This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between physical recreation and leisure participation and family relationship quality and satisfaction among selected Filipino families residing in Metro Manila. The study involved 53 individuals who live with their families, specifically 33 adult children and 20 parents. Three metrics were used to gather quantitative data — the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP), the Brief Family Relationship Scale (BFRS), and the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale (SWFLS). For the qualitative data, semi- structured interviews were conducted with both adult children and their parents. Descriptive analysis and Spearman's Correlation were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Findings revealed that while both parents and adult children exhibit low participation in physical leisure activities, they exhibit moderate to high levels of satisfaction when they do engage. A significant positive relationship was found between core activity participation and family relationship quality among adult children; however, no significant correlation was observed between leisure participation and overall family satisfaction in either group. The study also found that physical leisure activities contribute to enhanced communication patterns, emotional bonding, and a sense of family cohesion, despite challenges such as conflicting interests, physical capabilities, and time
constraints. The study recommends incorporating physical leisure into family development education, fostering inclusive planning within households, and pursuing future research across diverse family structures.

Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal of environmental and public health concern and present from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Rice (Oryza sativa), the Filipino staple, is particularly at risk for Cd contamination via soil and irrigation water, raising concerns about chronic exposure. This study conducted a food safety risk profiling of Cd in rice consumed by Filipinos through [1] determination of data gaps in Cd risk profiling for rice consumption; [2] identification and characterization of Cd as a hazard in rice based on literature review; [3] estimation of dietary exposure (DE) and risk based on uncertainties, variabilities, and assumptions; and [4] consolidation of available control measures and possible mitigation protocols of Cd in rice. The identified gaps were: dose-response models, Cd sources and uptake in Philippine rice varieties; localized data on Cd distribution, pharmacokinetics, and health effects; and disaggregated consumption of rice in different regions. Estimated dietary exposures (DEs) to cadmium exceeded the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) of 25 μg/kg bw (2021). The highest among the groups were infants and preschool children (6 months-5 years): males = 0.0877 mg/kg bw/month (350.9% PTMI), females = 0.0916 (366.3% PTMI). For the elderly, the DEs were lower: males = 0.0419 (167.4% PTMI), females = 0.0468 (187.0% PTMI). Among high consumers (97.5th percentile), DEs reached 0.0938 (375.1% PTMI) for infant/preschool males, 0.0979 (391.6% PTMI) for females, 0.0439 (175.7% PTMI) for elderly males, and 0.0491 (196.2% PTMI) for elderly females. Current control measures in the Philippines include adoption of the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (GSCTF) via PNS/BAFS 194:2017.

Globally, studies reveal that fathers' involvement is crucial for infant health outcomes. Mothers with partner support are more likely to maintain optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, reducing the risk of stunting and enhancing cognitive development (Ntoimo & Odimegwu, 2014; Moyo & Schaay, 2019; Bhattacharya, 2023). Despite this growing recognition of the importance of fathers in child nutrition in international literature, a research gap exists regarding the role of first-time fathers in child feeding within the Philippine context. This study sought to bridge this gap by investigating the association between Filipino mothers’ perception of first-time fathers’ supportive actions in complementary feeding (CF) indicators: minimum diet diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) for infants aged 6-23 months. Using stratified-cluster sampling, 65 first-time mothers in Manila City completed questionnaires and interviews on CF practices, paternal involvement, and sociodemographic profiles. A high mean paternal involvement score of 5.99 out of 7 was observed, indicating that fathers were generally engaged in most of the supportive actions related to CF. However, only 57% achieved MDD, 69% for MMF, and 43% for MAD. While paternal involvement was higher among infants meeting these indicators, the associations were not statistically significant (MDD: p = 0.118; MMF: p = 0.086; MAD: p = 0.118). Future studies should increase sample size and develop locally validated tools to assess Filipino paternal involvement.

The alarming rates at which we are consuming clothes called for a positive change towards sustainable clothing consumption. This study aimed to explore the consumer awareness and behaviors of Filipino adults in relation to sustainable clothing consumption, and to inspect relationships among the consumer awareness and behavior across age, sex, and socioeconomic groups. A 61-item survey adapted from Sustainable Consumption of Clothing Products (SCCP) Scale was administered through Tally, an online form builder. A total of 213 respondents were reached through real-time social media sampling. The results showed that the respondents were only moderately aware of the impacts of and strategies towards sustainable clothing consumption, yet their scores suggested that they frequently practice sustainable clothing consumption. Most respondents further agree that they positively view the merits of sustainable clothing consumption. Further evidence to this is their strong regard on buying less clothing, and consideration of secondhand, vintage, and rental clothes shops on specific occasions. Finally, it was found that the study respondents had a positive belief on sustainable clothing consumption. This was further proven by the strong interest of the respondents in activism for sustainable consumption of clothing. In examining whether the respondents’ age, sex and socioeconomic group had a connection with the consumer awareness and behavior, it was found that no relationship existed. This lack of relationship suggested that the respondents can be aware and practice sustainable clothing consumption regardless of these demographic data. The study concludes that the sample population were already actively practicing sustainable behavior for consumption of clothing despite moderate consumer awareness. They are also highly interested in learning and advocating for sustainable clothing consumption. It is therefore recommended that strategies towards dissemination of information on sustainable clothing must be developed to enhance consumer awareness with emphasis on sustainable clothing consumption.

As food plays an important role in one's health and university students are at high risk for nutritional problems, the researcher created a Food Literacy Scale following the model of Vidgen and Gallegos (2014) to determine the food literacy level of university students and the factors that influence it. Data were gathered through survey methodology and were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The analysis revealed that the food literacy level of the selected university students from the University of the Philippines Diliman is high (M = 115.95). Among the eight variables analyzed, the only significant factor in food literacy is the frequency of involvement in food planning and preparation (p = .000). The scores in each domain vary, with the "plan and manage" and "eat" domains having high mean scores (M = 32.26 and M = 28.40, respectively), while the "select" and "prepare" domains having average mean scores (M = 27.55 and M = 27.75, respectively). For the "plan and manage" (p = .000), "select" (p = .001), and "eat" (p = .001) domains, the only significant predictor is the frequency of involvement in food planning and preparation, whereas both the degree program (p = .044) and the frequency of involvement in food planning and preparation (p = .000) affect the "prepare" domain. The factors with significant influence were subjected to dichotomous analysis. The analysis revealed that even when examined without the other factors, frequency of involvement in food planning and preparation remains a significant predictor (p < .05) of all the four domains and the overall food literacy, and degree program remains a significant predictor (p = .012) for the "prepare" domain. The results indicate that university students have strong food-related knowledge and skills. While they demonstrate effective meal planning, food resource management, and healthy eating habits, students only show moderate proficiency in the selection of food products and basic food preparation skills. The differences in the domain scores present gaps that can be addressed by encouraging active engagement in food planning and preparation. Further, there is a need to increase the exposure of students to food information through the integration of food education into academic and household settings.