Volume 1 Series 2024

Developing strong writing proficiency empowers young minds to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. The main goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ProAct Feedback (Proofreading Activity + Written Corrective Feedback) on grade 5 learners’ attitudes towards writing in Filipino and writing mechanics proficiency. The study employed a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative part was a one-shot case study, followed by the qualitative part, which focused on the analysis of the pupils’ responses and writing outputs. The participants in this study were the 20 purposively sampled grade 5 pupils in one section at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao. Quantitative results show that the ProAct Feedback was effective in improving the respondents’ attitudinal levels towards writing and their writing mechanics proficiency levels in Filipino. The progression from "moderate" to "excellent" progress over the four days indicates the intervention’s effectiveness in helping the participants reach high levels of competency by the end of the treatment phase. For the qualitative results along the thematic analysis, the themes of increased confidence, improved writing, and a positive attitude towards writing emerged after the intervention. Pupils’ writing outputs suggest that the learners have improved writing mechanics proficiency as to punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and paragraphing. From the study’s findings, it can be inferred that the use of an innovative, engaging, self-corrective, and informative technique such as ProAct Feedback enhances writing attitudes and writing mechanics proficiency. Hence, this research provides guidance for new policies intended to improve elementary learners’ writing proficiency.

The global prevalence of disabilities has surged in recent years, affecting approximately 1.3 billion individuals worldwide. Despite advancements in assistive technology, there persists a notable gap in solutions catering to the unique needs of populations such as the visually impaired, deaf, and mute. This study endeavors to bridge this disparity by designing and developing an inclusive wearable assistive device. Grounded in empathy theory, our research adopts a design thinking approach to create a multifunctional device tailored to address the communication, information access, and safety requirements of individuals with disabilities, particularly targeting the deaf, mute, and blind communities. The resulting device integrates obstacle detection, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text functionalities, offering real-time environmental awareness and communication support. Through rigorous testing and evaluation with our target users, our device demonstrates its efficacy in enhancing independence, communication, and safety. Despite encountering challenges such as reliance on pre-programmed codes for certain components and power supply limitations, the study underscores the potential of our device to empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity in society. Future recommendations focus on refining navigation capabilities, optimizing design, exploring alternative modules, and prioritizing continuous improvement and user engagement, as highlighted by insights gathered from user interviews conducted during the evaluation process. The “Disabillitrix” wearable assistive device represents a significant stride towards addressing the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive society.

The widespread adoption of electronic wallets (e-wallets) has reshaped how individuals, particularly students, manage their finances, raising concerns about impulsivity and financial responsibility. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of e-wallet usage on the spending habits of Senior High School students at St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur. Using a descriptive-correlational research design and purposive sampling, data was gathered through a questionnaire checklist, analyzing both sociodemographic profiles and spending habits. In the socio-demographic profile of the respondents, men constituted 61.90% of the sample, with women comprising 38.10%. Also, most respondents cashed in allowances ranging from P101-199.00 on e-wallets. In the effects of e-wallets on their spending habits, students showed a high level of budgeting skills, regular monitoring, decision-making, avoidance of impulsive buying, utilization of discounts and rewards, self-control and discipline, and financial education whenever utilizing e-wallets. Lastly, the respondents’ gender and the amount of allowance stored in their e-wallets do not influence how they spend through e-wallets. To conclude, students showed disciplined financial management whenever utilizing electronic wallets. Recommendations include further investigation into variables such as parental involvement and socioeconomic status, comparison studies between different e-wallet applications, age groups, and urban-rural disparities in spending habits among students. This research contributes to understanding the evolving dynamics of financial management among the youth in the digital era.

