With the increasing trend of online food delivery (OFD), it is vital to understand its nutritional implications for consumers, considering the rising malnutrition rates in the Philippines. Hence, this study analyzed the association between OFD usage and the nutritional status of sophomore students at UPLB using proportionate stratified sampling and an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and tests of independence were used to assess association at p≤0.05. The study revealed that most respondents used OFD platforms 1 to 3 times monthly (44.41%), with an average expenditure of

Improper solid waste management is a common concern for developing municipalities in the Philippines like Irosin, Sorsogon. However, addressing this problem requires informed decisions that cannot be made without current information on the generation of solid waste. Recognizing this information gap, the researchers conducted a waste analysis and characterization study to determine the per capita waste generation rate and the composition of waste generated by the population. The study found that the population’s per capita waste generation rate is 0.331 kgs/day, consisting of 62.52% biodegradable, 23.51% residuals, 9.56% recyclable and 4.41% special waste. The researcher also found that a significant portion of the total waste collected per day (72.09%) could be diverted. Population projections also indicate that the daily waste generation per capita could increase by 139.95 kg/day by 2033. Based on these findings, the study recommends how the local government can handle concerns about solid waste management. The results indicate that the local government should focus on waste separation at the source and waste diversion to alleviate the municipality’s waste problems. Decentralized composting and private-public partnerships were among the recommendations made.

The Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI), implemented by Bicol University (BU) since 1987, has emerged as a significant response to the complex issue of malnutrition in the region. Initially introduced by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), BIDANI has demonstrated its ability to address the challenges of poverty, food security, social deprivation, and underdevelopment. BU established the BIDANI Regional Network in Region V, forging collaborations with state universities and colleges, local government units, and government agencies. BIDANI has extended to numerous barangays, municipalities, and provinces through these partnerships. This paper describes the experiences and challenges of BU in institutionalizing BIDANI through documentary analysis and key informant interviews. It explains how BIDANI has transitioned from a mere program to a comprehensive approach and strategy for community development, yielding tangible benefits in the localities it serves. With BIDANI’s impact beyond the immediate sphere of nutrition improvement, it is recommended that BIDANI be institutionalized as a flagship program among higher education institutions, calling for the support and recognition of policymakers, local chief executives, and other stakeholders who acknowledge the program’s importance and its potential to drive sustainable community development.

Consuming whole grains (WG) is essential in lowering the burden of non-communicable diseases; however, reports indicate poor intake. The study aimed to assess the influence of body mass index (BMI) and selected socio-demographic characteristics on the WG eating patterns of the teaching staff of a state university in Laguna. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 63 teaching staff aged 24 – 59. A food frequency questionnaire and BMI were used to evaluate the intake of whole grains and nutritional status, respectively. Over one-third (38.7%) of respondents were overweight, and their consumption of whole grains like brown rice, corn, wheat, barley, wild rice, quinoa, sorghum, and oats was reported as 1x a week to never. Boiled corn (63.49%), processed wheat, and oats were the primary types of whole grain consumed at least once a week during snack time and breakfast, with an approximate serving size of one cup/serving. No other determinants were associated, except for gender and oat intake. The study population considered whole grains to be nutritious, promote good health, and contain good carbohydrates and fiber sources suitable for persons with diabetes and heart disease. This information was mainly sourced from printed materials like books and journal articles (36.51%), supplemented by reports from both mass and social media (28.57%). The study observed a nearly nonexistent intake of whole grains. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen efforts to promote its intake to improve the quality of diets and address the increasing prevalence of overnutrition and noncommunicable diseases in the country. Additionally, the study suggests exploring the factors that hinder its consumption.

This paper examines the stakeholder-based insights on the most significant changes in local capacities and nutrition governance in the Province of Laguna resulting from the community-based Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) implementation. Using the Most Significant Change technique, it monitored these social changes that have not yet been captured in the last two decades in the municipalities of Calauan, Nagcarlan, and Rizal. These changes were gathered through workshops with 113 barangay participants, followed by 22 key informant interviews from municipal governments. Results revealed that the major changes perceived by barangay participants include the improvement of technical capacities that enabled establishment and management of Barangay Management Information System, improvement of knowledge and skills in participatory planning process, and prioritization of nutrition improvement in local development. These are aligned with the resource-based changes identified by municipal informants. Combining these perceptions, the MSCs brought by BIDANI in the municipalities include the establishment of barangay databases that are accessible for various uses, development of Barangay Integrated Development Plans (BIDPs) that increased linkages and budget, and improved community practices with better understanding of nutrition. This change-based information can inform BIDANI and the partner municipalities in revitalizing its strategies, particularly in its Participatory Nutrition Enhancement Approach by improving its key components like community mobilization, life-cycle nutrition support, and collaboration across multiple sectors.

The Taal Volcanic Eruption in January 2020 posed significant social and economic challenges to the coastal municipality of Lemery, Batangas. This disaster emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies, particularly in coastal communities vulnerable to volcanic eruptions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive baseline for improving future volcanic disaster management by applying a systems thinking approach and integrating disaster readiness into land use planning and zoning to address interconnected risks and minimize vulnerabilities. The study used primary data from key informant interviews, supplemented by secondary data from government reports and academic literature. Using a phenomenological design, thematic analysis was used to generate themes on readiness, response, and recovery mechanisms of coastal communities and the factors affecting them. The findings identified the critical gaps in the municipality’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms. Significant findings were (1) total lack of preparedness, (2) individualized response efforts shaped by socioeconomic conditions, and (3) recovery processes that faced barriers from the COVID-19 pandemic, ineffective coordination, and poor resource mobilization. These challenges emphasize the need for a multi-sectoral and cross-boundary approach to disaster risk reduction. Developing an inclusive and context-sensitive disaster management framework can enhance the resilience of coastal communities, thus ensuring better outcomes for future volcanic hazards.