Silliman Journal

A Geochemical Investigation and Review of Hydrogeology of the Dumaguete Aquifer

Duane G. Guevarra — 2025-03-17

The unconfined nature of the Dumaguete aquifer and urbanization with mixed agricultural-commercial-industrial uses pose risks of groundwater contamination. Upland geothermal waters and the absence of municipal sewage treatment and landfill facilities add to such risks. Other contaminant sources include hydrothermally-altered volcanic rocks, septic tanks, sewer pipes, sewage ditches, polluted creeks, and subsurface saltwater lenses.

A review of hydrogeology and a geochemical investigation of the aquifer were conducted for this study. Samples from six barangays (five wells and a spring) were analyzed for temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nitrate, chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and ammonium. Coliform analysis was added. Statistical evaluation included kriging to map contaminant concentrations. Supplementary TDS, EC, and salinity data were collected from 22 wells and springs.

Higher levels of pH, TDS, EC, salinity, and sulfate were found in the northeast section of the city, with TDS exceeding regulatory standards in barangay Bantayan. Arsenic was borderline in Daro and detected in Batinguel. Chloride in Calindagan was an outlier (although below regulatory levels); nitrate levels exceeded standards at four sites; phosphate exceeded standards at all sites. High coliform counts were detected at three sites. Five sites had low DO levels. Groundwater monitoring and modeling are warranted for the sustainability of the aquifer.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers

Estela Q. Catacutan — 2025-03-17

The study evaluates infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among Bais and Bindoy District Hospital healthcare workers. It aims to gauge their knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning IPC, analyzing the relationships between these factors and respondents' demographic profiles. Using a non-experimental descriptive-correlational design, the researchers encompassed all healthcare professionals at these hospitals and employed a validated survey questionnaire. Statistical tools such as Cronbach Alpha, percentage, Mann Whitney U Test, Chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis were utilized. Findings reveal adequate knowledge among respondents (mean score: 1.50), indicating lower susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections. The study also highlights a significant relationship between demographic profiles and knowledge and practices in IPC, though not with attitudes. No significant differences were found in IPC attitudes, knowledge, or practices when segmented by sex, age, length of service, or working department. The study underlines the lack of training courses as a key factor influencing professionals' knowledge and practices in IPC, recommending regular and comprehensive training programs alongside stringent adherence to updated standard operational procedures for all healthcare workers (HCWs) at these hospitals.

Resilience and Coping Strategies of Junior High School Students in Dumaguete City

Ma. Hezel B. Eumague — 2025-03-17

At the beginning of distance learning, there was a notable surge in referrals to the guidance office due to behavioral changes among junior high school students. Consequently, this study aims to explore the crucial association between the level of resilience and coping strategies among Junior High School students in Holy Cross High School Dumaguete. Despite considerable research on resilience and coping methods, there is a limited body of knowledge concerning Filipino Junior High School students. The survey included 253 students who responded to two standardized questionnaires. Based on the findings, it was observed that the respondents exhibited a high level of resilience. This is a positive attribute on the part of the respondents since it brings to light that they believe they can achieve their goals despite obstacles. They can return quickly to normal condition after a difficult situation or event. This manifests their high adaptability to changes that are inevitable in human existence. Additionally, their coping strategies leaned more towards an approach-oriented approach rather than avoidant coping strategies. When confronted with an unpleasant situation, they devise and execute strategies to alleviate the existing condition. They also think of it as part of the reality in life. Lastly, the study revealed a significant relationship between the level of resilience and coping strategies among the respondents.

A Site Investigation of Pollution Along the Bantayan-Piapi Coastline, Dumaguete City, Philippines

Moses L. Alcala — 2025-03-17

Physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses were conducted on samples from the mouth of Mojon Creek at the north end of Silliman Beach, and sewer outfalls along the Bantayan-Piapi coastline. At each of the seven sampling stations, two samples were collected: one from the river mouth or outfall and a second from seawater located at least 20 m offshore. A supplementary underwater fish density and biomass survey was conducted in the shallow seagrass areas.

Extremely high levels of bacteria were detected in the samples, with concentrations of E. coli and enterococci ranging from one to five orders of magnitude exceeding the referenced standards and criteria. The concentrations of ammonia in all samples exceeded the referenced standards and criteria, thereby contributing to a toxic environment for aquatic organisms. Outfall effluent samples had non-detect to low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, which were matched by high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). A few outfall samples exceeded standards for oil and grease, total suspended solids (TSS), and phosphates. Based on a transect survey in the seagrass beds, the fish biomass and population density were notably low. The results of this study indicate significant pollution in the study area. This is supported by other recent data obtained by the Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research & Environmental Management (SUAKCREM). A concurrent, collaborative study on microplastics in fish gut confirmed the results of earlier studies by SUAKCREM on the occurrence of microplastics in local fish catch.

Examining a Youth-led Participatory Video Process in Disaster Risk Reduction Management in a Philippine Rurban Community

Trina Leah T. Mendoza — 2025-03-17

This paper explores what constitutes a youth-led participatory video (PV) process in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) in a flood-prone community in Bay, Laguna, Philippines. It also aims to discuss the youth’s concepts of DRRM and PV. A PV training workshop was conducted from January to March 2019, along with qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Youth’s concepts of DRRM primarily centered on disaster preparedness through information dissemination and capacity building. They appreciated the PV process because they were able to learn new knowledge and skills in PV production and DRRM and produce an advocacy video on typhoon preparedness. The generated grounded theory is that a youth-led PV process is a learning and capacity-building process that enables adults and youth to realize the latter’s capacity and shared responsibility to participate in DRRM initiatives. It serves as an entry point and strategy in community organizing. Through a PV process, participants build their capacities, co-construct knowledge, develop critical awareness, and take action to improve their situation. Beyond empowerment, PV is a development communication tool that helps participants realize their capabilities to become partners in development and live meaningful lives.