https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/2502 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:09:56 GMT 2026-04-05T16:09:56Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3781 A social responsibility: Traveller's awareness and behavior towards marine protected areas of San Joaquin, Iloilo Manejero, John Denver; Rebase, Chrisjenn Mae; Rios, Patricia Angela; Tubal, Dana Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital in the protection of marine biodiversity, encouraging sustainable tourism and fostering social responsibility among travelers. This study explores the awareness and behavior of travelers visiting Marine Protected Areas in San Joaquin, Iloilo, alongside the socio-demographic factors influencing their environmental responsibility. Employing a quantitative research design, the study assessed levels of awareness and behavior among 150 MPA travelers, classified by demographic categories: age, educational level, income level, residence, and sex. Findings showed no significant differences in awareness and behavior across sex, educational level, and residence, which indicates a shared understanding and behavioral pattern among diverse traveler groups. However, the results stressed a strong, direct relationship between awareness and behavior, underlining the importance of environmental education in determining responsible actions. The study also pointed out the broader socioeconomic factors, such as income levels, which influence travelers’ ability to act responsibly. Although financial stability allows higher-income travelers to spend more on sustainability and engage in conservation efforts, hindrances are still present in adopting sustainable practices that exist in lower-income groups. This calls for tailored interventions, including educational campaigns, community-based initiatives, and cost-effective conservation programs, to promote inclusivity in marine conservation efforts. The findings aligned with existing literature, emphasizing the interrelation between awareness, behavior, and social responsibility in tourism, and further underscoring the need to bridge informational and financial gaps. It makes an important contribution towards understanding how tourists perceive and respond to their role in marine conservation by addressing the intricacies of awareness and behavior in MPAs. Insights gained can be applied to inform policymakers, environmental organizations, and tourism stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices through targeted strategies that heighten traveler awareness and encourage responsible behavior. This will not only enhance the protection of MPAs but also strengthen their role as centers of conservation and sustainable development. Abstract only Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3781 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3780 Food safety knowledge and practices among casual dining restaurants in Villa de Arevalo District Bacolna, Leo Glenn C.; Labating, Ashley Joy B.; Lumampao, Ellah Mae; Martinez, Ma. Alyssa; Rea, Mary Arthen Lou V. Casual dining restaurants are very essential in the hospitality and tourism sector as they allow customers to have a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience. However, food safety in these restaurants must be maintained, not only for customer satisfaction but also for the protection of the public. Therefore, proper food safety knowledge and practices are vital in preventing foodborne illnesses, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the general reputation of the restaurant industry. This study evaluates the food safety knowledge and practices of casual dining restaurants in the Villa de Arevalo District of Iloilo City, Philippines, using a descriptive-correlational approach. There were 150 participants who were selected using convenience sampling: managers, supervisors, and rank-and-file employees. The results show that overall, employees possessed expert level food safety knowledge, particularly older employees, those with more than seven years of experience, and supervisors. Overall, food safety practices were generally implemented well across all demographics. Critical weaknesses, however, were observed in the handling of raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination, identification of allergens, and specific regulatory requirements that the food establishment must be aware of. Other weaknesses include improper chilling of perishable foods and cooking at unsafe temperatures, which are among the major contributors to foodborne pathogens. A positive correlation between food safety knowledge and practice implies that improvement in food safety education would lead to better practices. Consumer safety would be ensured, and the hospitality and tourism sector would continue to grow, only if its weaknesses are addressed. Abstract only Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3780 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3779 Familiarity and involvement among local residents in the development of Bucari Ecotourism Site in Leon, Iloilo Becite, Nascen Ruby D.; Bundac, Alana Celine G.; Detorio, Renz Ivert D.; Palma, Shane Rose N.; Sicol, Romelyn D.; Zaragoza, Jameyla M. This is a quantitative descriptive-correlational study about the familiarity and involvement of local residents in the development of the Bucari Ecotourism Site in Leon, Iloilo. Six barangays with 300 respondents were surveyed regarding their socio-demographic profiles, familiarity with the site, and involvement in decision-making, planning, implementation, and advocacy. The survey revealed that, on average, the residents were moderately familiar with the site. Greater familiarity was, however, reported among younger people, highly educated people, and those in higher income-earning brackets. On the other hand, lower familiarity was noted among older persons, less-educated people, and those from poorer income groups. Regarding involvement, the residents were more actively engaged in community-driven activities such as clean-ups of the environment and boosting tourism. Participation in decision-making and planning was, however, considerably lower. The factors identified with both familiarity and involvement include education and income, while age, sex, and length of stay were found to have minimal impacts. Familiarity shows a strong positive correlation with involvement, suggesting that more familiarity is directly related to the site as it enhances active participation in developing the ecotourism destination. This highlights the need for communication strategies directed towards awareness that may trigger higher active participation within the community in relation to involvement in the site's development. Increasing information distribution and the avenue for greater depth in involvement might enhance the involvement and sustainability in developing the Bucari Ecotourism Site. These findings point out the importance of local residents in ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecotourism ventures Abstract only Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3779 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3767 Plaza renovation in Oton, Iloilo: Residents’ perception and prospects for development Morada, Mary Junne L.; Alabe, Douglas David M.; Denihay, Reden J.; Maigue, Shane R.; Maquiling, Caine Marie M. Oton Plaza in Iloilo has long stood as a cultural landmark, gaining international acclaim in 1987 when its green-finished amphitheater was recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful public spaces at the XXIV International Congress of La Fédération Française du Pays age in France. A recent renovation sought to enhance its aesthetic, functional, and cultural value, yet little scholarly attention has been given to how the local community perceives such projects. This study employed a descriptive-correlational design to assess the views of 397 purposively sampled residents on the renovation and future development of the plaza. Findings revealed an overwhelmingly positive reception across all demographic groups. Youth, middle-aged, and elderly residents, particularly from the business sector, rated the improvements highly, with civil society, academe, and local government units following. Daily visitors expressed the strongest approval, though even infrequent users responded favorably. Among educational levels, high school graduates gave the most positive feedback. Aesthetic enhancements, especially lighting and design, were the most praised; functionality aspects such as safety, walkability, and seating also earned strong ratings. Emotionally, the plaza’s daily and social relevance scored highest. Perceptions of development potential were consistently high, with young adults and business stakeholders being the most optimistic. Traditional architecture, cultural spaces, and landscaped paths ranked as top priorities, while water features, markets, and installations, though lower, still garnered interest. Notably, visit frequency significantly influenced perception and optimism. A strong correlation emerged between positive experiences and support for future development. These insights offer critical guidance for urban planners, heritage advocates, and policy makers aiming to balance modernization with cultural preservation. Abstract only Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3767 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z