Research | SDG 15 – Life on Land

Ruby Dg Elumbra

Abstract

This study focused on the use of bamboo shoots powder for the production of baked goods owing to their enormous health benefits. Bamboo shoots are gaining worldwide importance as a health food being a rich repository of nutrients and health promoting bioactive compounds. The young shoots offer a diversity of micronutrients especially mineral elements, exceeding the profiles of several commonly used vegetables and have great potential to combat micronutrient deficiency or hidden hunger. Sensory evaluation was performed using 30 panelists comprising of staff and faculty members of Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus whose ages ranges form 21-50 years old.
The panelists were asked to evaluate each sample for crust and crumb color, crumb texture, taste, odor and overall acceptability. A 9-point hedonic scale was designed to measure the degree of preference of the samples and descriptive scorecards were used to evaluate the quality of the samples. Mean was used in determining the level of sensory acceptability of the product as to crust and crumb color, taste, crumb texture, odor and general acceptability. ANOVA was used to determine if there is significant differences among the treatment samples in terms of crust and crumb color, taste, crumb texture, odor and general acceptability of the pandesal enriched with bamboo shoot powder.
Results showed that there is a significant difference in terms of color, taste and texture among the four treatments. Based on the results of the study, the most acceptable treatment is Treatment 4 with 59.15g of bamboo shoot powder regarding crust and crumb color, taste, crumb texture, odor and over all acceptability. Significant differences were observed on the crust and crumb color, taste, crumb texture, odor and over all acceptability. Treatment 4 was adjudged to have bright brown crust and crumb color, moderately pronounced bamboo shoot taste, crusty and chewy texture, slightly pronounced bamboo shoot odor and adjudged like very much.

Keyword: bamboo shoot powder, pandesal, enriched

Rosalyn L. Bautista

Abstract

Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) or kalamansi in native Tagalog orthography is a small, very round citrus fruit that is ubiquitous in the Philippines. It is known for boosting immunity and enhancing growth and repair of body tissues. Citrus fruits are of good quality and a valuable source of health promoting constituents like carbohydrate as a nutrient and phenol as an antioxidant (Athira, 2017). Thus, the study aimed to develop an acceptable calamansi juice enriched with powdered turmeric. The formulation was standardized by several trials until the desired attributes were attained. There are three treatments and a control. Only the quantity of turmeric powder varies in the treatments while none for the control. The Total Soluble Solid (TSS) is 12.0 o Brix, while the pH is 2.93 at 16oC. Ten (10) faculty and staff of Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus were purposively selected as evaluators whose ages ranges from 20-60 years old, 6 females and 4 males. Both the Semantic Scale and the 9-point Hedonic Scale were employed as basis in determining for the sensory attributes like color, aroma, texture, taste and after-taste of the product while the Desirability Composite Index (DCI) for the Acceptability of the product being developed. The evaluations were conducted on the 1st, 8th, 16th and 23rd of the production. Data was encoded and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Weighted mean was used for the verbal interpretations of the different attributes based on the 5-point for Semantic and the 9- point Hedonic Likert Scales. One–Way ANOVA to test the significant differences among the attributes in the interval of days of evaluation while Pearson Correlation in determining the relationships among the attributes. Results revealed in DCI that Treatment 2 is the overall acceptable.

Keywords: Ready-to-drink, Semantic Scale, Hedonic Scale, Sensory Evaluation

Rosalyn L. Bautista

Abstract

Calamansi is a citrus fruit endemic to the Philippines that has economic, culinary, and industrial value. Malunggay leaves have been found to be a good source of proteins, vital minerals, and one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, vitamins B, C, D, E, and K and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as a dried powder. Production of a budget-friendly and nutritious local food and drink products can promote and sustain the wellbeing of every individual thus, the study aimed to develop an acceptable calamansi juice enriched with powdered malunggay. The formulation was standardized by several trials until the desired attributes were attained. There are three treatments and a control. Only the quantity of malunggay powder varies in the treatments while none for the control. The Total Soluble Solid (TSS) is 12.0 o Brix, while the pH is 2.93 at 16oC. Ten (10) faculty and staff of Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus were purposely selected as evaluators whose ages ranged from 20-60 years old, 6 females and 4 males. Both the Semantic Scale and the 9-point Hedonic Scale were employed as basis in determining for the sensory attributes like color, aroma, texture, taste and after-taste of the product while the Desirability Composite Index (DCI) for the Acceptability of the product being developed. The evaluations were conducted on the 1st, 8th, 16th and 23rd day of the production. Data was encoded and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Weighted mean was used for the verbal interpretations of the different attributes based on the 5-point for Semantic and the 9-point Hedonic Likert Scales. One–Way ANOVA to test the significant differences among the attributes in the interval of days of evaluation while Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in determining the relationships among the attributes. Results revealed that Treatment 2 is the overall acceptable.

