scholarly journals Food Service Inspection Capacity: Needs Assessment in a Philippine Local Government Unit

J ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-543
Author(s):  
Wessam M. Atif ◽  
Craig MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Food Service ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Food Inspection ◽  
Service Inspection

Applying scientific evidence through risk analysis is an important orientation for the international frameworks that have informed the Philippines’ current food-safety legislation. When implementing this legislation, local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines deal with manifold critical responsibilities using various product-based inspection procedures. This qualitative study was conducted at the end of 2017 with a focus on exploring one LGU’s food service inspection practices. The twofold aim was to find needs in the current food inspection capacity, and to illuminate how risk-based legislation is enacted among LGUs in the Philippines. Taking a discursive approach to help explain and describe the LGU’s practices and needs, the methods included an analysis of administrative documents, focus-group discussions, and observational research. This study explains the LGU’s role in carrying out food agencies’ national responsibilities; it also describes how, if adequate resources were available, new roles could exist for food safety officers and food inspectors. In conclusion, fulfilling the LGU’s needs with respect to national and regional standards would require implementation of a risk-based approach for food inspection.

Understanding Factors Related to Prolonged Trial of Detained Defendants in the Philippines

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 2461-2487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymund E. Narag
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Western Literature ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Official Data

Utilizing a combination of jail official data and qualitative data gathered through Focus Group Discussions and interviews with inmates, court actors, and jail officers, this article investigates the factors related to prolonged trial of detained defendants in the Philippines. Sensitizing concepts derived from Western literature are utilized to understand individual, court, and jail-level variations to prolonged detention. Results from official jail data show the magnitude and extent of the problem. The narrative data suggests the salience of organizational and cultural dynamics that lead to the delay of cases for detained defendants. Specifically, courts that are loosely coupled and subscribe to workgroup culture that condones leniency are more likely to be delayed. Implications to theory and policy are discussed.

Identity Construction, Social Media, and Ifugao Rice Terraces Conservation of Indigenous People's Youth Through Appreciative Inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-59
Author(s):  
Consuelo De Luna Habito ◽  
Susan Janette G. Ealdama
Keyword(s):  
Identity Construction ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Exchange Program ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
The University

Recognizing the important contribution of the indigenous people's (IP) youth towards the sustainable development and conservation of the internationally recognized Ifugao rice terraces (IRT) of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Open University implemented a youth capacity building and exchange program among IP youth from Hungduan, Kiangan, Banaue and Mayaoyao rice terraces in the Ifugao province. The study conducted focus group discussions that included identity construction with physical co-presence and utilization of new communication technologies (NCTs) through the strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results of an appreciative inquiry approach (SOAR). Beliefs, ethnicity and values were three key identity construction factors. Need, talent, passion, and conscience were also included among the dimensions of identity construction. These findings were subsequently used in the design and construction of training course modules customized for IP youth from the IRT using the blended-mode of learning and practical activities such as video logs and memes in NCTs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Group-Based Resilience Intervention for Typhoon Haiyan Survivors

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma Regina M. Hechanova ◽  
Lynn C. Waelde ◽  
Pia Anna P. Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Coping Skills ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Culturally Adapted ◽  
Disaster Survivors ◽  
Resilience Intervention ◽  
The Impact

This study evaluated the impact of Katatagan, a culturally adapted, group-based, and mindfulness-informed resilience intervention developed for disaster survivors in the Philippines. The intervention aimed to teach six adaptive coping skills: harnessing strengths, managing physical reactions, managing thoughts and emotions, seeking solutions and support, identifying positive activities, and planning for the future. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted with 163 Typhoon Haiyan survivors. Six-month follow-up assessments were obtained for 37 participants. Pre- and post-results showed improvements in participants’ self-efficacy on all six coping skills. The 6-month follow-up revealed significant improvements in four of the six coping skills. Focus group discussions conducted at follow-up revealed that mindfulness, self-care, strengths, and reframing were some of the topics that were most memorable to participants. Among these, participants identified mindfulness as a skill that they continued to use. Participants also shared that they felt stronger because of the intervention and have shared what they learned with others in their communities.

