Universitas: Journal of Global Research and Innovation

Research Articles

• Research Articles

  Word Drills and the Reading Ability of Grade V Pupils in Molino Elementary School

  • Randy Maño Molino Elementary School, Schools Division of Bacoor City
  • Benita Borromeo Molino Elementary School, Schools Division of Bacoor City

  DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23132738

  Pages 1-10

  Abstract +

  Reading is a foundational life skill, yet many upper-elementary pupils still struggle to recognize common words, which slows their reading and weakens comprehension. This action research examined whether structured word drills improve the reading ability of Grade V pupils. Specifically, it sought to identify the reading difficulties of the pupils, the word drill strategies that could help them, and whether these drills improved their reading performance. A descriptive design with a pre-test and post-test was employed among 40 Grade V pupils, ten from each of four sections of Molino Elementary School, Bacoor City, selected through universal sampling. The instrument was a validated 20-item yes-no checklist drawn from the Dolch Basic Sight Words (Levels 1–6). Over two weeks, the pupils underwent a series of drills: backward build-up, repetition and chain, single-slot and multi-slot substitution, transformation, and question-and-answer drills. Data were analyzed using mean, percentage, paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The pupils struggled with unfamiliar words, inaccurate decoding, comprehension, and reading speed. Their mean score rose from 9.05 (SD = 2.97) in the pre-test to 17.83 (SD = 2.15) in the post-test, and every pupil improved. The paired t-test showed a highly significant difference, t(39) = 22.80, p < .001, while no significant difference was found among the four sections (p = .089). The study concludes that varied, systematic word drills effectively develop the sight-word recognition and reading ability of Grade V pupils. It recommends that teachers sustain and extend the drills across grade levels and that school heads provide the necessary reading materials.

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• Research Articles

  Strengthening Community-Based Maternal Health: Pregnancy Complications, Associated Risk Factors, and Development of an Enhanced Prenatal Program in Selected Barangays of Tanudan, Kalinga

  • Karen S. Ligab Kalinga State University

  DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23133326

  Pages 11-27

  Abstract +

  Pregnancy complications remain a concern in geographically isolated communities where distance, transportation difficulties, and cultural barriers affect access to maternal care. This study examined pregnancy complications in selected barangays of Tanudan, Kalinga, and associated factors to inform enhancements to a community-based prenatal program. A descriptive comparative design combined Rural Health Unit records for 2021–2025 with survey responses from 93 mothers selected through stratified random sampling in Dacalan, Gaang, Lower Lubo, Upper Lubo, and Babbanoy. A structured questionnaire collected demographic, socioeconomic, and health profiles and ratings of social, economic, behavioral, and environmental factors. The questionnaire underwent expert validation and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78. Frequencies, means, prevalence calculations, and statistical comparisons were used to summarize the data. Health records documented 99 pregnancy complications, with pregnancy-induced hypertension the most frequent condition. The overall mean for associated factors was 1.76, interpreted as rarely at risk. Behavioral factors had the highest category mean of 2.06, followed by environmental factors at 1.75, economic factors at 1.68, and social factors at 1.54. The reported analyses identified significant relationships between complications and behavioral factors (p = .002) and environmental factors (p = .03). The findings support attention to prenatal attendance, maternal health education, and access to timely care. The proposed InaAlerto program combines barangay learning sessions, partner participation, mobile prenatal services, emergency transport arrangements, and health communication in locally understood languages. These proposed measures provide a basis for cooperation among local government, health personnel, families, and community leaders to strengthen culturally responsive maternal care in remote communities. Further assessment is needed before program implementation and evaluation.

  • Article
• Research Articles

  The Role of Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Empowering Indigenous Communities through Enterprise Development: A Systematic Scoping Review

  • Marlon Fortunato Lyceum of the Philippines University
  • Earl Denzel Tan Lyceum of the Philippines University
  • Michelle Lei Victorino Lyceum of the Philippines University

  DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23140497

  Pages 28-47

  Abstract +

  There is an emerging awareness of the role Higher Education Institutions play in promoting inclusive development through enterprise-oriented extension services, especially by Indigenous Peoples. This scoping review was guided by PRISMA framework and aimed to explore Higher Education Institution programs and initiatives related to enterprise development involving indigenous communities in the Philippines. The review included 20 published literatures from 2015 to 2025. Various literature types and sources were searched and considered, including journal articles, theses, government publications, and institutional reports. The inclusion criteria focused on enterprise program categories, higher education interventions, and outcome patterns. The result of the scoping review identified higher education’s role in microenterprise development. It was found that HEIs contribute to livelihood and microenterprise development through interventions, capacity-building, enabling institutional environment, and research. Most interventions follow a skills-to-enterprise pathway, emphasizing participatory engagement, contextualized enterprise design, and alignment with rights-based and policy frameworks. Outcomes are strongest in capacity and skills development, participation, and early livelihood gains, while evidence on long-term enterprise sustainability remains limited. The study emphasized the need for sustained incubation support, market integration, and more robust evaluation designs to strengthen the long‑term impact of HEI-led indigenous enterprise initiatives.

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• Research Articles

  Utilizing Pool Noodles as Padded Sticks in Arnis Sparring Among College Students: Basis for Equipment Innovation

  • Joel D. Anajao Cavite State University
  • Jerard Noel M. Martinez Cavite State University
  • Amiel M. Cortez Cavite State University

  DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23175080

  Pages 48-66

  Abstract +

  Sparring in Arnis is rarely incorporated into typical physical education classes. This is due to the inaccessibility or unavailability of protective gear, which is only available to varsity athletes in Arnis. The researchers used polyethylene foam sticks, commonly called pool noodles, in the sparring sessions to make the activity enjoyable and safe. This study aimed to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of using pool noodles as an alternative sparring tool in Arnis classes. College students (50) participated in the study. The findings identified several advantages and disadvantages associated with using pool noodles as sparring sticks. The dominant theme was the contribution to student safety and enjoyment during the sparring sessions. However, participants identified limitations, particularly the excessive softness and flexibility of the materials, which may reduce their effectiveness and realism during sparring. The finding may serve as a basis for developing an improved Arnis sparring stick that retains the safety, affordability, and user-friendly characteristics of pool noodles while incorporating the firmness, handling, and performance characteristics of traditional rattan sticks.

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• Research Articles

  An Assessment of the Sendai Framework in the Province of Laguna

  • Maria Rencelyn V. Valdenarro Polytechnic University of the Philippines

  DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23175086

  Pages 67-90

  Abstract +

  The rising frequency of extreme climate events highlights the urgent need for effective local disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). In the 2024 World Risk Report, the Philippines ranked highest globally on the World Risk Index for the third consecutive year. This study assessed the awareness, utilization, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness of the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) among Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) in Laguna. Anchored in Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Judgment Theory, the research employed a quantitative survey design targeting 94 local DRRM officers across 30 municipal and city LGUs. The findings revealed a key implementation paradox: officers exhibit moderate theoretical awareness of specific global targets, yet report high operational utilization, high satisfaction, and high perceived effectiveness. Statistical testing confirmed a strong positive relationship between utilization and satisfaction. Inferential analysis demonstrated that educational attainment and years of service have statistically significant positive relationships with overall awareness. The study concludes that local implementation relies primarily on top-down statutory compliance under national mandates—specifically Republic Act 10121 and the NDRRMP 2020–2030—rather than a deep institutional understanding of the international blueprint. Key recommendations include conducting targeted orientations for newly appointed officers and institutionalizing clear, grassroots strategic risk communication channels.

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