Exploring the Role of Workplace Flexibility and Trust in Reducing Employee Turnover Intentions: The Moderating Influence of Reciprocation Wariness in Hybrid Work Environments

Employee turnover remains a significant challenge in hybrid work environments, where workplace flexibility is often seen as a retention strategy. This study examines the relationship between flexible workplace arrangements (flexplace) and turnover intentions, with felt trust as a mediator and reciprocation wariness as a moderator. Using Social Exchange Theory and the Norm of Reciprocity, this research explores how workplace flexibility fosters trust and reduces turnover intentions while accounting for employees’ skepticism toward reciprocation. A cross-sectional survey of 382 employees from the Philippine Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry revealed that flexplace is significantly associated with lower turnover intentions. Mediation analysis indicated that felt trust partially explains this relationship, though its effect was marginally significant. The moderated mediation analysis showed that reciprocation wariness significantly moderates the mediation pathway; however, its conditional indirect effects across levels were only marginally significant. These findings highlight the need for organizations to pair workplace flexibility with trust-building initiatives to maximize its impact. Future research should explore additional mediating factors and assess long-term effects in hybrid work settings

The Role of South Korea in the Strategic Rivalry between China and United States of America

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by the intensification of the Sino-American confrontation due to armed conflicts, competition for resources, and spheres of influence. South Korea, as one of the main strategic partners of both countries, needs to choose a clear foreign policy strategy to maintain the balance of power in the region. The purpose of the study is to identify the main factors and key trends in shaping the role and influence of South Korea on China-United States of America relations by studying it as one of the most important geopolitical regions in the rivalry between the two countries. The following methods were used: system analysis, scenario modeling, comparison, generalization, the statistical method, and the historical-systemic method. The prehistory, basic features, and characteristic features of Sino-American relations have been studied. The main spheres shaping the relationship between the two states in the 21st century have been identified. The most acute problems and the most important sectors in the field of international relations that create contradictions in the cooperation between China and the United States of America are summarized. The role and place of South Korea in the strategic confrontation between Beijing and Washington are outlined. The level of Seoul’s influence on some areas of interaction between the two states is emphasized. The Korean aspect in Sino-American relations, as a determining factor in balancing the confrontation between the countries, is analyzed; the main areas of interaction between the Chinese and American sides with representatives of the Korean political elite are considered and studied. The result of the study was an emphasis on the predominant role of Washington in choosing the modern vector of development of the South Korean state, as well as on the gradual cooling of cooperation between Seoul and Beijing, especially in the spheres of trade, economics, and financial relations. It is also found that South Korea is the main element in solving the North Korean problem in the context of preserving peace on the peninsula and strengthening the influence of one of the opposing countries in the region. The results and conclusions of the work can be used as a basis for further research on the topic – in the context of the development and implementation of state strategies and plans for the conduct of foreign policy

Pagdalumat sa B-U-H-A-Y: Danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance

