Scientific Publications

Allan M. Abiera, a faculty member at Southern Leyte State University, wrote a letter to the editor of the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, highlighting the relevance of narrative analysis in understanding how students cope with disasters. The letter calls for qualitative research in public health centered on the distinctive struggles faced by youth during and after catastrophic events. The letter discusses a study on college students in Southern Leyte impacted by Super Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette. It reveals how these students managed the aftermath of the storm, demonstrating their coping strategies and emphasizing behaviors that can inform preventative medicine and public health efforts. This research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 of the United Nations, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. By examining the coping strategies of youth following disasters, the study highlights the need for mental health...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly acknowledges the recent Scopus-indexed publication by its faculty members, Dr. Norlyn L. Borong and Ms. Shiela Mae Yamson. Their study, "Digital Storytelling as a Method for Teaching Writing Skills," published in the Multidisciplinary Science Journal, reveals the potential of digital storytelling as an effective tool for enhancing students' writing skills. This research aligns with SLSU's mission to advance educational innovation and digital integration, contributing to global educational practices. The study, conducted among Grade 10 students at Inopacan National High School, tackled common challenges in student writing, such as limited vocabulary and organization. By using digital storytelling, students in the experimental group showed significantly improved writing abilities compared to peers in the traditional module-based group. The findings highlight the importance of adopting digital interventions, especially in developing...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) celebrates the recent publication of groundbreaking research by Dr. Norlyn L. Borong and Ms. Shiela Mae Yamson in the Multidisciplinary Science Journal, a Scopus-indexed journal. The study, titled "Digital Storytelling as a Method for Teaching Writing Skills," explores the powerful role of digital storytelling as a teaching tool to enhance the writing abilities of Grade 10 students, providing fresh insights into modern educational methods. This innovative approach underscores SLSU's commitment to advancing educational techniques aligned with digital literacy and quality education as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4. Conducted at Southern Leyte State University’s Tomas Oppus campus in partnership with Inopacan National High School, the study highlights how digital storytelling can address students’ challenges in fundamental writing skills. The research employed an experimental design, comparing traditional teaching methods with digital...

In a remarkable contribution to the field of public health technology, Geraldine B. Mangmang, James Arnold E. Nogra, and Jannie Fleur V. Oraño from Southern Leyte State University have published an insightful article titled "AI-Based Face Mask Detection System for COVID-19 Prevention" in a renowned Scopus-indexed journal. This groundbreaking study addresses a crucial aspect of public health during the ongoing pandemic: the effective monitoring of mask compliance in crowded public spaces. The research delves into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze video footage and determine whether individuals are wearing masks properly, partially, or not at all. By developing an inception network trained on 4,789 black-and-white face images, the authors created a model capable of detecting mask usage with exceptional accuracy—98.5% on training images and 98.8% on validation images. This model provides a practical and scalable solution for authorities seeking to enforce mask-wearing...

Southern Leyte State University affiliate, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, along with three other researchers from different parts of the world uncovered vital trends in health and social sciences focusing on infectious diseases through a comprehensive analysis of health research outputs from ASEAN countries.  Employing scientometric analysis, the research provides critical insights into the region’s health research landscape by examining over 12,000 publications from esteemed databases including Web of Science and Scopus. The article highlights the fundamental contribution of countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to the significant acceleration of research activities in the region since 2003. The article’s appropriateness to the Sustainable Development Goal No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being reflects Dr. Prisno’s work, who also teaches Economics of Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London, UK. Signifying our commitment to advancing...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) is again shining in the academic limelight as Dr. Erlinda Tibus and Dr. Sybill Krizzia Ledesma expose their research titled "Factors of Academic Stress: Do They Impact English Academic Performance?" This insightful paper delves into the concern of how college students become stressed at academics and their possible impacts on their grades in an English course. Dr. Tibus and Dr. Ledesma utilized a descriptive-exploratory design in the participation of 250 students for research. They utilized Exploratory Factor Analysis and Pearson correlation analysis to get a more profound understanding of the factors underlying academic stress. Their study has proved that the general stress level was moderate. After doing thorough analysis, there were four major stress factors identified: perceived personal stress, classroom stress, performance stress, and time management stress. Interestingly, though personal and class room and performance were under stress,...

