Undergraduate Special Problem

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A comparison of the gut contents of two Cardinal Fish, Fowleria vaiulae (Jordan & Seale 1906) and Fowleria variegata (Valenciennes 1832) in seagrass beds of Palompon, Leyte
Biantan, Lindsay S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)
Seagrass ecosystems support much of the Philippines’ coastal marine resources with the presence of a rich diversity of species, including the economically important ones. Understanding the diet composition of fishes through gut content analysis is essential for selecting species for aquaculture. Specimens of Fowleria vaiulae and Fowleria variegata were obtained through a trawl survey in the seagrass beds of Palompon, Leyte from November 2011 to February 2012. A total of 291 guts were analysed in this study. Results showed diet composition of both species is mostly made up of benthic invertebrates. A high percentage of chyme was observed in both species (46-65%), suggesting the consumption of easily digested materials. Also for both Fowleria species, it was observed that smaller size classes consume a higher number of small preys while larger size classes feed on larger preys. Small invertebrates such as tanaids and amphipods were more abundant in the guts of F. vaiulae and large preys of shrimps and crabs dominate the diet of F. variegata. This difference may be due to food partitioning in co-occurring species to avoid competition.
A preliminary investigation on the antimicrobial activity of Luffa cylindrica (Patola) leaf extract
Benjamin, Paulette E. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2002-04)
Four concentrations were prepared (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) from the Patola (Luffa cylindrical) leaf extract. Positive and negative controls were made in order to have a basis for comparison with the other four Patola leaf extract concentrations. Negative controls were purely sterilized distilled water, while the positive controls used were Amoxicillin for bacteria and Mycostatin for Candida albicans. The effectiviness of these concentrations was tested on the growth of the five selected microorganisms, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. saprophyticus, C. albicans and Microsporum canis. M. canis did not exhibit any growth and had no significant difference. Patola was found to inhibit the growth of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus at 100% concentration. Patola leaf concentration of 75% weakly inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis and S. aureus. Concentrations of 50%, and 25% showed negative inhibitory activity. Candida albicans in all four concentrations showed negative inhibitory activities. The minimum inhibitory activity that was able to inhibit bacterial growth was at 75% leaf extract concentration.
A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park
Alacapa, Lilluck F. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-04)
Rafflesia, bearing the largest flowers in the world, was found to exist in Sibalom Natural Park. In view of efforts to conserve the Rafflesia site, this study entitled, “A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park”, aims to come up with information as to what conditions do these flowers grow and their associated flora. This study hopes to help strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The study had ten sampling sites, five of which with the existence of Rafflesia sp. and five of which without Rafflesia sp.. In each of these areas the data gathered were girth of trees, saplings and seedlings, list and number of existing flora within the area, soil pH, soil texture, soil and air temperature, and relative humidity. The study found that the Rafflesia sp. in the Sibalom Natural Park grows at high relative humidity, relatively cool air and soil temperature, in soil with high amounts of clay and nearly neutral pH. The Rafflesia sp., aside from its host vine, exists with the plant locally known as ban-ban. No species of plant was found to dominate the areas where Rafflesia sp. exists.
A study of the gut contents of compressed tubby (Canthigaster compressa) from Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
Caduada, Laymart A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
The Philippines has one of the longest coastlines and is among the top producers of fisheries products in the world. The industry however is threatened by unsustainable fishing practices and dwindling resources. Proper fisheries management is hindered by an extensive lack of biological information on resource populations. Studying fish feeding habits based on gut content analysis could provide insights on fish feeding patterns and trophic interactions in aquatic food webs and enhance our understanding of exploited resources. The study compares the composition of the gut contents of Canthigaster compressa caught by sled trawl in seagrass beds in Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte. Sixty eight specimens from Talibon and 80 from Palompon were examined. Chyme made up 70-76% of the total gut contents in both areas. A total of 23 prey items were observed. Diet composition in Palompon was more diverse as compared to Talibon. Gut contents changed with size/age, with an apparent increase in the proportion of seagrass/algae as fish size increased. This suggests that the tubby shifts to a more herbivorous diet as they grow older. The amount of forams in the guts also decreased with size which could be attributed to a shift in habitat from seagrass to coral reefs. The results also show that crustaceans are more abundant in Palompon than in Talibon which could mean that Palompon has a richer seagrass-associated crustacean population. Further studies about the abundance of crustaceans in the fish diet in Palompon and Talibon is encouraged as it could be useful in assessing the ecological conditions of the areas.
Abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in Mindoro Strait
Bayona, Riena Rose M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-04)
Phytoplankton in Mindoro Strait, north of Palawan, were investigated from the samples taken last April-May 2007. Twenty stations were selected from over 40 stations surveyed. Samples were collected by filtering 50L of surface waters through 20 micrometer mesh plankton net using a 10L bucket. Phytoplankton assemblage was grouped into four major taxa. Diatoms dominated the area. It recorded the highest mean density of 314.9indivL-1. It was followed by blue green algae that noted a mean density of 165.69indivL-1. The next most abundant was dinoflagellates that recorded a mean density of 51.59indivL-1 and then the group of silicoflagellates. It recoded 35.69indivL-1 mean density. The top three species were Trichodesmium, Thalasiothrix and Isthmia. Protoperidinium represented the dinoflagellates among the top genera while Eutintinnus recorded the highest silicoflagellate. Higher concentrations were found in the midst of the oceanic region where water currents mainly pass. Overall abundance is lower than other nearby waters. This is maybe due to the effect of water currents.
Abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in West Central Sulu Sea
Bria, Jed B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-11)
A total of 28 stations were sampled for abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in the West Central Sulu Sea. The samples were taken from 15-30 April 2007. Samples were collected by filtering 50L of surface water through a 20 pm mesh plankton net. A total of 96 phytoplankton genera were identified and were grouped into four major taxa. The overall mean density was 444.6 cells/L. Diatoms were the most abundant, with the mean density of 213.5 cells/L. The most abundant diatom genus was Chaetoceros. Blue-green algae showed the second-highest mean density of 127.6 cells/L. Trichodesmium was the most abundant genus among the two blue-green algae identified. Trichodesmium was also the most abundant genus, comprising 28.1% of all phytoplankton identified. Dinoflagellates and silicoflagellates were ranked third and fourth among the four major taxa with 77.5 cells/L and 28 cells/L, respectively. Protoperidinium was the most abundant dinoflagellate, while Amphorella was the most abundant silicoflagellate. They made up 6.2% and 1.2 % of all phytoplankton identified, respectively. The stations located along the coast of Palawan and near the Tubattaha Reef Marine National Park showed the highest phytoplankton concentrations.
Abundance, distribution, and composition of macrobenthos in Banate Bay, Iloilo, Philippines
Bernasol, Mylin M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)
In order to characterize the macrobenthic community in Banate Bay, quarterly sampling was done from December 2012 to December 2013 in nine (9) stations of the study area. Samples were collected using a hand-held mud corer measuring 0.15m in diameter. Samples were sieved in the field using a 0.5mm mesh, preserving all retained organisms in a plastic container containing 10% buffered formalin with Rose Bengal dye. Two (2) replicate samples per station in June and September 2013 were processed in the laboratory. A total of 38 taxa were sorted and identified with overall mean density of 821 ind/m2. Cluster Analysis using the program COMM grouped species according to their abundances and stations based on their relative location from the shore. T-test for 2 sample means showed that densities in June and September did not differ significantly (p=0.42). ANOVA showed that densities per station did differ significantly (p=0.05). Correlations identified salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and organic matter content to have negative effects on macrobenthos density in the Bay. In spite of low density, diversity particularly of polychaetes appeared to be relatively high. This can be attributed to the intensity and fluctuations of the harsh environment in the Bay still being within limits.
