Research

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

24 Nov 2025

The sedimentary rocks in the Central Cordillera, formed about 33–17 million years ago, came from volcanic rocks produced by an underwater volcanic region

Approximately 90% sedimentary rocks cover the Earth’s surface. These rocks are formed from the erosion and weathering of pre-existing rocks....

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21 Nov 2025

A guitar-based program resulted in improvements in hand function among stroke patients comparable to those from conventional therapy

This study aims to determine the effects of guitar lessons (intervention group) in comparison to conventional occupational therapy sessions (control...

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20 Nov 2025

The commemoration of Juan Luna as a nationalist illustrates the dynamic and selective nature of public memory

This paper examines the creation and configuration of public memory in the Philippines by studying the case of Juan Luna....

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19 Nov 2025

Except for changes in the settings featuring women and men, gender portrayals in TV ads in 2010 and 2020 remained largely stereotypical

This study compares Philippine television advertisements in 2010 and 2020 to examine possible differences in gender representation. We conducted a...

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17 Nov 2025

Young adults face many personal conflicts rooted in the belief that personal gain at others’ expense is morally wrong

This study examined how Filipinos in their 20s use different moral discourses to negotiate their personal conflicts. Many conflicts centered...

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14 Nov 2025

Two in five individuals do not want to live in socialized housing, saying the units are too small, poor in quality, and still unaffordable

The most common housing concerns in the Philippines are affordability and supply. In response, the government divided the housing market...

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13 Nov 2025

Evidence shows that during the Pleistocene, Luzon—long thought to lack native large mammalian carnivores—was home to a sizeable predator

Fossils are preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often turned to rock. Body fossils include parts like shells, teeth,...

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12 Nov 2025

Some communities in Los Baños, Laguna still face challenges in accessing safe and clean drinking water

Due to rising costs or the inaccessibility of commercial water, many rural communities rely on artesian well (“poso”) water as...

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11 Nov 2025

Walkability in urban cities should also consider the varying accessibility needs of people of all ages

Cities are meant to be places where people can easily access everything they need within a short walk or bike...

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24 Oct 2025

A new approach to volunteerism encourages schools to treat volunteer activities as long-term commitments

This research explored the motivations of students as a basis for deeper and more meaningful engagement among educational institutions in...

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23 Oct 2025

Gay and bisexual teachers in rural schools need clear policies that protect LGBT educators

This research explored the experiences of gay and bisexual teachers working in rural schools in the Philippines. It involved interviews...

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22 Oct 2025

Fishing communities in Taliptip, Bulakan face risks from natural hazards and the New Manila International Airport project

The New Manila International Airport (NMIA), currently under construction in Taliptip, Bulakan along the shores of Manila Bay, is intended...

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Research

The Abaknon, an indigenous group in Capul Island, possesses unique traditional knowledge and practices that have enabled them to adapt to local environmental conditions over generations. One of the small islands in the Philippines, Capul in Northern Samar is prone to storm surges and coastal erosion from climate and weather disturbances. This research highlights the critical role of indigenous knowledge systems in sustaining communities, particularly those in remote areas.

Soil and water were identified as the most critical resources, as the Abaknon’s livelihood activities largely depend on them. Although farmers do not conduct formal soil testing, they have developed an indigenous soil classification system. Laboratory analysis of soil samples collected from three sites in the barangay—processed and analyzed at the Soils Laboratory of the Agricultural Systems Institute, College of Agriculture and Food Science, UP Los Baños—validated the locals’ classification system, indicating its reliability and sustainability.

The climate change adaptation practices of the Abaknon in Barangay Oson reflect both coping and long-term adaptation strategies. Key indicators include the diversity of main food sources, integration of livestock species, diversification of agricultural income sources, sectoral emigration, and reduced time spent on farming and fishing activities. The resourcefulness of the residents has enabled them to cope with and adapt to the challenges posed by the seasonality of farming and fishing. Overall, the sustainability levels of these indicators range from good to excellent.

Understanding and preserving this knowledge can help maintain cultural heritage and provide valuable insights for climate resilience. The research underscores how local communities, such as the Abaknon, are using their traditional knowledge to adapt to the impacts of climate change. These practices could involve weather prediction, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, or water management techniques. Assessing how these practices function in the context of modern climate challenges helps to identify strategies that could be scaled or replicated in other communities.

This research helps evaluate the effectiveness of the Abaknon’s local knowledge in terms of maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. By examining the sustainability of these traditional systems, the research can guide policymaking in areas such as natural resource management, eco-tourism, and agricultural practices.

Authors: Anna Gale C. Vallez (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Lucille Elna P. de Guzman (Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Jessica D. Villanueva-Peyraube (School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Rico C. Ancog (School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños) and Annalissa L. Aquino (Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Read the full paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390447026_Sustainability_Assessment_of_the_Local_Knowledge_Systems_and_Climate_Change_Adaptation_of_the_Abaknon_in_Capul_Island_Northern_Samar_Philippines