scholarly journals Experiences of LNU Neophyte Teachers: Cues for a Viable Mentoring Program

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Aguirre ◽  
Solomon Faller
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Practice ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Mentoring Programs ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The University ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

The usefulness of teachers’ mentoring program cannot be underestimated. Some universities and colleges in the Philippines have been implementing this kind of program with different approaches, content, and scope. The extent of mentoring programs to improve teaching careers has been studied here and abroad. Results remain inconclusive. This case study with a phenomenological peg has explored the lived experiences of neophyte teachers through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Their experiences in the first years of teaching were characterized by uncertainties, anxieties, struggles, and difficulties emanating from their lack of expertise on various aspects related to teaching practice, lack of knowledge about the culture and context of the university in which they were teaching, and lack of knowledge about the learners. With these specific inadequacies identified and the novice teachers’ implicit desire to be mentored, cues for a viable neophyte teacher’s mentoring program are drawn in the context of a teacher-training university.

scholarly journals Norm Internalization and Disability-inclusive Elections in the Philippines

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-71
Author(s):  
Paula Bianca P. Lapuz ◽  
Francisco A. Magno
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Contextual Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Norm Internalization

This article reviews the emergence of international norms connected with disability-inclusive elections and provides evidence of how they were cascaded and internalized in the Philippines. It examines the experience of the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector in the campaign for disability-inclusive elections. With the support of civil society organizations and international development partners, the PWD sector lobbied for the passage of the Accessible Polling Place (APP) Act which aims to improve the enfranchisement of PWDs. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, while a contextual analysis of relevant secondary documents was conducted to show proof of norm internalization in the establishment of disabilityinclusive elections.

scholarly journals Health Risks in Natural Disasters: Four Case Studies in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
Exaltacion E. Lamberte ◽  
Feorillo Petronillo A. Demeterio III ◽  
Wilfred Luis L. Clamor
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Events ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Face

The Philippines is prone to a variety of natural calamities. Consequently, the community's health is impacted by many extreme events. This study investigates stakeholders' knowledge and preparedness in the face of major natural events and disasters, health impacts of disasters in the community, and different sectors' response amid extreme events, explicitly flooding, earthquakes, super typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Data was gathered from four locations through interviews and focus group discussions, and available literature and situation reports. According to the narratives, residents' and local government units' awareness of an impending catastrophic event and disaster preparations are critical. Moreover, community members experienced various immediate, short-term, and long-term health impacts due to various disasters. Therefore, the lessons in this study should be used to improve its preparations, strategies, and protocols.

The Practice of Participatory Budgeting during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe’s Local Government Sector: A Case of Chitungwiza Municipality

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Zvimekria Clive Mukushwa ◽  
Jephias Mapuva ◽  
Edson P. Mutema
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Participatory Governance ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Local Democracy ◽  
Participatory Budgeting ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Government Sector ◽  
Desk Research

Abstract The experiences of participatory budgeting on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe is widely discussed and acknowledged, yet there is paucity of literature of the interface between the two variables. This study therefore seeks to examine how Chitungwiza Municipality has interfaced with Residents and Stakeholders in the participatory budgeting processes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using informant interviews, non-participant observation, focus group discussions and analytical desk research, the paper argues that COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns has become the most recent threat to the practice of local democracy, particularly to those local government institutions that largely rely more on physical meetings as engaging platforms for participatory budgeting. The study prescribes policy recommendations to improve urban participatory governance within the context of COVID-19 pandemic situation.

