Lockdown measures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have notably shifted food purchasing behavior towards online food delivery services (OFDS). This study examined consumer satisfaction with OFDS and their relationship to food choice and frequency of use among 18-24-year-old University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) students. Through a survey of 80 students who used OFDS during the pandemic, our results revealed that while price significantly influences food choice, the quality of online service (E-service quality or ESQ) results in customer satisfaction. Notably, our analysis showed a strong, positive relationship between food choice factors (i.e., mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, and price) and consumer satisfaction factors (i.e., time-saving orientation (TSO), hedonic motivation (HM), price-saving orientation (PSO), convenience motivation (CM), food quality (FQ), and ESQ), which, in turn, correlated with increased usage frequency. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach in online food service offerings to enhance well-being by addressing the key factors influencing consumers’ food choices and satisfaction. Our study suggests that improving factors such as hedonic motivation could encourage frequent use of OFDS, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to cater to young adult preferences in the changing dynamics of food delivery services.

Lockdown measures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have notably shifted food purchasing behavior towards online food delivery services (OFDS). This study examined consumer satisfaction with OFDS and their relationship to food choice and frequency of use among 18-24-year-old University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) students. Through a survey of 80 students who used OFDS during the pandemic, our results revealed that while price significantly influences food choice, the quality of online service (E-service quality or ESQ) results in customer satisfaction. Notably, our analysis showed a strong, positive relationship between food choice factors (i.e., mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, and price) and consumer satisfaction factors (i.e., time-saving orientation (TSO), hedonic motivation (HM), price-saving orientation (PSO), convenience motivation (CM), food quality (FQ), and ESQ), which, in turn, correlated with increased usage frequency. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach in online food service offerings to enhance well-being by addressing the key factors influencing consumers’ food choices and satisfaction. Our study suggests that improving factors such as hedonic motivation could encourage frequent use of OFDS, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to cater to young adult preferences in the changing dynamics of food delivery services.

The definition of the new normal stretches towards the notions of pandemic-ready and climate-resilient communities. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification of climate-related hazards have challenged the disaster management and preparedness of those in developing countries. Baybay, among other cities in the Philippines, had endured the devastation of typhoons and landslides in the middle of the pandemic. While the city grappled with its responses to address the dual threats of the new normal, its implementation of the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) strategy in 2010 through the Visayas State University (VSU) equipped the local government unit (LGU) with sectoral data and database management for evidence-based decision-making, digital information systems, and nutrition-related interventions in the barangay level. Using the narratives of the LGU and VSU-BIDANI teams, this paper intends to present a comprehensive overview of the significance of BIDANI in addressing LGU governance challenges, especially in planning and development for disaster responses. This paper suggests strengthening the partnership between LGUs and academia to foster good local governance.

