Fast-Track Articles

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 1 (2026)

The Removal of Ethics from Higher Education: A Critical Threat to the Philippine Educational System

Givheart Dano

ABSTRACT

In this paper, I argue that the policy recommendation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to remove ethics courses from the higher education curriculum in the Philippine education system poses a serious threat. This policy proposal will only worsen existing problems; it will neither resolve them nor advance the true goals of education, whose fundamental task is to liberate, not to enslave.  Using a qualitative approach through content analysis, this paper puts forward two main arguments. First, the policy recommendation to remove ethics courses by CHED, DepEd, and other educational bodies is policy-defective; it fails to address the country’s existing educational problems and may even worsen them, such as by further weakening critical thinking. Second, removing ethics courses will reduce education in the country to a purely commercial pursuit, stripping it of its formative and humanistic functions. As part of the general education curriculum in higher education, ethics is the only subject that explicitly teaches students to engage with complex social issues through informed moral decision-making. In support of this view, the paper echoes Aristotle’s assertion: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

Keywords: Commission on Higher Education, Curriculum, Education, Ethics, Policy

 

Exploring the Factors that Influenced Students' Decisions in Choosing their Accommodation: A Case in the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines - CDO

Archemedes G. Wabe, Gerrich Aldin C. Babanto

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the socioeconomic profiles, accommodation satisfaction, available safety and security features, attribute importance, and determinants of housing choice among students at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Cagayan de Oro (USTP-CDO). Data were collected through online survey questionnaires administered to 461 students residing in boarding houses or dormitories. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to analyze influencing factors of accommodation choice. Results revealed that 55% of participants reported monthly household incomes ≤₱15,000—within the margins of the ₱13,873 poverty threshold established by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2023. The study documented substantial safety deficiencies in off-campus accommodations: 62–72% lacked critical fire safety infrastructure (smoke detectors, evacuation plans, fire suppression systems). Additionally, 71% of evaluated criteria received neutral satisfaction ratings, particularly indoor climate and learning conduciveness. Students endorsed utilities, safety, and hygiene as most important attributes. Binary logistic regression identified transportation costs, current accommodation satisfaction, and safety feature availability as significant predictors of accommodation choice. These findings underscore urgent needs for minimum standards and regulatory oversight to ensure safety, livability and learning conduciveness across all student accommodations. The study provides empirical support for university investment in on-campus housing to reduce commuting burdens, ensure safety standards, and support low-income students.

Keywords: Student Accommodation, Safety Features, Satisfaction, Accommodation Preferences, Binary Logistic Regression

 

Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Through Agricultural Waste Amendment and Application of Misting Concoctions

Dr. Guia G. Saludares, Dr. Mellprie B. Marin, Dr. Carolina D. Amper, Sheila C. Poonon

ABSTRACT

Despite extensive studies on mushroom cultivation using agricultural residues, the influence of integrating agricultural waste substrates with natural misting treatments on growth performance, product quality, and sustainability has not been thoroughly explored. This study was therefore conducted to compare the yield performance of two oyster mushroom species, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus sajor-caju, grown on substrates supplemented with local agricultural wastes. It also explored the use of organic misting concoctions to enhance quality and yield. The study was conducted at San Martin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon from August 2022-2023. Results revealed notable differences in the cap diameter of the two species, with P. ostreatus (A1) exhibiting the largest cap size. However, varying agro-waste materials and misting concoctions did not significantly impact cap diameter. In terms of fruiting bodies, P. ostreatus (A1) produced the highest number, with substrates amended with corn stalks (B4) yielding the most fruiting bodies, followed by corn cobs (B3). Despite this, misting concoctions did not show a significant effect on fruiting body production. While yield did not show significant differences between species, P. ostreatus (A1), however, achieved the highest yield weight. The different agricultural wastes also did not significantly influence yield. The interaction between agricultural waste materials and misting concoctions did not affect cap diameter and yield but significantly influenced the number of fruiting bodies. The best results were obtained when P. ostreatus was grown on corn cob amended substrates and misted with  Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) (A1xB3xC1), resulting in larger caps, more fruiting bodies, and higher yield and Return of Investment (ROI).

Despite extensive studies on mushroom cultivation using agricultural residues, the influence of integrating agricultural waste substrates with natural misting treatments on growth performance, product quality, and sustainability has not been thoroughly explored. This study was therefore conducted to compare the yield performance of two oyster mushroom species, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus sajor-caju, grown on substrates supplemented with local agricultural wastes. It also explored the use of organic misting concoctions to enhance quality and yield. The study was conducted at San Martin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon from August 2022-2023. Results revealed notable differences in the cap diameter of the two species, with P. ostreatus (A1) exhibiting the largest cap size. However, varying agro-waste materials and misting concoctions did not significantly impact cap diameter. In terms of fruiting bodies, P. ostreatus (A1) produced the highest number, with substrates amended with corn stalks (B4) yielding the most fruiting bodies, followed by corn cobs (B3). Despite this, misting concoctions did not show a significant effect on fruiting body production. While yield did not show significant differences between species, P. ostreatus (A1), however, achieved the highest yield weight. The different agricultural wastes also did not significantly influence yield. The interaction between agricultural waste materials and misting concoctions did not affect cap diameter and yield but significantly influenced the number of fruiting bodies. The best results were obtained when P. ostreatus was grown on corn cob amended substrates and misted with  Indigenous Microorganism (IMO) (A1xB3xC1), resulting in larger caps, more fruiting bodies, and higher yield and Return of Investment (ROI).

Keywords: Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju , Agricultural Wastes, Misting, Concoctions          

 

Self-Assessment of Social Communication Skills: Insights into Verbal, Nonverbal, and Listening Aspects

Kaisheng Wang, Maria Cecilia C. Ycong

ABSTRACT

Social communication skills are essential for success in collaborative learning and workplace settings, yet research examining these skills in Asian contexts remains limited. This study examined how musical engagement (rhythm, melody, and harmony) relates to students’ self-assessed social communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, and listening) among 227 Cangzhou Vocational and Technical College students. A descriptive-correlational design was used, with data collected via self-assessment questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Jamovi. Results suggest that rhythm-based activities support timing and coordination, melody relates to verbal fluency and emotional expression, and harmony supports active listening and adaptability. Differences were observed across gender and academic performance, with female students and higher-performing students reporting stronger engagement. These findings suggest that music-based strategies can be tailored to learner needs in collaborative environments. Educators may use rhythmic tasks to build coordination, melodic exercises to support verbal development, and harmonic activities to strengthen group collaboration. Future research may examine the longer-term effects of musical engagement on the development of communication.

Keywords: Musical engagement, social communication, rhythm, collaborative learning, vocational education