This article focuses on one of the marginalized groups in the Philippines, the Badjaus, who are temporarily settling in Bukidnon. This looks into the nomadic behavioral patterns of the Badjaus and the factors that led them to this situation. To… More

This article focuses on one of the marginalized groups in the Philippines, the Badjaus, who are temporarily settling in Bukidnon. This looks into the nomadic behavioral patterns of the Badjaus and the factors that led them to this situation. To make sense of this query, we have discussed the “coming of Badjaus” in the mountain province of Bukidnon by exploring their sense of self, day-to-day struggles, aspirations, and the factors leading to their coming. Gathering of data was done by employing a descriptive-qualitative method with the aid of key-informants, in-depth interviews, and an obtrusive observation. The researchers interviewed ten respondents. Findings reveal that our Badjau respondents have been displaced and are forced to move out of the Zamboanga Peninsula due to conflicts between the military and terrorist groups. In the process of moving from places to places, they have encountered a more serious threat with their daily subsistence. Thus, affecting their total well-being and representation of the Badjaus in their day-to-day encounters. To survive, they find ways in search of basic necessities like food and shelter. Overall, the “coming of Badjaus” in Bukidnon is viewed as an act of coping, surviving, and escaping the harsh social realities they experience. Less

There are thousands of species in the plant kingdom but less than 200 are recognized as major crops. There is even less when it comes to food crops hence food and nutritional insecurity are major concerns in either developed or… More

There are thousands of species in the plant kingdom but less than 200 are recognized as major crops. There is even less when it comes to food crops hence food and nutritional insecurity are major concerns in either developed or developing countries. Unfortunately, manyspecies fall under the neglected and underutilized species (NUS) category. Senna tora (L.) Roxb. is largely utilized in some countries especially as part of their traditional medicine but is generally known as a weed in the Philippines and henceforth technically, one of the NUS. This paper reports of findings of a series of investigations from December 2009 to November 2017 of S. tora in Bukidnon that documented its uses as a food, feed, and medicinal crop; in situ and ex situ ecotypic diversity in the province based on its phenotypes; and potential resilience to abiotic stresses at early vegetative stage. Use of leaves, seeds and roots as food, feed and medicine were documented in 9 of 22 barangays. Percent crude protein (PCP) of seeds and leaves ranged from 12.50% to 20.48% and 16.94-39.02%, respectively. PCP of seeds (H’=0.93) and leaves (H’=0.79 and 0.81) were highly diverse based on Standardized Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index. Plant height was estimated with moderate (H’=0.67) to high (H’=0.88 and 0.93) diversity. However, all ecotypes were non-nodulating (H’=0.00). Finally, most ecotypes were more sensitive to waterlogging than to drought for 16 days at seedling stage. Three of 10 ecotypes were sensitive only to waterlogging whereas, another three ecotypes were not sensitive to both stresses. Less

Optimizing plant density per area and fertilization application are basic ways to practice scientific agriculture. These are essential for cost-effective and profitable crop production. This study was conducted at Central Mindanao University to determine the effects of varying planting densities… More

Optimizing plant density per area and fertilization application are basic ways to practice scientific agriculture. These are essential for cost-effective and profitable crop production. This study was conducted at Central Mindanao University to determine the effects of varying planting densities and nutrient rates on the growth and fruit set of ‘Solo’ papaya. Planting densities (plants per ha or pph) served as Factor A. Nutrient rates in reference to a recommended rate (RR) as Factor B. The experiment was arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial in RCBD with three replications. Plants in 3,333 pph with 50% nutrient RR were the tallest amongst treatment combinations at 8 MAT and 10 MAT. Those in 2,500 pph with 100% nutrient RR had widest stems at flowering stage. Plants in 3,333 pph formed longest flowers and fruits with 150% nutrient RR. Highest fruit count per plant was recorded in 2,000 pph at 8 MAT. As per hectare basis, highest planting density produced the most number of developed fruits (117,217) at 6 MAT. However, fruit count per hectare was comparable for all planting densities and nutrient rates at 8 MAT. Less