Acceptability of the newly-formulated food recipes among selected age groups at Brgy. Tabat Tubungan, Iloilo
Beluso, Heziel F.; Buaron, Michelle Jane A.; Hubag, Angelie Rose C.; Macahilo, Judeilan A.; Mationg, Mary Lorraine S.; Nismal, Myles C.; Pido,Dianah D.; Simaurio, Geraldine C.; Sodusta, Valerie Joy M.; Yasa, Kutch V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2007-03)
This research study is a cross-sectional survey done among 90 conveniently selected residents of Brgy. Tabat Tubungan, Iloilo in order to determine the acceptability of the newly-formulated food recipes based on sensory analysis (appearance, smell, taste and texture), general acceptability, cost, and food action response. The ingredients used in each of the three new recipes namely tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight are nutritious, cheap and indigenous to the community. The acceptability test was done among the three selected age groups: school-age children (6-12 yrs old), adolescents (13-19 yrs old) and adult (20-40 yrs old). Pre-tested structured questionnaires were used in the evaluation of the acceptability of the three recipes. Results were analyzed using frequency distribution and test of proportion to determine whether or not the prepared recipes are acceptable. Chi-square analysis was used to test the independence of acceptability of the food items based on the set criteria and the age group categories of the panelists. The results show that three newly formulated recipes namely tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight were found to contain high amount of energy content (107 kcal, 181 kcal and 160 kcal) and essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, calcium and iron which are needed and vital to the body. The percent Recommended Dietary Allowance requirements derived from the three newly formulated food recipes were 5.35% of the total caloric need per serving for the tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and palawan delight could supply 9.05% and 8.00% of the total caloric needs. For the sensory test, results show that in terms of the appearance, the three recipes: tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight are acceptable to 82.22%, 95.56%, and 84.44% of the panelists respectively. Smell of the three recipes is acceptable to 87.78% of the panelists. Among the ninety panelists, 87.78% and 83.33% said that the taste of the food recipes is acceptable. In terms of texture, tortang malunggay received the highest acceptance level of 88.89%. Based on general acceptability, Palawan delight was liked by 93.33% panelist. The computed Chi-square values show that the acceptability based on sensory analysis and general acceptability of the three food recipes (except the taste of alugbati-squash ukoy) is not dependent on the age group category of the panelists. The costs of the three recipes were also acceptable to 95.56% of the panelists. As to the food action-response, 95.56% expressed a favorable response. Because of the positive results obtained during the acceptability test on the three food items, the researchers recommend these recipes be included in Food Supplementation and Nutrition Education activities.
Acute toxicity of polysolve oil dispersant to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.) fry
Atas, Bryan B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-03)
Forty eight hour (48h) static bioassays were conducted to determine the toxicity of Polysolve oil dispersant to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) were 1.03, 0.79, 0.70, 0.45, and 0.39% for 24, 30, 42, and 48h, respectively. Polysolve is highly toxic to Nile tilapia fry at low concentrations. Results showed increasing toxicity over increasing length of exposure. It is therefore recommended that Polysolve must not be used in oil spill response. Sublethal effects of the dispersant on the fry include decreased activity and impaired responses
Alcohol use among out-of-school youth in Iloilo City
Cabaluna, Vanessa P.; Eler, Paul Candice Ellen M.; Gazo, Ella Catherine T.; Marla, Mary Ellen J.; Train, Christine Q. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2002-03)
The out-of-school youth, 13-22 years old, appears to have one of the greatest risks for alcohol use. This study was conducted to determine alcohol use among out-of-school youth in the City of Iloilo. The subjects of the study were 150 out-of-school youths, randomly selected from 15 barangays of the 6 districts of Iloilo City. Data for this research was gathered using an interview schedule. Results show that one hundred thirty-one (87.33%) out of 150 out-of-school youth respondents had been initiated to alcoholic drinks. Their mean age at alcohol initiation was 15.81. Majority of these respondents usually drink beer (58.78%), followed by gin (13.74%), and tuba/lambanog (12.22%). Other choices include rum and brandy. Factors that influenced the respondents to drink alcohol included friends (67.94%), relatives (12.98%), father (9.16%). Other factors included personal decision, mass media, and mood/problems. Reasons for drinking alcoholic beverages include celebrations of special occasions (30.53%), leisure (18.32%), curiosity (15.27%), and sense of belongingness (12.98%). Other reasons include peer pressure, personal choice and personal problems. Reasons for not drinking include personal choice (47.37%), health reasons (31.58%), family prohibits (15.79%), and religion prohibits (5.26%). Alcohol use is significantly associated with respondents' sex, involvement in organisations or community activities, smoking, and use of prohibited drugs. There is no significant difference between alcohol use and family drinking status & with whom they are staying.