As humanity delves more into digitalization, concerns arise about the effects of pervasive online gaming, particularly Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Most existing related studies utilize quantitative designs and lack in-depth and comprehensive exploration of how online gaming impacts students’ academic performance. This study explored the experiences of senior high school students from St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur regarding the effects of MMORPGs on their academic performance using Phenomenology. The participants were determined through purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria: senior high school student, with a general average of 75-84, and played MMORPGs for more than a year. Three themes emerged based on the analysis of data: Escape, Efficiency, and Excursion, indicating varying aspects of MMORPG experiences. The participants viewed MMORPGs as a form of escape in the sense that they spend leisure time and have fun, and have a means to forget problems. Meanwhile, the participants got to enhance their efficiency as MMORPGs are an avenue for them to extend and seek help from others, and manage their time. However, MMORPGs are an excursion to them as they choose games over academics and chores, submit rushed and late requirements, and disrupts their body clock. Interventions from Academic, Homeroom, Student Affairs, and Guidance Units are recommended to direct student gamers to prioritize responsibilities, manage time strictly, and maintain reasonable gaming hours

Tuguegarao City, the bustling trade center of Cagayan Valley, continuously benefits from the vast development and abundant resources. However, hindrances in economic growth and justice persist, primarily due to corruption because of lack of transparency and social injustices. Social injustices, insufficiency in policy implementation, and economic corruption significantly reduce overall societal welfare, posing challenges to the city's progress. With this it was assumed that the collaboration of NEDA and DOJ is lacking and substandard in implementing its policies due to the fact that the previous administration was not able to be limpid in its governance in Tuguegarao city. This study is aimed to determine whether there is a collaboration between the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Tuguegarao City, with an emphasis on their combined efforts in policy implementation which foster economic and justice development. The study employed a qualitative research design, specifically descriptive approach. Employees from NEDA and DOJ were chosen as informants in the administered oral interviews and paper surveys. The data was recorded through video or voice recording with an adapted interview guide and was analyzed through Thematic Analysis. The findings of this study generated four major themes namely (1) Collaboration as an external process of Government Agencies, (2) Functions of Agencies in a Collaborative Process, (3) Perceived Conflict in Contrasting Inter-Agency Process and Functions and (4) Essence of Collaborative in Good Governance. Based on the findings of this study, researchers concluded that DOJ and NEDA collaborate but merely for development, infrastructural building, and salary upgrade rather than implementing policies that directly addresses economic and justice issues in the region. In this regard, the researchers suggest to explore more agencies that collaborates directly to implement policies together.

Traditional canteen management is complex and involves manual cash transactions and pen-and-paper record-keeping. This leads to issues like long waiting times, inefficient inventory control, and deficient real-time tracking. These problems make it difficult to serve food efficiently and adapt to changing operational requirements. The study investigates the efficiency of ELKEA technology, an advanced automated system that enables self-service, cashless transactions, and seamless integration with modern technologies, with the goal of transforming traditional canteen management. This research employs a true experimental design to evaluate the efficiency of ELKEA technology in a university canteen, specifically focusing on its impact on product scanning and payment efficiency. The study aims to determine if ELKEA can significantly reduce waiting times, streamline inventory management, and improve overall customer satisfaction. Data gathering involves simulating transactions, testing omnidirectional scanners, and evaluating real-time tracking via a website. A statistical test, specifically an individual t-test, was used to test the significant differences in efficiency between the ELKEA technology and the traditional canteen. The results show that there is a significant difference between the level of efficiency of ELKEA technology and traditional canteen management. Hence, the implications of this study are broad, benefiting students by offering faster and more convenient transactions, reducing canteen staff workload, providing real-time transaction tracking, and reducing accounting errors.

While Millenials and Generation Z can proficiently navigate the digital landscape with ease, Generation X, with some technological catching up to do, may engage in social media product promotions and online shopping differently. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of social media product promotion on the online shopping buying behavior of Generation X in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. The research employed the descriptive-correlational method, with 67 Generation X respondents from Barangay Caronoan and Refaro, selected through purposive sampling, and surveyed using a survey questionnaire. Ethical considerations were taken into account and the gathered data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, mean, and simple correlational analysis. The study found that unemployed women born on 1977-1980 use Facebook daily, occasionally purchase personal care products online, and are typically engaged in live selling. Furthermore, they more likely trust peer recommendation and positive feedback on social media than engaging in social media product promotions when considering an online product. Their online shopping buying behavior is high which means that they have their own standard and considerations when making their online purchase. Additionally, the respondents’ birth year, employment status, reliance on peer recommendation, level of engagement on product promotions, and the influence of positive feedback from users seen on social media are significantly related to their online shopping buying behavior. The study, therefore, concluded that unemployed individuals born between 1977 and 1980 tend to rely on peer recommendations, positive feedback, and product promotions seen on social media when shopping online.

