Commercially available carabeef (CB) have tough texture as most are sourced from old, retired carabaos. This research explored the feasibility of ultrasound technology in improving the tough texture associated with CB. This benefits the local industry and enables end-consumers to gain better access to nutritious, high quality, and affordable meat. Semitendinosus muscles from Philippine carabaos were exposed to US generated using a water-bath type sonicator then analyzed for changes in meat quality. The effects of treatment duration (TD: 20, 30, 40 min) and water bath temperature (WBT: 5, 12, 25°C) on CB tenderness (T), pH, moisture content (MC), water-holding capacity (WHC), and color were investigated. Across TD, results indicated general improvement in T with some significant effects observed; color results showed an increase in lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) (p >0.05), but no change in redness (a*); pH, MC, and WHC were not significantly affected by TD (p<0.05). Across WBT, significant effects with no conclusive trends were found for pH, T, and color (L*, a*, b*) (p<0.05), while no effects were found for MC and WHC (p>0.05). Changes in microstructure analyzed using scanning electron microscopy SEM showed that US exposure damaged connective tissue layers in CB. This resulted in loss of integrity, cavities, and disorganized microstructure which translated to improved tenderness. This study showed the potential of US technology in improving CB
tenderness with minimal effects on meat quality. Results of this research can be applied in future optimization studies that cover industrial applications, process conditions and animal characteristics.

This study explored vacuum impregnation (VI) to fortify white rice (Oryza sativa) with iron and Vitamin B1. Iron was supplied in the form of ferrous gluconate (FeGLU), while Vitamin B1 was provided as thiamine hydrochloride (ThCIHCl). The rice samples used were of the Dinorado Mindoro variety, sourced from a local seller in Caloocan City, Metro Manila. Twenty-five grams of rice were immersed in a nutrient solution prepared by mixing separate 10% solutions of FeGLU and ThCIHCl. VI was conducted using a desiccator jar connected to a vacuum pump, applying pressures of 0, 300, and 500 mmHg below atmospheric pressure (resulting in approximate absolute pressures of 760, 460, and 260 mmHg, respectively). Following VI, the rice samples were dried at 45°C for 12 hours and analyzed for color and nutrient uptake. The fortification process significantly altered the color of the rice, changing it from white to a dark yellowish-green hue. Spectrophotometric analysis showed FeGLU uptake rates of 52.07% and 98.38% for the 0 and -300 mmHg treatments, respectively. However, ThCIHCI data were deemed unreliable due to significant overestimation, attributed to limitations in the analytical method. These findings suggest that VI is a promising technique for iron fortification of white rice. However, further research is needed to establish a reliable method for Vitamin B1 quantification and to assess the potential of VI for multi-nutrient fortification.

This study examines the food safety practices of home-based baking businesses in Quezon City, focusing on their food safety knowledge and practices from procurement to delivery. The study involved 60 home bakers, with a subsample of 10 interviewed for deeper insights. Most bakers operated on an upon order basis and had limited formal food safety training, relying on self-learning or generational knowledge. They demonstrated awareness of food safety principles, emphasizing safe preparation, quality maintenance, and contamination prevention. Although many home bakers were unfamiliar with the FATTOM concept, they understood the importance of temperature control and the impact of oxygen on food safety. In the four stages of production, they mostly adhered to good practices, such as checking ingredient quality, storing items at correct temperatures, and maintaining hygiene, but needs improvement in packaging, labelling, and use of protective clothing. Delivery practices were generally safe, though some bakers lacked proper packaging for delicate items. Complaints were mostly about physical contamination or structural damage rather than foodborne illnesses. Most bakers effectively managed ingredient spoilage by using the FIFO method and managing well their inventories. Lastly, many bakers took precautions to prevent direct contamination from rodents and pests except for one baker where fecal matter of pests and rodents find their way to plates used for baking. Despite some challenges, the study indicates that home bakers were generally committed to food safety, with a few areas for improvement. The results of the study emphasized the need for substantial food safety topics in the basic education and the need for home bakers and entrepreneurs whose main products are food to have the necessary training in essential concepts in food safety.

This study was conducted to explore parents’ beliefs and children's outdoor play post-COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to explore parents' beliefs about outdoor play, how they organize it, and its connection to children's play frequency, and children's preferences for outdoor play environments. A descriptive correlational approach was used, which included both qualitative and quantitative features in the design, data collection, and analysis. The sample includes parents or primary caregivers of children studying in selected preschools in Quezon City, Philippines. Data were obtained from survey questionnaires from 94 parents or primary caregivers and photo-elicitation interviews with 10 children. Results showed that parents have high levels of play support and believe that outdoor play is important for their child’s development; however, the study results only found weak correlations between play support and frequency of outdoor play. The most frequent outdoor play activities for children are walking, running, and playing chase, while the most frequent outdoor environments where children spend time are playgrounds, gardens, garages, and streets. It was also found that children prefer to play on playgrounds, beaches, and swimming pools. In contrast, the least preferred outdoor environments are forests and parking spaces. Parents organize outdoor play by playing with their children, taking them to a location of play, optimizing the setting, utilizing available materials, and scheduling play activities. Although parents provide play opportunities and recognize the importance of outdoor play, they still believe that the amount of outdoor play their children get is insufficient. Results highlight the importance of optimizing outdoor play environments not just for children but also for the parents and their families to further foster outdoor play for young children.

This qualitative case study describes the knowledge and experiences of five street children on COVID-19. Typical case sampling was used and the respondents typify the experiences of street children on the streets of Pasig, Marikina, and Quezon City during the early year of the onset of the pandemic and the community quarantices. The respondents were interviewed on the street but to observe proper social distancing and safety precautions, a phone-to-phone interview was used. Results showed that the street children's knowledge on COVID- 19 is basic. They understand that COVID-19 is a contagious and deadly virus and they know the recommended personal equipment to protect themselves from the virus. They know about the practices that may help lessen the spread of the virus. However, even though the street children and the accompanying parent know several things on how to prevent transmission of COVID-19, they do not practice the proper ways of wearing protective gear and do not practice the proper way of hand washing and social distancing. Part of the reasons for this inconsistency in practice is the lack of face masks and inadequate supply of soap and alcohol. Their stories reveal the double vulnerability of the street children and their families during this pandemic. Some received food assistance from the government, from their Barangays in particular, during the early part of the quarantine and all of them received food and money donations from people passing by. It is obvious, however, that these are not enough for their needs. The results suggest that information on COVID-19 guidelines should be widely disseminated not just on television, social media, or radio but to the streets through public or roving announcement systems. There is also a need to find sustainable assistance to street children and their families.