Showing papers by "University of the Philippines published in 2023"

Impacts of COVID-19 on transport and responses to pandemic control in the Philippines

Abstract: The Philippines, like any other country, especially in Southeast Asia, was not prepared in facing the threat of COVID-19 pandemic. The Government at the outset of the pandemic in early 2020 activated its Inter-Agency Task Force to handle the pandemic and how to address this. This endeavor would provide an overlook on how the country was affected by the pandemic and what were the strategies and approaches that were initiated and implemented to minimize the transmissions of the COVID-19 and negative impacts on the economy. After investigating the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and notably on the transport environment, strategies and actions as well as suggestions for future policies to contain impacts of pandemics are made in a form of a planning policy framework.

Are The Kids Alright? The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Filipino Children In Selected Cities in Metro Manila

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the wellbeing of children and adolescents in theNational Capital Region (NCR). The region which cites the greatest number of cases and records thelongest lockdown in the country has imposed strict health protocols, including the age restrictionson the mobility of children and adolescents. This prolonged period of staying at home has blurredthe boundaries in the lives of children and adolescents, making it challenging for them to balancemultiple stressors. Save the Children Philippines commissioned the Psychosocial Support and Children’sRights Resource Center (PSTCRRC) to determine the impact of the pandemic on the mental healthandpsychosocial wellbeing of children and adolescents. The study identifies the stressors, issues, needs,and ways of coping with the pandemic. It also recommends intervention points for the state, family andparents, peers, and the larger community to support and protect the mental health and wellbeing ofchildren and adolescents.

Review of: "An Oriental Physician’s Views and Thoughts on the Global Prevalence of Lumbar Spondylosis – The traditional shoulder-carrying culture and traditional spine of a large eastern country are disappearing silently"

Abstract: Although this could be an interesting observation that initiates a study, this paper does not present an adequate qualitative or quantitative analysis. It is merely speculation at the moment and thus, can't be published as an academic paper.

Iran’s Pragmatic Approach in Accommodating China’s Belt and Road Initiative: A Determinant for Future Closer Bilateral Cooperation

Abstract: Decades of Iran’s diplomatic tug-of-war with the United States and the sustained US embargo vis-a-vis that country has generally created dual impacts on the Islamic Republic for several years now: One can be seen in terms of how the embargo has effected the Iranian economy while the other side can be seen through the flourishing economic and political ties between Iran and China. Given China’s role as a rising global power, Iran’s willingness to accommodate China’s Belt and Road Initiative may not be seen as the best choice but the most practical and pragmatic option to secure Iran’s national economic and political interests in the presence of external pressures from the United States as well as from several members of the international community. Controversies surrounding the Iranian nuclear program as well as Iran’s staunch foreign policy on anti-imperialism and non-intervention by extra-regional players since the early years of the Islamic Republic remain the critical factors that constrained Iran from fully developing its economic and political relations, particularly with the United States. With China’s Belt and Road Initiative offering an alternative and “no-strings attached” strategic option for Iran, the future bilateral relations are expected to be productive and mutually beneficial to both nations. As such, this article will seek to elucidate the following research questions: How has China’s Belt and Road Initiative secured Iran’s national economic and political interests? How are the solidifying bilateral relations benefitting China as a rising challenger of the United States on the global stage? Finally, what prospects will the bilateral relations bring to each country going forward?

Essential Features and Level of Inquiry of the Activities in the Grade 9 Science Learner’s Material

Abstract: Abstract This research employed a document analysis-descriptive method to investigate the presence and level of scientific inquiry within the Grade 9 Science learner's material across four domains: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. A panel of experts evaluated the material using a five-phase data analysis and a researcher-made rubric. The findings indicate that most of the analyzed science activities encompass the five essential features of inquiry, but with a higher frequency of Feature 1 (engaging learners in scientifically oriented questions) and Feature 2 (making learners prioritize evidence in responding to questions) across all activities and domains. Furthermore, the mean level of the essential inquiry features in the material falls under Category 2, indicating a slight level of student self-direction. The study suggests that the activities in the Grade 9 Science learner's material are limited in providing learners with opportunities to develop their inquiry skills. This study thus provides important implications for educational administrators and policy-makers in developing and implementing science education content.