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Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant health risks, especially to high-risk individuals who are exposed to cats. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to toxoplasmosis and determine its seroprevalence among selected high-risk groups in Cebu, Philippines—specifically veterinary students, veterinary personnel, and cat owners. A total of 416 participants completed a structured questionnaire evaluating their demographics, exposure history, and KAP levels, while 250 underwent further rapid serological testing for T. gondii. Results of the relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Relative proportions revealed that there were more veterinary students who were having high level of knowledge (61%), compared to veterinary personnel (46%) and cat owners (24%). Similar pattern was observed in the attitude level for veterinary students (54%), veterinary personnel (36%) and cat owners (32%). However, practice level showed that more veterinary personnel (54%) had high level than the veterinary students (35%) and cat owners (35%). The over-all seroprevalence of T. gondii was 29.2%, with the highest relative detection rates among veterinary personnel (43.8%) and cat owners (39%). While statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between the KAP levels of the three groups, significant associations between seropositivity and profile variables, including age, educational attainment, previous medical history, and frequency of cat contact (P ≤ 0.05) were found. These results highlight the need for sustained public education, improved veterinary and public health training, responsible pet ownership, and better access to diagnostic services.

< p >Corruption is a complex abnormality that weaken the democratic institutions and can marginize Good Governance. Combating corruption is one of the most important factors for establishment Good Governance. Actors such as government, private sector and civil society have function in combating corruption but between the mention actors the role of civil societies is very effective and efficient in compare with mentioned actors. This study uses analytical – descriptive approach to analyze the role of special civil society in combating corruption in two countries, I.R. of Iran and Philippines.The findings of this study indicate that in the Philippines, specialized civil societies and nongovernmental organizations such as the "Citizens Concerned for Good Governance Establishment", "Entities for Government Procurement and Procurement", "Accountability and Transparency Network" and The Association of Thousands of Christians in Government are civil and non-governmental organizations active in the fight against corruption in this Southeast Asian country. At present, the fight against corruption in the Islamic Republic of Iran and its decision-making on prevention and combating it is carried out solely through the institutions of government and in parallel, though it has delegated its responsibilities to civil society organizations. But in terms of behavior compared to the Philippines and other countries, such as Singapore, which is much higher than the two countries mentioned above, there is a great gap between the specialized anti-corruption bodies and not only the such institutions have not established.Key words: Specialized Civil Society, Fighting Corruption, Pathology of Corruption Causes

Introduction Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. Due to the growing complexity of its transmission dynamics, which involve cross-host infections and persisting environmental contamination, the control strategies against STH continue to face drawbacks. In the Philippines, literature exploring the tripartite arm of the One Health approach remains scant; thus, to strengthen the integration of the One Health framework in the current Philippine One Health agenda, a comprehensive mapping of the local literature supporting this concept is necessary. This scoping review aims to map existing evidence on human–animal cross-host infection of STH and the extent of environmental contamination with STH in the Philippines.Methods and analysis This scoping review will follow the procedures established by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Eligible literature for review from 2006 to 2026 will be retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest and Health Research and Development Information Network. Studies must contain cases of cross-host infection STH (ie, human STH infecting animals or animal STH infecting humans) or the prevalence of STH in environmental samples in the Philippines. The final selection of sources for review will begin after two independent reviewers achieve ≥75% agreement and a Cohen’s Kappa score between 0.61 and 1.00 on source selection in a pilot test. Data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers using a modified data extraction tool adapted from JBI. Extracted data will be summarised descriptively and visually using tables and layered geographic information system maps along with a narrative summary. The search strategy was developed between October and November 2025. Data extraction is scheduled from May to June 2026, with the study anticipated to be completed by August 2026.Ethics and dissemination An ethical approval is not required for this scoping review protocol. As a comprehensive summary of cases of STH at human–animal–environment interfaces, the results of this scoping review will be presented at local and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal for maximum reach and knowledge translation.Review registration OSF https://osf.io/e9qdk.