Southern Leyte State University is proud to point out the newest academic product from its diligent faculty members, Dr. Tibus and Dr. De Gracia. Their very provocative research, "Are Demographic Profile and Study Habits Precursors of Academic Performance Among English Majors?” goes into the more subtle elements that influence students' achievements. This research paper by Dr. Tibus and Dr. De Gracia looks into the varied aspects of a student's background and study practices, which determine his academic career. In this paper, they applied Walberg's Theory of Educational Productivity to the data collected from 31 BSED English majors. The independent variables considered in this paper include parental education, availability of study gadgets, availability of reading materials, and hours spent studying. The results are interesting and surprising. While a weak positive correlation between gadget availability and academic performance was established, too many gadgets seemed to undermine study...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly highlights the innovative work of Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, a faculty member and one of the authors of the study, in advancing food preservation methods. His recently published research, "Isolation, Characterization, and Utilization of Crustacean Chitosan as Storage Treatment in Mango Fruit and Vege-Fish Noodles," explores the use of chitosan- a naturally derived compound from crab shells—as a sustainable preservative for perishable and processed foods. Their study focused on solation of chitosan from crab shells through demineralization and deproteination processes were carried out by Baclayon in his study. The isolated chitosan matched the quality with commercial chitosan according to detailed SEM imaging and FT-IR spectral analysis. The application of chitosan as a coating of mangoes had reduced the weight loss as well as slowed down the rate of stem-end rot, major problems in postharvest storage of fruits. The study further...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly acknowledges Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, for their groundbreaking research on smoking behaviors among adolescents in Thailand, recently featured in a Scopus-indexed journal. Their study titled “Prevalence and Determinants of Cigarette Smoking Among Adolescents in Thailand,” provides valuable insights into the prevalence and key factors influencing cigarette use within this age group. The study analyzed data from the 2021 Thailand Global School-Based Health Survey, where responses were gathered from 5,545 adolescents aged 13–17 years. Results indicated that 11.5% of Thai adolescents smoked, and this was higher in males (18.2%) than in females (5.6%). Using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, the study identified the main risk factors for smoking as being male, exposure to smokers, and combined alcohol and marijuana use. This was highly interesting as it noted early initiates to smoking who initiated themselves...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) celebrates the valuable research of Dr. Melvin Sarsale, Associate Professor, and his co-authors, on the crucial topic of parental involvement in assessment. Their scholarly work, titled "Parental Involvement in Assessment: Why, How and Where To?" published in the prestigious, Scopus-indexed journal "Issues in Educational Research", sheds light on the significant role parents can play in supporting their child's learning journey. Extensive benefits of having parents involved in the assessment process were highlighted. In this regard, it emphasizes how parental involvement influences positive feelings towards learning and school, through which students will be more motivated, actively engaged, and felt a greater degree of belonging in schools. In addition, parents must also be informed of how their children are faring in learning and about the actual needs of their children. Involving parents in assessments is thought to have increased parent...

The scholarly contributions of three distinguished faculty members, Dr. Juanita M. Costillas, Mr. Melvin E. Obus, Ms. Flordeliza E. Vitor is proudly acknowledged, for their research published in a Scopus-indexed journal. Their study, "Indicators for an Improved Faculty Accomplishment Based on Selected Profiles and Evaluation Criteria," offers an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing faculty achievement within higher education. The research aimed to identify key indicators associated with enhanced faculty accomplishment by examining various factors such as age, years of teaching, performance rating, and salary. Additionally, it considered the Common Criteria for Evaluation (CCE), which includes educational qualifications, professional achievements, and academic experience, as well as Qualitative Contribution Evaluation (QCE) ratings. The research identified performance rating, age, and years of teaching as the most influential factors in enhancing faculty accomplishment. These...

