Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

23 Sep 2025

Economic reasons are a significant factor why microentrepreneurs remain in flood-prone areas

The number of establishments (89% of the total establishments in the Philippines) and people employed by micro enterprises makes it...

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04 Sep 2025

What does queerness mean to a young Filipino student in another Southeast Asian country? A novel’s chapter explores it.

In the chapter “New Boy”, Pau, a Filipino exchange student from Tagum City, attends classes in photography and Thai arts...

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03 Sep 2025

In the Philippines, we share a long-standing connection with pigs both archaeologically and culturally

Pigs play a very significant role in our society. They are not only seen as a food source but also...

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02 Sep 2025

Media representations of the minority groups of Moros and Chinese served colonial goals

Nation-building remains an important post-colonial project in the Philippines, as evidenced by the continued relevance of the mandatory Rizal courses,...

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29 Aug 2025

Smoking is a core part of the identity and community life of agricultural workers

Smoking is considered a serious health threat, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several studies...

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28 Aug 2025

PH reproductive health law needs to better address contraceptive access for lower-income women

The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law represents a major policy shift aimed at increasing access to...

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27 Aug 2025

Despite centuries of stigma, babywearing survives as a marginalized practice turned into a trend

For centuries, Indigenous communities in the Philippines and around the world have used baby carriers and slings to help them...

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13 Aug 2025

Food safety risk assessment will help the Philippines manage shellfish-related hepatitis A virus health risks

This study gathered information to establish baseline data on the potential risks of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the...

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08 Jul 2025

UP Manila

Deep learning with convolutional neural networks to assess rice plant diseases performs very well

As with many Asian countries, rice is a principal food in the Philippines providing nearly half of the daily caloric...

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07 Jul 2025

Nurse-led eHealth cardiac rehabilitation helps patients transition to home life

This research looks at how people with coronary heart disease (CHD) view a nurse-led eHealth cardiac rehabilitation (NeCR) program. The...

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04 Jul 2025

Food safety risk assessment is a practical and effective way to evaluate the safety of locally consumed shellfish

This study gathered information to establish baseline information on the potential risks of the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in the...

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01 Jul 2025

Regional unity in ASEAN can grow through shared values like religiosity, humanitarianism and cultural expression

This paper explores how ASEAN identity among Southeast Asia countries can be realized by applying the concepts of “shared cultural...

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Research

Mental health research has been a key priority among higher education institutions globally to support the advocacy for the holistic well-being of individuals. In the Philippines, studies on mental health most often relate to issues of bullying and suicide cases. The primary objective of this study is to fill the gap in understanding the mental health of Filipino pre-service teachers taking technical-vocational education. Extreme life experiences were also considered, relating these to students’ personality traits or mental health. This study also concentrates on how the family and school environments affect a person’s development.

This research integrated a comprehensive approach that looked into demographic, familial, and personality factors. It broadened the scope of exploring psychological profiles by employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Specifically, it provided practical implications for mental health and contributed to policy development in the institution under study.

To determine the psychological profile and identify possible interventions, a combination of survey and focused group discussion (FGD) was employed to gather data from 91 students aged 18 to 35. The main reported weaknesses were disordered thinking, feelings of persecution, unconventional behavior, and self-deprecation. In contrast, the key strengths were cooperativeness, self-awareness, cheerfulness, and a strong sense of social responsibility. The results of the FGD indicated that family interactions and prior school and home experiences significantly shaped the students’ psychological attributes.

The results highlight the need for policies and programs for mental health support adapted to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. To ensure that aspiring teachers are equipped to manage both personal and professional demands successfully, the study intends to inform existing academic systems that foster resilience and well-being. This study advocates for focused, evidence-based interventions while advancing our understanding of the mental health of Filipino pre-service teachers.

In addition, this study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, highlighting Targets 3.4 and 3.5. Understanding several factors that influence mental health may contribute to preventive strategies through the intervention suggested. It also aligns with Target 4.7 of SDG 4 on Quality Education, which centers on sustainable development. With healthy learners, we can ensure a sustainable future. This study also contributes to achieving the Philippine Development Plan with an emphasis on Chapters 2 and 3 of Part 2, which promote human and social development and reduce vulnerabilities. The paper highlights fostering inclusive growth, improving health and education outcomes, and promoting mental well-being, which supports this target.

Author: January Dechavez (College of Education, Bicol University | College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1320406/full