University of Pangasinan

In the context of higher education, student participation plays a vital role in promoting active learning, critical thinking, and the development of future educators. A supportive classroom environment and strong teacher emotional support are essential factors that encourage students to engage meaningfully in classroom activities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between classroom environment, teacher-emotional support, and student participation among Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) students. Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, the study sought to determine these variables and explored their predictive influence on student participation. Data were collected from 142 first-year BSED students through adapted survey questionnaires and were analyzed using mean scores, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, and regression analysis. Results indicated that both classroom environment and teacher-emotional support were rated highly and showed a significant positive relationship with student participation, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. These findings highlight the importance of creating conducive physical learning environments and fostering emotionally supportive teaching practices to enhance active student engagement. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for improving classroom practices and strengthening teacher preparation programs to promote a participatory and inclusive learning environment.

The increasing demand for sustainable agriculture requires innovative strategies to enhance nitrogen use efficiency while minimizing environmental losses associated with conventional fertilizers. This study aimed to develop and compare ammonium chloride- and ammonium nitrate-modified nanobiochar as controlled-release nitrogen carriers and to elucidate their effects on nitrogen retention, soil properties, and physiological nitrogen utilization in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Nitrogen-modified nanobiochar was synthesized using ammonium chloride (NB-AC) and ammonium nitrate (NB-AN) at three nitrogen rates (0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g N g−1 NB) and applied to soil at 1% (w/w). Soil properties, nutrient dynamics, and plant growth and physiological traits were analyzed after 15 and 30 days. Nitrogen modification significantly improved soil nitrogen retention and nutrient availability compared with unmodified nanobiochar. The highest nitrogen loading treatments (NB-AC3 and NB-AN3) notably improved spinach growth, photosynthetic efficiency, pigment content, nitrogen metabolism enzymatic activities, and accumulation of key metabolites (soluble sugars, flavonoids). Nitrogen-release assessments indicated a pronounced controlled-release with reduced nitrogen leaching and greater retention, particularly under NB-AN3. Overall, this study demonstrates that nitrogen-modified nanobiochar functions as an effective nitrogen carrier that enhances nitrogen utilization and growth. These findings provide mechanistic insights into its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

This study aimed to develop a discriminant model to classify the performance of students in Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW) at Pangasinan State University – Asingan Campus based on demographic and support factors. Using a quantitative descriptive-predictive design, data were collected from 154 students enrolled in MMW during the 2024-2025 academic year. Cluster analysis categorized students into high (61%) and low (39%) achievers based on their final grades. While students reported uniformly high levels of individual, motivational, and social support, these factors did not significantly differentiate performance groups. Discriminant analysis revealed that a student’s specific academic program was the most critical predictor. Compared to the baseline course (BSBA MM 1), being an "Education student" was the strongest positive predictor of high achievement, and enrollment in "BIT AT 1" also showed a marginal positive influence. In contrast, demographic variables (age, sex, senior high school strand, parental education) and the measured support factors demonstrated negligible discriminatory power. The resulting model provides a tool for early identification of students at potential academic risk and underscores that program-specific factors outweigh broad demographic and perceived support in predicting mathematics performance. Recommendations include tailoring mathematics instruction to the contexts of non-Education programs and conducting qualitative research to explore the underlying reasons for the pronounced advantage held by Education students.

This research explores the constructional waste management practices in Pangasinan, aiming to develop a policy brief that addresses key issues in construction-related waste management. The study focuses on profiling the municipalities of Pangasinan’s current construction waste management system, including the adequacy of human resources involved in constructional waste management system, and existing policies, activities, and programs influencing waste management as perceived by selected Civil Engineers in the province of Pangasinan. It also examines how constructional waste management practices are monitored and identifies the types of waste typically generated in construction projects by the local and provincial government, such as concrete debris, scraped asphalt, excavated materials, packaging waste, and fuel waste like oils. Moreover, the research assesses the level of awareness among local government personnel regarding waste management protocols and evaluates the seriousness of challenges faced in implementing effective constructional waste management strategies. The study is limited to constructional wastes and specific materials commonly encountered in road and building projects. Based on the findings, a thorough recommendation will be proposed to improve waste management practices, promote sustainable construction, and enhance policy formulation for the different local government units, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, of Pangasinan