Keywords: Ready-to-drink, Semantic Scale, Hedonic Scale, Sensory Evaluation

Precila C. Delima

Abstract

Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) or kalamansi in native Tagalog orthography is a small, very round citrus fruit that is ubiquitous in the Philippines. It is known for boosting immunity and enhancing growth and repair of body tissues. Citrus fruits are of good quality and a valuable source of health promoting constituents like carbohydrate as a nutrient and phenol as an antioxidant. Thus, the study aimed to develop an acceptable calamansi juice with powdered turmeric and malunggay. The formulation was standardized by several trials until the desired attributes were attained. The Total Soluble Solid (TSS) is 12.0 o Brix, while the pH is 2.93 at 16oC. Ten (10) faculty and staff of Isabela State University, Cauayan Campus were purposively selected as evaluators whose ages ranges from 20-60 years old, 6 female and 4 male. Both the Semantic Scale and the 9-point Hedonic Scale were employed as basis in determining for the sensory attributes like color, aroma, texture, taste and after-taste of the product while the Desirability Composite Index (DCI), for the Acceptability of the product being developed. The evaluations were conducted on the 1st, 8th and 23rd of the production. Data was encoded and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Weighted mean was used for the verbal interpretations of the different attributes based on the 5-point for Semantic and the 9-point Hedonic Scales. One–Way ANOVA to test the significant differences among the attributes in the interval of days of evaluation while Pearson Correlation in determining the relationships among the attributes. Results revealed based on the DCI (Desirability Composite Index) of the developed product, that treatment 3 which is composed of 12.5% calamansi juice extract, 0.10% turmeric and malunggay, ranked 1 for the overall acceptability of the product, having sensory characteristics of outstanding characteristic color with distinguishable aroma and most balanced texture with characteristic of strongly agreeable taste and having undetectable after taste.

Keywords: Ready-to-drink, Semantic Scale, Hedonic Scale, Sensory Evaluation

Kristin Bernadette D. Callang, Rosalyn L. Bautista

Abstract

The key to getting the most out of an embutido diet is to pay attention to the ingredients. Healthy components will ensure that you not only enjoy your meal, but that it is also nutritious. In this study, powdered malunggay leaves which are very rich in vitamins and minerals were incorporated in the embutido, making it healthier than the usual recipe for embutido. This study aims to describe the sensory characteristics of the developed pork embutido fortified with malunggay in terms of color, aroma, texture and taste on different treatments. The panel composed of 26 respondents which were composed of faculty and staff from different colleges and department of Isabela State University, ages range from 20-60 years old. Standard protocols implemented by the IATF were strictly followed during the conduct of sensory evaluation. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized in this study. 9 point hedonic scale was used to determine the general acceptability of the finished products and Descriptive score cards to evaluate the quality of the products. Mean was used to tabulate the evaluation of sensory characteristics of pork embutido fortified with malunggay and ANOVA was used to determine if there is significant difference among the treatment sample in terms of color, aroma, texture and taste and its acceptability. Results showed that the highest mean is treatment 2 followed by the control and its overall acceptability was described as “like very much” which implies that among the treatments, treatment 2 with 10 g malunggay powder is most acceptable. The findings also revealed that the fortified recipe of pork embutido developed in this study generally showed more acceptable and comparable sensory characteristics than the control which does not contain malunggay powder as ingredient.