scholarly journals Interactive Mobile Phone HIV Adherence Support for Men who Have Sex with Men in the Philippines: Intervention Development and Pilot Testing in the Philippines Connect for Life Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara O'Connor ◽  
Katerina Leyritana ◽  
Aoife M Doyle ◽  
James J Lewis ◽  
Randeep Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Pilot Phase ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The Philippines HIV epidemic is one of the fastest growing globally, and infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are rising at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends use of mobile phone health technologies (mHealth) to engage patients in care and ensure high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Existing mHealth interventions can be adapted and tailored to the context and population served. OBJECTIVE To create a locally tailored intervention using a mobile phone platform to support treatment adherence for HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Philippines. METHODS A mixed-methods approach guided by the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework was used to adapt an existing mHealth adherence support platform for the local setting and target population. Literature review, retrospective clinical record review, and focus group discussions with patients were conducted to understand the drivers of ART adherence and tailor the intervention accordingly. The resulting intervention was pilot tested for eight weeks, followed by focus group discussions with patients who received the intervention to assess the acceptability of the design. RESULTS Key issues contributing to nonadherence included side effects, lack of behavioral skills for pill taking, social support, metal health, and substance use. Patients identified mHealth as an acceptable mode of intervention delivery, and wanted the mHealth services to be highly personalizable. The study team, clinicians, and software developers integrated these findings into the intervention, which included a menu of services: pill reminders, health tips, adherence feedback, appointment reminders, and symptom reporting. During the pilot phase, technical issues in the interactive voice response system (IVRS) were identified and addressed. Patients who participated in the pilot phase expressed a preference for short message service (SMS) over IVRS. Patients responded positively to the appointment reminders and health tips, while patient feedback on daily/weekly pill reminders and adherence feedback was mixed. CONCLUSIONS The mobile phone-based SMS and IVRS intervention was acceptable to MSM in Manila, Philippines, and qualitative analysis suggested the intervention helped promote ART adherence and appointment attendance.

Factors Affecting Citizen Participation in Local Development Planning in Murewa District, Zimbabwe

2022 ◽  
pp. 002190962110696
Author(s):  
Vellim Nyama ◽  
Geofrey Mukwada
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Local governments are the bedrock for sound public administration because of their role in promoting bottom-up socio-economic development. Although Zimbabwe has made strides in ensuring citizens’ participation in local government processes, local authorities and other stakeholders still rely on the top-down approaches, marginalising the needs of the local citizens. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that affect the active participation of citizens in local governance in the Murewa District in Zimbabwe. Based on a multistage sampling approach, involving purposive sampling and stratified random sampling, interviews were conducted with 30 local government officials, while a questionnaire survey was administered to 396 citizens in four wards within the district. Complementary data were collected through focus group discussions and field observations. Thematic analysis was employed on data generated from interviews, focus group discussions and field observations, while the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 16) was used to analyse quantitative data from the questionnaire survey. The results show that more than 50% of the residents in the district felt that local government leadership side lined them in development planning. Some citizens reported that officials used development planning meetings to further their political agendas. The study recommends enhancement of citizen participation through citizen empowerment programmes such as educational and political leadership training programmes that transform the marginalised communities into autonomous communities that are capable of determining their own destiny.

Zero Casualty: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategy of Albay Province, Philippines

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gremil Alessandro Naz ◽  
Arvin G. Malonzo ◽  
Benito L. Salvador Jr.
Keyword(s):  
International Organizations ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Risk Response ◽  
Geologic Hazards

Albay province in the Philippines is beset by multiple climatic and geologic hazards, but it has largely managed to stick to its zero-casualty goals during disasters. In fact, many international organizations have hailed the provincial government’s highly effective disaster risk response and management (DRRM). Through interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, the researchers sought to know the reasons for Albay’s success. Six strategies were discovered: (1) making DRRM a goal, (2) ordaining policies on DRRM, (3) building institutions related to DRRM, (4) providing an adequate budget for DRRM, (5) implementing DRRM programs and projects, and (6) forging partnerships with other DRRM stakeholders. Recommendations on how other provinces can replicate the Albay system are provided.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document