Succession in small healthcare enterprises, particularly midwife-led birthing clinics in the Philippines, presents unique challenges influenced by family aspirations, regulatory requirements, and mission-driven values. The purpose of this novel type of study is to discover the succession plans of two birthing home owners in the province of La Union using purposive sampling. The study employed a qualitative design guided by the Gioia methodology to capture participants’ lived experiences and surface data-driven concepts. Data were gathered through unstructured interviews. Following Gioia’s three-step analytic process, transcripts were open-coded into first-order concepts, aggregated into second-order themes, and distilled into aggregate dimensions that represent the emergent theory. Analysis produced 17 first-order concepts clustered into 17 second-order themes in the first participant, while the second participant had 23 first-order concepts clustered into 23 second-order themes. These themes converged into 12 aggregate dimensions: Succession Aspirations, Successor Selection Challenges, Preparation for Continuity, Values & Principles for Succession, Fears and Risks in Succession, Transitioning Ownership Role, Foundational Beliefs for Survival, Succession Context, Successor Readiness, Core Qualities for Succession, Sustaining the Legacy and Ownership and Structural Considerations which depict the structural importance of a strong succession plan. The findings reveal that while founders initially aspire for family succession to preserve legacy and socioemotional wealth, the lack of qualified heirs or the departure of family members often necessitates identifying non-family staff as potential successors. Succession success is contingent on a combination of technical competence, regulatory compliance, and values stewardship, including compassion, patient-centered care, and trustworthiness. Founders employ strategies such as staged role transitions, mentoring, comprehensive knowledge transfer, and operational guidance to ensure continuity of operations. Despite fears of business closure, sabotage, and client resistance to new leadership, founders demonstrate resilience by fostering loyalty, emphasizing ethical practices, and creating pseudo-familial relationships with trusted staff. The study proposes a mission-driven succession model, highlighting a shift from family-centered continuity to professionalized, ethically grounded leadership in small healthcare enterprises. Practical implications include guidance for founders on early succession planning, training, and mentoring of successors, as well as recommendations for policymakers to support certification, capacity-building, and regulatory frameworks that facilitate continuity of care. This research contributes to succession literature by integrating socioemotional, institutional, and stewardship perspectives in a context-specific model for healthcare micro-enterprises.

The study used the CVC 3-Letter Words and Phonics application to enhance reading skills among kindergarten learners. Using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, the study was conducted at Nalsian Elementary School in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines. Specifically, it involved 21 kindergarten learners enrolled at this school during the 2023-2024 school year. The research examined 21 kindergarten students in the Philippines. A questionnaire was used to gather data on learners' profiles, while a researcher-made reading test assessed reading levels before and after exposure to interactive applications. The study revealed that interactive applications had a statistically significant positive impact on learners' reading skills, as evidenced by a Wilcoxon signed-rank test (Z = -4.019, p < 0.001). Before the intervention, 81% of learners were assessed as "full refresher," while after, 81% were "grade ready." The gain in reading levels was not significantly associated with learners' demographic and home environment variables, suggesting that interactive applications can benefit all learners regardless of factors such as gender, availability of reading materials at home, parents' educational attainment, internet connection status, and electronic gadgets used in the household. The gain in reading levels was not significantly associated with learners' profile variables, suggesting that interactive applications can benefit all learners regardless of background. Mean scores increased from 8.81 (SD=4.96) before intervention to 18.57 (SD=2.68) after intervention. Interactive applications offer engaging, multimodal experiences. The study's limitations include a small sample size and the use of an intact class from a single school. Future research should explicitly state in the abstract the inclusion of control groups and larger sample sizes to validate the effectiveness of interactive applications in developing reading skills among young learners. The results can inform the design and implementation of reading interventions that leverage these applications to support kindergarteners' success.

In the context of rapid technological advancements and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the impact of technostress on the job satisfaction and performance of 100 faculty members from a private higher education institution in Bacolod City. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The study examined five dimensions of technostress: Techno-Overload, Techno-Complexity, Techno-Insecurity, Techno-Invasion, and Techno-Uncertainty. Results showed that despite experiencing high levels of technostress, faculty members reported very high job satisfaction and perceived improved performance due to integrating technology into their teaching practices. Analysis revealed no significant differences in technostress levels, job satisfaction, or performance based on sex, teaching experience, or department, highlighting a shared experience across all demographics. The study emphasizes the resilience of faculty in adapting to rapid technological changes, showcasing their ability to maintain high levels of job satisfaction and performance amidst the challenges of digital transformation. However, it recommends targeted institutional strategies, such as regular training, enhanced technological support, and stress management programs, to mitigate the effects of technostress and sustain high levels of satisfaction and performance. These findings underline the importance of proactive measures to support educators in a digitally intensive educational landscape, ensuring their well-being and long-term professional development