Keywords: Pork, embutido, meatloaf, fortification, malunggay, sensory evaluation, product development

Lorelei C. Tabago

Abstract

The key to gaining the maximum health advantages from an embutido diet is to pay attention to the ingredients. Healthy components will ensure that you not only enjoy your meal, but that it is also nutritionally beneficial. In this study, fresh oyster mushrooms which are low calorie food and loaded with many health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants were incorporated in the embutido, making it healthier than the usual recipe for embutido. This study aims to describe the sensory characteristics of the developed pork embutido fortified with mushroom in terms of color, aroma, texture and taste on different treatments. The panel composed of 26 respondents which were composed of faculty and staff from different colleges and department of Isabela State University, ages range from 20-60 years old. Standard protocols implemented by the IATF were strictly followed during the conduct of sensory evaluation. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized in this study. 9 point hedonic scale was used to determine the general acceptability of the finished products and Descriptive score cards to evaluate the quality of the products. Mean was used to tabulate the evaluation of sensory characteristics of chicken embutido fortified with mushroom and ANOVA was used to determine if there is significant difference among the treatment sample in terms of color, aroma, texture and taste and its acceptability. Results showed that the highest mean is treatment 3 followed by the control and its overall acceptability was described as “like moderately” which implies that among the treatments, treatment 3 with 120 g chopped oyster mushroom is most acceptable. The findings also revealed that the fortified recipe of pork embutido developed in this study generally showed more acceptable and comparable sensory characteristics than the control which does not contain any chopped mushroom as ingredient.

Keywords: Pork, embutido, meatloaf, fortification, mushroom, sensory evaluation, product development

Herson Jesave T. Belga, Samuel R. Simon

Abstract

The process of producing the black rice and corn coffee mix was conducted at the Research and Development Food Laboratory at Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela from the month of January to February to develop a more nutritious and caffeine free coffee. The black rice and corn was grinded and roasted subsequently brewed into two different ratio; coffee A with 1:1 ratio which means equal ratio and coffee B with 1:2 ratio favoring the corn hence subjected to sensory evaluation and resulted that the coffee A which has 1:1 ratio was more preferred by the evaluators and has scored 4.39 over 5 for the overall mean meaning it is acceptable.

Herson Jesave T. Belga, Samuel R. Simon

Abstract

The process of producing the black rice pandesal was conducted at the Research and Development Food Laboratory at Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela from the month of March to April to develop a more nutritious pandesal. The black rice was pulverized into fine powder and was mixed in the regular flour to form a dough and was baked in two batches using a bread oven namely pandesal A and pandesal B, the black rice pandesal was baked with different baking time and was subjected to sensory evaluation that resulted that the Pandesal B which was baked for 20 min was more preferred by the consumers.

Herson Jesave T. Belga, Samuel R. Simon

Abstract

The process of producing the Velvet Apple Ice cream was conducted at the Research and Development Food Laboratory at Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela from the month of May to June to develop a unique and nutritious indigenous fruit-based ice cream. The Velvet apple was blended and incorporated the with ice cream ingredients with two different ratio; ice cream A with 1 cup of concentrated fruit base and ice cream B with 1/3 cup only of fruit base hence subjected to sensory evaluation resulted that Ice cream B which has a 1/3 cup of fruit base was more preferred by all the 20 evaluators and has an overall score of 4.76 in the sensory evaluation which means it is acceptable.

Dominic G. Rodriguez, Samuel R. Simon

Abstract

The study was conducted AT the Central Experiment Station of the Department of Research and Development of the Isabela State University - Cabagan Campus in 2020 to 2021. The study aimed to determine the performance of the combination of different proportion of African night crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm (Perionyx excavatus) in vermicomposting. Treatments tested were the following; T1 - 100% African Night Crawler (ANC); T2 - 100% Native Earthworm (NE); T3 - 60% ANC + 40% NE; T4 - 40% ANC + 60% NE) and T5 -30% ANC: 70% NE; and T6 - 70% ANC+ 30% NE) which were replicated three times and laid out following the complete randomized design.
Result of the study revealed that T1 has the highest volume of converted vermicast with a mean weight of 22.13 kg, followed by T3 with a mean 21.57 kg., T5 (20.27 kg), T6 (18.03 kg), T4 (17.33 kg) and T2 has the lowest converted volume of vermicast with a mean weight of 14.60 kg. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that there is highly significant different among the different treatments means at 0.1 level of significance (F=3.11, F prob=5.06, P=0.0001). The result of the macronutrient analysis revealed that T6 has the highest nitrogen content with 1.95%, followed by T3 with 1.05%, T4 (0.92%), T5 (0.83%), T2 (0.79%) and T1 has the lowest with 0.77%. In terms of Phosphorus, T4 has the highest content with 0.95%, followed by T1 with 0.70 , T5 (0.66%), T2 (0.63%), T6 (0.62%) and T3 has the lowest phosphorus content with 0.58%. T6 & T2 has the highest percentage of potassium content with 0.58%, followed by T4 (0.56%), T1 & T3 (0.55%) and T5 has the lowest potassium content with 0.49%. The micronutrient content analysis also revealed that T6 has the highest Zinc content with 15.0 ppm and the rest of the treatments have equal zinc content with 12.5 ppm. For the cupper content, T1, T3 & T5 has the same amount of cupper content with 7.5 ppm while T2, T4 & T6 has the least cupper content with 5 ppm. T1 has the highest content of manganese with 140 ppm, followed by T6 with 137.5 ppm, T3 (127.5) ppm, T5 (125 ppm), T4 (115 ppm) and T2 has the least content of Manganese with 97.5 ppm. In terms of Iron content, T3 has the highest content with 5,550 ppm, followed by T6 with 5,180 ppm, T2 & T4 (4,800 ppm), T5 (3,550 ppm) and T1 has the lowest Iron content with 1,900 ppm.
Keywords: African Night Crawlers, Combination, Native Earthworm, Vermicomposting, Vermicast