English as the medium of teaching in this 21-st century learning demands teachers to be more competent and professional. In the EFL context, the English-integrated skills should be mastered by professional teachers to teach and design learning scenarios based on the skill. However, multifaceted issues and challenges are faced by teachers. This quantitative study with a causal-comparative design aimed at revealing the Philippines and Indonesian Teachers' Pedagogical Beliefs in Teaching English. This study had two research questions: 1). How are The Philippines and Indonesian teachers' pedagogical beliefs on teaching English? and 2) Are there any different findings on pedagogical beliefs between The Philippines and Indonesian teachers'? This study involved 30 EFL teachers from the Philippines (N=15) and Indonesia (N=15). The participants were selected randomly from state and vocational institutions in the Philippines and Indonesia. The data were collected through a close-ended questionnaire, and the descriptive statistic was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings revealed that teachers in both countries showed a good pedagogical perspective. However, a finding from the Philippines group showed teachers chose to be neutral in giving additional learning material and media to students. These findings gave the researchers broader input on how teachers in the Philippines and Indonesia showed their professional perspectives on teaching aspects.

This research conducted a citizen scientific field investigation and water quality assessment of nine major rivers using only on-site equipment and a smartphone in the Province of Antique, Philippines. Potential issues concerning water resources management in the province were discussed with local governors and citizens while conducting the water sampling and on-site measurement. The results of water quality assessments revealed that some of the rivers have experienced high turbidity, caused by anthropogenic activities such as embankment, sand mining, and dredging. In highly populated basins, such as the Sibalom and Malandog Rivers, a high biochemical oxygen demand level (>7 mg/L) was confirmed by the water quality analysis using an iPhone. Since high consumption of groundwater has already affected the lives of people in the province, surface water usage shifting from groundwater, involving the construction of a facility treating physical and chemical parameters, is needed. The citizen scientific approach employed in this research can provide more realistic insights into local environmental concerns, which would not be possible through quantitative measurements of water quality. HIGHLIGHTS The water quality of nine major rivers was assessed in the Province of Antique, Philippines.; Citizen scientific field investigation and water quality analysis used only an iPhone and an on-site water quality meter.; Some rivers have experienced siltation caused by anthropogenic activities.; A high biochemical oxygen demand level was confirmed in highly populated basins.; There is a need for a shift from groundwater to surface water usage.;

This study examined the policies, practices, and progress in strengthening clinical laboratory services in selected hospitals in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It utilized the correlational research design examining the status of policies in terms of regulatory framework, standards and guidelines, and implementation mechanisms; laboratory practices in terms of quality assurance, operational procedures, and human resource management; level of progress in terms of service quality improvement, accessibility and coverage, and capacity development. It also explored the relationships among policy, practices, and progress, and proposed a plan to enhance laboratory services. Survey questionnaires were administered to 201 out of 420 medical technologists from the participating hospitals. The findings revealed that tertiary hospitals in Laguna, Philippines, have strong policy structures and regulatory support, although implementation mechanisms still require strengthening for consistent application. Clinical laboratories effectively implement practices that support accurate diagnostics and patient care, particularly in quality assurance and operational procedures. Policies and practices explained 66% of the variance in strengthening laboratory services (R²=.66). Significant relationships among policy, practices, and progress indicate that stronger policy systems contribute to better implementation and improved laboratory service outcomes. Furthermore, both policies and practices were found to significantly predict the progress of strengthening clinical laboratory services in selected tertiary hospitals in the province of Laguna. Based on these findings, it is recommended to enhance policy implementation by strengthening monitoring, supervision, and communication, while maintaining robust quality assurance systems. Improvements in workflow efficiency, staffing, continuous training, and technological adoption are also necessary.

