This descriptive-qualitative research uniquely examined Good Governance and Politics from the perspective and experience of various sectors through their representatives in the City of Naga. This study established that among the components of good governance, those most affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic were Responsiveness, Effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. The data showed that the components least impacted by the pandemic were Law Enforcement, Equality, and Inclusion. The third area that was last affected was Consensus-Oriented. The study also established that the 2022 elections were indeed affected by the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which led to disruptions and restrictions. The conditions present therein saw the rise of politicized social media and the expanded use of misinformation for political purposes. The research also aimed to outline the resulting governance reality and political climate in Naga following the peak of the pandemic. It was established that Naga’s unique version of governance did prevail, but it may need to undergo reform. The city also needs to contend with the continuation of limited forms of traditional politics as well as the need to fill gaps in its administrative operations that were exposed by the pandemic. 

Keywords: Good Governance, COVID-19 Pandemic, Naga City, Politics

The direct incorporation of bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, within the concrete matrix has shown diminishing compressive strength gains with increasing cracking age, primarily due to limited space for bacterial survival within the tiny pores of cement paste. To optimize the efficacy of bacterial interventions and enhance their utility in sealing fissures, this paper explored water hyacinth fibers (WHF) as an immobilizer for B. subtilis in self-healing concrete. This study investigated the performance of Conventional Concrete (CC) and Bacterial Concrete (BC) with varying percentages of WHF (0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) relative to cement weight. A total of 100 samples were tested, following a 1:2:4 design mix and a water-cement ratio of 0.45, and cured for 7, 28, 60, and 75 days. The workability of each mix was evaluated before casting. Compressive strength tests were conducted both before and after cracking (at 28 days). Healing percentages were determined through Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity tests and crack width measurements. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis was performed to identify the presence and distribution of CaCO3 crystals in cracked areas. The results showed an average of 120% restoration of compressive strength after 28 days of healing. Cracks less than 0.1 cm in width were healed more effectively than larger cracks. In all the mixes, cracks inside the specimen were healed more than at the surface. Statistical models were employed to establish the relationship between compressive strength and the percentage increase in healing width values for the economically optimal fiber content of 0.25%. Data observations detailed that there was minimized Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation during 7, 28, and 60 days of curing, but a spike at 75 days – proving that B. subtilis was more active at late-age curing, rendering WHF helpful in prolonging bacterial growth and life inside the concrete matrix.

Keywords: B. subtilis, Self-Healing Concrete, Eichhornia crassipes, Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation, Bacteria Immobilizer

The study sought to identify emerging challenges the Balinese women handweavers encountered through interview documentation and community immersion. Songket textiles, aside from being one of the cultural products of Indonesia, were usually utilized on special occasions like weddings, rituals, and other social engagements, commonly for the upper-class individuals of society. The analyzed documented challenges paved the way for the policy recommendation to protect handweaving engagement in terms of its compensation, appreciation, and empowerment. Handweaving, aside from manifesting Balinese culture, clamored for governmental support and social appreciation, catalyzing its preservation and revitalization as they continued to embody their identity. Formulating a developmental plan facilitates the step-by-step process of ensuring the attainment of the long-term sustainable development goals for the Songket Industry.

Waste segregation continues to be an effective challenge across numerous countries, affecting the environment, public health, and overall living standards. This action research on Enhancing Waste Segregation Behavior and University Waste Management Program for a Sustainable Community is conducted at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), seeking to: (1) assess stakeholders’ behavior in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practices; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the current waste management program based on awareness, infrastructure/accessibility, implementation and compliance, efficiency and outcomes, perceived impact, and satisfaction; (3) determine the relationship between stakeholder behavior and program effectiveness; and (4) propose recommendations for an Enhanced Waste Management Plan. A quantitative-descriptive-correlational design was used, and its results revealed that while stakeholders demonstrated strong positive attitudes (mean = 4.72), their practices were comparatively lower (mean = 4.33), highlighting a gap between intent and action. Among effectiveness indicators, Perceived Impact and Satisfaction received the highest mean (4.27), whereas Implementation and Compliance were rated the lowest (3.77), suggesting operational gaps. A moderate positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.408, p < .001) was found between stakeholder behavior and program effectiveness, affirming the critical role of behavioral engagement in program success. These findings underscore the need to reinforce implementation mechanisms and promote consistent, practice-based behavioral change among university stakeholders. Recommendations include enhancing infrastructure, conducting regular awareness campaigns, and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies to bridge the gap between favorable attitudes and sustainable waste management practices.

