Welcome to the second issue of the Silliman Journal for 2024! This edition highlights five full articles spanning a variety of disciplines.
The issue opens with “A Site Investigation of Pollution Along the Bantayan-Piapi Coastline, Dumaguete City, Philippines.” In this article, Moses L. Alcala, Paulina S. Aspilla, Abner A. Bucol, and Socorro Z. Parco
present findings from physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses of water samples from Mojon Creek and sewer outfalls along the BantayanPiapi coastline, uncovering severe pollution characterized by extremely high bacterial concentrations, elevated ammonia levels, and low dissolved oxygen. Their findings, which align with recent studies by the Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management on microplastics in fish, offer critical insights and recommendations to address the area's significant environmental degradation.

The second article, “A Geochemical Investigation and Review of Hydrogeology of The Dumaguete Aquifer” by Duane G. Guevarra and Moses L. Alcala, examines the contamination risks faced by the Dumaguete aquifer, attributed to its unconfined nature, rapid urbanization, and the absence of
municipal sewage treatment and landfill facilities. A hydrogeological review and geochemical investigation of groundwater samples from six barangays revealed elevated levels of pH, TDS, EC, salinity, sulfate, and coliform, with several sites exceeding regulatory standards for nitrate, phosphate,
and dissolved oxygen. Highlighting significant environmental challenges, the study emphasizes the urgent need for groundwater monitoring and modeling to ensure the aquifer’s long-term sustainability.

The third article, “Resilience and Coping Strategies of Junior High School Students in Dumaguete City” by Ma. Hezel B. Eumague and Jaruvic C. Rafols, investigates the relationship between resilience and
coping strategies among 154 Junior High School students at Holy Cross High School Dumaguete. Findings reveal that students demonstrate high resilience, characterized by adaptability and goal-driven determination, and predominantly employ approach-oriented coping strategies to address challenges effectively, underscoring a significant link between resilience and their chosen coping mechanisms.

The fourth article, “Examining a Youth-led Participatory Video Process in Disaster Risk Reduction Management in a Philippine Rurban Community” by Trina Leah T. Mendoza and Benjamina Paula G. Flor,
examines a youth-led participatory video (PV) process in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) within a flood-prone community in Bay, Laguna, Philippines, focusing on how youth conceptualize DRRM and PV. Through a PV training workshop, interviews, focus groups, and observations, participants emphasized disaster preparedness through information dissemination and capacity building, ultimately producing an advocacy video on typhoon preparedness. The study concludes that the PV process
serves as both a learning platform and a community organizing strategy, empowering youth to co-create knowledge, develop critical awareness, and actively participate in DRRM initiatives as partners in development.

Finally, the fifth article, “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers” by Estela Q. Catacutan, Novem Catherine E. Joseph, and Dave E. Marcial, evaluates
infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among healthcare workers at Bais and Bindoy District Hospitals, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their relationship with demographic factors. Employing a non-experimental descriptive-correlational design, the research revealed that
respondents generally had adequate IPC knowledge, reducing susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections. However, the study emphasizes the need for regular training programs and strict adherence to updated protocols to address gaps in knowledge and practices among healthcare workers.

The cover photo, titled “Distant Dreams,” is by campus journalist Nathaniel E. Carampatana. Describing his work, he writes, “In the glow of a golden sky, shadows of boats drift across a tranquil sea, capturing the quiet poetry of life’s endless voyage toward dreams and aspirations.”

Warlito S. Caturay Jr. , PhD