SDG 1 - NO POVERTY
SDG 2 - ZERO HUNGER
The Dynamics of Agricultural Land Use Cover Change Using Agricultural Carrying Capacity: The Case of Magsingal, Ilocos SurPDF
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Amid intensifying development pressures and shifting socio-economic landscapes, this study provides a critical assessment of how changing land-use patterns are reshaping the agricultural sustainability and long-term food and crop security in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. This study explores the evolving dynamics of agricultural land use in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, focusing on its Agricultural Carrying Capacity (ACC). Employing a mixed-methods approach with expert interviews and survey data, it investigates pressures on farmlands, including urbanization, economic factors, and demographic shifts. Findings indicate a decline in Magsingal's ACC from 0.56 hectares per farmer in 2021 to 0.52 hectares in 2023, reflecting increasing land fragmentation and challenges to farming sustainability. This trend mirrors national land fragmentation patterns observed in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Key drivers of land-use change include urban sprawl, infrastructure development, and conversions to residential and commercial uses. Recommendations include integrating ACC assessments into local land use planning, promoting regular land evaluations, and fostering community engagement in decision-making. The study advocates for policies that secure land tenure, enhance farming practices, and balance urban expansion with agricultural preservation, ultimately promoting long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Magsingal.
Diversity and Catch per Unit Effort of Marine Fishes Caught by Various Fishing Gears in Cabugao, Ilocos SurPDF
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Fishery resources play a vital role in ensuring food security and nutrition while contributing to economic growth through fish production and trade. This study aimed to determine the diversity of marine fishes caught by various fishing gears in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. A quantitative research design was utilized, providing numerical data on the diversity, abundance, and catch per unit effort of marine fishes. Data gathering was conducted in the five coastal barangays of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, from January to March 2025. Mean, ANOVA, and Games-Howell tests were employed to determine the average abundance, test for significant differences in CPUE, and compare fishing gears, respectively. Simple handlines, bottom-set longlines, gillnets, and pamo gillnets are commonly used fishing gears. The various fishing gears caught a total of 60 species. Pamo gill net yielded the highest abundance (279,497), while the bottom-set longline was the lowest (541). Species diversity was low in bottom-set longlines (2.24) and gillnets (2.33), while very low in simple handlines (1.04) and pamo gillnets (.58). The low species diversity across gears suggests potential ecological pressure influenced by seasonality, fishing intensity, and gear selectivity. The Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) of the various fishing gears significantly differed. These findings provide baseline, gear-specific data that can inform municipal fisheries management and sustainable gear regulation in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The study recommends guiding fisherfolk on the sustainable use of fishing gear, conducting continuous monitoring to track changes in fish diversity, regulating fishing to reduce ecological impact, and developing sustainable fishing strategies.
Feasibility of Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) and Corn Husk as Sustainable Materials for Food PackagingPDF
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The growing problem of plastic and wood-based packaging highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing agricultural residues as sustainable raw materials for producing biodegradable packaging. Aiming to address the environmental consequences of plastic and wood-based packaging, the research examined the durability, texture, and cost-effectiveness of materials derived from different proportions of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) and corn husk fibers. An experimental design was employed, with samples produced in 50:50, 60:40, and 40:60 ratios. Durability was assessed through load-bearing analysis, while 30 respondents, composed of local carinderia owners and customers, evaluated the texture using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical tools, including mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data. Results showed that all samples demonstrated very good durability (overall mean = 0.79 kg) and a smooth-to-very smooth texture (overall mean = 4.09), with the 60% cogon grass–40% corn husk proportion yielding the most favorable results. No significant differences were found among the three mixtures, indicating similar performance across proportions. The production cost, ranging from ₱34.50 to ₱36.50 per batch, confirmed economic feasibility at the laboratory scale. The findings affirm that agricultural residues can be transformed into durable, low-cost, and eco-friendly packaging materials under controlled, dry-condition testing, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study provides experimental evidence on the use of composite non-wood fibers for biodegradable packaging, offering localized data relevant to sustainable materials development in the Philippine context. The study recommends further enhancement of fiber processing techniques, broader testing of mechanical properties, and policy integration under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework.
