University of the Philippines Cebu

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant shift in educational delivery systems worldwide, transitioning from traditional face-to-face classes to online learning modalities due to community quarantine measures. This study conducts a cost-benefit analysis comparing face-to-face and online teaching-learning modalities among teachers and students at selected higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cebu City during the academic year 2020-2021. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a researcher-designed survey tool, the research involved 1,413 students and 65 teachers, with data gathered via Google Forms and analyzed using statistical techniques such as frequency counts, means, Chi-square, and ANOVA. Findings revealed that most student respondents were aged 20-21, female, and first-year students in BSBA programs, while teachers were predominantly females, aged 45-49, married, with over ten years of teaching experience. Expenditures during face-to-face and online classes showed comparable spending patterns, with mean expenses of Php 8,929.00 and Php 7,068.60, respectively. The net benefit favored face-to-face classes by Php 1,861.00. Both teachers and students acknowledged tangible and intangible costs and benefits associated with each modality. Significant relationships were observed between respondents’ demographics, perceptions of costs, and benefits. The study concludes that while measurable costs and benefits exist for both modalities, implicit factors—such as engagement and learning quality—are vital in determining the most cost-efficient approach to maximize tertiary education outcomes.

This research investigated the expenditure habits of faculty at Eastern Samar State University, Salcedo Campus. A descriptive study design was employed to gather data from 80 faculty members via a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean and one-way ANOVA. The findings indicated that faculty members mostly allocate their money to essential needs, especially food, whereas expenditures on leisure activities are limited. No substantial differences were identified in expenditures on basic necessities when categorized by demographic characteristics. But there were big differences in how much people spent on leisure activities based on their level of education and how much they spent on other things based on their age, years of employment, and gender. Inflation was recognized as the most prevalent financial obstacle. The data indicate that faculty members prioritize fundamental necessities over optional expenditures, and that external economic factors markedly affect their spending patterns. The report suggests that faculty members should take financial literacy classes to improve their ability to handle money and make budgets.

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Philippines has a prevalence of < 1% and is much less common than Hepatitis B, which has a nationwide prevalence of 10-17%. HCV genotyping is only done sporadically, usually during outbreak investigations, and there is limited surveillance data in literature. Most local HCV infection has been reported among people who inject drugs (PWID), with a co-infection rate of up to 70% among those PWID with HIV. Our central laboratory at the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) is one of a few facilities nationwide that routinely performs HCV genotyping. We report our experience since we started HCV genotyping in 2017 until 2025 to better understand the evolving local molecular epidemiology of HCV.Figure 1.Phylogenetic analysis of HCV genotypes from UP-NIH from 2017 to 2025. Methods De-identified HCV-positive clinical plasma samples collected from 2017-2025 and banked at the UP-NIH Central Laboratory were included in the study. This study was exempted from ethical review by the University of the Philippines Manila - Research Ethics Board since no identifying data was collected. The core region (360 bp) was amplified using nested PCR and amplicons underwent capillary sequencing. Sequence quality control and multiple sequence alignment of all sample consensus sequences with representative sequences of major HCV genotypes from the GenBank database were performed using MEGA 7.0. The maximum likelihood tree was constructed with GTR+F+I+G4 model and 1000 bootstrap replicates using IQ-TREE. Results A total of 82 samples were analyzed during the study period. Table 1 shows the overall genotype distribution and breakdown across different years. Figure 1 shows the phylogenetic analysis among representative genotypes.Table 1.HCV genotype distribution from 2017 to 2025 at the UP-NIH Central Laboratory.YearHCV GenotypeTotal per year1a1b2a2b3a4a620178102011132018144441002720191200101115202020000002202150000005202231000004202390000009202430000003202540000004Total (%)60647122N=82 Conclusion Genotype 1a remains the most prevalent HCV genotype in the Philippines, with no other HCV genotypes other than 1b reported since 2020. This may reflect the increasing uptake of curative treatment globally with the resultant loss in diversity. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

This study examined the level of implementation, strategies, and challenges of collaborative governance during disaster response in Cebu Province. A total of 42 respondents from various disaster response agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction offices, and health emergency services, participated in the survey. The results showed that collaborative governance mechanisms were generally well-practiced, with strong inter-agency coordination, regular joint planning, effective resource sharing, and clear evacuation procedures. Early warning systems, pre-positioned supplies, and shelter management were identified as major strengths that contributed to rapid and organized disaster response. However, several challenges persisted. The most significant barriers reported were insufficient resources and logistics, followed by data management issues and communication gaps. Limited coordination among agencies, low stakeholder participation, and capacity and training issues were also noted but ranked as less critical. These challenges suggest the need for enhanced funding, clearer information-sharing protocols, and more inclusive engagement of community members and partners. Despite these obstacles, the study found that the majority of disaster response practices reflected a high level of preparedness and cooperation. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and training initiatives could further improve performance and build trust among stakeholders. Overall, the findings emphasize that while Cebu Province has established effective systems for managing disasters, addressing resource constraints, and improving collaboration can significantly enhance resilience and community safety. These insights can inform policy development, capacity building, and future disaster management planning in similar settings.

