Response of Black, Red, and White Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars to Nutrient Management Under Highly Alkaline Soil

Increasing rice productivity under highly alkaline soil is possible by using appropriate cultivars and efficient nutrient management. This study determined the agronomic and yield response of three rice cultivars to nutrient management under highly alkaline soil. It evaluated rice production's profitability using three rice cultivars influenced by nutrient management under highly alkaline soil. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot arranged in an RCBD with rice cultivars as the main plot and nutrient management as the subplot. Statistical analysis revealed that fertilized plants headed and matured earlier than unfertilized plants. A significant interaction effect was noted among rice cultivars under different nutrient management. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased the percentage of filled spikelets while reducing unfilled spikelets. Application of 2.5 t/ha-1 poultry litter + 60-30-30 kg ha-1 N, P O , and K O (T ), significantly increased the 2 5 2 4 number of productive tillers, the weight of grains hill-1, and grain yield (t/ha-1) compared to plants applied with pure inorganic fertilizer. For cost and return analysis, black rice and T achieved the highest gross margins of PHP 297,708.28 4 and PHP 269,845.68 respectively. The results indicated that using black rice applied with 2.5 t/ha-1 poultry litter + 60-30-30 kg ha-1 N, P O , and K O (T ) is a highly effective 2 5 2 4 and profitable option for lowland rice production under highly alkaline soil.

Instilling Environmental Consciousness through an Environmental Jamboree: The Experiences of Senior High School Students and Youth Leaders

This study is a documentation of the Visayas State University environmental consciousness drive for Senior High School students and youth leaders through an environmental jamboree in April 2018. Through quantitative and qualitative research methods, this study is designed to determine the Senior High School students and youth leaders' basic understanding of the essence of nature conservation and assess their learnings from the environmental jamboree lectures, environmentally-themed adventure race, and cultural night. In addition, this study enables the participants to develop personal reflections on their realizations of the importance of environment conservation. This study concludes that the environmental jamboree participants have little knowledge about environmental conservation at the start of the activity. Moreover, the participant's knowledge in the realm of nature conservation has significantly improved after they participated in the different activities of the environmental jamboree. Finally, the activities in the environmental jamboree have enabled the participants to realize that good ecosystem service only comes from a clean and healthy environment. Furthermore, this study reinforced another realization that environmental conservation efforts would be more successful if there is unity and coordination among people. Nevertheless, the participants were informed that such realizations could only materialize if there is determination and hard work among people involved in environmental conservation efforts.

Morphological Characterization of Native Pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) in Bohol Province, Philippines

This study assessed the morphological characteristics of the native pig population in Bohol Island, Philippines. A total of 100 sexually-mature native pigs (80% gilt/sow and 20% barrow/boar) were selected from the municipalities of Balilihan, Bilar, Talibon, Ubay, Loon, Guindulman, Mabini, San Miguel, Pilar, and Alburquerque, which are densely populated with native pigs (based on the data of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian-Bohol). Purposive sampling was used to select the experimental pigs based on the phenotypic traits that qualify them as native. Likewise, remote barangays where native pigs are most likely raised were selected as sample sites. The qualitative (hair color, color pattern, and ear orientation) and quantitative (tail length, teat number, estimated body weight using body length, and heart girth measurements) traits were recorded based on subjective observation and actual measurements, respectively. Qualitatively, the native pigs in Bohol have predominantly (73%) black hair. In terms of color pattern, plain color (91%), spotted (4%), and patchy (5%) were noted. The native pigs also revealed droopy (54%), slightly droopy (37%), and erect (9%) ear orientations. Meanwhile, quantitative traits revealed an overall body length of 38.07 ± 8.75 inches, heart girth of 36.9 ± 8.83 inches, body weight of 67.29 ± 41.15 kg, tail length of 9.78 ± 2.45 inches, and 12.38 ± 1.33number of teats. Significant differences across sampling areas(p<0.05)and sex (p<0.01) were observed. Generally, females had higher values than males, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in trait values among age groups.