Four faculty members of Southern Leyte State University successfully published in the world-cited Scopus Indexed journal "Issues in Educational Research." The study reflects a significant impact in the education sector, particularly in Science and Mathematics. These are Ms. Jackylou Sarsale, Ms. Aiza Caseñas, Dr. Cherry Zin Oo, Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, and Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, in collaboration with an international co-author, Dr. Dennis Alonzo from the University of New South Wales, Australia. Through systematic review, it investigates the literacy assessment together with the subject knowledge of science and mathematics and reports on macro skills, tools and strategies used in assessment, and outcome. It would be useful in outlining frameworks that could lead to deeper investigations in the area and addresses SDG number 4, Quality Education. Those researchers' dedication and hard work bear fruit and bring pride to the university's goal in the field of research and innovation. We are far...

In light of innovation, SLSU is one of the leading contributors not just here in the Philippines but also internationally. One significant contribution is the research of two affiliates from the Engineering Department of Southern Leyte State University, Mr. Danilo P. Metra, Jr. and Mr. Marvin C. Credo, with their study titled “Design Analysis, Installation, and Performance Evaluation of a Hydraulic Ram Pump System with a Modified Waste Valve,” published in the Scopus-indexed journal, Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology (VJST). The university is proud to announce that Mr. Metra and Mr. Credo have established an impactful innovation by examining and developing a waste valve for a hydraulic ram pump that enhances its capability and usability. The study concluded that the height of the waste valve’s stroke significantly affected the delivery flow rate, thus impacting its overall efficiency. This result is crucial in providing insights and knowledge for people still using this...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of its faculty members, Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Francis Rey F. Padao, and Rhoderick D. Malangsa, whose groundbreaking research has been published in the esteemed Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems journal in 2023. Their innovative study, titled “A Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Skin Rashes Classification,” explores the use of advanced technology to enhance dermatological diagnosis. The research delves into the potential of deep learning algorithms to classify skin rashes effectively, a critical task in the field of medical diagnostics. By employing a deep convolutional neural network (CNN), the team analyzed numerous images of skin conditions, paving the way for faster and more accurate diagnoses. This innovative approach not only demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in healthcare but also highlights the role of technology in improving patient outcomes. With their study...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly celebrates a significant achievement as another research paper authored by the faculty of SLSU-Hinunangan—Ms. Madelyn B. Manun-og, Ms. Mondani R. Manun-og, Mr. Adonis Rey F. Wales, Mr. Danilo A. Balili, and Mr. Jake N. Tagonon—has been published in a Scopus-indexed journal. The article, entitled "Development of a Records Management System with GIS Integration: Enabling Tool for Disaster Risk Management," showcases the development of an innovative system aimed at enhancing records management, retrieval, and disaster risk response for the Bureau of Fire Protection in Hinunangan. The system was designed to improve records management operations and streamline the monitoring of business and building compliance through the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This integration allows for more efficient determination, location, and tracking of establishments, providing critical support during fire and disaster-related...

A Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) faculty member, Ms. Kristin O. Espita, published an article, “A Structural Equation Model on Knowledge Management Performance in Higher Education Institutions in Region VIII,” in a Scopus-indexed journal in 2022. She co-authored it with Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao, Jr., who is a faculty member from the University of Mindanao (UM). It was shown that transformation leadership, organizational learning, and organizational strategy play a significant role in knowledge management performance. They used the descriptive-correlational technique of structural equation modeling (SEM) and conducted it across 400 administrative staff among the higher education institutions in the region. Adding to the ever-expanding pool of literature about knowledge management, Ms. Espina and Guhao’s invite fellow academicians and researchers in other educational institutions to think about it. The involvement of knowledge management is vital to the advancement of higher...