The definition of the new normal stretches towards the notions of pandemic-ready and climate-resilient communities. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification of climate-related hazards have challenged the disaster management and preparedness of those in developing countries. Baybay, among other cities in the Philippines, had endured the devastation of typhoons and landslides in the middle of the pandemic. While the city grappled with its responses to address the dual threats of the new normal, its implementation of the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) strategy in 2010 through the Visayas State University (VSU) equipped the local government unit (LGU) with sectoral data and database management for evidence-based decision-making, digital information systems, and nutrition-related interventions in the barangay level. Using the narratives of the LGU and VSU-BIDANI teams, this paper intends to present a comprehensive overview of the significance of BIDANI in addressing LGU governance challenges, especially in planning and development for disaster responses. This paper suggests strengthening the partnership between LGUs and academia to foster good local governance.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are strategies that utilize nature to address various environmental and societal challenges while simultaneously benefiting human-ecological systems. They are cost-effective and scalable approaches that have the potential to address climate change, support biodiversity, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite these benefits, several factors challenge their widespread implementation, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to determine the essential elements needed to implement the NbS initiatives successfully in rural communities. Taking the case of Victoria, Laguna, this research conducted Key Informant Interviews with local stakeholders and policymakers and applied thematic and multicriteria analyses to evaluate their readiness, factors to be considered, and strategies for the successful implementation of NbS initiatives in the municipality. Results revealed that the locals have limited knowledge of NbS and utilizing NbS initiatives stood as a secondary priority, compared to more preferred gray infrastructure/hard engineering projects. The financing, enforcement, and knowledge components determined the readiness of Victoria for its NbS initiatives. In terms of the factors for the successful implementation of NbS initiatives, the most prevalent themes were the criteria for an inclusive, transparent, and empowering governance process, net gain to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and design informed by scale. Furthermore, the NbS initiatives in Victoria were observed to adhere to the IUCN Global Standard, with biodiversity net gain and economic feasibility as their strongest areas. In terms of strategies, local stakeholders placed substantial importance on its sustainability and mainstreaming in appropriate contexts, as well as on evidence-based adaptive management. Findings provided recommendations focusing on creating an NbS assessment mechanism, strengthening the existing NbS governance structure, information and education campaigns, and formulating proposals that utilize NbS to address other issues faced in the municipality, such as flooding and climate change.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are strategies that utilize nature to address various environmental and societal challenges while simultaneously benefiting human-ecological systems. They are cost-effective and scalable approaches that have the potential to address climate change, support biodiversity, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite these benefits, several factors challenge their widespread implementation, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to determine the essential elements needed to implement the NbS initiatives successfully in rural communities. Taking the case of Victoria, Laguna, this research conducted Key Informant Interviews with local stakeholders and policymakers and applied thematic and multicriteria analyses to evaluate their readiness, factors to be considered, and strategies for the successful implementation of NbS initiatives in the municipality. Results revealed that the locals have limited knowledge of NbS and utilizing NbS initiatives stood as a secondary priority, compared to more preferred gray infrastructure/hard engineering projects. The financing, enforcement, and knowledge components determined the readiness of Victoria for its NbS initiatives. In terms of the factors for the successful implementation of NbS initiatives, the most prevalent themes were the criteria for an inclusive, transparent, and empowering governance process, net gain to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and design informed by scale. Furthermore, the NbS initiatives in Victoria were observed to adhere to the IUCN Global Standard, with biodiversity net gain and economic feasibility as their strongest areas. In terms of strategies, local stakeholders placed substantial importance on its sustainability and mainstreaming in appropriate contexts, as well as on evidence-based adaptive management. Findings provided recommendations focusing on creating an NbS assessment mechanism, strengthening the existing NbS governance structure, information and education campaigns, and formulating proposals that utilize NbS to address other issues faced in the municipality, such as flooding and climate change.

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and caffeine is linked to unhealthy behaviors, including poor sleep quality. This study aimed to look at sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and alcoholic and caffeinated beverage (ACB) intake and their effect on the sleep quality of selected night shift call center agents working in Mandaluyong City. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 247 qualified participants. Results showed that the most consumed beverage by the respondents was water, with an average amount of 1,187.66 ± 553.37 mL/day. They also habitually drank fruit juices, soft drinks, sweetened juice drinks, and whole milk. The respondents’ beverage intake exceeded the recommendations for both SSB and ACB. Furthermore, almost all (88.26%) of them are categorized to have poor sleep quality. Most respondents with poor sleep quality consume more ACBs (61.13%) than SSBs (38.87%). On the other hand, most respondents with good sleep quality consume more SSBs (55.23%) compared to ACBs (44.77%). This research contributes to the expanding body of information on the health impacts of SSB and ACB consumption. It emphasizes the need for nutrition-focused measures to minimize their intake and promote healthier alternatives.

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and caffeine is linked to unhealthy behaviors, including poor sleep quality. This study aimed to look at sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and alcoholic and caffeinated beverage (ACB) intake and their effect on the sleep quality of selected night shift call center agents working in Mandaluyong City. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to 247 qualified participants. Results showed that the most consumed beverage by the respondents was water, with an average amount of 1,187.66 ± 553.37 mL/day. They also habitually drank fruit juices, soft drinks, sweetened juice drinks, and whole milk. The respondents’ beverage intake exceeded the recommendations for both SSB and ACB. Furthermore, almost all (88.26%) of them are categorized to have poor sleep quality. Most respondents with poor sleep quality consume more ACBs (61.13%) than SSBs (38.87%). On the other hand, most respondents with good sleep quality consume more SSBs (55.23%) compared to ACBs (44.77%). This research contributes to the expanding body of information on the health impacts of SSB and ACB consumption. It emphasizes the need for nutrition-focused measures to minimize their intake and promote healthier alternatives.