Changes in land cover can have negative impacts on the hydrological and hydraulic processes in river basins and watersheds such as increase in surface runoff and peak flows, and greater incidence, risk and vulnerability of flooding. In this study, the impacts of land-cover changes to the hydrologic and hydraulic behaviours of the Agusan River Basin (ARB), the third largest river basin in the Philippines, was analysed using an integrated approach involving Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and hydrologic and hydraulic models. Different land-cover classes in the ARB for the years 1995 and 2017 were mapped using Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI images. Using a post-classification change detection approach, changes in land-cover were then determined. The impacts of these changes in land-cover to the to the basin discharge were then estimated using a calibrated hydrologic model based on the Hydrologic Engineering Center - Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) under different extreme rainfall conditions. The impact of the changes in land-cover to flood depth and extent was also determined using a hydraulic model based on the HEC-RAS (River Analysis System). Land cover classification results revealed that the ARB is 67.7% forest in 1995 but have decreased to 62.8% in 2017. Agricultural areas in the basin were also found to have increased from 12.2% to 15.5% in the same period. Other notable land cover changes detected include the increase in built-up lands and range lands, and decrease in barren lands. HEC HMS and HEC RAS model simulation results showed that there was an increase in discharge, flood depth, and flood extents between 1995 and 2017, implying that that the detected changes in land cover have negative impacts to hydrologic and hydraulic behaviours of the ARB.

We report 35 new amphibian and reptile distribution records for two regions within the southern Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Aurora Province, central Luzon Island, Philippines. Together with results of our previous survey work in Aurora, our new data result in a total of 82 amphibian and reptile species for the area. These results highlight the degree to which the island’s biodiversity continues to be underestimated and poorly understood. We report on observations of rarely encountered species including the skink Sphenomorphus leucospilos, the forest gecko Luperosaurus cf. cumingii, and a sensational new species of monitor lizard, Varanus bitatawa. Our recent collections clarify the conservation status of the “critically endangered” Polillo Island forest frog Platymantis polillensis, now known to be widespread, abundant, and common throughout Camarines Norte, Quezon, and Aurora Provinces on the adjacent mainland of Luzon Island. These results add to our growing understanding of many species’ distributions in the region.

Contraceptive choice is both a reproductive health and community development issue, relying on women's agencies, equitable information access, responsive institutions, and continuity of care. This study assessed the behavioral acceptability of the etonogestrel implant among women at selected public health facilities in Tabuk City, as well as how users rated the seriousness of implant-related experiences. A descriptive cross-sectional survey included 175 women recruited through convenience sampling at rural health units and barangay health stations. All participants completed profile and behavioral acceptability items; 35 current implant users also rated seriousness on a five-point scale. Data were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and ranks. The overall behavioral acceptability mean was 2.18 (three-point scale). Respondents were most willing to disclose health conditions, learn at health facilities, and share implant experiences. Willingness for insertion and readiness to manage possible effects were lowest. Among implant users, the overall seriousness mean was 3.84 (five-point scale), with heavier menstrual bleeding rated highest. These ratings reflect subjective seriousness and do not indicate frequency, clinical severity, or causation. Openness to information and provider engagement did not equate to readiness for insertion or managing effects. Community-responsive services should focus on voluntary, clear counseling; anticipatory guidance; competent insertion and removal; accessible assessment and referral; reliable supplies; confidential feedback; and women's participation in service improvement, rather than solely on implant uptake.

