An Analysis of the Licensure Examination for Teachers Performance of BEED Graduates at Guimaras State University (2019-2023)

This study examines the performance of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduates from Guimaras State University (GSU) in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023. The primary objective was to analyze trends in the passing and failure rates as well as average ratings across various subject areas. Data were gathered from secondary records provided by the Professional Regulation Commission and the university’s academic records. The study utilized descriptive quantitative research methods to identify patterns in exam performance. The results revealed significant improvements in the pass rates, with a decrease in failure rates from 59.3% in 2019 to 25% in 2023. While the overall passing rate was 63.5%, the passing rate for individual years showed fluctuating performance, reflecting the effectiveness of curriculum changes and instructional support mechanisms. Subject 2 consistently outperformed Subject 1 in average ratings, with a slight decline in 2023. The findings suggest that while GSU’s BEED program has made considerable progress, further efforts are needed to enhance performance in Subject 1. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions such as specialized review programs, faculty development, and curriculum adjustments to sustain and improve licensure exam results. The research contributes to understanding how teacher education institutions can improve their licensure outcomes, ultimately preparing future educators for success

Mangrove Leaf Tea from Ceriops decandra: Sensory Evaluationand Nutritional Analysis

This study investigates the acceptability, sensory characteristics, and proximate analysis of mangrove leaf tea derived from Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou. The objectives of the study were to assess the overall acceptability of the tea, identify its sensory attributes such as aroma, taste, and mouthfeel, and determine its nutritional profile. A sensory evaluation was conducted with 30 panelists, and the results showed highacceptability, with a mean score of 8.32 on a 9-point hedonic scale. The tea was favored for its herbal aroma and mild sweetness, though its astringent mouthfeel was noted by all participants. Proximate analysis revealed that the tea contained 12.28% moisture, 11.71% ash, 0.43% crude protein, 2.50% total fat, and 73.08% carbohydrates, with an energy content of 317 kcal per 100g. The tea\u27s low fat and sugar content, combined with its high mineral profile, make it a healthy beverage option. The findings suggest that mangrove leaf tea has potential as a functional food, offering health benefits, particularly in managing diabetes and inflammation. However, further refinement of its sensory profile is recommended to enhance its broader appeal. Sustainable harvesting practices should also be emphasized to ensure the long-term viability of Ceriops decandra as a resource

Trashtech: IoT & AI-Based Smart Waste Monitoring App for Cities

Waste accumulation is a significant issue in urban areas, where large volumes of waste pile up and often become normalized by the community. In regions like Bogor Regency, with a population of 5,489,539, this problem is especially crucial, impacting both the environment and public health. To address this, the implementation of an automated waste monitoring system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a promising solution. This research presents a system that utilizes ultrasonic sensors connected to an ESP32 module to monitor waste volume in real-time, with LED indicators signaling when a trash bin is full. A mobile application is integrated into the system to provide data from the sensors and send alerts when waste levels approach capacity, facilitating timely waste collection. The results of this study demonstrate that the automated system effectively supports waste management, improves efficiency, and contributes to the development of a smart city with an environmentally friendly focus. Furthermore, the system’s potential to integrate with regional cleanliness programs underscores its scalability and applicability to other urban areas facing similar challenges, offering a sustainable solution for future waste management strategies

