competence and development on program outcomes. Based on the findings, a targeted teacher capability building program was proposed to strengthen instructional quality and address persistent resource constraints. The study provides empirical evidence to inform localized policy interventions and professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of skills-oriented education in provincial contexts.

ABSTRACTBackground: Spider venoms are rich natural sources of bioactive chemicals ranging fromlow-molecular-mass compounds to larger molecules such as low molecular masspeptides, proteins, and enzymes. Some compounds have been reported toexhibit neuroactivity and show potential as therapeutic agents againstneurological disorders. Thus, this study analyzed the neurobehavioraleffects of selected venom fractions from Philippine tarantula speciescompared to FDA-approved drugs targeting neuroreceptors, ion channels, andenzymes.Methods: The venom was collected from the tarantula by electrostimulation andfractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC). Nine of the eleven fractions were subjected to neurobehavioralanalysis using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as the animal model.The fractions were administered intraperitoneally, and their neurobehavioraleffects were examined using the novel tank test, fear response, socialinteraction, and mirror biting tests. Donepezil, lidocaine, and diazepamwere used as positive controls, and normal saline solution (NSS) as thenegative control of the study. The swimming patterns and trajectories of thezebrafish were monitored using idTracker and were graphed using GraphPadPrism v.9.0. Components of the most polar fraction were further analyzed byUltra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Quadrupole Time of Flight DataDependent Analysis to identify the components structurally.Results: Preliminary screening of all the fractions revealed that Fraction 1 with 0.1µg/µL exhibited donepezil-like behavior based on similar rapid-swimmingmovement from 0 to 31 time intervals, Fraction 4 with 0.1 µg/µLconcentration exhibited diazepam-like behavior due to non-significantdifferences in its time spent on top of the tank ranging from20 to 40minutes, and Fraction 8 with 0.1 µg/µL concentration exhibitedlidocaine-like behavior based on both rapid swimming movement and time spenton top of the tank. Fractions 1, 4, and 8 were further evaluated bydetermining their dose-dependent response, which follows the effect of theircorresponding positive control. Analysis of Fraction 1 resulted in theannotation of several non-peptidic components 4-OH-PhLac434 and its isomerusing VenoMS and isopimaric acid, palmitamide, 9-octadecenamide, and13-docosenamide as putative compounds present in this spider venom usingGNPS.Conclusion: Overall, the fractions of venom from the Orphnaecustarantula species appear to induce distinct neurobehavioral effects, whichmay include hyperactivity, anxiolytic-like responses, and potentialantinociceptive properties.

Facial features are critical visual indicators for understanding what a person is experiencing, providing valuable insights into their emotions and physical states. However, accurately detecting these features under diverse conditions remains a significant challenge, especially in computationally constrained environments. This paper presents a facial feature extraction method designed to identify regions of interest for detecting facial cues, with a focus on improving the accuracy of eye and mouth detection. Addressing the limitations of standard Haar cascade classifiers, particularly in challenging scenarios such as droopy eyes, red eyes, and droopy mouths, this method introduces a correction algorithm rooted in normal human facial anatomy, emphasizing symmetry and consistent feature placement. By integrating this correction algorithm with a feature-based refinement process, the proposed approach enhances detection accuracy from 67.22% to 96.11%. Through this method, the accurate detection of facial features like the eyes and mouth is significantly improved, offering a lightweight and efficient solution for real-time applications while maintaining computational efficiency.

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Model-Lead-test (M-L-T) approach on the academic performance and attitude towards Physical Education of Grade 9 students at Jacinto D. Malimas Sr. National High School, Odiongan, Gingoog City for the school year 2023-2024. The study used a quasi-experimental research design. The experimental group (n=36) was exposed to the Model-Lead-Test approach, while the control group (n=36) under the lecture method. The research instruments used were the Pre and Post summative test, Performance tasks Rubrics and the Students’ Attitude Towards Physical Education (PE) questionnaire. Frequency counts and percentage, weighted mean, Mann-Whitney U Test and Paired t-test were utilized in analyzing the data. The findings showed that the learners exposed to the M-L-T approach performed better (m=5.52) than those under the non-MLT (mean=3.33). It was also shown that more students (77.7%) achieved very good performance tasks under M-L-T approach than those under the non MLT (8.3%). In addition, there were more students who achieved excellent performance (f=14, 38.89%) under M-L-T than those under the non-M-L-T approach (f=6; 16.67%). Such results led to a significant difference (t=12.67, p=.000) in the academic performance of the participants. The program design based on the M-L-T approach utilized models and demonstrations as learning tools, providing students with clear, visual guidance, facilitating better understanding, and skill acquisition.