Water kefir has recently emerged as a popular, non-alcoholic alternative to sugary sodas, known for its refreshing taste and health-boosting properties. In their recent study, “Water Kefir Beverages and Probiotic Properties” (August 2023), Vernabelle Balmori, a faculty member of Southern Leyte State University, and Anne Gellie Plando Pablo of Western Philippines University explore the beverage’s potential as a nutrient-rich, probiotic drink. Their collaboration highlights water kefir’s versatility and its appeal to health-conscious consumers. Water kefir's diversity lies in its adaptability: the microorganisms involved in fermentation vary significantly based on the source of the kefir grains and the substrates used. This means that ingredients such as fruits and vegetables with specific bioactive compounds can not only amplify the drink’s probiotic profile but also elevate its flavor, health benefits, and economic value. Certain substrates, for example, have been shown to boost...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) commends Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño of the College of Computer Studies and Information Technology for their innovative research, recently published in a Scopus-indexed journal. Their study, titled “A Convolutional Neural Network Classification System for Lung Diseases from Chest X-Rays,” showcases a cutting-edge AI-based diagnostic tool aimed at improving lung disease identification. Lung diseases persist as a significant global health issue, affecting individuals across various age groups and lifestyles. In response, this research harnesses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to classify six key lung conditions—effusion, atelectasis, infiltration, nodule, mass, and pneumothorax—through chest X-ray analysis. The model, trained on 8,125 images, demonstrated strong performance with an accuracy of 82.53% and a Cohen’s kappa value of 0.788. This CNN model, which can operate on both computer and mobile platforms, represents a significant step forward...

Cacao, the essential ingredient for chocolate and cocoa products, is a crucial crop in the tropics. Ensuring the quality of cacao beans through grading is a vital step for farmers and suppliers, but traditional manual grading methods are often laborious and less accurate. In response, faculty researchers from Southern Leyte State University’s College of Computer Studies and Information Technology—Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Francis Rey F. Padao, and Rhoderick D. Malangsa—have developed a KNN-based cacao bean grading system that automates this process. Their system, created with image processing and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, was tested with 190 training samples and 60 classification samples, achieving an impressive 93.33% accuracy. Built on C# with XAMPP and MySQL for database management, this AI-driven approach offers an efficient, reliable solution for cacao grading, promising better quality control and support for the cacao industry. This brings substantial benefits to the...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) commended the newly published paper coming from its faculty: "Towards Integrated Management of a Shallow Tropical Lake: Assessment of Water Quality, Sediment Geochemistry, and Phytoplankton Diversity in Lake Palakpakin, Philippines." Dr. Ian A. Navarrete's study and his esteemed team have advanced knowledge about the health condition of Lake Palakpakin while leaving a spotlight on the current pressing environmental problems that surround this highly unusual shallow tropical lake. Lake Palakpakin, situated in San Pablo City, Laguna, is an important freshwater source with rich biodiversity, significantly contributing to the livelihood of local communities. However, urbanization has initiated alteration to the ecological balance in the lake which intensified nutrient inputs and facilitated the growth of excessive alga, a condition commonly referred to as eutrophication. Samples of water and sediment collected during both the wet and dry seasons...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) commends Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III and his esteemed international colleagues for their critical contributions to a recent study offering new insights into neurosurgical solutions for epilepsy. Published in a well-regarded Scopus-indexed journal, this collaborative study titled, “Neurosurgical Interventions in Epilepsy Management,” was led by lead author Fadele Kehinde Precious, with key contributions from Egbo Kingsley Chinedu, Bipin Chaurasia, and Dr. Lucero-Prisno himself. This groundbreaking research explores advanced surgical techniques that can drastically improve the lives of epilepsy patients, especially those whose seizures resist traditional treatments.   The authors provide an in-depth analysis of emerging neurosurgical interventions, such as temporal lobectomy, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). These treatments show promise in reducing or even eliminating seizures, allowing patients to live with...