Samuel R. Simon, Dominic G. Rodriguez, Jack B. Pagaran

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at the Central Experiment Station – Department of Research and Development at Isabela State University, Cabagan, Isabela during dry season to evaluate the influence of different rates of fertilizer application on the growth and yield performance of black rice. The fertilizers used were based on the result of Soil Analysis. The experiment comprised of five (5) treatments namely: T1 – Control with no fertilizer applied, T2 – 100% from the recommend rate of fertilizer, T3 – 80% from the recommended rate of fertilizer, T4 – 60% from the recommended rate of fertilizer, and T5 – 40% from the recommended rate of fertilizer. The experimental plots were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and each treatment was replicated three (3) times.
Results of statistical analysis showed that during dry season T2, T3, T4 and T5 had significant effect on the plant height, number of tillers, panicle length, biomass, dry matter yield, weight of 100 grains and yield per hectare. T2 obtained the highest yield per hectare with a mean value of 8,666.70 kg followed by the T3, T4, and T5 with mean values of 8,000.00kg, 8,000.00 kg and 7, 666.70 kg, respectively. The lowest yield was recorded from T1 with no fertilizer applied with a mean value of 6, 666.70 kg. Economic analysis considering the parameters on yield level and production cost showed that during dry season, T1 obtained the highest net income of 149,475.75 followed by the T3, T4, and T5 with net income of 137,580.00, 140, 685.00, and 136, 290.75. The lowest net income was recorded in T1 with net income of 120, 700.75. However, T1Treatment 1- Control obtained the highest ROI of 262.58% followed by T5, T4, and T2 with ROI of 246.12%, 237.18% and 222.46% while Treatment 3 obtained the lowest ROI of 220.41%.

Florenda B. Temanel, Aubrey Jellian G. Aquino, Anna Daei S. Sacayanan, Ronaldo C. Vargas, Jr.

Abstract

Curcuma longa belongs to family Zingiberaceae and is a perennial herbaceous plant that has a rhizome with high nutrient contents and secondary metabolism compounds (Raina et. al., 2005). This study aimed to find a protocol to obtain sterile tissues to standardized the sterilization method for explants of turmeric for in vitro masspropagation, using different concentrations of Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solutions with different time frames of soaking and to determine the contamination rate, mortality rate, and survival rate of explants. The study was laid out following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. There were two (2) factors tested in the study: Factor A (Sodium Hypochlorite concentration) and Factor B (Time of soaking). In this study, the explants were grown in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with Benzylaminopurine and Indoleacetic acid. Surface sterilization of the explants was effectively achieved by Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treatment with 60% for 10 and 20 minutes which gave a zero contamination rate.