In an era where the negative impacts of mass tourism are increasingly evident, the quest for more sustainable and equitable tourism models has gained significant momentum. This paper posits that Community-Based Tourism (CBT) serves as a critical vehicle for achieving inclusive growth within the tourism sector and the wider local economy. Inclusive growth, defined as economic expansion that is broad-based across sectors and inclusive of the majority of a country's labor force, coupled with equality of opportunity, aligns intrinsically with the core principles of CBT. This conceptual article explores the synergies between CBT and the pillars of inclusive growth: broad-based economic participation, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It develops a multi-dimensional framework illustrating how CBT, through mechanisms such as local ownership, participatory decision-making, and benefit-sharing, can generate tangible economic benefits (income, employment), social benefits (empowerment, cultural preservation, enhanced well-being), and environmental benefits (conservation, sustainable resource use). The paper also critically examines the significant challenges that can hinder this potential, including power imbalances, limited capacity, and market access barriers. Through illustrative case studies from Cambodia, Costa Rica, and Bhutan, the paper demonstrates the practical application and outcomes of CBT initiatives. The study concludes that for CBT to fully realize its role as a catalyst for inclusive growth, it requires a supportive ecosystem involving proactive government policies, private sector partnership, and continuous capacity building. By reframing CBT not merely as an alternative niche but as a foundational strategy for inclusive development, this paper contributes to the evolving discourse on innovative and responsible tourism futures.

The study explored the lived experiences of security officers in commercial establishments in Metro Cebu. The study delved into the positive and negative experiences, challenges encountered, and aspiration of the informants. The study used the phenomenological research design with the used of an interview guide and voice recorder. The twelve (12) informants were all agency security officers of commercial establishments in Metro Cebu. Open-ended questions and follow-up questions were used to extract in-depth narratives. The interview process comprises the individual interview and the focused group discussion (FGD). After data gathering, the participants' recorded responses were transcribed and translated using Colaizzi's methodological approach. Eleven (11) emergent themes were developed as follows: on the positive experiences of the informants, two (2) themes are derived as follows: Experiences and Good Leadership Training Transforms Lives; and Well-Rounded Security Officer has Their Strategic Thinking for Planning And Proper Security Operation Execution. On the negative experiences, four (4) themes are derived as follows: Behavioral Conflict and Decentralized Organizational Communication Affects the Operation’s Performance; Multi Responsibilities and No Security and Safety Manual is a Dilemma in Retail and Mall Security; No Security Contract, Recruitment Standard, and Lack of Workforce are Security Agency Lapses; and Abide the RA 5487 Law and Human Rights When Making an Arrest. On the challenges encountered, three (3) theres are created as follows: Flexible Security Principles is Vulnerable in Retail and Mall Operation; Poor Decision-Making of Security Issues and Lack of Training is Cost Ineffectiveness; and Observance of Human Rights: Code of Honors and Ethics. On the informants’ aspiration, two (2) themes are created as follows: Security Profession is Noble: Be Proud; and Transform to a Better Life: Fly Like an Eagle.

Pediatric diffuse midline gliomas in the brainstem (bDMGs) are malignant primary brain neoplasms with poor prognosis. Conventional dogma cites that biopsy procedures have risks of devastating injury to the eloquent brainstem and have no direct benefit to affected patients. In recent years, the use of augmented reality (AR) adjuncts has demonstrated potential in providing excellent intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) visualization of intracranial structures. Put together, we hypothesize that the application of AR will be useful as a training tool for brainstem biopsy procedures. Anatomical models of bDMG tumors are created and uploaded to an AR application. The processed data is transferred into designated AR head-mounted devices. Briefly, individual 3D-rendered bDMG images are overlaid with an age-matched, life-sized child mannequin in prone position. A virtual stereotactic brain biopsy needle is deployed by the user into the lesion. At the end of the exercise, each user evaluates their trajectory of choice to assess its accuracy. Overall, the participants reported that the AR platform was useful in reviewing technical nuances for brainstem biopsy in a safe environment. This focused, proof-of-concept study adds to the growing body of literature that AR platforms demonstrate feasibility for neurosurgeons in the understanding of challenging operative neuroanatomy.