Analysis of stand basal areas of mangroves in selected sites in the Province of Antique, Panay Island, Philippines
Calaor, Gazelh Mae T. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2007-04)
Mangroves play both an important ecological and economic role. They are valuable to humans and are important component of the natural system. For the past few decades, mangrove forest has been experiencing severe degradation. People often fail to consider the important in the entire ecosystem. Generally, this study aimed to analyzed stand basal areas of mangroves in Antique. The study of basal areas of mangroves can provide an indicating the health condition and overall stands of mangroves in a given area. However few studies have been conducted about this area. Thus, the need for present study to provide an overview of mangrove development in Antique. Information gathered will be useful in the formulation of mangrove measures for the preservation of the remaining mangrove stands in Antique. Specifically, it aimed 1.) to identify the species present in Antique. 2.) to determine the basal areas 3.) to determine the stand basal areas of mangroves. Transect line plot method was used for the study. All sampled sites have been visibly been subjected to human disturbances of varying magnitude. There were 31 true mangroves species identified in the 11 municipalities studied belonging to 14 families. Abundant mangrove forest is in Semirara Island. Caluya with 28 species belonging to 13 families. The family of Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with 7 species identified. Lumnitzera racemosa and Nypa fruticans were found in all municipalities, whereas the least occurring were the Camptostemon philippinensis and Aegiceras floridum found only in Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area of Antique was 39.49 m2/ha. It ranges from 4.54 m2/ha for the municipality of Bugasong to 214.27 m2ha for the municipality of Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area per species of Antique Province were ranges from Sonneratia alba at 8.69 m7ha as the highest and the lowest at 0.0036 m2/ha exhibited by Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. The relatively isolated state of is a good factor in development and establishment of a good mangrove cover. In comparison with other sites in Antique, the stand basal area in Semirara Island, Caluya is much higher reflective of a better and healthier stand.
Analysis of the gut contents of largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Surigao Del Sur
Barros, Andrea Philine R. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)
The traditional gut content analysis is one of the methods used which investigates feeding interactions, specifically those belonging to the aquatic food webs. The ribbonfish, Trichiurus lepturus is an economically important fish, and due to its high demand to other south-east Asian countries especially in the Philippines, there is a targeted fishery for this resource. However, the catch of this species in the country has declined recently. Since feeding habits are fundamental to understanding the ecology of a community, this study aimed to analyze the gut contents of Trichiurus lepturus. A total of 66 guts were examined in the study. The size ranged from 101-505 mm in total length. They fed mostly on fishes including Encrasicholina sp., and shrimps such as Acetes, Penaeus, and Lucifer. Moreover, there was an occurrence of cannibalism but only larger individuals. Microplastics were also evident in most of the size classes.
Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of selected basidiomycetes from UPV, Miagao, Iloilo Philippines
Ambubuyog, Marja Victoria U. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-03)
The Basidiomycetes represent an enormous source for natural products with diverse chemical structures and wideranging antimicrobial activity. This study was done to investigate the antibacterial property of selected species of basidiomycetes aqueous and methanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically, it aimed to (1) determine the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition; (2) determine the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition; and (3) compare the aqueous and methanolic extracts of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition. A total number of ten species were collected namely Auricularia sp., Schizophyllum sp., Trametes pubescens, Trametes versicolor, Trametes elegans, Ganoderma sp.(l), Ganoderma sp.(2), Stereum sp. and two unknowns. Dried samples were crushed and extracted with water and methanol. Antibacterial activity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The results showed a negative to weak inhibition against the test microorganisms which is inconsistent with the results of previous studies. It could possibly be attributed to the preparation of the samples and the fruiting body maturity that influenced the antibacterial potential of the samples. It appears that fruiting bodies used in the present study may not be reliable sources of bioactive compounds for antibacterial activity.
Antimicrobial activity of macrofungal basidiomycetous mycelia against Vibrio spp.
Bagacay, Jann Felnesh Exe V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2023-06)
Aquaculture is vital for global food security, producing 50% of the world’s fish. However, infectious diseases caused by fish pathogens like Vibrio species can lead to significant production losses. To address this issue, antimicrobial agents are commonly used. Macrofungal fruiting bodies and mycelia produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study aims to: (a) assess antimicrobial activity in isolated macrofungal samples against the fish bacterial pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae, (b) compare two methods (agar plug and crude extracts) for antimicrobial activity, (c) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using agar well diffusion and the agar plug methods, and (d) identify the macrofungal isolate with the highest antimicrobial activity. Ten morphospecies were collected from the University of the Philippines Visayas Miagao Campus. The samples were evaluated using the agar plug and agar well diffusion methods. The results showed antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The activity index ranged from 0 to 0.83 and 0.22 to 0.78 for agar wells, and 0 to 1.00 and 0.70 to 1.30 for agar plugs, against V cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, respectively. Termitomyces globulus and Trametes sp. 1 exhibited the highest activity indices using the agar plug and agar well diffusion methods, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in antimicrobial activity against both test organisms. These findings demonstrate the potential of macrofungi as a valuable source of antimicrobial compounds for controlling fish pathogens in aquaculture. Further research could lead to the identification and utilization of these compounds to minimize production losses and improve disease management in aquaculture.