In the Philippines, approximately 13% of adolescents become pregnant, resulting in 180, 916 births to girls aged 10-19. The study aims to understand the driving factors and challenges of adolescent teenage pregnancy. It also aims to propose a strategic intervention and implementation plan to address the rising number of teenage pregnancies. It was conducted in the 12 barangays who has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Lucena City. A total of 103 conveniently selected teenage mothers in the 12 barangays served as respondents of the study. The study is a descriptive research that utilized the qualitative method. Data were collected from interviews and focus group discussions. It was revealed that the impelling causes of teenage pregnancy were social media use, natural causes, pornography, peers, parents, chores, poverty, materialism, and female enticement. The respondents identified several challenges in terms of their social lives, health, schooling, and finances. Challenges in terms of social lives include access to public health facilities, child rearing, self-care, assistance in parenting, and limited supplies and services in Barangay Health Centers. The educational challenges include education disruption, financial hardships, the need for alternative forms of learning, and support from partners and immediate family to continue education. Meanwhile, for economic issues, financial hardship, future education plans, and plans to secure well-paid jobs were identified. Lastly, for social issues, the thematic analysis revealed the following: negative acceptance from the family and the community, normalizing being pregnant at a very young age, and feeling judged and becoming the center of gossip. The developed strategic intervention program includes three approaches: healthy sexuality, a comprehensive teenage program, and a societal approach. Parents and adults discomforted with their sexuality family approach, consistent adult involvement for the child, healthy communities, media responsibility, and reaffirming the importance of values and involvement of religious and other organizations may be targeted.

In the Philippines, approximately 13% of adolescents become pregnant, resulting in 180, 916 births to girls aged 10-19. The study aims to understand the driving factors and challenges of adolescent teenage pregnancy. It also aims to propose a strategic intervention and implementation plan to address the rising number of teenage pregnancies. It was conducted in the 12 barangays who has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Lucena City. A total of 103 conveniently selected teenage mothers in the 12 barangays served as respondents of the study. The study is a descriptive research that utilized the qualitative method. Data were collected from interviews and focus group discussions. It was revealed that the impelling causes of teenage pregnancy were social media use, natural causes, pornography, peers, parents, chores, poverty, materialism, and female enticement. The respondents identified several challenges in terms of their social lives, health, schooling, and finances. Challenges in terms of social lives include access to public health facilities, child rearing, self-care, assistance in parenting, and limited supplies and services in Barangay Health Centers. The educational challenges include education disruption, financial hardships, the need for alternative forms of learning, and support from partners and immediate family to continue education. Meanwhile, for economic issues, financial hardship, future education plans, and plans to secure well-paid jobs were identified. Lastly, for social issues, the thematic analysis revealed the following: negative acceptance from the family and the community, normalizing being pregnant at a very young age, and feeling judged and becoming the center of gossip. The developed strategic intervention program includes three approaches: healthy sexuality, a comprehensive teenage program, and a societal approach. Parents and adults discomforted with their sexuality family approach, consistent adult involvement for the child, healthy communities, media responsibility, and reaffirming the importance of values and involvement of religious and other organizations may be targeted.

Increasing population and rapid economic growth result in waste management problems in the Municipality of Bay, Laguna. In response, the municipality is planning to invest in an Integrated Waste Management Technology System (IWMTS) that aims to generate public revenue. Key informant interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions were utilized for data collection. Results showed that respondents lack knowledge about IWMTS but perceive positive impacts on waste volume reduction and municipal waste management and little to no negative impacts on health, livelihood, and accessibility. Meanwhile, economic analysis showed that it is estimated to generate an annual revenue of PHP 11.986 million (USD 214,036) with yearly expenses of PHP 3.7 million (USD 66,071). These cash flows are expected to recover the overall capital outlay of PHP 48.14 million (USD 859,642). A net present value (NPV) of PHP 3.164 million (USD 56,500) and a 5.77-year payback period (PBP) were calculated through cost-benefit analysis. The environmental analysis revealed positive impacts on reducing the volume of wastes, water resources, and quality, odor and air quality, and soil and nutrients. Considering these, the study provided recommendations on project implementation to achieve sustainable waste management and circular economy in the municipality.

Increasing population and rapid economic growth result in waste management problems in the Municipality of Bay, Laguna. In response, the municipality is planning to invest in an Integrated Waste Management Technology System (IWMTS) that aims to generate public revenue. Key informant interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions were utilized for data collection. Results showed that respondents lack knowledge about IWMTS but perceive positive impacts on waste volume reduction and municipal waste management and little to no negative impacts on health, livelihood, and accessibility. Meanwhile, economic analysis showed that it is estimated to generate an annual revenue of PHP 11.986 million (USD 214,036) with yearly expenses of PHP 3.7 million (USD 66,071). These cash flows are expected to recover the overall capital outlay of PHP 48.14 million (USD 859,642). A net present value (NPV) of PHP 3.164 million (USD 56,500) and a 5.77-year payback period (PBP) were calculated through cost-benefit analysis. The environmental analysis revealed positive impacts on reducing the volume of wastes, water resources, and quality, odor and air quality, and soil and nutrients. Considering these, the study provided recommendations on project implementation to achieve sustainable waste management and circular economy in the municipality.