Another esteemed affiliate from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Mr. Joeydann M. Telin of the Department of Electrical Engineering, brings pride to the institution through his collaborative research titled "Norway’s Battery Electric Vehicles and Public Health - Findings from the Literature." Co-authored with a team of international experts, this impactful study was published in the Scopus-indexed journal Environmental Health Insights in 2024, highlighting SLSU’s commitment to global research excellence. The interdisciplinary research brings together 17 researchers from institutions across the globe, including universities from Nigeria, Norway, Canada, Denmark, France, Belgium, Spain, Philippines, UK, and Kazakhstan. These institutions worked collectively to examine the impact of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on public health, particularly in the context of Norway’s pioneering use of BEVs as part of its environmental and public health policies. This study aims to provide...

Affiliated with both the Research and Innovation Office at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the Department of Global Health and Development at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III brought together a diverse team of international researchers for a collaborative research exploring the use of stem cell therapy (SCT) to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. The pivotal article titled “Examining the Potentials of Stem Cell Therapy in Reducing the Burden of Selected Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa,” has been published in a respected Scopus-indexed journal. This article, which aligns primarily with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, explores SCT's potential in addressing significant health challenges, including diabetes, heart failure, and Alzheimer’s disease, which are increasingly prevalent in Africa. The collaborative effort involves distinguished co-authors from various...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) celebrates a significant academic achievement as its dedicated faculty member, Mr. Allan Abiera  collaborated with international author Dr. Jan Gresil Kahambing of  Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Macau, SAR, China contribute groundbreaking research on the impact of natural disasters on student well-being, recently published in the prestigious Journal of Loss and Trauma. The study, titled “Loss, Trauma, and the Future for College Students during Super Typhoon Rai,” appears in Volume 28, Issue 7 of the journal, making a valuable addition to global research on trauma and resilience among college students in disaster-prone areas. This publication shines a light on the critical experiences of college students in Southern Leyte, a region hit hard by Super Typhoon Rai (internationally known as Typhoon Odette) in December 2021. As one of the most powerful storms to impact the Philippines, Rai caused widespread destruction,...

Funded by CHED-SIKAP and SLSU-HC with significant support from the DILG-Hinunangan, Madelyn B. Manun-Og from Southern Leyte State University-Hinunangan and James Brian Flores from Southern Leyte State University-Sogod have published their study titled "Optimizing Registry of Inhabitants’ Record Management: The Development of Municipal Consolidation System for Local Governance," aimed to enhance the management of inhabitants' records in local government units. The study developed a municipal consolidation system using the iterative waterfall model, which was found to be effective in optimizing records management. Positive feedback from user testing and evaluations indicates that the system meets the needs of local government users and has a high acceptance rate, positioning it as a valuable tool for improving local governance practices. This initiative conforms with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which aims to promote effective, accountable...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) recognizes Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno for his valuable contribution to the study, "Prevalence and Determinants of Cigarette Smoking among Thai Adolescents," published in a Scopus-indexed journal on [Publication Date]. This research provides essential insights into the prevalence and underlying factors influencing adolescent smoking behavior in Thailand. The study, using a cross-sectional design, analyzed data from 5,545 Thai adolescents aged 13–17 from the 2021 Thailand Global School-Based Health Survey. Results showed an overall smoking prevalence of 11.5%, with adolescent males at a higher rate (18.2%) than females (5.6%). Several determinants were identified: males had a greater risk of smoking (AOR = 1.58), while exposure to smokers (AOR = 2.21), current alcohol use (AOR = 3.37), and marijuana use (AOR = 4.53) significantly increased the likelihood of smoking. Interestingly, early initiation of smoking (before age 14) was associated with a...