Abstrak Bilang panimulang pag-aaral at bilang tugon sa kakulangan sa pag-aaral sa life insurance, ang disertasyon na ito ay nagpokus sa pagkuha ng datos kung paano inuunawa ng ahente at kliyente ang kanilang danas sa bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda, at yaman sa life insurance at ano ang kahulugan at kabuluhan ng pangakong ginhawa ng life insurance sa ahente at kliyente. Ang mga naunang pag-aaral ay naisagawa sa kwantitatibong pamamaraan at pumapatungkol sa mga salik na nakaaapekto sa pagbili o pagtangkilik ng life insurance. Ito ay penomenolohikal na kwalitatibong pag-aaral. Ginamit ang pakikipagkuwentuhan at ginabayang talakayan ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino bilang metodo sa pagkuha ng datos na siyang ginamit ding teksto ng pananaliksik. Ito ay nilahukan ng labingsiyam (19) na ahente at labingwalong (18) kliyente. Pinili ang kalahok na may danas sa life insurance na may edad labingwalo pataas. Piniling itago ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga ahente at kliyente. Ang pakikipagkuwentuhan at ginabayang talakayan ay nairekord, sumailalim sa transkripsyon, deduktibong tematikong pag-aanalisa gamit ang B-U-H-A-Y (bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda at yaman). Ginamit ang mga konseptong nakapaloob sa teorya na ginhawa ni Villaroman- Bautista at sinuri ang datos batay dito. Sa pag-aaral na ito, inilarawan ang danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance. Ang mga tiyak na layunin ng pag-aaral na ito ay (1) Ano-ano ang naratibo ng danas ng ahente kaugnay ng Bentahe ng life insurance; Usapin tungkol sa life insurance; Hadlang sa pag-aahente ; Ayuda mula sa life insurance; at Yaman na galing sa life insurance. (2) Ano-ano ang mga naratibo ng danas ng kliyente kaugnay ng Bentahe ng life insurance: Usapin tungkol sa life insurance; Hadlang sa pagbili ng kliyente, at Yaman na galing sa life insurance? (3) Paano nagkakaroon ng kahulugan at kabuluhan ang ginhawang pangako ng pagbebenta at pagbili ng life insurance? Ang isinagawang pagdalumat sa B-U-H-A-Y ng danas ng ahente at kliyente ay nagbigay ng malalim na pag-unawa sa danas, ambag sa kahalagahan ng literasing pangpinansyal at ambag sa teorya ng ginhawa sa konteksto ng life insurance. Natuklasan sa pag-aaral ang maganda at hindi magandang danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-alam sa danas ng bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda, at yaman ng ahente sa life insurance ay maaaring mapahusay ng ahente ang kaniyang mga estratehiya sa pagbebenta, relasyon sa kliyente at kakayahang mapalakas ang kaniyang sikolohikal at emosyonal na kalagayan. Parehong mahalaga ang literasing pinansyal sa mga kliyente at gayundin sa ahente. Ang ginhawa o buhay na magaan para sa mga ahente ay seguridad, kapanatagan ng isip at ang makatulong sa kapwa habang ang ginhawa para sa mga kliyente ay financial freedom at komportableng buhay

Stakeholders’ engagement in Binangonan, City of San Jose Del Monte (CSJDM) Bulacan, and Mandaluyong City local school boards context: An in-depth analysis

The Philippine educational system is in crisis. The Second Congressional Education Commission (EDCOM II) Year II Report, in its preface, made this pronouncement in its recently concluded report. In its Year I report, EDCOM II recognizes that all stakeholders, from policymakers to community members, play a pivotal role in addressing the crisis. Under the Local Government Code, the Local School Board (LSB) warrants the active involvement of local stakeholders. An efficient, effective, equitable, and quality education that encompasses skills, knowledge, and attitudes linked to national educational goals is the responsibility of all stakeholders. This research primarily examined the extent of stakeholder involvement in the local school board. The study compared cases of local school boards from a highly urbanized city, a component city, and a municipality. This also identified the factors or practices that facilitate or deter stakeholder engagement. LSB\u27s role in disbursing the Special Education Fund was also looked into. Through document analysis and in-depth interviews, we develop practices and policies to improve education at the local level. Finally, the research assessed how LSBs have contributed to the quality of education in select local government units. Ultimately, while there were prior studies on the involvement of stakeholders in education, the paper filled in the knowledge gap on how stakeholders’ active engagement in the local school board improved basic services for education at the local level and contributed to the theory building and policy recommendation in the future conduct of stakeholder engagement in a local school board context

Student-crafted digital storytelling (DST) for enhancing STEM students’ conceptual understanding of evolution and the origin of biodiversity

There is a growing need for innovative strategies to improve biology learning in the Philippine basic education system, particularly in teaching evolution, one of the most misunderstood topics in the K–12 science curriculum. Digital storytelling (DST), a student-centered approach that blends narrative construction with multimedia elements, offers a creative and engaging way to address these challenges. This study investigated the impact of DST on the conceptual understanding of evolution among 40 Grade 11 STEM students in a private senior high school in Metro Manila. A sequential explanatory mixed-method action research design was employed, with quantitative data gathered from pre-tests and post-tests, and qualitative data from student reflection journals and focus group discussions. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in post-test scores, indicating notable gains in mastery and conceptual understanding. Reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data yielded four key themes: (1) contextualizing abstract ideas and correcting misconceptions, (2) fostering collaboration and social learning, (3) developing digital skills while overcoming project challenges, and (4) encouraging creativity and personal expression. These findings show that DST not only enhances students’ understanding of complex biological concepts but also cultivates 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency. The study positions DST as an effective, scalable instructional strategy that can transform science classrooms into spaces of active, creative, and meaningful learning. Keywords: Digital Storytelling (DST), Conceptual Understanding, Science Education, Educational Technology, 21st Century Skill

