Vol. 5 No. 1 (2022): January

The study investigated the relationship between parental involvement, students' engagement, and their performance in Mathematics among Grade 9 students in selected public secondary schools in Malita, Davao Occidental, a region known for its unique educational challenges, during the school year 2021-2022.    The research utilized a descriptive-correlational approach and various statistical tools, including Pearson's correlation, multiple regression analysis, and structural modeling (SEM). The study identified significant correlations between parental involvement and students' engagement, as well as between parental involvement and students' performance in Mathematics. Specifically, parents' role as home teachers, facilitators of independence, and sources of support was linked to students' engagement and performance in Mathematics. Notably, among the aspects of students' engagement, only "students' social engagement" exhibited a significant influence on Math performance, with a regression coefficient of 1.48. It implied that a one-standard-deviation increase in social engagement led to a 1.48-point improvement in Math performance. The regression model was Y = 79.35 + 1.48X1, where X1 represents the student's social engagement, with an associated R2 value of 0.054. The study established a path model illustrating that parental involvement, students' behavioral engagement, and social engagement significantly contributed to students' Mathematics performance. These findings emphasize the importance of parental involvement and specific dimensions of student engagement in enhancing Math performance among Grade 9 students.

This extension project, unique in its approach, aimed to enhance the productivity and profitability of inland/freshwater aquafarmers through capacity building and technical support. It fostered collaboration among Davao Region Research, Development, and Extension Network (DARRDEN) members in sustainable food production. The project's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive approach, which included a site survey to identify potential demo farm locations, resulting in the establishment of two demo ponds—one in Lacaron and another in Demoloc, Davao Occidental—both dedicated to tilapia culture (SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, 2015). Memoranda of Agreement were made with Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR, 2015). After six months of culture, these ponds yielded a harvest of 251 kg of Tilapia, with an average weight of 250 g—the yields and technical approaches align with recent trends in Philippine aquaculture extension (Malayang et al., 2020). Trainings covered tilapia pond culture, hatchery management, and post-harvest techniques, enabling participants to produce Tilanggit and Tilapia Lamayo and imparting knowledge on low-temperature preservation and proper fish handling (SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, 2015). The project effectively improved the knowledge and skills of beneficiaries in sustainable inland/freshwater fish culture, resulting in increased productivity and profitability for inland fish farmers. This multifaceted initiative successfully combined technical assistance, capacity building, and collaboration to drive positive outcomes for aquafarmers in the Davao Region.

The study was conducted to determine the potential of using probiotics to enhance milkfish production in ponds. The experiment, spanning 90 days, employed commercially available probiotics applied once a week. Two treatments, each with two replications, were carried out in a 200 sq. meter pond divided into four compartments. Milkfish fingerlings with an initial weight of 20.68 g were stocked at a density of one per sq. meter. Growth performance, water quality, and physicochemical parameters were monitored. The results revealed that milkfish reared with and without probiotics showed comparable growth and production, with no significant differences in final weight, daily weight gain, and survival rate. This finding provides reassurance about the effectiveness of probiotics in maintaining water quality, particularly in controlling ammonia levels. These findings suggest that probiotics can be a valuable tool in milkfish pond culture, allowing for improved growth and water quality management with limited water exchange.

This qualitative case study delved into the comprehension and experiences of beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program in Davao Occidental to formulate a strategic development plan. The study was grounded in the work of Srivastava et al. (2020), which emphasized development theories and literature acknowledging the intricate interplay between migration and development. Seven program beneficiaries participated in individual, in-depth interviews. Five significant themes emerged regarding the participants' understanding of the BP2 Program: pandemic response measures, advocacy for individual well-being, initiatives for rural and economic development, employment and income-generation strategies, and socioeconomic support. Additionally, six major themes surfaced concerning beneficiaries' experiences in social welfare, health, and employment support: orderly provision of financial and food assistance, availability of social and psychosocial services, access to medical and nutritional services, regular monitoring of health status, clear employment and livelihood opportunities, and feasible employment packages. In conclusion, the study yielded five strategies based on beneficiaries' experiences with BP2 implementation: enhancement of financial and logistic support, establishment of health assistance centers, creation of help and employment centers, augmentation of social services, and the need for program review and evaluation.

Itikan sa Pamantasan Project (IPP) is one of the Extension Projects by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office through Davao Region Research, Development and Extension Network (DARRDEN) in collaboration with State Universities and Colleges in Davao Region. The Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) is one of the recipients of the said project. Before the implementation of the project SPAMAST IPP, the team, together with DARRDEN, underwent benchmarking to observe and understand the management practices of the Itik-Pinas breed. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between SPAMAST and the Department of Agriculture XI. SPAMAST established housing for the Itik-Pinas, prepared and provided feeds, and cared for 81 ducklings. The project launch was participated in by students, farmers, faculty, and staff. Monthly monitoring was conducted by DARRDEN personnel. At 18 weeks, ducks reach maturity simultaneously, merging (mating) between male and female at a 1:5 ratio. Data showed that male ducks obtained an average weight of 1,384.88 grams, while female ducks obtained 1,330.09 grams, respectively. From March 10 until July 22, 2022, the 70 ducklings consumed 16 sacks (50 kg/sack) of feeds (grower and layer) with an average of 7.5 kilograms per day. One week after merging, the male and female ducks started laying eggs. Daily collection of eggs continues. Eggs were processed into salted eggs, balut, and incubated for duckling production. An egg and meat processing seminar was conducted among agriculture students and faculty as target beneficiaries.

This study evaluated the acceptability and innovation of spray-dried Kalamansi powder in three variants—Kalamansi with cucumber, carrots, and ginger—by employing sensory, nutrient, and microbial analyses. Results indicated that all variants were highly acceptable in terms of color, odor, taste, and overall preference, with the carrot variant standing out for its color and overall appeal. Nutrient analysis showed that the cucumber variant was highest in calories, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, and phosphorus. In contrast, the carrot variant contained the most sodium, calcium, potassium, and iron, and the ginger variant had the highest moisture content. Microbial analysis confirmed the safety of the product, showing no detectable growth for 45 days and suggesting a longer shelf-life. This reassures consumers and stakeholders of the safety and quality of the product. Cost and return analysis revealed the ginger variant to be the most expensive at ₱378.54 per 160g pack, followed by carrot at ₱306.54, and cucumber at ₱228.50; each pack can make 8 liters (32 glasses) of juice, costing about ₱7 to ₱12 per glass. The findings underscore the potential of spray-dried Kalamansi powder variants as nutritious, safe, affordable, and innovative beverage options.