Keywords: Waste Segregation, University Stakeholders, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP), Program Effectiveness

The UNC Project CoDe S: A Community Development Solutions was created during the pandemic. The College of Engineering and Architecture, through the Office of the VP for Research, Extension and Linkages (OVP-REL), was tapped by the Philippines’ Office of the Vice President to lead the Bahayanihan Project under Angat Buhay at Lupi, Camarines Sur. During this phase of the program, the College and OVP-REL witnessed the community's needs. Despite the pandemic, the team extended necessary services. Project CoDe S successfully addressed various community challenges, including psychological preparations, skills for building resettlements, community rehabilitation, livelihood programs, needs-based community development research, knowledge sharing, and the development of a future-ready human resource.

The Skills to Build program under Project CoDe S was able to establish a community for 119 families on previously uninhabited sloping land in Lupi, Camarines Sur. Additionally, psychological preparations and orientations were conducted twice for partner beneficiaries. Skills training sessions, including building wiring, painting, and solar PV installation, were carried out during the construction phase. These activities were made possible through a strong spirit of volunteerism. The pilot project in Lupi achieved a remarkable 95.5% satisfaction level among participants. Project CoDe S brought love, hope, and faith to the community. As stated, "coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success."

Keywords: Community Development Solutions, Skills to Build, volunteerism, community extension activities

With the progressing field of dispute resolution mechanisms on criminal and civil predicaments, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration have been crucial in addressing societal strife in the Philippines. Law enforcement, being the vanguard of the Philippine Criminal Justice System, grasps the uphill climb of dealing with costly, time-consuming, and unconventional formal legal proceedings in underdeveloped economies. Public participation in criminal justice is linked to accessibility and law-related skills training rather than a separate issue to be addressed independently. Following the basis, this study intended to discern the various Alternative Dispute Resolution programs implemented in Naga City's specific barangays, identify their degree of implementation, distinguish the ADR's level of effectiveness, determine the ADR-related challenges of the residents and providers, and establish the programs to enhance the ADR in the mentioned locales of the study. Underpinning the foundation of the study are the Interest-Based Relational Approach Theory, Unitary Theory of ADR and Public Civil Justice, Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument Theory, and the Theory of Change. Utilizing random stratified sampling, survey questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents, including residents and implementers of Barangay Cararayan and Sta. Cruz interpreted through frequency, rank, percentage, and weighted mean. The results illustrated that ADR parameters were moderately implemented among the four sets of respondents, providing a way to enhance their execution through a joint effort between academia and local government units. The majority of the residents were unaware of the ADR practices currently in effect in their jurisdiction. Efforts to raise public awareness through education and refine existing practices, such as restorative justice-based programs, were encouraged to be implemented to strengthen residents' understanding of alternative dispute resolution. Paving the way to the establishment of the University of Nueva Caceres Justice Center upholds the value of legal aid while promoting awareness necessary to equip the general public with the knowledge and skills necessary to settle disputes within the community.

Keywords: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Level of Implementation, Level of Effectiveness, Challenges, Justice Center, Public Awareness

Good governance is one of the most controversial topics in public administration today. Most politicians and aspiring politicians aimed for transparent governance to combat corruption, and as a starting point, the Full Disclosure Policy Bill was introduced. The Full Disclosure Policy mandates that all government units disclose and make their Financial Reports available to the public, promoting transparent governance. This study examined the role of administrative accountability in the compliance of Barangays in Naga City from 2020 to 2022. A descriptive-correlational research approach was employed to conduct the study. Through surveys and face-to-face interviews with 125 respondents, this study found that Barangay Profiles do not affect the compliance of barangays with the Full Disclosure Policy. This study also revealed that the Barangays of Naga City had a slight to moderate compliance level with the Full Disclosure Policy, and its constituents are slightly aware of it. Moreover, this study also found a significant relationship between the level of compliance by the barangay and the level of awareness of constituents regarding the Full Disclosure Policy, with a negligible p-value of p < 0.05. Thus, the TARA TUGON Framework was developed for good governance.

Keywords: Accountability, Awareness, Compliance, Effectiveness, and Full Disclosure Policy.

Indigenous communities play a crucial role in both societal and economic domains. However, despite the global push for sustainability, Indigenous communities often struggle in their pursuit of sustainable livelihoods. This study examines the relationship between the challenges in accessing financial resources and the sustainability of the livelihood activities of the Indigenous Community in Camarines Sur. It aims to understand how difficulties in having financial resources affect the ability of these communities to sustain their livelihoods. Employing a descriptive-inferential approach, the researchers conducted surveys through a modified survey questionnaire and focused group discussions with one hundred (100) Indigenous Community members, respondents selected using a random sampling and pro-rata technique. Results revealed that (1) the most significant challenges for indigenous communities include underrepresentation in decision-making, limited job opportunities, and land rights dispossession, (2) the most influential factors include limited knowledge in basic bookkeeping, restricted access to markets for agricultural produce, and exercising ancestral land rights, and (3) there is a significant positive relationship between challenges and factors, thus accepting the study's hypothesis. The TABANG Framework was crafted and disseminated to the respondents, serving as the study’s primary output. The framework integrates the cycle and inverted pyramid, with economic and accounting practices highly interconnected, leading to the utmost correlation. Thus, the necessity of proper financial knowledge for sustaining resources and empowering communities is concluded.