Building a S.M.A.R.T City: A Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable, Measurable, Agile, Resilient and Transformative Urban Planning

This learning plan is designed to foster a deeper understanding of Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction in the Philippines specifically in urban planning. The following objectives are set to be accomplished by the end of the lesson: A. create a concept paper that will comprehensively discusses the preparations, materials, and the designs of the SMART City ; B. construct a design that showcases the following: elements at risk, different sectors of the society, the hazard present and/or disaster in each given area, and the initiatives of the government to mitigate the effects; C. utilize and maximize the use of recycled materials in creating the SMART City; D. present the SMART City. These goals are aligned with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and the 13th goal which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Given the Philippines’ susceptibility to various disasters, this learning plan serves a comprehensive guide on how to develop SMART (Sustainable, Measurable, Agile, Resilient and Transformative) cities through effective urban planning. Its purpose is to minimize losses and reduce elements at risk, as much as possible. The learning plan is designed for Grade 12 STEM students at Asia Pacific College taking Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction. Before building the S.M.A.R.T City, students will explore fundamentals of urban planning, SDG 11 and 13, disaster risk, and government response to disasters. They will also engage in the “Stop Disaster!” game by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. After completing and receiving approval for their concept papers, student will construct their S.M.A.R.T Cities using recyclable materials and present them in class. The final projects and presentations will be evaluated using a teacher-prepared rubric

IAH-NET (INFORMATIVE AIR QUALITY AND HEAT INDEX NETWORK): DRONE-ASSISTED SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY AND HEAT INDEX MONITORING

Air pollution and rising temperatures threaten public health and safety, necessitating advanced monitoring solutions. This study developed a drone-assisted system for autonomous air quality and heat index monitoring, ensuring real-time alerts even without human presence. By integrating the K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) machine learning algorithm, the system provides an innovative and cost-effective approach to identifying environmental risks and raising awareness. The system consists of a Drone system, ESP32, MQ-135 gas sensor, and DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor for data acquisition. Software development includes implementing the K-NN algorithm and calibrating sensors to enhance classification accuracy. The system categorizes air quality as SAFE, RISKY, or HAZARDOUS and the heat index as SAFE, CAUTION, or DANGER based on sensor readings. Performance evaluation through simulated trials measured transmission times, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. Average transmission times for air quality were 6.6 seconds (SAFE), 8 seconds (RISKY), and 8.6 seconds (HAZARDOUS), while heat index transmission times were 8 seconds (SAFE), 10.8 seconds (CAUTION), and 11.8 seconds (DANGER). Utilizing a confusion matrix, the system achieved 97% accuracy, 97.37% precision, and 98.67% sensitivity, demonstrating high reliability with minimal financial burden. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in transmission times across different air quality, while a significant difference was revealed in the heat index classifications, further validating the system’s efficiency. This study presents a viable solution for real-time environmental monitoring, offering substantial implications for mitigating air pollution and heat-related hazards. The system enhances safety in various settings, reducing health and ecological risks through early detection and intervention

Assessing Rabies Treatment Accessibility In Selected Metro Manila Cities Using GIS-based Techniques

Rabies is considered a death sentence when symptoms start to arise. Despite this condition causing tens of thousands of deaths every year, it is highly preventable through timely immunization. With this being said, animal bite incidents are continuously persistent issues present in the Philippines despite efforts in establishing Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and mass vaccination programs. Cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and locational inaccessibility to these services influence factors in treatment-seeking behavior amongst Filipinos. This research aims to evaluate the locational accessibility of the Philippines’ efforts in addressing rabies treatment services, specifically for Metro Manila, the country’s densest region. To achieve this, maps of the selected cities showing their population density, location of ABTCs, and average distance to treatment centers will be generated. Additionally, the purpose of the research is to provide meaningful insights into the status quo of rabies control efforts and to suggest gaps in ABTC locations. The analysis showed that Makati had a better ABTC landscape compared to Paranaque, even when the number of at-risk barangays was the same, due to its advantage in ABTC density coverage and average travel distance