Assesment on the competencies of barangay health workers in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics
Arbado, Pearl Joy C.; Laurente, Inna Grace R.; Loberiza, Lamont Joseph S.; Militar, Anna Raisa G.; Quidato, Jun Pretzel E.; Ong, Meghan Y.; Salada, Anna Patriz F.; Salcedo, Yehonathan Joseph V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)
In the Philippines, where the basic political unit is the Barangay, CHWs are known locally as Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and they play a vital role in the delivery of health services throughout the country. These are people that have undergone training programs under any accredited government and non-government organizations and who render primary health care services in the community after having been accredited to function. Their roles are subdivided as community organizers, health educators, and health care service providers. This study aims to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics to the competence of BHWs in the First Congressional District of Iloilo. A competence assessment tool was then used to perform a guided interview of the midwives to evaluate the performance of 177 BHWs. Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to test the relation between variables. Out of the seven municipalities, only Igbaras was lowly competent with an average weighted mean of 3.85. Findings revealed that age (p-value=0.137), educational attainment (p-value=0.302), and length of experience (p-value=0.336)), had no significant relationship with the overall competence of BHWs as well as with the level of competence. Income, however, revealed to be statistically significant given the p-value of 0.020. BHWs with an income of 3000PHP and below is 3.4 (95% CI: 0.097 to 0.874) times more likely to be lowly competent.
Assessment of damage to mangroves in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, Philippines: 10 years after the 2006 oil spill
Amistas, Jhon Robert (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
Approximately 2 million liters of bunker C was spilled by M/T Solar I off the coast of southern Guimaras on August 11, 2006. This is the worst oil spill in the country to date that affected the mangroves within Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Rapid assessment of impacts on the mangroves was done one month after the spill and long-term monitoring was done from 2007-2014. This study was conducted to determine the mangrove status 10 years after the spill in terms of community structure. Specifically, it determined a) species composition, b) stand basal area, c) stand height, d) relative density, e) relative dominance, e) relative frequency, f) importance value, g) index of diversity, h) species evenness, i) density of seedling, saplings, and trees. In addition, leaf area was also determined as an indicator of the health conditions of the species present. The same five stations in earlier studies were used, namely Bagaman, Pototan, Taklong Island (oiled), Tandog and Taklong Island (unoiled), Nueva Valencia, and Guimaras. Results showed that the community structure showed an improvement, especially in stand, basal area, wilding, and tree density while no change in terms of species diversity due to the absence of new species. The leaf areas of mangroves in Bagatnan indicated some signs of stress but showed an improvement since 2006. In general, the oil-affected mangroves in TINMR have shown signs of recovery. However, it is recommended that additional monitoring activities be conducted.
Assessment of heavy metal traces (Copper and lead) in the soft tissue of Oysters Crassostrea virginica
Balboa, Dexter G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04-05)
The bivalve mollusk Crassostrea virginica is abundant in Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo and Brgy. Bacong, Dumangas; and are widely consumed by the residence as food. Bioaccumulation of Copper and Lead in the soft tissues of C. virginica from Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo and Brgy. Bacong, Dumangas were measured and checked if they are still within the permissible levels of Copper and Lead in food based on Median International Standards for metals compiled by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Metal concentrations (μg/g) were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Mean concentrations of the heavy metals in C. virginica from Calaparan, Arevalo- Cu 27.829, Pb 1.2133; Bacong, Dumangas- Cu 57.834, Pb 0.1338. These levels of Copper and Lead in oyster tissue from both sites are within the the range of Median International Standards for metals and are safe for human consumption. Statistical analysis through one- way ANOVA (F > Fcrit, showed significant difference between sites (Fcrit = 18.51282) for Copper (F value, 215.06569) but not for Lead (F value, 2.25151). The study also provided further solid evidence that bivalve like Crassostrea virginica can recover and concentrate environmentally derived and anthropogenic traces of heavy metals.