Southern Leyte State University proudly acknowledges the remarkable contributions of its faculty members, such as those by Dr. Eliseo Lucero-Prisno in collaboration with a distinguished research team of an impactful study published in a Scopus-indexed journal. The paper published was entitled "Predictors and Prevalence of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-Use among Filipino Adolescents: Evidence from a School-Based Student Health Survey." Herein, the co-use of alcohol and cannabis amongst Filipino adolescents is provided within critical predictors that influence that behavior. The study utilized data from the 2019 Global School-Based Student Health Survey, covering over 9,000 adolescents aged 13-17 years. It indicated that 4.2% of Filipino teens co-use alcohol and cannabis, with major predictors consisting of male gender, lower academic grade levels specifically grades 7 and 8, poor quality sleep, and a history of suicide attempts. This means that there is a need for targeted interventions and mental...

Collaborating with six other international researchers from Nigeria, four esteemed faculty members from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)—namely Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, Mr. Jerico B. Ogaya, and Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III—published a book chapter in a Scopus-indexed journal in 2023. Their publication, “Why Nutrition Programs for Children Remain Important,” highlights the importance of healthy dietary practices for optimal physical growth and enhanced cognitive development in children. It echoes the goal of public health leaders to initiate this practice at an early age to ensure overall well-being as individuals mature. Ensuring access to adequate nutrition for children remains relevant, as delving into a notable initiative on school meal programs and advancements in nutrition programs was imperative for underpinning good health and well-being. By reinforcing the fundamental importance of public health, the publication affirms the critical role of...

A faculty member from Institute of Arts and Sciences in Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has contributed to a commentary published in Public Health Challenges, a Scopus-indexed journal. This article explores the impact of climate change on health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive strategies that empower these communities. Led by Sheena Ramazanu from the National University of Singapore, the research team includes experts from various institutions including SLSU’s esteemed faculty Rey G. Comabig. The commentary entitled, “Current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia,” emphasized how climate change adversely affects indigenous people, resulting in increased health risks, such as respiratory issues caused by air pollution from forest fires. The authors advocate for the integration of indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation efforts,...

Southern Leyte State University proudly boasts of the study done by faculty member Dr. Vernabelle L. Balmori from the Department of Food Science and Technology, which brought into the limelight the health-enhancing properties of fermented pomelo juice. Giving a promising future on using lactic acid bacteria for the improvement of nutritional and functional values of pomelo to eventually be developed as a dairy-free probiotic drink. This research explores the effects of fermenting five pomelo cultivars with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on their physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory qualities. Results show that fermentation increased the count of viable lactic acid bacteria (8.80–9.28 log cfu/mL), raised the levels of organic acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, and improved antioxidant activity. Notably, the Tubtim Siam cultivar has the highest functionality and health benefits, thus standing a strong chance of being further developed into a product. It was also...

Coral reefs, essential ecosystems that support diverse marine species, protect coastlines, and boost the fishing and tourism industries, face growing threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Monitoring coral health is crucial for conservation, but traditional methods of classifying coral lifeforms—key to assessing reef health—are often labor-intensive, costly, and invasive. In their innovative study, Automated Coral Lifeform Classification Using YOLOv5: A Deep Learning Approach, researchers Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Jerome Jack O. Napala, and Janrey C. Elecito of Southern Leyte State University, in collaboration with Jonah Flor O. Maaghop from Visayas State University, propose a cost-effective solution to this challenge. Published in September 2023, their research leverages YOLOv5, a deep learning model, to automate coral lifeform classification, reducing the need for invasive and time-consuming manual methods. The team trained the model on a dataset featuring seven...

The journal Public Health Challenges has unveiled the Public Health Word of the Year for 2022: "new normal." This term was chosen to reflect the significant transformations in public health prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The phrase captures the necessity for ongoing change in health practices, emphasizing how the pandemic has significantly changed our approach to global health. Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) President Dr. Jude Altiveros Duarte played an important role in the writing, reviewing, and editing of this article. He was joined by seven other authors, six of whom, including Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III, who is now affiliated with SLSU, are members of the Editorial Board of Public Health Challenges. Their collaboration highlights the depth of expertise involved in addressing the urgent public health issues that arose during and after the pandemic. The article aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being....