Intensive Vegetable Production Degrades Volcanic Ash Soil in Cabintan, Ormoc City, Philippines

Long-term intensive cultivation leads to soil-related problems. This study was conducted to know the changes in physico-chemical properties of volcanic ash soil (Andisol) in Barangay Cabintan, Ormoc City, Leyte after ten years of intensive vegetable production. Five sampling sites were selected, representing fallow and intensively cultivated areas. The soils were collected and analyzed for particle size analysis (PSA), bulk density (Db), soil pH, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable bases potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na). The findings of the current study were compared to the results reported by the ACIAR project ten years ago. The results revealed that the soil physico-chemical properties of Andisol changed within ten years. There were significant differences in soil physicochemical properties of Andisol across sites and depths as influenced by the two types of soil management over ten years. Soil management practices influenced the nutrient supplying capacity and the physico-chemical properties of the soil. Soil texture did not vary except for sites C and E (intensively cultivated areas). The bulk density remained low while the soil pH, soil organic matter, nitrogen, and exchangeable bases decreased. However, the available phosphorus increased under intensive vegetable production. The overall results highlighted the need to employ the appropriate soil management, specifically fertilizer application. An accurate and exact combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is highly recommended in the area to obtain the desired vegetable yield.

Growth, Yield and Plant Quality of Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) as Affected by Nitrogen and Potassium Doses Under Neutral and Acidic Soil Condition

Considering the great significance of basil for food and medicinal purposes, it is important to study the proper culture and management of sweet basil. A pot experiment was done to: (a) evaluate the effects of increasing doses of nitrogen and potassium application on the growth, yield, and plant quality of sweet basil; (b) determine the optimum rate of nitrogen and potassium combination for sweet basil and (c) assess the effects of different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on the chemical properties of acidic and neutral soil. There were eight treatments consisting of different levels of N and K O added into neutral and acidic soil. These 2 treatments were the following: T – Control (No fertilizer), T - 60-60-60 kg/ha N-P O - 1 2 2 5 K O (RR), T – 0- 60- 60 kg/ha N-P O - K O, T – 120-60-60 kg/ha N-P O - K O, T – 180- 2 3 2 5 2 4 2 5 2 5 60-6/h0 kg/ha N-P O - K O, T – 60-60-0 kg/ha N-P O - K O, T – 60-60-120 kg/ha N- 2 5 2 6 2 5 2 7 P O - K O, and T – 60-60-180 kg/ha N-P O - K O. 2 5 2 8 2 5 2 The results showed that the application of T (0-60-60 kg/ha N-P O -K O) has 3 2 5 2 increased plant height, number of primary branches, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaf, herbage yield, and root weight under neutral soil condition. Meanwhile, optimum application of N and K (60-60-60 kg/ha N-P O - K O) influenced 2 5 2 sweet basil's quality in terms of its chlorophyll content (Chlorophyll a and b). Moreover, increased chemical properties of neutral and acidic soil were significantly affected by application of T (180-60-60 kg/ha N-P O - K O), T (60-60- 5 2 5 2 7 120 kg/ha N-P O - K O), and T (60-60-180 kg/ha N-P O - K O). Most importantly, 2 5 2 8 2 5 2 application of T (0- 60- 60 kg/ha N-P O - K O), T (120-60-60 kg/ha N-P O - K O), T 3 2 5 2 4 2 5 2 6 (60-60-0 kg/ha N-P O - K O), and T (60-60-180 kg/ha N-P O - K O) has influenced % 2 5 2 8 2 5 2 N, P, and K concentrations in basil leaf significantly. The optimum combination of N and K that was highly favorable under both neutral and acidic condition was T (0-60- 3 60 kg/ha N-P O -K 0), indicating that sweet basil needs small amounts of N for its 2 5 2 growth and yield.

