Published Articles

Author:
Wilfredo B. Barrera Jr.

Abstract:
Nature-based solutions (NbS) in agricultural landscapes remain underrecognized despite efforts to establish frameworks that identify certain agricultural practices as NbS. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effects of agricultural practices aligned with NbS principles in the Mediterranean agroecosystems and evaluate their impacts on crop productivity, soil quality, and biodiversity. A total of 15 potential NbS related to ground cover and field management practices were identified across ten agroecosystems. Crop yield showed a low effect size and high heterogeneity across NbS types, with legume and non-legume cover having the highest significant effect size. NbS increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and soil nitrogen, all with the highest significant effect size in legume cover and spontaneous vegetation. NbS also increased total organic carbon (TOC), with herbaceous cover having the highest significant effect size. No significant effects of NbS were observed in soil bulk density, and available soil phosphorus and potassium. Spontaneous vegetation, traditional farming systems, and undisturbed ground cover had the highest effect sizes on arthropod abundance. Across agroecosystems, the effect size for crop yield was low and heterogeneous, with a significant increase only in the leguminous field crop. Soil quality was significantly improved across agroecosystems except for bulk density and available phosphorus. Microbial activity increased in olive orchards, soil chemical properties improved in vineyards, and arthropod diversity was enhanced in both systems. The overall findings of this study support a significant step toward establishing these agricultural practices as NbS or nature-inclusive. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2026.128042 
Full paper: Open Access 

Authors:

Joy Therese L. Villon, Myrgil D. De Torres, & Derek S. Damian

Abstract:
Reading proficiency in the Philippines remains a significant challenge, as evidenced by Filipino learners' low performance in international assessments. While the “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko” (BKTK) program was established to address this crisis through community volunteerism, the lived experiences of the teachers operationalizing such grassroots interventions remain largely unexplored. Hence, this study investigated the experiences of teachers in implementing the “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko”, reading program in Quezon province and determined inputs for enhancement. This utilized qualitative methods and purposively selected eight (8) volunteer teachers in the “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko” Program. Thematic analysis to analyze the data in a municipality in Quezon province. The results revealed five themes such as volunteer teachers’ involvement, teacher-learner interaction, parents’ involvement, difficulties in teaching non-readers, and uncooperative pupils. Thus, this study concludes that volunteer teachers are the key players in the success of the reading program and the ‘Bayan Ko Teacher Ko Program’ reading program is beneficial for enhancing the reading comprehension and proficiency of Filipino learners. However, it needs to be improved since it has the potential to alleviate illiteracy in the Philippines. As recommendations, policy makers and the government should provide literacy training sessions to capacitate the volunteer teachers in implementing the BKTK program, ensuring they are equipped with effective reading instruction strategies. Meanwhile, future studies can be done by assessing the effectiveness of the reading programs using standardized literacy assessments. Furthermore, future studies can be done with more participants to have more accuracy and generalizable results.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62960/irijeea.v2i2.48 
Full paper: Open Access 

Authors:

Esmeth Espinola & Wilfredo Jr Barrera

Abstract:
Place-based learning (PlBL) fosters awareness of local environments, cultures, and settings, as well as builds emotional and intellectual connections to local contexts. Although most studies focus on theory and local applications, limited scientometric analysis of its knowledge structure and evolution has been conducted. The study aimed to analyze the current state of research on PlBL, global relationships between researchers and countries, and the dynamics of key research themes and topics. This study employs a combined scientometric and thematic approach to analyze peer-reviewed documents from the Scopus database (2007–2024), examining the current state of PlBL research, global research relationships, and key thematic trends. Analysis revealed a significant expansion of PlBL research as it gains international traction. Thematic analysis revealed that PlBL, environmental education, experiential learning, higher education, virtual reality, outdoor education, and sustainability highlight their importance in the context of PlBL. PlBL was also found to have a critical role in socio-environmental initiatives. Lastly, PlBL has evolved significantly with the introduction of advanced technologies. The study highlights the growing nature of PlBL, specifically with the advent of technologies, which could significantly promote socio-environmental actions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-7963/CGP/A270 
Full paper: Access using University Account 

Author:

Helene D. Daya

Abstract:
The global pandemic accelerated the transition from conventional face-to-face to distant online education. This study aims to investigate the disparities in mental health challenges among students undergoing remote online learning during the educational disruption and their current psychological status upon transitioning back to in-person learning. Students at public universities experienced high levels of psychological distress, stress, anxiety, and depression. The study revealed an association between mental health concerns and demographic factors, including socioeconomic status and gadget use. While students' mental well-being improved after in-person learning, they faced challenges in managing stress and developing self-directed learning skills. The research recommends implementing hybrid learning policies, wellness days, mental health awareness initiatives, and frequent breaks to enhance intellectual and psychological development. This research provides a significant basis for establishing international standards for student mental health care and directs higher education institutions worldwide towards more resilient, adaptable, and supportive educational settings. 