Association of topography and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics to the compliance of mothers to reproductive health services in Maasin, Iloilo
Azarraga, Alyssa Faye N.; Brazas, Jodelyn M.; Bordon, Jenn Margarette B.; Dofitas, Adrian Bernard A.; Gadong, Joshua Vincent Y.; Matinong, Kathleen Erica D.; Paguidopon, Cyril L.; Tabanar, Bianca Ysobel S.; Tantuan, Liza Beth F.; Temelo, Jason Andrei C.; Ynzon, Samuel P. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to reproductive functions and processes. This study was conducted in the 50 barangays of Maasin, Iloilo with the purpose of determining if factors such as topography (highland or lowland) and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics (age, parity, highest educational attainment, occupation, and household asset index) have significant association with the utilization of reproductive health services such as prenatal care, family planning and delivery care. A total of 356 mothers (160 from lowland barangays and 196 from highland barangays) from the municipality were interviewed using a survey questionnaire. Statistical tools such as Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, T-test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Using the results from the surveys, it was found that majority of the mothers from highland barangays had 6 or more children, low educational attainment, and low household asset index. Only educational attainment was known to be significantly associated (p-0.003) with compliance to prenatal care services. Parity was the only factor that was significantly associated (p=0.036) with compliance to family planning services. For delivery care services, age (p=0.047), parity (p=0.001), educational attainment (p=0.002) and occupation (p=0.003) were found to have significant association with topography, because mothers (31-49 years old) who are from highland barangays, who are unemployed, with low educational attainment and who have 6 or more children are more likely to deliver through non-facility based service. Results of this study showed that the rural health unit of Maasin has achieved a good coverage of prenatal care and family planning services since the values were not found to be statistically significant between highland and lowland barangays. However, the RHU still needs to restructure their projects to cater those mothers in highland barangays who still opt for non-facility based deliveries as it is statistically significant when in relation to topography.
Bacteriological survey and detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. in bottom sediments from two sites in Iloilo River
Barrera, Christopher (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04)
Bacterial contamination in the Iloilo river occurs because of various human activities. The assessment of the river was done using microbiological parameters (HPC, TC, FC, and FS) for 7 months in Sooc Bridge and Carpenter’s Bridge using bottom sediments for samples. Sediment was used because bacteria accumulate over time in the sediment due to high amounts of organic and inorganic matter in the substrate and this leads to better survivability of bacteria. The values obtained from microbiological parameters investigated are generally higher in Sooc Bridge. HPC results show that the higher mean value was in Sooc Bridge(7.43 x 108 CFU/lOOg). The levels of TC on both sampling sites ranged from 9.5 x 102to 2.40 x 104 CFU/100g. For TC, Sooc has the higher mean (1.76 x 104 CFU/lOOg) for 7 months. FC values ranged from 3.0 x 101 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Sooc bridge has the higher mean(1.17 x 104 CFU/lOOg) between the 2 sites. Lastly, the FS value range from 2.9 x 103 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Also, Sooc Bridge has the higher mean value (1.58 x 104 CFU/lOOg). There are no significant differences on the microbiological parameters used in each site. The FC/FS ratio revealed that mixed fecal materials contaminate the river. Among the four pathogenic bacteria detected, Salmonella spp. was the most abundant for 7 months (63-65%) and E. coli was the least abundant(>l%). Based on the criteria on sediment quality evaluation, there is little to moderate loading of organic and inorganic matter.
Banate Bay mangrove reforestation program: Prospective area for community-based property rights (CBPRs)
Ungkakay, Farisal B. (Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 2004-03)
The study focuses on the Mangrove Reforestation Program of the Banate Bay Resource Management Council, Inc. (BBRMCI), particularly in the 5 coastal barangays bordering Banate Bay, Iloilo, namely: Tiwi, Palaciauan, Pantalan, Belen and Talokgangan. It describes the processes, issues and prospects encountered by BBRMCI in the implementation of the mangrove reforestation project. Focus group discussion with key informants at the community, as well as interview of BBRMCI staff were done to capture the initiatives and mechanisms involved in the program, organizational arrangements in these areas and the issues the BBRMCI faces in the program implementation. It further explores the feasibility of transferring the management of such initiative to the local communities or communal groups in the area. A set of criteria was used to assess the capacity of existing organizations to assume management responsibilities for the mangrove resources. These are: presence of clearly defined boundaries for the resources, presence of a small user's group with mutual obligations and rules against defectors, an overlap between the location of the common property and organization or community member's residence, degree of dependence of the user group on the resource and support from local decision-makers. Although results show that most of the abovementioned criteria are present in the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (BFARMCs), conditions at the community level still, are not conducive for the transfer of management responsibilities to BFARMCs primarily because BFARMCs are considered as government-arms and not independent groups. Second, there is a need to define the level of importance of each of the 5 criteria to achieve the desired success of CBPRs. Other equally important features are therefore recommended, in addition to the criteria used, to increase the chances of success of the Mangrove Reforestation Program of BBRMCI. These are: (1) defining the user group's capacity; (2) system of sanctions and rewards within and outside a user group; and (3) presence of appropriate legal institutions that will allow exclusive use rights over the resources to qualified user groups.