Market Acceptability Study of Vacuum-fried Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) “Isaw”

Chicken “isaw”is a traditional food in the market that has been widely accepted by the low-income segment of the Filipino populace. Chicken “isaw” was developed into a more hygienic product through vacuum frying to improve its quality, shelf life, and marketability. Market acceptability assessment of the improved product was done by involving both consumers and non-consumers of chicken “isaw.” Results of which showed that 93% of non-consumers were aware about the traditional chicken “isaw” but were not buying or consuming the product due to perceptions that the product is unsafe, unhygienic, and unpalatable. Results also showed that consumers purchased the product due to its affordability, availability, and palatable taste. The product was purchased weekly by a little less than 50% of the consumers, buying 4 to 6 pieces. Results revealed that all the consumer and non-consumer respondents were not aware of the improved chicken “isaw.” However, 90% of consumers and 52% of non-consumers were willing to purchase the product. Moreover, 87% of consumers and 100% of non-consumers preferred vacuum fried chicken “isaw” compared to the conventionally fried one. Suggestions regarding the marketing mix strategies include: a.) offering the product in variants of different flavors; b.) improvement of color and texture; c.) development of appropriate packaging; d.) offering the product in small affordable packs, and; e.) making the product available in food courts, supermarkets, and canteens. In addition, product promotion in radio stations, social media, as well as other online sites and giving free samples, fliers, and posters were also suggested.

Hydropower Potentials Estimation of Biliran Islands Based on Synthetic Aperture Radar Spatial Data Using Soil and Water Assessment Tool Simulation

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) spatial data simulation using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was conducted to determine the hydropower generation potentials of three (3) major islands of Biliran Province in the Philippines. Results indicate that the dominant hydropower potentials of Biliran are of microhydro class with a total of 2,900 sites and an estimated power output of 35.37 megawatts. Minihydro and picohydro power potentials contributed only 2.8% and 20.5%, respectively, to the total of 46.15 megawatts hydropower potential in the main island of the Province. The second and third biggest islands, Maripipi and Higatangan, were found, through simulation, to have no significant river formation and, hence, no hydropower potential.

Graduate Students' Perceived Contribution of Scholarship Grants to Academic Success

To improve the production of high-level human resources that can spearhead efforts to attain national development, many countries, including the Philippines, have provided scholarship grants to interested professionals for them to pursue advanced degrees. This study aimed to find out graduate students' perceived contribution of scholarship grants to their academic success. We gathered data through a survey of 46 scholars who pursued graduate studies at the Visayas State University. To supplement the survey data, we conducted a focus group discussion with seven scholars who were not among the survey respondents. Results showed that participants considered their scholarship grants as contributors to their academic success. These grants motivated them to perform well academically and finish their respective degrees within the time allotted for their study. The scholarship grants provided funds for their school and living expenses, thus encouraging them to complete their degrees on time. Since their scholarships facilitated their completion of graduate degrees, they said it also contributed to their career development. Their scholarship also enabled them to improve their knowledge and skills, opened better career opportunities, and boost their selfconfidence to apply for jobs with higher compensation. They also considered their scholarship as a plus factor in their job applications.

Health or thinness? A content analysis of dietary behaviors promoted by Filipino food blogs

Food blogging communities, which have been steadily increasing over the years, are significant sources of dietary behaviors. However, studies revealed that some food blogs do not promote healthy dietary behaviors. This study generally aimed to determine the textual and visual content of the top five Filipino food blogs. Overall findings of the study imply that the bloggers delivered information that was associated with greater internalization of the thin ideal, appearance comparison, weight dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness among readers. The content also has negative/guilt inducing messages about food which could mean that the recipes posted may have problematic nutritional content especially that most of the bloggers were just “foodies”, not nutrition experts. Although some entries were about health recipes, healthy eating choices, medical treatment and prevention, and exercising, which suggest that food blogs might promote healthy behaviors, this information has to be verified with experts. Filipino food blogs contain a variety of messages and information that may or may not promote healthy dietary behaviors. The results of this study could help provide awareness to those who get food and health-related information in the internet, specifically from the top Filipino food blogs.