Solar irrigation systems are sustainable practices that can improve the well-being of local communities and enhance the resilience of agriculture to climate change while reducing environmental impacts. Due to its high investment cost, small-scale farmers are inclined to use traditional fossil-based irrigation systems that can harm humans and the environment. This study aims to analyze the environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and social acceptability of shifting agricultural practices from diesel-fueled to solar irrigation systems. Taking the perspective of small-scale farmers from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, results found that solar irrigation system has a higher initial investment but lower maintenance and operational costs. These resulted in an attractive economic feasibility of the project with Php 19,693 of fuel cost savings per hectare per year, a project net present value of Php 10,214 per hectare, a payback period of 8.27 years, and returns on investment at 110%. Additionally, shifting to a solar irrigation system significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions from diesel at 199.78 CO2 eq/ha/yr, and avoids air pollutant emissions at 14.91 g/ha/yr particulate matter, 2.98 g/ha/yr nitrogen oxides,193.82 g/ha/yr sulfur oxides, and 149.09 g/ha/yr carbon monoxide. Despite the lack of in-depth environmental awareness, small-scale farmers are interested in investing in solar irrigation systems with 68% social acceptability. Results provide bases for recommendations on promoting more human ecologically and sustainable agriculture irrigation systems in the Philippines and other developing countries.

Solar irrigation systems are sustainable practices that can improve the well-being of local communities and enhance the resilience of agriculture to climate change while reducing environmental impacts. Due to its high investment cost, small-scale farmers are inclined to use traditional fossil-based irrigation systems that can harm humans and the environment. This study aims to analyze the environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and social acceptability of shifting agricultural practices from diesel-fueled to solar irrigation systems. Taking the perspective of small-scale farmers from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, results found that solar irrigation system has a higher initial investment but lower maintenance and operational costs. These resulted in an attractive economic feasibility of the project with Php 19,693 of fuel cost savings per hectare per year, a project net present value of Php 10,214 per hectare, a payback period of 8.27 years, and returns on investment at 110%. Additionally, shifting to a solar irrigation system significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions from diesel at 199.78 CO2 eq/ha/yr, and avoids air pollutant emissions at 14.91 g/ha/yr particulate matter, 2.98 g/ha/yr nitrogen oxides,193.82 g/ha/yr sulfur oxides, and 149.09 g/ha/yr carbon monoxide. Despite the lack of in-depth environmental awareness, small-scale farmers are interested in investing in solar irrigation systems with 68% social acceptability. Results provide bases for recommendations on promoting more human ecologically and sustainable agriculture irrigation systems in the Philippines and other developing countries.

With the rise of video gaming trends within the Philippines, the risk of malnutrition related to escalated sedentary behavior and poor dietary habits may also occur. This research aims to describe the association between the video gaming lifestyle, dietary habits, and physical activity level (PAL) of university students aged 18-24. The study follows a descriptive study design and uses Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to determine the relationships of the variables. After correlation tests, gaming addiction level was found to have a weak direct relationship with the frequency of consumption among all food groups (ρ = 0.138±0.047). Weak positive correlation was also discovered with excessive gaming and meal skipping (ρ = 0.184), self-reported loss of appetite (ρ = 0.070), and tendency to eat their meals in front of their gaming devices (ρ = 0.160). Furthermore, PAL is found to have a weak positive correlation with gaming addiction level (ρ = 0.074). Among the sample, excessive video game use was found to be related to all variables, whereas higher chances of becoming pathologic gamers may also imply a tendency in the participant’s increased consumption of caloric-dense foods, poor dietary habits, and moderate to high PAL.

With the rise of video gaming trends within the Philippines, the risk of malnutrition related to escalated sedentary behavior and poor dietary habits may also occur. This research aims to describe the association between the video gaming lifestyle, dietary habits, and physical activity level (PAL) of university students aged 18-24. The study follows a descriptive study design and uses Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to determine the relationships of the variables. After correlation tests, gaming addiction level was found to have a weak direct relationship with the frequency of consumption among all food groups (ρ = 0.138±0.047). Weak positive correlation was also discovered with excessive gaming and meal skipping (ρ = 0.184), self-reported loss of appetite (ρ = 0.070), and tendency to eat their meals in front of their gaming devices (ρ = 0.160). Furthermore, PAL is found to have a weak positive correlation with gaming addiction level (ρ = 0.074). Among the sample, excessive video game use was found to be related to all variables, whereas higher chances of becoming pathologic gamers may also imply a tendency in the participant’s increased consumption of caloric-dense foods, poor dietary habits and moderate to high PAL.