Background: Financial literacy is a crucial life skill impacting an individual's well-being and stability. Lack of financial knowledge, particularly among teenagers, can lead to poor financial management and stress. Objectives: This study aims to focus on the extent of parental influence on the financial literacy of Grade 12 students, addressing the effectiveness of parental socialization, modeling, teaching, and monitoring. Methods: A descriptive quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a simple random sampling technique. The study involved 269 Grade 12 students from Saint Louis University Basic Education Senior High School. A Likert scale questionnaire with 32 questions was used to collect data on parent-child financial bonding, parental modeling, financial teaching, and monitoring. Profiling surveys were used to identify interested participants. Simple random sampling was employed to select participants, ensuring transparency and voluntary participation. Descriptive analysis and statistics were used to interpret survey responses. Weighted means were calculated and analyzed based on a 4-point scale. Results were presented in tables, and conclusions were drawn from the gathered data. Results: The study found encouraging patterns in students' financial behavior and parent-child financial dynamics. Participants agreed that parents positively influenced financial aspects, including saving, investing, economic talks, and appropriate behavior. Responsible financial conduct, which includes budgeting, saving, and distinguishing necessities from wants indicated a relationship between positive financial habits and supportive parental guidance. Conclusion: The study highlights the positive impact of parental influence on Grade 12 students' financial literacy, emphasizing responsible economic behavior and strong parent-child financial relationships. Future research should include participants from different grade levels, schools, and parental perspectives to enhance the generalizability of findings. Including parents in studies and focusing on qualitative and quantitative analyses are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of parental influence on financial literacy.

Yellow fever mosquitoes (A. aegypti) are the primary vectors of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika virus. The larvae and pupae of A. aegypti are entirely aquatic, are short and stout, and have a breathing tube containing tufts. A. aegypti lays eggs in any container and can withstand long periods of dryness (“The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica,” 2023). The rising cases of mosquito-borne diseases urge the development of new and sustainable pest control systems to help curb mosquito populations, with an emphasis on avoiding larvae growth in prominent mosquito breeding sites. This study aims to create an alternative pest control system by determining the effect of the visible light spectra on the phototactic behavior of A. aegypti, targeting the species’ larvae to ensure that adults do not arise. Phototaxis assays tested the following colors for their ability to effectively attract and make A. aegypti larvae linger: red, green, blue, orange, yellow, cyan, indigo, and purple. The experiment revealed that purple (7.95 > 4.96; 8.71 > 4.96) was the color that showed the most efficacy in attracting and producing a lingering effect on the larvae. Placed in an aquatic light trap, purple light effectively lured and trapped the mosquito larvae. Therefore, the study showed that the visible light spectra is a viable way of attracting and trapping, through the use of an aquatic light trap, A.aegypti mosquito larvae. However, modifications to increase the effectiveness of the light trap is still needed.

Academic resilience is one of the necessary skills to combat the school workloads, and teachers are viewed as a vital source of support. The study determined the level of teachers’ emotional support and students’ academic resilience and explored its relationship from the 287 senior high school students through the adapted questionnaires from the studies of Romano et al. (2020) and Cassidy (2016) known as the Teacher’s Emotional Support Scale (TESS) and Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30), respectively. Findings revealed that teachers mostly provide emotional support to students (3.23), while students are likely (2.98) to deal effectively with their academic adversity. Furthermore, there is a moderate positive relationship (r=0.47) between teachers’ emotional support and students’ academic resilience. Researchers recommend future studies to explore parents' emotional support to their children and in wider population and wider cultural background.