RNA secondary structure modelling following the IPANEMAP workflow

International audienceRNA secondary structure modelling has been a challenge since the early days of molecular biology. Although algorithms for RNA structure modelling are more and more efficient and accurate, they significantly benefit from the integration of experimental structure probing data. RNA structure probing consists in submitting an RNA to enzymes or small molecules that specifically react with individual nucleotides according to their pairing status. Most enzymes used are single strand specific RNAses (RNAses T1, U2, nuclease S1 …) with the notable exception of the double strand specific RNAse V1. Although they are low molecular weight proteins, they are too bulky to access some nucleotides of a folded RNA. Small molecules can essentially reach any nucleotide and most of them are also single-strand specific although psoralen has recently been successfully used a double strand probe (Lu et al., 2016). For the longest time, RNA probing experiments remained tedious and rather qualitative than quantitative. RNA structure probing recently reached the medium, and then high, throughput. Pioneered and mostly developed within the Weeks lab, the SHAPE technology uses small molecules that react with flexible ribose, thus essentially reporting single-stranded nucleotides with some subtleties (Frezza et al., 2019; Steen et al., 2012). A medium throughput version of the SHAPE protocol was first developed based on capillary electrophoresis, later to be transformed into a high throughput method using next generation sequencing. The same workflows can be applied to more traditional probes such as DiMethyl Sulfate (DMS) and N-Cyclohexyl-N′-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate (CMCT) that reveal unpaired A,C and G,U respectively. It appeared that different probes provide complementary information that further improves RNA structure prediction. We therefore developed IPANEMAP, an experimental and computational workflow that models RNA secondary structure from different sets of RNA structure probing performed with different probes, and/or in different conditions and/or on mutants (Saaidi et al. Submitted). This workflow relies on medium or high throughput structure probing, and combines statistical sampling, clustering (Ding and Lawrence, 2003) and pseudo-potentials (Deigan et al, 2009). The method was shown to produce more accurate and stable predictions than other workflows developed to date, even when a single reactivity profile is available, while the availability of multiple reactivities was shown to increase robustness and, to a lesser extent, accuracy of the modeling (Saaidi et al. Submitted). Below, we detail a whole IPANEMAP workflow, starting with experimental probing with DMS and/or CMCT and/or SHAPE reagent. Such probing can be carried out in various relevant conditions (varying température, Mg2+ concentration, introducing point mutations in the RNA to be modeled etc) (Saaidi et al. Submitted). Two versions of the experimental procedure (medium throughput and high throughput) are proposed, DMS and CMCT probing were adapted from Ehresmann et al. and Brunel et al. while the SHAPE probing is described in K. Weeks team publications (Karabiber et al., 2013; Low and Weeks, 2010a; Mortimer and Weeks, 2007; Smola et al., 2015a; Wilkinson et al., 2006, 2008). We then detail instructions for executing the IPANEMAP algorithm to obtain the RNA secondary structure model

Species Composition of Seagrasses in Selected Barangays of Victoria, Northern Samar

Very limited studies have been conducted on species composition of seagrasses in the coastal waters of Northern Samar. This study was conducted to determine the species composition and percent cover of seagrasses in the coastal waters of the selected barangays of the Municipality of Victoria, Northern Samar such as Barangays Erenas, Lazaro, and Libertad. To achieve the objectives, descriptive research design was used to identify and classify the different kinds of seagrasses that are present in the study areas. A line-plot method was used to cover as many species as possible on each site. Sampling was done in the littoral and sub-littoral zones during low tide at daytime. Results revealed that six seagrass species were identified in the selected coastal barangays, belonging to two (2) families and five (5) genera. The species are Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii. The highest total number of species (5) was found in Barangay Erenas and San Lazaro, while the least number of species (3) was collected in Barangay Libertad. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index revealed that the seagrasses of Victoria, Northern Samar are diverse. The environmental parameters are within the tolerance range, but lower salinity did not favor the growth of the other seagrass species

Mango Seed Kernel Flour

This study aimed to select the most appropriate maturity of mango seeds for processing flour. Data were gathered using the Hedonic Scale for Sensory evaluation utilizing 15 evaluators through physical observation and laboratory tests. The following were the finding revealed in the study: Flour can be taken from any ripeness of indian mango seeds from slightly ripe, ripe to overripe when the appropriate methodology is applied. All the flour produced were strongly like for aroma, slightly dislike for taste, moderately like for texture and color, the slightly ripe and overripe was strongly like and moderately like the ripe. The microorganism contamination was not controlled the fact that these were procedures performed outside of FIC due to the lack of necessary equipment.

Pre-Service Teachers in Virtual Classrooms: A Phenomenological Inquiry in a Philippine Context

The rapid transition to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed teacher education, particularly in resource-constrained contexts such as rural Philippine state colleges. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of pre-service teachers in implementing virtual classes in the new normal at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT). Anchored in Moore’s Transactional Distance Theory, the research examined how disruptions in dialogue, structure, and learner autonomy influenced teaching and learning dynamics. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed, involving ten (10) purposively selected pre-service teachers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, audit trails, and reflexivity. Findings revealed that participants encountered major challenges, including unstable internet connectivity, frequent power interruptions, domestic distractions, and technological limitations. Despite these constraints, pre-service teachers demonstrated resilience through adaptive pedagogical strategies, technological improvisation, and contingency planning. These experiences contributed to the development of professional identity characterized by flexibility, emotional resilience, and context-responsive teaching practices. The study concludes that while digital inequities pose significant barriers, they also foster critical competencies necessary for future educators. It is recommended that teacher education institutions strengthen digital pedagogy integration, improve ICT infrastructure, and implement resilience-based training programs to better prepare pre-service teachers for evolving and technology-driven learning environments