ABSTRACT: Purpose. The Philippine Inclusive Education Act of 2022 shifted the teaching of disabled students to general education classrooms wherein collaboration between the special education (SNEd) teacher and the general education teacher shall be an ordinary condition of basic education. The benefit of international synthesis, however, is that they highlight that co-taught classrooms tend to become setups where one teacher teaches and the other teacher helps, and there is little use of small group teaching, moving the specialist to an assistant role. The current research explored that phenomenon from a practitioner's perspective was most impacted by the phenomenon. Method. The convergent mixed methods design was used and total enumeration, covering sixty (60) special education teachers in one Schools Division Office in the National Capital Region in the Philippines was employed. Validated (by 5 experts; S-CVI/Ave = 0.94) and pilot-tested (externally; α = 0.84-0.93) researcher-made instrument was used to generate quantitative data, while two focus group discussions were used to generate qualitative data, which was achieved with open-ended prompts. Weighted mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used for analysis, and reflexive thematic analysis was used for the narrative strand. Findings. The one teach–one assist configuration was used Often (M = 4.18) and the three small–group –generating configurations had a composite rating of 2.49 (Rarely). The highest level of implementation was for in-lesson behaviors that a specialist engages in alone, while the lowest was for recognized instructional parity (M = 2.12) and joint planning pre-lesson (M = 2.25). Learner perceived confidence was rated Very Highly Evident (M = 3.29), engagement Highly Evident (M = 3.16), and cognitive engagement was the lowest (M = 2.95). Of all the outcome domains (implementation: H = 18.44, p < .001), only common planning time distinguished all three sections, with the threshold between "almost none" and "thirty minutes weekly". There was significant correlation between implementation and confidence (ρ = .617) and engagement (ρ = .584). Contribution. The study provides a mechanism for implementing inclusive education at the configuration level, which is not included in Philippine inclusive education research, demonstrates that the limitation of inclusive practice in an urban division is administrative, not attitudinal, and, pinpoints an intervention point that is low cost and high yield in protected weekly co-planning time. Keywords: co-teaching; inclusive education; special education teachers; small-group learning; learner engagement; Philippines

Abstract Premna odorata (family Verbenaceae), known as “Alagaw” in the Philippines, has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory respiratory conditions; however, molecular evidence supporting its pharmacological effects remains limited. Given that NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-driven IL-1β secretion plays a central role in inflammatory respiratory conditions, we investigated whether P. odorata extract (POE) modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In LPS-primed J774A.1 and THP-1 macrophages, POE reduced IL-1β secretion induced by ATP or nigericin without affecting NLRC4 or AIM2 inflammasome activation, indicating NLRP3 selectivity. POE treatment inhibited adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) oligomerization and speck formation without affecting cell viability or intracellular ROS levels, indicating suppression of inflammasome assembly. In vivo, POE attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in an LPS-induced zebrafish model. Together, these findings indicate that POE suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome–mediated inflammatory responses, providing a molecular basis for its traditional use in managing inflammatory conditions and offering a promising natural scaffold for the development of NLRP3-targeted therapeutics.

Background The Monitoring drug Efficacy through Multi-Omics Research Initiative in Alzheimer's Disease (MEMORI-AD) study aims to characterize drug response to donepezil and memantine in a Filipino cohort with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). To enhance enrollment, community-based dementia screening and recruitment were conducted across barangays in Manila. Objective This study describes the experiences and challenges in community-based recruitment for multi-omics research in vulnerable populations. Methods After coordinating with local officials for approval, recruitment targeted residents aged 65 years and above. A public health lecture on dementia was held, followed by rapid screening using the “10 Warning Signs of Dementia” questionnaire by the Alzheimer's Disease Association of the Philippines and the AD-8 Dementia Screening Interview. Eligible participants were invited for clinical screening, including laboratory work, neuropsychological tests, and neuroimaging. Reasons for non-consent and withdrawal were recorded. Results Of 301 eligible participants, 42 (14.0%) were suspected of dementia and eligible for work-up. Among them, 14 (33.3%) did not consent, 15 (53.6%) initially consented but withdrew, and 13 (46.4%) completed the assessment. Only 2 patients were enrolled. The main cause for non-consent was disinterest (n = 8, 57.1%), followed by unavailability of a legally authorized representative (LAR) (n = 3, 21.4%), which was also the primary reason for withdrawal (n = 9, 60%).​ Conclusions Recruitment of vulnerable Filipinos in multi-omics research within a lower-middle income country faced significant barriers, encompassing economic, psychosocial, and health constraints, largely due to disinterest and unavailability of LAR. Further studies on family dynamics, socioeconomic, and cultural factors could offer insights to overcome these recruitment barriers. Trial Registration Number Philippine Health Research Registry ID PHRR230220-0054116; ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05801380.