Ron Patrick C. Campos, James Kennard S. Jacob

Abstract

Endophytic fungi reside internally and asymptomatically in plant tissues and play significant role in the ecosystem. Medicinal plants, such as oregano (Plecanthrus amboinicus Lour.), are valuable sources of important endophytic fungi as endophytes are known to confer several benefits to their host. In this study, endophytic fungi will be isolated from the leaves of P. amboinicus and assessed for their mycopharmacological properties. The fungal endophytes will be identified based on their morphological characteristics. They will be subjected to mycochemical analysis, antibacterial screening and biocontrol potentiality assessment. Three fungal endophytes will be isolated from the leaves of Mexican oregano, all of which belong to the genus Aspergillus. The fungal endophytes will be morphologically identified as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tamarii, and Aspergillus terreus. Each endophytic fungus will be determined to consist valuable mycochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, sterols, terpenoids, quinones and phenols which can be exploited for therapeutic development. In the antibacterial assay, preliminary screening using agar plug diffusion method revealed that the endophytes will be able to impressively suppress the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results will be further affirmed by subjecting the ethanolic extracts of the endophytes against the same test bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Lastly, the biocontrol activities of the endophytic fungi will be tested against Fusarium verticillioides using the dual culture method. Results showed that the Aspergillus endophytes can restrict the growth of F. verticillioides effectively. Observations indicated that A. tamarii and A. niger antagonized F. verticillioides through overgrowth mechanism which could be a result of antagonism due to parasitism or antibiosis as lytic activity. In the case of A. terreus, zone of inhibition will be clearly observed which indicates the production of antibiotic substances either by the pathogen against antagonistic fungi or vice versa. This study shows the mycopharmacological properties of P. amboinicus leaf endophytes and their potential antibacterial and biocontrol applications.

Keywords: endophytic fungi, antibacterial, mycochemical, biocontrol, Plecanthrus amboinicus

Florenda B. Temanel

Abstract

Utilization and management of forest resources by indigenous peoples that promote sustainable utilization and management has to be integrated into the planning and implementation of any conservation efforts. This requires information on composition and diversity of plant species, for these are of primary importance in planning and implementation of biodiversity conservation efforts. Bugkalot is one of the many ethnic tribes in the Philippines that are known to have an intimate relationship with the forest. To understand better the utilization and management on forest resources of the Bugkalots, the floral composition and plant species diversity of their forest must first be obtained. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the plant species diversity of the forest of the Bugkalots in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino. Specifically, it was conducted to determine plant species composition of the forest, frequency, density, dominance and importance values of plant species present in the study area, and to determine the diversity of the plant species in the forest ecosystem.

A 200 m transect line was laid out. Three sampling plots measuring 10m x 10m were randomly established within the transect line. Each sampling point was divided into subplots measuring 1m x 1m for the inventory of saplings, vines, shrubs and other plants with ≤ 5 cm DBH. All plants within the sampling points were considered in the census. All free standing woody stems with a DBH of ≥ 5cm were included in the DBH measurement. Saplings, vines, herbs and plants other than trees were identified and their population was recorded. Data gathered were analyzed using standard formulae to determine density, frequency, dominance, and importance value. The Simpson’s Indices and Shannon-Weiner diversity index (1949) were utilized to determine plant species diversity.

There are 18 tree species, 4 species of woody vines or lianas, 3 species of herbaceous vines, 8 tree species saplings, and 3 other plant species that constitute the floral composition of the forest. The overstorey layer of the forest of the Bugkalots in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino is dominated by tree species belonging to the family Dipterocarapaceae where Dipterocarpus grandiflorus Blanco (Apitong) is the most abundant, most dominant, more evenly distributed and most important tree species. The understory layer of the forest is composed of different species of lianas or woody vines, herbaceous vines, tree species saplings and species of woody grass and fern and arecoid palm where Schizostachyum diffusum (Blanco) Merr (Bikal) of the Family Poaceae (Order Poales) is the most dominant species. Plant species diversity in the forest of Bugkalots in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino is high, however, evenness of species in the study area and equitable distribution of importance values among species is moderate.

Keywords: diversity, abundance, dominance, overstorey, understorey

Jimson Ramirez, Ana Daie Sacayanan

Abstract

The study evaluates the performance of the different sources of banana planting materials on the production of dwarf saba banana. Three different sources of planting materials were used in the study, the banana suckers, tissue cultured banana and macro-propagated banana plantlets. Growth and yield parameters of dwarf banana were observed and analyzed using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) design. Results show that different sources of planting materials significantly shortened the number of days from planting to shoots (p<0.01) and harvest (p<0.01), increase the number of hand per bunch (p<0.05), produced the heaviest hand weight per bunch (p<0.01) and total bunch weight (p<0.01). The findings suggest that macro-propagated banana perform as well as tissue cultured banana under field condition and prove the possibility of using macro-propagated plantlets as an alternative to tissue cultured planting materials for enhancing yield in dwarf saba banana cultivars.