Kabudlay, Himakas kag Kalipay: Lived Experiences of Single Mothers with Honor Student Children

Single mothers are responsible for raising and nurturing their children alone because they have no husband or live-in partner. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of single mothers with honor student children. The participants were six mothers who were single for at least two years, of legal age and had an honor student child. Face-to face semi-structured interviews in local dialect or Hiligaynon with audio recordings were used for data gathering. The researchers secured participants’ consent letter and practiced ethical considerations of the study. The data were transcribed for analysis guided by the Modified Van Kaam’s Phenomenological Method analysis. The findings based on the thematic analysis described the lived experiences of the single mothers with honor student children as “Kabudlay, Himakas kag Kalipay”. The themes were: the first theme is “kabudlay” (having difficulties in life as mother and father) with subthemes difficult situation, and difficult being a mother and father; the second theme is “himakas” (striving hard against difficulties) with subthemes striving hard, and discipline and rearing; and third theme is “kalipay” (being grateful and thankful) with subthemes happiness, thankful to the situation, and thankful and prayerful to God. This study concludes that being a single mother is challenging and becomes even more demanding when the child is an honor student. However, single mothers can persevere through these challenges and experience a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. The phenomenon of single mothers can be being in difficult life situations, striving hard, and being grateful. The study\u27s findings can be used for the programs for single mothers to improve their living conditions

Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Enchanced Learning on Critical Thinking Skills of Pre-Service Teachers: A Study of BEED Students

This study examined the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI)-driven learning tools utilization and the critical thinking skills of pre-service teachers in a Philippine state college. Specifically, it investigated the level of students’ perception of AI-enhanced learning across four dimensions—adaptive, personalized, interactive, and collaborative learning—and their corresponding levels of critical thinking skills in terms of analysis, creating, and evaluating. A descriptive-comparative and correlational research design was employed, involving 146 first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) students at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology. Data were collected using an adapted and validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, including Spearman’s rho, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis.Findings revealed a high level of AI-driven learning tools utilization (M = 3.16) and a high level of critical thinking skills (M = 3.11). No significant differences were observed across age and sex, indicating that AI-supported learning is inclusive and equally beneficial among diverse student groups. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.574, p < 0.01) was found between AI utilization and critical thinking skills, suggesting that increased engagement with AI technologies contributes to the enhancement of higher-order cognitive abilities. Regression analysis further indicated that AI utilization explains approximately 32.9% of the variance in critical thinking skills. The study concludes that AI-driven learning tools serve as effective pedagogical enablers that support student-centered and flexible learning environments in teacher education. It is recommended that higher education institutions integrate AI technologies into the curriculum, provide faculty training, and establish ethical and pedagogical guidelines to maximize their impact. Future research may explore longitudinal and experimental designs to further validate the causal effects of AI on cognitive development

Exploring the Career Trajectories of Bachelor of Elementary EducationGraduates of Guimaras State University: A 2018–2023 Tracer Study

This study explored the career trajectories, competencies, and satisfaction levels of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduates from Guimaras State University (GSU) between 2018 and 2023. The research aimed to provide valuable insights into the employability of GSU’s BEED graduates, the relevance of the curriculum, and the perceived contributions of the program to skill development. Using a descriptive survey design, the study collected data from 160 respondents, focusing on their employment characteristics, satisfaction with university services, and the skills they found most useful in their current roles. The results revealed that a significant majority (70.6%) of the graduates were employed, with the majority working in teaching positions. The study also found high levels of satisfaction with the university’s services, facilities, and learning environment. Graduates reported that technical and communication skills were the most relevant to their current employment, with problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills also being highly valued. However, entrepreneurial and human resource skills were less emphasized, suggesting a need for further curricular development in these areas. The findings have important implications for the university’s curriculum design, career services, and support systems, particularly in enhancing licensure exam preparation and providing more opportunities for professional development