Leveraging the increase in property values emerges as an innovative financing method, enabling property owners and developers to contribute to collective benefit. The special assessment tax or special levy is a land value capture tool used to recover the costs of government infrastructure projects. Despite its long-standing existence in the Philippines’ Local Government Code, it is underutilized and its potentials as revenue sources have not been realized. This qualitative study combines extensive literature reviews and semi-structured interviews, including a self-assessment scoring of government staff in the cities of Metro Manila, citing perspectives and experiences in land taxation to examine institutional challenges in utilizing the special assessment tax. Findings reveal that institutional, financial, and technical capacity problems have prevented its utilization despite existing legal mechanisms. Moreover, there is a noteworthy gap in understanding and application at the local level, as the concept of land value capture is yet to be mainstreamed in local public finance. The discussions aim to inform cities and municipalities about the untapped potential of the special assessment tax as a viable revenue source for local development and the regulation of urban growth. Additionally, the study advocates for the importance of building capacities in land-based financing. It emphasizes the need for support and improvements in the current institutional arrangements of land valuation to address socio-economic inequalities.

Leveraging the increase in property values emerges as an innovative financing method, enabling property owners and developers to contribute to collective benefit. The special assessment tax or special levy is a land value capture tool used to recover the costs of government infrastructure projects. Despite its long-standing existence in the Philippines' Local Government Code, it is underutilized and its potentials as revenue sources have not been realized. This qualitative study combines extensive literature reviews and semi-structured interviews, including a self-assessment scoring of government staff in the cities of Metro Manila, citing perspectives and experiences in land taxation to examine institutional challenges in utilizing the special assessment tax. Findings reveal that institutional, financial, and technical capacity problems have prevented its utilization despite existing legal mechanisms. Moreover, there is a noteworthy gap in understanding and application at the local level, as the concept of land value capture is yet to be mainstreamed in local public finance. The discussions aim to inform cities and municipalities about the untapped potential of the special assessment tax as a viable revenue source for local development and the regulation of urban growth. Additionally, the study advocates for the importance of building capacities in land-based financing. It emphasizes the need for support and improvements in the current institutional arrangements of land valuation to address socio-economic inequalities.

This study aimed to assess the acceptability of arrowroot flour (Maranta arundinacea L.) in the production of salt bread (pandesal) in the country. Two experiments were conducted namely, pre-experiment and actual experiment. The pre-experiment had two trials in making pandesal wherein the first trial focused on producing traditional pandesal (T1, 0%) while the second trial used different percentages of arrowroot flour (T2, 20%; T3, 30% and T4,40%) to determine the optimum ratio with selected flours. The acceptability used a 9-point Hedonic scale wherein 9 is the highest (Like extremely) and 1 (Dislike extremely). Results showed that T1 had the highest general acceptability (7.8, ) followed by T3 (7.5) and both were labeled as ‘Like very much’ while T2 (6.8) and T4 (6.7) were both labeled as ‘Like moderately’. In terms of cost, T1 was the cheapest and T4 as the most expensive. While arrowroot-based flour pandesal is more expensive right now, it was found out to acceptable flour substitute in making pandesal. The use of this flour as alternative in producing bread can help address the problem of the country’s heavy dependence on imported flour. Result of this study and further studies on the use of arrowroot flour will support local farmers in growing arrowroot for other potential uses.

This study aimed to assess the acceptability of arrowroot flour (Maranta arundinacea L.) in the production of salt bread (pandesal) in the country. Two experiments were conducted namely, pre-experiment and actual experiment. The pre-experiment had two trials in making pandesal wherein the first trial focused on producing traditional pandesal (T1, 0%) while the second trial used different percentages of arrowroot flour (T2, 20%; T3, 30% and T4,40%) to determine the optimum ratio with selected flours. The acceptability used a 9-point Hedonic scale wherein 9 is the highest (Like extremely) and 1 (Dislike extremely). Results showed that T1 had the highest general acceptability (7.8, ) followed by T3 (7.5) and both were labeled as ‘Like very much’ while T2 (6.8) and T4 (6.7) were both labeled as ‘Like moderately’. In terms of cost, T1 was the cheapest and T4 as the most expensive. While arrowroot-based flour pandesal is more expensive right now, it was found out to acceptable flour substitute in making pandesal. The use of this flour as alternative in producing bread can help address the problem of the country’s heavy dependence on imported flour. Result of this study and further studies on the use of arrowroot flour will support local farmers in growing arrowroot for other potential uses.