Keywords: Banana suckers, Dwarf saba banana, Macropropagated banana, Tissue cultured banana, Planting materials

Jonathan N. Nayga, Mark Joker L. Marcos, Aubrey Joy M. Balbin

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the egg production and fertility rate of improved Philippine Mallard Duck (IPMD) under semi-intensive and extensive production systems. In the evaluation, each production system used 35 males and 350 females (mating ratio 1:10) and ducks are under aged 18 to 20 weeks. Data of egg production, egg weight and fertility rate were gathered and were subjected to paired two sample Student’s t-test in SPSS program using one-way classification with two treatments which corresponds to the production systems. The results showed that the averages of egg weights in the semiintensive and extensive system were 66.28 g and 65.27 g, respectively; while fertility rate of 83.33% and 81.66% respectively. The IPMD in terms of egg production in the semiintensive system was comparable (77.37%) in the extensive system (75.67). In addition, IPMD in the semi-intensive system obtained an income of Php 242.40, while PhP 197.94 was obtained from extensive production system. In conclusion, the two production management systems applied in this study did not affect the egg production, average of egg weight, and fertility rate, however, higher return over feed cost can be obtained when semi-extensive production system is adapted.

Keywords: improved Philippine mallard duck, semi-intensive system, extensive system, egg production, fertility rate

Nilo E. Padilla, Joe-Ann Payne, Ralph John Lapastura, Errol John Cadeliña

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate farmers' level of adoption and awareness of corn production technology. The result of this study would contribute to the State Universities and Colleges Research Department Institutes’ (SUC-RDI) awareness of the relationship between the farmers' level of awareness and adoption of corn production technologies and as a baseline data to develop and promote strategies in extension services. Microsoft Excel and STATA v.13 were used to analyze the gathered data. The data were classified and analyzed through descriptive statistics. Correlation analysis, Means, frequencies, and percentages were used to facilitate the discussion. The results showed that among socio-demographic characteristics and farming experience of the respondents, household size, cost of farm production, number of training attended, farmland is owned by the farmer, the farmer being a tenant, and attendees of the agricultural training provided by the different agricultural agencies from training are the variables significantly correlated with the level of adoption. Meanwhile, being a college graduate is the lone variable that has a significant correlation on the farmers’ adoption with awareness of the technology being demonstrated by them.

Keywords: Adoption, Awareness, Corn, Production Technology

Nilo E. Padilla, Joe-Ann Payne, Ralph John Lapastura, Errol John Cadeliña

Abstract

There is a lack of information available on dairy vermicomposting technology in the Cagayan Valley Region, which has led to its non-adoption. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and other government organizations, on the other hand, have acknowledged and funded advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about the use of dairy manure in vermicomposting technology. As a result, the goal of this study was to determine the level of awareness, utilization, and adoption of vermicomposting technology using dairy manures, as well as to identify issues and constraints in the utilization and adoption of vermicomposting using dairy waste, and to suggest possible solutions. The Likert scale, frequency, percentage, and average mean were used to assess the data collected during the interview (FGD) and (KII). The average mean of the samples was used to calculate the levels of awareness, adoption, and utilization. According to the findings, Dairy MSMEs have an average level of awareness of 3.2, indicating that most of them have moderately high awareness, while the level of adoption of Dairy MSMEs has an overall scale of 3.6, indicating that most of the respondents have a high level of adoption, resulting in a high level of utilization of vermicompost dairy manure. However, according to the distribution of the respondents' issues and concerns in the vermicomposting technology using dairy animal waste, the respondents' main concern was difficulty in integrating vermicomposting technology, lack of technical know-how, added cost in the production process, costly and limited source of capital and insufficient technical and financial support. As a result, the study suggests that capacity building and access to loan windows are steps that should be taken to increase awareness and utilization of technology to strengthen respondents' knowledge, abilities, skills, behavior, and incomes in determining agricultural long-term strategy.