Keywords: Indigenous community, sustainability, livelihood activities, financial resources, TABANG Framework.

The Water Turbidity Sensor is a device that measures the Total Suspended Solids (TSS), which are considered to be sediments, dirt, or any other foreign material present within the water. Our research focuses on measuring the turbidity level in different facilities within the Junior High School Building. This paper highlights the importance of safe and clean water for the learning environment of students.

This study concerns the turbidity level in the following areas: Wash Areas (near the Principal’s Office and back of the Clinic), Restrooms (Male and Female Comfort Rooms at the Eco-Canteen), Laboratories (TLE Lab and SC208 Biology Lab), and Sprinkler (near the Student’s Pavilion). Our study also emphasizes the consistency of readings over an entire week in any of the four facilities mentioned. Moreover, the researchers performed a preliminary examination to test the overall ability of the device in the following aspects: Response Time, Field Testing, and Reading Consistency.

The data collection period started from May 6, 2024, to May 10, 2024, which was approximately five weekdays (one week). The researchers collected 100 mL of water from the faucets of the aforementioned facilities. Checking of the water turbidity level was done during Lunch Time (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM) and After Class (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM).

As for the turbidity level in the two wash areas, on May 6, 7, and 9, a slight increase in turbidity was observed from Lunch Time to After Class. On May 10, both areas presented a minimal decrease in turbidity. May 7 showed that the wash area near the Principal’s Office had decreased turbidity levels while the wash area at the back of the clinic retained its reading value. The wash area presents a three-day increase in turbidity levels from Lunch to After Class periods.

In terms of turbidity levels in the male and female restrooms, both May 6 and May 9 showed a slight increase in readings. Meanwhile, the male restroom displayed an increase on May 7 and a decrease in readings for the female restroom. On May 8 and May 10, we observed that turbidity values slightly decreased. In total, a slight increase in turbidity was observed in the male restroom for three days and a decrease for the female restroom within the same period.

The SC208 Biology Lab presented an increase in turbidity during May 7, 9, and 10 while only on May 6 and 7 did the TLE Lab show an increase in readings. Both had two days of slight decrease in turbidity—on May 8 and 9 for the TLE Lab, and on May 6 and 8 for the Science Lab. On May 10, data was retained for both checking periods for the TLE Lab. To conclude, the Science Lab presents a three-day increase in turbidity levels throughout the week.

For the sprinkler, on May 6 and 9, the turbidity sensor observed a slight increase in water turbidity. While on May 7, 8, and 10, values were retained without change. In conclusion, although there were increases and decreases in water turbidity values from Lunch to After Class periods, all facilities consistently presented clear outcomes for all water samples by showing very low amounts of water turbidity.

Regarding the effectiveness of the device to measure water turbidity, its response time increases with higher amounts of total suspended solids (TSS) in liquid. In terms of field testing, the turbidity sensor's level increases with total suspended solids present in liquid. For reading consistency, device outcomes are contingent upon liquid clarity; lower turbidity results yield more stable outcomes.

To conclude, water turbidity levels in the Junior High School Department indicate very low readings, confirming that faucets produce safe and clear liquid for everyone to use.

Keywords: Water Turbidity Sensor, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Junior High School Facilities, Water Quality Measurement, Turbidity Levels

The consequences of fire, both immediate and long-term, are far-reaching and devastating. The destruction of property, loss of lives, environmental degradation, and economic strain all underscore the urgent need for preventive measures and effective response strategies. By investing in fire prevention, implementing safety protocols, and fostering community resilience, mitigation of the destructive power of fire while protecting lives, livelihoods, and the environment can be achieved.

This study aimed to assess the level of community awareness on Basic Fire Safety Management among the residents of Barangay San Miguel, Milaor, Camarines Sur. It also sought to determine various practices carried out by these residents in their daily living that may likely prevent fire from occurring; assess the relationship between residents’ practices and knowledge; and propose an intervention based on the results. This is a quantitative study following a descriptive-correlational design using a thirty-item questionnaire with 165 households as respondents.