This study explored Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in cross-cultural biology teaching through collaborative lesson studies involving educators from the USA and the Philippines. We employed grounded theory and examined iterative feedback processes during lesson development to refine learning exemplars. Learning exemplars validation affirmed their alignment with both NGSS and the Philippine science education frameworks, ensuring cultural relevance and educational rigor. Five key themes were identified as pivotal: retrieval of prior knowledge, fostering meaningful learning experiences, enhancing memory and retention, fostering active engagement, and cultivating critical thinking skills—integral for developing culturally responsive curricula. Moreover, students became independent learners, responsible for their learning, reflective and critical thinkers, problem solvers, inquiry-oriented, creative, collaborative communicators, modelers, data analysts, persistent, adaptable, and self-directed. Implications include enhancing educational policies to support cultural diversity and integrating cross-cultural learning exemplars to enhance global teaching practices. This study underscored the transformative potential of cross-cultural collaboration in advancing science education, fostering engaging learning environments, and preparing students for global citizenship.

IntroductionThe ubiquity of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic induced the widespread use of videoconferencing applications. However, the prolonged use of these applications can lead to videoconferencing fatigue. Drawing from an online survey sample of 215 senior high school students from a selected private university in Manila, Philippines, this mixed methods study examines videoconferencing fatigue and its relationship with online student engagement (OSE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsThis study utilized a convergent triangulation research design. The quantitative strand was cross-sectional in nature. The constructs were measured using the Zoom Exhaustion and Fatigue Scale and Online Student Engagement Scale. Bivariate and multivariate statistical tests were used to determine the significance of the relationships between variables. The qualitative strand utilized a descriptive design. Narrative data were collected through an open-ended survey question and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsQuantitative results indicate moderate to high levels of videoconferencing fatigue among student respondents. Moreover, higher levels of OSE were observed among those who endured higher visual fatigue and attended videoconferences more days a week. Qualitative findings demonstrate various manifestations of videoconferencing fatigue among students and relate it with decreased energy to perform academic tasks and learning absorption. However, the qualitative analysis also reveals students’ perceived need for videoconferencing to learn online.DiscussionThe nuanced insights from both strands highlight that despite their perceived negative impacts of videoconferencing, students had to tolerate visual videoconferencing fatigue in order to engage meaningfully in online classes.

This paper investigates the extent to which the exploitation of fossil fuel reserves in the Liguasan Marsh, the Philippines’ largest intact wetland, threatens local species richness and habitat connectivity compared to its potential to reduce national fossil fuel import dependency. Following the declaration of a state of national energy emergency in 2026, pressure to utilize the Cotabato Basin’s estimated 202 million barrels of oil has grown. This study employs a qualitative secondary data analysis synthesizing government policy documents, economic impact reports, and ecological studies. The findings indicate that the ecological risks, specifically the permanent habitat fragmentation of the critically endangered Philippine eagle’s habitat and the potential release of sequestered carbon from the peatlands, far outweigh the economic benefits of local extraction. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that such industrial activity contradicts national sustainability targets, including the 35% renewable energy goal set for 2030. The study concludes that energy self-sufficiency is more effectively and sustainably achieved through the expansion of decentralized geothermal and solar infrastructure.

This study aimed to determine the influence of the learning environment on students’ achievement at Southern de Oro Philippines College, focusing specifically on peer influence, teacher approachability, and the availability of learning resources. The research adopted a correlational and causal design supplemented by documentary analysis. Data were gathered from 238 students across BSIT, CBAE, and CHTM programs during the 2025–2026 school year using a modified, validated questionnaire. Analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple linear regression to evaluate relationships and predictive effects. Findings revealed that the learning environment was generally rated high, with peer influence particularly strong, alongside favorable levels of teacher approachability and learning resources availability. Students’ achievement was also assessed at a satisfactory to good level. However, peer influence, teacher approachability, and learning resources availability showed no significant correlation or predictive influence on achievement. The study concludes that, despite a positive learning environment, these specific factors do not directly influence on students’ academic outcomes. Other variables, such as intrinsic motivation or external support systems, likely exert greater influence. Recommendations include peer mentoring initiatives and enhanced teacher training for better student engagement.