Keywords: Adoption, Awareness, Dairy, Utilization, Vermicomposting

Bondee L. Peñaflor

Abstract

Watersheds deliver a lot of ecosystem services to people but human life and behavior change watersheds and thereby the quality and quantity of its services. Unfortunately, society attaches no value to these services until they experience problems/conflicts. Valuing watershed services can benefit the watershed communities. Beneficiaries of watershed services can pay for activities that enhance watershed services. This research assessed the level of awareness and the attitude towards conservation and protection of TWNP including their willingness-to-pay (WTP). It was conducted from February-July 2019 in Tumauini, Isabela. The respondents are local residents who were selected using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. Key informants interview and FGD were performed. Ocular observation and desk review of existing files were also performed. Data were statistically analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics and 5-point Likert Scale was also used. Results show that most of the respondents belong to middle-aged group of which majority are female affiliated in various religious sects. Majority of the respondents have moderate to high literacy. Majority are married with diverse occupations but the average monthly income is below the food and poverty thresholds. As to relationship of variables, Age, Income and WTP are significantly related but as to degree of correlation, Age and Income have very weak (r=0.073) correlation while Income and WTP have weak correlation (r=0.389). Majority of local residents put value on the ecosystem services of TWNP. Meanwhile, respondents are aware on Indicators 1, 2, 3, and 4 with weighted mean of 4.00, 4.06, 3.92, and 3.46, respectively while neutral (mean=3.33) on Indicator 5. They are not aware (mean=2.15) that squatting inside TWNP is prohibited but they are strongly aware that Illegal logging and Wildlife Poaching/Trading are prohibited. Generally, the local residents have positive attitudes towards TWNP. Meanwhile, all respondents are willing to pay for the ecosystem services of TWNP with ₱105.60 average WTP wherein majority have ₱50.00-below WTP. There is positive correlation (r=0.389) between WTP and income but R Square is relatively low (15.1%). Regression results showed ₱112.97 WTP when computed using the mean income. Finally, the preferred payment mechanism is on Electricity Bill/Donation Box/es.

Keywords: Tumauini Watershed Natural Park (TWNP), Awareness, Attitude, Willingness-toPay, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)

Rocel Galicia

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the tree diversity, carbon sequestration potential of trees, and identify threats in Tumauini Watershed Natural Park (TWNP). The result of the tree diversity assessment shows a species richness of 34 tree species in eight families and 26 genera. Species diversity indicates low (2.4) to very low (1.12) in the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index. Shorea polysmerma is the most dominant species in the area and as well as the most important species with an Importance Value index of 38.78. Three species were recorded as generalists, Calophyllum blancoi, Shorea palosapis, and Ficus sp. Carbon stock was estimated at 24,054.07 t C/hectare and carbon sequestration at 88,182.22 t C/ha. Stored carbon above-ground biomass of tree species shows that Shorea polysmerma has the highest biomass or dry matter of 516.49 kg. The study also reveals that Shorea polysmerma sequesters the greatest amount of carbon dioxide per hectare of 7.1 t. Twenty-six (26) man-made and natural threats were identified which are harmful to the watershed. Two potential mother trees were identified which were found along the existing trails of the protected area. The growth and survival of trees are affected by the presence of several man-made and natural threats.

Keywords: geovisualization, mother trees, phenotypically superior, carbon sequestration

Florenda B. Temanel, Jessy S. Austria

Abstract

The Bugkalot is one of the Philippines' many ethic tribes who are known to have a close relationship with the forest and are knowledgeable with practically all of the forest's species, as well as their traditional uses. Hence, the purpose of this research was to determine the indigenous forest utilization and management practices of Bugkalot in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino. Specifically, it aimed to determine the respondent's economic and noneconomic activities associated with the extraction or use of plant and animal resources, identify indigenous forest conservation and management practices, explain conservation issues/challenges faced by the Bugkalots in terms of human activities, habitat destruction, over-harvesting, and over grazing, and identify manners/ways by which these practices are communicated to the younger generation. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. There are 12 key informants in the study. Majority of the respondents are male, all are married and all speak both Bugkalot and Ilocano. The household size is 6-7, have resided in Barangay Wasid for 66 to 73 years, reached elementary education and farming is the source of the families’ annual income that ranges from P6,000 to P10,001. The Bugkalots are engaged in agricultural activities that involve the harvest of forest resources for both subsistence and commercial purposes. Some forest flora are also used to make non-timber products. Cutting trees is practiced for kaingin and for firewood. They rely on plants for their medical needs. Totems/rituals are also practiced. Tangde, yamu, and uma are three traditional farming practices used by the Bugkalots. Trees in areas not designated for kaingin are not completely cut down; only minor branches are removed to allow for regeneration. Fishing is done with conventional tools and methods. Today, the Bugkalots confront difficulties like population growth, forest fires, and road development, all of which have an impact on the forest's long-term viability in Wasid, Nagtipunan. Indigenous knowledge and traditions are at risk of extinction because they are not fully passed down to the next generation.