A breakthrough study dwelling on an important aspect of food safety was presented by Dr. Ian A. Navarrete from the Department of Environmental Science of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), in co-authoring the crucial research conducted on heavy metals' effect on water kangkong, a leafy green that forms a big part of most Filipinos' daily diets. Lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), and chromium (Cr³⁺) are silently contaminating this common crop. In experiments, significant attention was found on harmful effects of these metals that cause damage to mineral nutrition uptake by plants when present in the form of its deficiency in essential forms in the case of such forms as potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) in internal tissues of leaves and the stem. The findings hold such significance because this kind of danger of inadequacy of nutrients to the health safety of humans in edible parts of kangkong poses a great risk to life. The research gives a glimmer of hope that...

Conforming to the 4th Sustainable Development Goal—Quality Education—Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly acknowledges the exceptional contributions of its faculty members from its satellite campus in Tomas Oppus: Ms. Erlinda Dacara Tibus, Ms. Jahara Dagangan Napalla, and Ms. Sybill Krizzia Gabronino Ledesma. Their collaborative study, entitled "Risk Factors of Student Failure in Blended Learning Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic," provides critical insights into the challenges faced by students during the sudden shift to blended learning entailed by the pandemic. This study sheds light on the significant risks to student success arising from the abrupt transition to blended learning, which, while essential for continuing education amid restrictions, has posed various challenges. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis, the researchers identified four critical factors contributing to students' risk of failure: the virtual environment, degree of intrinsic motivation,...

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) is celebrating a remarkable achievement by its faculty members, Mr. Rhoderick D. Malangsa and Mr. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, for their cutting-edge research that offers a fresh solution to the seafood industry. Their work, titled “Image Processing Techniques for Lobster Grading System,” was presented at the 2022 IEEE 14th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM) and is published in Scopus. This groundbreaking study focuses on developing a system that uses advanced image processing techniques to grade lobsters. The research promises to streamline the labor-intensive process of lobster grading, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the classification of lobster quality. Mr. Malangsa and Mr. Oraño, both hailing from SLSU’s Sogod campus, collaborated with Ms. Monalee A. Dela Cerna from Surigao Del Norte State University to combine their expertise in...

A multi-awarded international soil and environmental scientist, Dr. Ian A. Navarrete of SLSU Hinunangan, is recognized for his significant contributions, with his research recently published in a Scopus-indexed journal. His collaborative study, titled "Mercury Distribution and Environmental Impact in Coastal Ecosystems near Artisanal Gold Mining in Mambulao Bay, Philippines," offers a comprehensive analysis of mercury contamination in the region and its ecological consequences. The research focuses on understanding how mercury, released from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations on the eastern shore of Mambulao Bay, accumulates in the local environment. Samples were collected in 2017 and 2018 to measure mercury levels in the air, soil, water, and sediment. The results show that mercury levels are much higher on the eastern side of the bay, near the mining sites. This is especially true in the air, soil, and sediment near the estuary. The researchers believe that rivers...

In a significant contribution to the field of disaster tourism, Jasmin S. Dayunan from Southern Leyte State University has published an insightful article titled "Structural Equation Model on Tourism Motivations and Intentions towards Disaster Tourism" to Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research. Navigating the motivations driving tourists to visit places vulnerable to natural disasters, Dayunan's work comprehensively delved into an often-overlooked aspect of tourism that can inform recovery strategies and strengthen community resilience during challenging times. The study's findings reveal that both intrinsic motivations, such as personal curiosity and emotional connections to the disaster's aftermath and extrinsic motivations, particularly social influences and media portrayals, significantly shape tourists' intentions to visit disaster-stricken destinations. Dayunan identified three key dimensions of the tourist experience that influence these intentions: dark...