Overall, the residents performed good precautionary practices in preventing fire in terms of home structures, electrical connections, kitchen structures, and escape routes. This is evidenced by practice rates such as 52% as the lowest percentage indicated as moderately practiced and 99% as the highest percentage indicated as highly practiced in the results. On the other hand, the residents’ level of awareness is high regarding various parameters, as evidenced by the weighted means of: escape routes (3.83), kitchen structures (3.63), electrical connections (3.56), and home structures (3.50). This indicates that the residents are fully aware and possess excellent knowledge that their practices can help them prevent fire.

Hence, the residents' practices and awareness were found to have a very strong positive correlation and statistically significant relationships with each other. The findings of the study call for reinforcement and strengthening of these practices among all community members through continuous education to increase their awareness. Revisiting updated guidelines and protocols from the Bureau of Fire Protection and implementing yearly fire drills are recommended.

Keywords: Practices, Level of Knowledge, Basic Fire Safety Management

Albay is recognized as a government exemplar in DRRM as it attains zero casualties during disasters while maintaining a strong economy, education, environment, and ethics. The level of Albay’s institutional resilience was assessed using Herrfahrdt-Pähle & Pahl-Wostl's (2012) model of continuity and change on social-ecological systems. Results revealed that the institutional resilience of the province of Albay shifted towards a high-level adaptive and transformative change. Institutional persistence was observed prior to 1989, from self-reliance and traditional beliefs as forms of EWS to inclusion of reactive DRRM approaches in ad-hoc functions of the local government. Double-loop learning has taken place with the institutional adoption of community-based disaster preparedness methodologies and responsive activities such as education for risk management; establishment of operations centers, critical infrastructure, and lifeline facilities; and launching of IGPs. The transformation stage involved the institutionalization of APSEMO, the creation of ADMGO/ASDGO and CIRCA, the implementation of the A2C2 Program, and the adoption of the Safe Development for Albay framework for disaster proofing. It led to the enactment of DRRM and CCA policies in the Philippines due to the integration of DRR in environmental protection, development planning, and strategies, as well as geo-strategic intervention. Institutional arrangements in Albay’s DRRM have undergone comprehensive change, with challenges transforming social-ecological systems.

Keywords: risk reduction, mitigation, persistence, adaptation, transformation

Soil testing is a tool to diagnose the fertility status of the soil by determining the number of essential nutrients, such as NPK macronutrients. To achieve a high production yield during harvest, plants require a balanced supply of the proper nutrients they need. The study developed a Soil Nutrient Tester (SNT) that uses the visible light spectrum and absorption principle to measure Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) in soil. This study aims to develop an inexpensive soil N-P nutrient tester with accuracy comparable to that of the spectrophotometer used in the laboratory. Specifically, it aims to identify the optimal cuvette and wavelength in the device to produce accurate and precise results, while reducing the cost and time spent on testing. The SNT utilizes an RGB color sensor to detect the transmitted light passing through the sample solution. It utilized an Arduino Uno Microcontroller as the brain of the device and an RGB LED as a light source, emitting wavelengths of 450 nm and 700 nm for Nitrogen and Phosphorus, respectively. The SNT identified nitrogen and phosphorus based on the soil test interpretation standard used by the Regional Soils Laboratory. The device results were compared and calibrated with the measurements of the Hitachi U-1800 Spectrophotometer to improve its accuracy and precision. A t-test revealed that the device's measurements showed no significant difference from the concentration measurements of the reference device at a 95% confidence level, indicating that the device is capable of accurately measuring N-P macronutrients. The device also reduced the time spent evaluating N-P nutrient content and the cost of the spectrophotometer. It is recommended that further studies include potassium as a micronutrient and select other wavelengths to enhance accuracy. This device will enable farmers and home gardeners to regularly check the N-P nutrient status of their soil and determine the proper amount of fertilizer to apply.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Absorption Principle, Soil Nutrient Tester

This study examines the psychosocial well-being of the beneficiaries of Angat Buhay Village-Lupi, a resettlement project initiated by the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines. Specifically, it evaluates the quality of life and coping strategies of the beneficiaries, who were displaced by typhoons and resettled in Lupi, Camarines Sur. The study utilized the WHO Quality of Life Scale-BREF and the Filipino Coping Strategies Scale, and surveyed 30 randomly selected participants. The respondents, according to the results, are , they are less satisfied with their physical health. While substance usage as a coping method was noticeably low, religious activities and social support were the most often utilized coping mechanisms. Based on these findings, the study suggests implementing programs such as integrated health services for physical well-being and Psycho-Spiritual Introspection Activities to enhance the psychosocial well-being of the beneficiaries. These programs aim to address the disparity between the high psychological and social well-being of the participants and their lower physical health satisfaction. Recommendations include the development and sustainable implementation of these programs, along with continuous monitoring to assess their effectiveness.

Keywords: Angat Buhay Village-Lupi, Coping Strategies, Psychosocial Well-Being, Quality of Life, Resettlement