DOI: https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/jcihe/vol18/iss1/3/ 
Full paper: Open Access 

Author:

Robert Riggs Rondilla

Abstract:
Fermented foods are increasingly in demand for their health-promoting properties and extended shelf life. Seaweeds, which are abundant in minerals, vitamins, and bioactive metabolites, represent an underexplored resource for functional food development. In this study, two edible Scottish brown seaweeds (Alaria esculenta and Laminaria digitata) were subjected to lactic acid fermentation. Microbiological and physicochemical analyses confirmed successful fermentation, which was marked by a pH reduction from 6.0 to 4.5, lactic acid accumulation along with the dominance of lactic acid bacteria, while the incidence of foodborne pathogens remained undetected. Metabolomic profiling by 1H-NMR and LC-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) revealed specific chemical changes, including the production of oxygenated unsaturated lipids and loliolide, compounds potentially linked to stress and defence responses. Functional analysis highlighted the enrichment of essential unsaturated fatty acid metabolism pathways, particularly in L. digitata. Biological assays demonstrated that fermented seaweed extracts inhibited the biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with enhanced effects observed for fermented L. digitata. Together, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of lactic acid fermentation to valorise edible seaweeds into safe, metabolite-enriched functional foods with potential health benefits.  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijfood/vvag016 
Full paper: Open Access 

Author: 

Wilfredo B. Barrera Jr.

Introduction:
Understanding climate change impacts on water footprints (WFs) is crucial for sustainable soybean production.

Discussion: 

Future climate change will differentially impact rainfed and irrigated soybean WFs, emphasizing the need for targeted irrigation water management strategies. The findings are essential to making informed decisions for sustainable soybean production in the study areas.

Results: 

The WFrainfed varied across locations in the baseline period, with Cesa having the highest values and Ljubljana the lowest. Blue WF and WFirrigated increased as the readily available water (RAW) depletion threshold for irrigation decreased, with no significant differences in WFirrigated across irrigation strategies. Future climate change showed varying effects on WFrainfed and WFirrigated. Under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5- 8.5, WFrainfed is projected to increase from mid (2061–2080) to far future (2081– 2100). Whereas, a decrease is projected from near (2041–2060) to far future under SSP2-4.5. WFirrigated is expected to decrease in Castelfranco and Cesa but to increase in Ljubljana. Under SSP5-8.5, WFirrigated increased from near to far future. Whereas, SSP2-4.5 showed a decline, except in Ljubljana from near to mid-future. Under SSP1-2.6, WFirrigated decreased from near to mid-future but increased from mid to far future. Blue WF followed similar patterns to these projections. Irrigation strategies have minimal effects on consumptive WFs but significantly influence blue water use and yield.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2026.1748798
Full paper: Open Access 

Author:

Ronald C. Garcia

Abstract:
Geomorphology  influences hydrologic response behavior of watersheds but  seasonal responses  such as dry season flow are rarely given focused more so their availability, quality, and spatiotemporal distribution. This is crucial for sustaining hydrologic ecosystem services (HES).  This study  assessed the  influence of watershed  morphometry on  dry season flow volume and its selected physicochemical characteristics. Spot measurements of stream flow and its dissolved oxygen  (DO),  electric  conductivity (EC), total  dissolved  solids  (TDS), and  Salinity  levels  from  56  small upstream watersheds in the Mts. Banahaw – San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL) was determined. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for variable reduction of geomorphological parameters and two-stage Random Forest Regression were used to  determine the drivers of  dry season flow  occurrence and characteristics.  Results showed that  small upstream watersheds can exhibit sustained dry season flow with acceptable levels of EC, TDS, and Salinity. Total stream length (Tlu), Bifurcation ratio (Rb), area, and slope were the most important variables in predicting dry season flow volume, but its model  showed poor  validation performance  and slightly  overfit (R2=  0.527, p =  0.011). Models for water  quality parameters showed acceptable performance for DO, EC, Salinity, and TDS levels (R2= 0.824, 0.713, 0.623, and 0.722, respectively) with flow volume (Q2018) as the most important driver, followed by Basin relief (Bh), watershed area, and slope.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2025-0025 
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Author:

Ferdinand L. Rellorosa

Abstract:
Although Data-Driven Learning (DDL, thereafter) has demonstrated considerable pedagogical advancement since its inception in the early 1990s, its integration into ESL classrooms remains sporadic, particularly in Global South contexts. Despite its growing traction in ELT research and practice, DDL remains underutilized in Philippine secondary ESL classrooms. This study aims to address this gap by examining the efficacy and practical feasibility of DDL in teaching modal verbs to Filipino secondary learners. Employing a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design, two instructional groups were compared: one that followed conventional pedagogical methods and the other that utilized a DDL approach. Independent t-tests revealed significantly superior performance among learners exposed to DDL instruction, underscoring its pedagogical value. To enrich the findings, focus group discussions were conducted with five English teachers and five learner participants from the experimental group. Responses indicated generally favorable perceptions, highlighting increased learner engagement and autonomy. Nevertheless, concerns were raised regarding technological accessibility and the inadequacy of teacher training, echoing issues scarcely addressed in the current literature. Using the lens of critical realism, the study interpreted not only surface-level outcomes but also the deeper mechanisms and structural conditions that shape the success or limitations of DDL in the Philippine context. Hence, findings suggest that while DDL offers a compelling alternative to traditional methodologies, its successful implementation in the Philippine context necessitates sustained investment in teachers guided by existing structural and cultural realities. This study contributes to the expanding discourse on DDL and signals new avenues for research and instructional innovation in underrepresented educational contexts.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.1.19
Full paper: Open Access