Dr. Ian A. Navarrete of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) - Hinunangan Campus had an article, titled “Pharmaceutical pollution of the world’s rivers,” published in a Scopus-indexed journal in 2022. Dr. Navarrete co-authored with 125 researchers in assessing the concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in rivers for them to look at a global perspective. The team analyzed from 258 rivers across 104 countries on all continents. They discovered that concentrations that are safe for aquatic organisms were lower than the concentrations of at least one API sampled from the rivers. These pollutants are harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems. Some can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance which is a global health concern. In addition, they discovered that low- and middle-income countries with poor wastewater systems and pharmaceutical production sites have a greater concentration of these APIs in the water. The comprehensive analysis provided a deeper...

Dr. Ian A. Navarrete from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Hinunangan has made a noteworthy academic contribution as a co-author of the paper titled "Short Communication: New Distributional Record of Phyllanthus securinegoides Merr. (Phyllanthaceae) and Rinorea niccolifera Fernando (Violaceae) of Homonhon Island, Philippines." Collaborating with Ms. Roanne B. Romeroso of the University of Eastern Philippines and Mr. Danilo N. Tandang from the National Museum, the study appears in the Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity. This research offers valuable findings in Philippine botanical and environmental studies, focusing on conservation and ecological restoration. The article investigates two newly recorded metallophyte species, Phyllanthus securinegoides Merr. and Rinorea niccolifera Fernando, found on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar’s ultramafic forest. Homonhon's soils, enriched with nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) due to ongoing mining activities, provide a habitat for...

As the University Faculty of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) pushes for innovative advancements in patient care, an information and queuing system innovation has been established in the OB-Gyne clinics. The innovative project was headed by researcher G. Mangmang, R. Malangsa, and J.J.M. Rina who belongs to the College of Computer Studies and Information Technology. It addresses the largest and most common issue of health that is waiting long queues and poor flow in terms of patients. Now with new development utilizing the patient through SMS notification status for appointment, it reduces uncertainty, therefore enhancing comfort. That's one invention, though; there is so much a difference when weighed alongside means to date in so far as sending information necessary in time about the schedule made regarding appointments. It addresses the largest and most common issue of health waiting long queues and poor flow in terms of patients. Now with new development utilising the...

Cacao, the essential ingredient for chocolate and cocoa products, is a crucial crop in the tropics. Ensuring the quality of cacao beans through grading is a vital step for farmers and suppliers, but traditional manual grading methods are often laborious and less accurate. In response, faculty researchers from Southern Leyte State University’s College of Computer Studies and Information Technology—Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Francis Rey F. Padao, and Rhoderick D. Malangsa—have developed a KNN-based cacao bean grading system that automates this process. Their system, created with image processing and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, was tested with 190 training samples and 60 classification samples, achieving an impressive 93.33% accuracy. Built on C# with XAMPP and MySQL for database management, this AI-driven approach offers an efficient, reliable solution for cacao grading, promising better quality control and support for the cacao industry. This brings substantial benefits to the...

Southern Leyte State University is pleased to introduce the development of an Indirect Heat Copra Dryer with a Phase Changer (IHCDPC), designed to enhance copra drying processes for local farmers. This innovative solution addresses the challenges faced by traditional open sun drying methods, which can be severely impacted by weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures. The new dryer aims to improve product quality and reduce the risk of microbial contamination. The research, conducted by Marvin C. Credo, an instructor in the Electrical Engineering and Electrical Technology Department, and Rommel T. Valmoria, a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department, evaluated the performance of the IHCDPC compared to traditional kiln drying and open sun drying methods. The results are promising: the IHCDPC successfully reduced the moisture content of fresh coconut meat from 57.4% to 7.2% within just 25 hours, achieving a thermal efficiency of 30.87%. The...