Teachers and parents closely monitor students' progress in mathematics, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping their perspectives and unlocking diverse career opportunities. Despite extensive research aimed at enhancing mathematical achievement, certain factors remain crucial, notably mathematics anxiety and self-efficacy. This study investigates the interplay among these constructs, particularly focusing on the role of mathematics anxiety in mediating the relationship between math self-efficacy and overall mathematical performance among senior high school students. Involving 471 participants, this research employed a survey-based approach utilizing an adapted questionnaire. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between math self-efficacy and academic achievement. Regression analysis further elucidated that mathematics anxiety serves as a partial mediator in this relationship. Notably, the findings suggest that reducing levels of math anxiety strengthens the positive influence of math self-efficacy on students' mathematical performance. These insights offer valuable implications for educational interventions aimed at fostering a supportive environment conducive to mathematical learning and achievement

Flooding poses a persistent threat to the reliability and safety of power distribution infrastructure in the Philippines. This study applies a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach to assess the environmental vulnerability of 2,952 electric poles within flood hazard zones in Odiongan, Romblon. Using spatial overlay analysis of historical flood data and topographic parameters, poles were categorized into six risk classes: no risk, very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Results show that 44.85% of the poles are located within flood-prone zones, with 22.28% classified as very high risk and 6.95% as high risk, primarily concentrated in low-lying coastal barangays such as Tulay, Ligaya, and Tabing Dagat. In contrast, 55.15% are situated in upland zones with minimal exposure. The findings indicate that topographic variation and settlement expansion significantly affect the environmental resilience of the energy distribution system. The study recommends prioritizing pole reinforcement, elevation redesign, and the use of flood-resilient materials in high-risk areas. This research contributes a replicable GIS-based framework for integrating environmental risk assessment into energy infrastructure planning and disaster resilience managements.

This study examines the digital competence of public elementary school teachers in the Romblon District, Philippines, with a focus on generational differences, support for capacity building, and attitudes toward technology use in education. Addressing the growing need for teacher readiness in digital classrooms, the study used a descriptive-correlational research design with 296 participants. Teachers were grouped as digital natives (born after 1980) and digital immigrants (born before 1980). Findings showed that digital natives demonstrated higher levels of digital competence compared to digital immigrants. Teachers who reported greater access to training, technology resources, and peer collaboration also had stronger digital skills. Additionally, a positive attitude toward ICT integration was linked to higher competence. These results suggest that institutional support and teacher mindset play essential roles in developing digital proficiency. The study recommends targeted training programs based on generational needs, equal access to digital resources, and stronger peer learning communities. These strategies can help bridge gaps in digital competence and enhance the overall integration of technology in teaching. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to improve teacher preparedness for digital education in both local and global contexts.

One of the major challenges facing the tilapia farming industry is the production of sufficient amount of quality seeds during warm months. Extreme temperatures brought about by global warming affects the reproduction of fish. Hence, this study evaluated aquashade technology as a possible solution to the problem on low seed production during warm months. The effectiveness of black greenhouse nets with different shading capacities of (i.e. 40% and 80%), as top cover of breeding ponds was investigated on the reproductive performance of female Nile tilapia breeder. Results of the study showed that shading of ponds reduced the average water temperature by 1 - 2 °C at 0700 h and 3-6 °C at 1100 h to 1500 h. The lower water temperature on shaded pond improved the gonadal development and maturation on female breeders, thus promoting better gonadosomatic index value and pattern. No significant differences were recorded on the spawning rate and seed production per female among the shaded treatments, with 40% shading capacity treatment having the numerically higher value. The application of aquashade can eliminate the deleterious effect of extreme water temperature on the reproduction of breeders and is therefore effective in improving the reproductive performance of female Nile tilapia during warm months.

This study synthesized bare silver nanoparticles on paper and evaluated its response to copper (Cu(II)) ions to assess its potential as colorimetric sensing platform. The nanoparticles were synthesized in-situ on paper using silver nitrate and sodium borohydride as precursor and reducing agent, respectively. No stabilizer or functionalizing agent was added. A two-factor three-level full factorial design with varying concentration of reagents was employed in the synthesis process. The resulting sensor was successfully characterized using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with elemental dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The sensor was exposed to varying Cu(II) concentrations ranging from 1 to 30 mM and the developed color changes were analyzed using a computer imaging software. The changes in color were quantified using mean gray values from the imaging software. Based on the results, as the concentration of Cu(II) ions increased, the final mean gray value of the paper increased as well. The papers were observed to marginally lighten in color potentially due to the decrease in silver atoms or its interaction with copper. The relationship between Cu(II) concentration and the ratio of final and initial mean gray value was determined and although a weak linear relation existed from 1 to 30 mM, a positive slope supported the increase in mean gray value within the range tested. The changes in the elemental composition of the sensor due to exposure to Cu(II) ions were studied. Finally, the response of the sensor towards other metal ions was compared to that of Cu(II) in a selectivity study.