Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): January

The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of exited 4P's beneficiaries through the Ecological System Perspective in Malita, Davao Occidental, using a phenomenological research design. A purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of two (2) household participants of the study. In the collection of qualitative data, a structured interview guide questionnaire was used in the form of face-to-face, in-depth interviews. To analyze the responses, thematic analysis was employed. The first central theme revealed was the varied reactions after graduating from the program, including maintaining good relationships even after graduation, promoting learning, supporting financially, fear of not completing studies, remaining positive, becoming inactive in class, fostering good family relations, and trusting God. The second theme involved realizations after exiting the program, which included remaining unchanged, becoming frugal, being thankful, and becoming independent. Thus, this study provides knowledge and understanding of the situation of the 4Ps exited beneficiaries based on their lives after graduation. This may be considered in intensifying the 4Ps programs in relation to their benefits and significance in the lives of their beneficiaries.

This study, conducted at Sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Enterprise (SAFE) in Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) Buhangin campus, Buhangin, Malita, Davao Occidental, explored the development and acceptability of a ready-to-drink (RTD) vegetable juice using varying combinations of carrot, chayote, and bottle gourd. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized, with seven treatments replicated three times. Sensory attributes—appearance, odor, color, taste, and general acceptability—were evaluated by 30 randomly selected panelists composed of students, faculty, and staff of SPAMAST Buhangin Campus. Physico-chemical properties, including pH, titratable acidity (TTA), and total soluble solids (TSS), were also analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. Findings showed that Treatment 1 (100% carrot juice) consistently achieved the highest sensory ratings for appearance, color, taste, and overall acceptability, with statistically significant differences across treatments for these parameters (p < 0.05). Odor, however, showed no significant variation. Physicochemical analysis revealed that Treatment 1 had a relatively low pH (3.70), the highest TTA (0.570%), and the highest TSS (12), which contributed to its more favorable flavor profile. These findings indicate the potential for further product optimization and marketability, sparking optimism for the future of RTD vegetable juice.

Focusing on aquatic and marine ecosystems, this paper provides a full bibliometric review of scientific literature on anthropogenic activities and environmental impacts. The analysis based on a dataset of 1,000 published documents between 1999 and 2015, which emanated from 539 sources, considered factors such as trends in publications, thematic structure, collaboration patterns, and field conceptual development. Results indicate a well-growing body of research, this being attested by a yearly growth rate of 33.48% and an average citation rate of 64.14 citations per document, which epitomizes great scholarly influence and continued interest in the subject matter. Keyword co-occurrence networks and conceptual mapping identify the dominant themes as climate change, biodiversity, human impact, anthropogenic disturbance, and water quality, further confirming the significant position of human-driven environmental change within contemporary ecological research. Thematic analysis further divides it into two major research fields: environmental contamination and ecosystem response and management. Temporal analysis clearly shows this: earlier studies on paleoecology and historical baselines give way to the latest studies on climate change, biodiversity loss, and applied environmental management. Patterns in collaboration show a highly cooperative research landscape, ranging from 4.63 co-authors per document, which is a reflection of the interdisciplinary nature of the studies looking at complex human-environment interactions. Other bibliometric indicators, including Bradford's law and thematic mapping, also reflect a mature research structure with core journals and established knowledge hubs. From marine science perspective, findings highlight that ecosystem degradation is often linked to anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, changed land use, and climate-induced disturbances.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a fundamental indicator of water quality and a key regulator of biological, chemical, and physical processes in coral reef ecosystems. This study investigates global research trends on dissolved oxygen from 2000 to 2025 using a comprehensive bibliometric approach. A total of 738 publications from 276 sources were analyzed through performance metrics and science mapping techniques, including co-occurrence networks, thematic mapping, and conceptual structure analysis. Results reveal a significant increase in scientific output, with an annual growth rate of 12.73%, reflecting growing attention to ocean deoxygenation and its ecological impacts. Dissolved oxygen is identified as an integrative parameter linking ecosystem metabolism, including photosynthesis and respiration, with environmental stressors such as ocean acidification, climate change, and nutrient enrichment. Thematic evolution indicates a transition from organism-level studies to ecosystem-scale and multi-stressor frameworks, where DO is increasingly examined alongside coral bleaching, eutrophication, and reef degradation. Keyword and cluster analyses highlight the dominance of climate-related drivers, while DO remains an emerging but rapidly developing research focus. Conceptual mapping further demonstrates the role of DO in connecting physiological processes with large-scale biogeochemical dynamics. Despite its growing importance, gaps persist in understanding spatial and temporal variability, threshold responses, and interactions with other stressors. The findings emphasize the need for high-resolution monitoring, interdisciplinary research, and integration of DO into coral reef management strategies. Overall, dissolved oxygen is reaffirmed as a critical metric for assessing ecosystem health, resilience, and future trajectories of coral reefs in a rapidly changing ocean. 

Understanding the intricacies of the Adlai supply chain—from cultivation to market distribution—is crucial for enhancing the grain's efficiency and sustainability. This descriptive study investigates the Adlai supply chain in Davao Occidental, utilizing interviews with local farmers and employing various research tools to analyze data using mean and percentage. Results showed that the Adlai supply chain in Davao Occidental, though seemingly simple with few intermediaries, suffers from limited geographical reach, hindering productivity and farmer incomes. Challenges include low consumer awareness, inadequate processing and marketing infrastructure, vulnerability to pests, lack of improved varieties, and reliance on traditional farming methods. However, opportunities abound. Growing health consciousness, the crop's ecological sustainability, increasing government support offer promising avenues for income generation and rural development, and potential for value-added products.