Bioconversion Of Food Waste Using Black Soldier (Hermetia illucens) Fly Larvae and African Nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae)PDF
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The global reliance on synthetic fertilizers and growing concern over food waste highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. Despite these concerns, synthetic fertilizers remain a cornerstone of agricultural practices. This study evaluates the bioconversion of food waste using Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) and African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae), focusing on temperature, pH, humidity, macronutrients, and biomass conversion efficiency of the bioconverters using the following: T0 (control, no decomposers), T1 (100% BSFL), T2 (100% African nightcrawlers), and T3 (50% BSFL, 50% African nightcrawlers). Additionally, to determine whether a significant difference exists between and among the physicochemical properties in terms of temperature and pH levels of organic fertilizer. It utilized a 21-day experimental design to evaluate the compost’s physicochemical properties by monitoring temperature, pH, humidity, nutrient content, and biomass conversion. Food waste was collected and segregated, bioconverters were reared and applied to the treatment, and physical and chemical analyses were performed throughout the process. T1 showed the highest temperature range (29.2–35.2°C). T0, T1, and T2 produced pH values ranging from acidic to alkaline (5.21–7.75) and humidity levels of 42–77%. All treatments yielded very high nitrogen (>4.5%) and phosphorus (>20 ppm) and sufficient potassium (11–150 ppm). T3 had the highest biomass conversion efficiency (84.4%). Temperature, pH, and biomass conversion differed significantly among treatments at the 0.01 level. These results demonstrate that the bioconverters can provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly method for converting waste into fertilizer, thereby supporting broader adoption. Future research should evaluate fertilizer performance across various crops, assess cost-yield benefits, and conduct long-term environmental assessment of productivity.
Coastal Resource Conditions and Management Efforts in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur: A Descriptive AssessmentPDF
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Degradation happened in the coastal barangays of the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur, despite positive efforts made in the Philippines. This study assessed the coastal barangay profile; socio-economic activities in the pelagic, offshore, and foreshore zones; the extent of degradation due to natural and artificial factors; and the extent of coastal barangays’ resource protection efforts. Descriptive research with 318 conveniently selected respondents, a structured questionnaire, interviews, documentary analysis, mapping, descriptive statistics, and Mean were utilized. Findings revealed the barangays with the greatest number of FARMC members, the highest population, the most fishing boats, the highest tax allocation, and the most government facilities. The socio-economic activity in the Pelagic zone is fishing; the same is true in the Offshore, with fry collections; and at the Foreshore are restobar, sari-sari stores, motor parts sellers, street food vendors, and others. The degradation of coastal resources is extensive, caused by natural and artificial factors; however, a very great extent of coastal resource protection efforts by organized bodies and residents exists, while it is high only among the LGU. The study provides localized, evidence-based insights that can guide municipal-level coastal resource management and policy formulation. The conclusion states that the coastal barangays of the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur, provides physical accessibility and socio-economic opportunities that may support tourism-related activities; the socio-economic activities in the pelagic, foreshore, and offshore zones serve as livelihoods for residents; and the organized bodies and residents are good contributors to coastal resource management. It is recommended that the LGU continue and take additional necessary steps, such as holding regular competitions to manage coastal resources, which cover cleanliness and attractions, to improve the coastal area's appeal to tourists, increase revenue, and provide residents and visitors with better services.
Development of a Low-Cost and Sustainable Biodiesel Reactor Using Waste Cooking OilPDF
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This study developed and evaluated a low-cost biodiesel batch reactor with an integrated washing system for processing waste cooking oil into biodiesel. The reactor was fabricated from locally available materials and designed to perform transesterification and water washing in the same vessel to reduce equipment requirements and simplify purification. Two catalyst systems, KOH and NaOH, were tested using identical volumes of waste cooking oil and methanol. The resulting biodiesel samples were analyzed for kinematic viscosity, specific gravity, and pour point following ASTM methods, and preliminary engine observations were conducted on a 12 HP diesel engine using different biodiesel blends. The KOH mixture produced slightly more biodiesel than the NaOH mixture, and both samples met the standard limits for viscosity and pour point. Specific gravity values were slightly below the ASTM range but remained close to acceptable limits for small-scale applications. Engine observations provided initial insights into smoke characteristics and fuel behavior, although the tests were qualitative and conducted without load. The cost comparison showed that the fabricated reactor was significantly more affordable than commercially available units, while offering a larger working capacity and built-in washing capability. The findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil using an affordable, locally fabricated reactor and highlight its potential value for community-level fuel production. Further studies with controlled reaction conditions, replicated trials, and standardized engine testing are recommended to strengthen performance evaluation.
SDG 3 - GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
SDG 4 - QUALITY EDUCATION
SDG 5 - GENDER EQUALITY
SDG 6 - CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
SDG 7 - AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
SDG 8 - DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
SDG 9 - INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
SDG 10 - REDUCED INEQUALITIES
SDG 11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
SDG 12 - REPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
SDG 13 - CLIMATE CHANGE
SDG 14 - LIFE BELOW WATER
SDG 15 - LIFE ON LAND
SDG 16 - PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