This study examined the monthly patterns and temporal trends of earthquake occurrences in the Philippines using earthquake records from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) covering the period from January 2018 to July 2026. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed to analyze 132,226 recorded earthquakes and determine variations in earthquake frequency, magnitude, and depth across the twelve calendar months. Frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, graphical trend analysis, Welch's One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation analysis were utilized to evaluate temporal patterns and statistical differences among monthly groups. Results revealed substantial variability in earthquake occurrences throughout the study period, indicating that seismic activity was not uniformly distributed across months. June recorded the highest number of earthquake occurrences (14,218), while February recorded the lowest (8,609). Although monthly frequencies fluctuated considerably, annual totals generally increased over time. Welch's ANOVA demonstrated statistically significant differences in both earthquake depth (F = 23.25, p < .001) and earthquake magnitude (F = 18.64, p < .001) across calendar months. However, the observed differences in mean magnitude were minimal, suggesting limited practical significance. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant but very weak positive relationship between earthquake depth and magnitude (r = 0.06, r² = 0.0036, p < .001), indicating that depth explained less than one percent of the variation in earthquake magnitude. The findings demonstrated that earthquake activity in the Philippines exhibited significant temporal variability in terms of frequency, depth, and magnitude. While historical earthquake records provided valuable insights for seismic monitoring, disaster preparedness, and risk awareness, the observed patterns should not be interpreted as predictive indicators of future earthquake occurrence. Continuous monitoring and further investigation of spatial and tectonic factors are recommended to enhance understanding of Philippine seismic activity.

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali are withdrawing from both the International Criminal Court and the Economic Community of West African States while attempting to build regional substitutes under the Alliance of Sahel States, including a Confederal Bank for Investment and Development, a joint military force, and a proposed Sahelian Criminal and Human Rights Court. This paper argues that what distinguishes the AES from prior instances of institutional withdrawal, such as Burundi's and the Philippines' earlier ICC exits, is its attempt to combine exit with substitution rather than simple estrangement. It examines four measurable tests of that project: whether the joint force can improve security against a Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin insurgency that has intensified despite the departure of French forces, whether the development bank can mobilize sustainable capital, whether the proposed regional court can investigate government security forces as well as insurgents, and whether transactional multi-alignment between Russian security partnership and continued American investment constitutes genuine strategic autonomy or merely relocated dependency. The paper situates this experiment against a broader legitimacy crisis facing the ICC itself following U.S. sanctions on its officials over the Israel investigation, and concludes that the AES represents an early test of whether institutions that bind governments can survive in a world of competing external patrons.

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates from Foundation University in Dumaguete City, Philippines, who prepared for the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) from 2019 to 2025. Through their personal narratives, the study examined the administrative, financial, emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges they encountered, as well as the coping strategies and transformative experiences that shaped their preparation. Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with selected recent CLE takers. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, with ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, and bracketing strictly observed. Eight major themes emerged from the participants’ experiences: administrative and external challenges, including Professional Regulation Commission requirements and financial concerns; time pressure and intensive preparation; self-discipline and personal sacrifices; effective study strategies; mental and emotional struggles such as anxiety and burnout; coping mechanisms and sources of motivation; personal growth and development; and faith and spiritual dependence. The findings revealed that CLE preparation extends beyond academic readiness, becoming a transformative journey marked by resilience, discipline, sacrifice, and professional identity formation. The study recommends stronger institutional support through improved PRC assistance, enhanced review programs, stress-management initiatives, mental health services, and equitable resources for future criminology examinees.

Teachers’ motivation plays an important role in helping them perform their duties effectively and contribute to positive learning outcomes. This study examined the work motivation and performance of teachers in one district of a large Schools Division in Negros Occidental, Philippines, in School Year 2025-2026. A descriptive research design was employed, and data were gathered from 150 teachers using a 32-item survey questionnaire.The findings reveal most respondents were female teachers aged 36 years and above, more than ten years of teaching experience, earned relatively higher incomes, and possessed varying educational qualifications. In terms of work motivation, the learning environment obtained a very high rating, while professional development, compensation and benefits, and recognition and rewards were rated high. Teachers consistently received outstanding performance ratings regardless of age, sex, educational attainment, length of service, and family monthly income. A significant difference was found in work motivation concerning recognition and rewards when grouped according to length of service. However, no significant differences were observed in teachers’ performance across demographic variables. Likewise, no significant relationship was found between teachers’ work motivation and performance. The results suggest that teachers remain committed to providing quality instruction despite limited resources, professional growth opportunities, and recognition. Educational leaders may enhance support through improved learning resources, scholarship, balanced workloads, and meaningful recognition programs. Teachers are also encouraged to continue learning, manage their time and resources effectively, practice responsible financial management by living within their means, and strengthen their resilience and adaptability to sustain high levels of professional performance.

Việc nghiên cứu mức độ hội nhập và sự kết nối giữa các quốc gia trong cùng khu vực là một trong những đề tài nghiên cứu rất được quan tâm của các nhà kinh tế. Bài viết này được thực hiện nhằm xác định mức độ và chiều hướng kết nối giữa các thị trường chứng khoán trong khối ASEAN-6 bao gồm Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thái Lan và Việt Nam. Phương pháp Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) để tính chỉ số lan truyền được áp dụng kết hợp với kỹ thuật cửa sổ cuộn dựa trên dữ liệu về tỷ suất sinh lợi hàng ngày trong giai đoạn từ 2012 đến 2019. Kết quả phân tích chỉ số lan truyền tĩnh và động đều cho thấy mức độ kết nối trong khu vực ASEAN-6 khá cao, lên đến gần 27%. Tuy nhiên, chỉ có 4 trong số 6 quốc gia này thực sự có kết nối chặt chẽ gồm Indonesia, Malaysia, Thái Lan và Singapore. Việt Nam và Philippines có mức độ kết nối với thị trường ASEAN-6 khá yếu. Ngược lại, Malaysia và Singapore là hai quốc gia đóng vai trò chủ động trong khu vực.

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is a major global threat to the Western honeybee Apis mellifera. This mite was originally a parasite of A. cerana in Asia but managed to spill over into colonies of A. mellifera which had been introduced to this continent for honey production. To date, only two almost clonal types of V. destructor from Korea and Japan have been detected in A. mellifera colonies. However, since both A. mellifera and A. cerana colonies are kept in close proximity throughout Asia, not only new spill overs but also spill backs of highly virulent types may be possible, with unpredictable consequences for both honeybee species. We studied the dispersal and hybridisation potential of Varroa from sympatric colonies of the two hosts in Northern Vietnam and the Philippines using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers. We found a very distinct mtDNA haplotype equally invading both A. mellifera and A. cerana in the Philippines. In contrast, we observed a complete reproductive isolation of various Vietnamese Varroa populations in A. mellifera and A. cerana colonies even if kept in the same apiaries. In light of this variance in host specificity, the adaptation of the mite to its hosts seems to have generated much more genetic diversity than previously recognised and the Varroa species complex may include substantial cryptic speciation.

This document compiles two historical accounts regarding the Islamic heritage of the Southern Philippines. The first section explores the historical and economic factors behind the migration of the Iranun tribe to Sabah, Malaysia, tracing it back to a 16th-century alliance between Sultan Kudarat and the Sultan of Brunei. The second section provides a comprehensive genealogy (Tarsilas) of the Maguindanao Sultanate, chronicling the lineage, reigns, and historical contexts of 22 rulers and sultans, from the arrival of Sharief Muhammad Kabunsowan to the era of Sultan Mohammad "Tato" Esmail.