Volume 1 Number 1

ABSTRACT: Throughout most of the 20th century, the dominance of Hollywood hindered the development of a distinct film identity and tradition within Philippine cinema. However, from this seemingly uninspiring state, a vibrant independent film community emerged and thrived during the first decade of the 21st century. This transformation was made possible by the introduction of more accessible digital video cameras in the 1990s. The digital medium provided independent filmmakers with the opportunity to explore various storytelling approaches centered around Philippine realities, which resonated with younger audiences. This paper posits that Filipino independent, or “indie,” cinema experienced a surge in creativity during the first decade of the 21st century and established what I refer to as a “postcolonial aesthetic” to counter the dominance of the Hollywood cinematic structure. I draw upon the ideas of Renato Constantino and Bienvenido Lumbera as my primary framework to trace the trajectory of independent and mainstream Filipino cinema during this period. Through an examination of two films from that era—one independent (Ded na si Lolo [Grandpa is Dead], 2009) and one mainstream (Baler, 2008)—I argue that Philippine cinema truly came into its own between 2000 and 2010, and its unique characteristics continue to influence the post-Covid era. Keywords: Cultural imperialism, American hegemony, Philippine cinema, period movies, independent films The movie industry is both a victim and an ally of American cultural aggression. It is a victim precisely because it is an ally of Hollywood, not by conscious design but by the conditioning effect of decades of exposure to Hollywood movies. At the same time, it is an ally in the sense that the Hollywood model is pervasively the frame of reference […] Hence, the movie industry is a reflection of Philippine society for it is the clearest and simplest depiction of the neo-colonial situation.                                                                               – Renato Constantino (1977, p. 131)   In just a few sentences, Renato Constantino was able to accurately describe the state of the Philippine movie industry of his time. American cultural imperialism has reduced the industry to a caricature of Hollywood. If Hollywood had Charlie Chaplin, we Filipinos had Canuplin, a vaudeville comedian whose appearance and gestures resembled Chaplin. If James Bond/Agent 007 is an international super spy (and unremitting ladies’ man) of the British government, Filipino movies used to have Tony Falcon/Agent X44, also a super spy (sans the “international” label but an unremitting ladies’ man nonetheless) with thick sideburns as his trademark. In the age of the Hollywood blockbusters in the 1980s as exemplified by Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Dune (all released in 1984), Filipino comedy king Dolphy starred in a movie that referenced all three – Goat Buster: Sa Templo ni Dunê (Goat Buster: In the Temple of Dunê, 1985). Indeed, the specter of Hollywood movies since the beginning of the 20th century has stunted the development of a distinctly Filipino cinema, and the cinema that the Filipino movie industry conceived was a mere distortion or poor imitation of Hollywood. Lacking technological resources and skilled artisans, the movie industry simply did not have the means to be at par with the Hollywood films that it was trying to imitate; and in the absence of a clear artistic vision, movie producers simply resorted to doing mostly parodies and spoofs as film production was primarily regarded as a commercial venture intended to produce a quick profit. Therefore, despite the industry’s considerable output from the 1950s up to the 90s and the fact that movies were once known as the country’s “national pastime” (David 1990), only a handful of films today are hailed as cinematic gems. What we have in abundance are senseless flicks anywhere from Sabi Barok Lab Ko Dabiana (Barok Said I Love Dabiana, 1978) to Wrong Rangers (1984, a parody of the Lone Ranger film and television series) to movies with absolutely meaningless titles (e.g., Horsey-horsey Tigidig-tigidig, 1986; Haba-baba-doo! Puti-puti-poo!, 1998; Tiktaktoys: My Kolokotoys, 1999; Isprikitik: Walastik Kung Pumitik, 1999).    Likewise in the 1990s, advancements in film technologies (e.g., the introduction of CGIs or computer-generated images) combined with America’s push for globalization paved the way for the spectacle cinema of Hollywood to systematically dominate all modes of cinematic imagery, production, and reception, resulting in a standardized film culture not just for the Philippines but for most of the world. Unable to keep up, the movie industry’s production declined. From an average of two hundred films annually in the 1970s and 80s, the output has gone down to an average of fifty per year since 2003 (Alberto, 2008, para. 3).   However, at the onset of the twenty-first century, the Philippines saw a surge of independent, or “indie” films produced by a new generation of filmmakers. This was made possible by the introduction of the high-resolution digital video camera in the 1990s. The changing of format from celluloid film to digital video freed the independent filmmaker from the high costs of mainstream filmmaking and the commercial demands of the studios. It gave them the liberty to tackle more unusual or controversial subject matters and present new modes of storytelling. By 2005, indie cinema took center stage when two film festivals exclusively devoted to digital indie films were established – the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and the Cinema One Originals. In its first year alone, the hugely popular festivals produced now-classic indie films such as Auraeus Solito’s Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), Doy del Mundo’s Pepot Artista (Pepot Superstar), Mario Cornejo and Monster Jimenez’s Big Time, and Jon Red’s Anak ng Tinapa (A Kipper’s Child). In 2009, indie filmmaking reached its peak when Brillante Mendoza became the first Filipino to win the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for his unapologetically brutal film Kinatay (“The Execution of P”).  Inspired by independent

ABSTRACT: The recent Sony World Photography Award sparked a heated debate among photographers and artists worldwide. Boris Eldagsen’s winning entry in the creative photography category was met with controversy after he revealed that it was created using an artificial intelligence image generator. In this article, I will explore how competitions can adapt to the evolving digital art landscape shaped by AI (Artificial Intelligence). What factors must be considered? Is establishing distinct criteria for AI necessary? Should AI be viewed solely as a creative tool or as a work of art? The importance of addressing these issues cannot be overstated. During my tenure as the chair of the panel of judges for the Vision Petron National Student Art Competition’s Digital Art Category in March of this year, we faced certain nuanced issues. The fact that AI is now involved in the creation process created apprehension among the panel. In this paper, I aim to delve into crucial discussions in this field and their impact on photography and digital art competitions. It is important to recognize the unique characteristics that AI brings to the creative process and consider how these should be evaluated. As AI becomes more prevalent in the creation of visual art, it is likely that we will see new forms emerge. Competitions must be prepared to adapt to these changes and embrace innovation in the field.  Keywords: promptography, digital art competitions, controversy, AI-generated image, Sony World Photography Award, AI image generator, photorealistic imagery  Controversy Erupts Over AI-Generated Image Winning Prestigious Photography Award  On April 13 in London, Berlin-based German photographer Boris Eldagsen was awarded the prestigious Creative Photography category of the 2023 Open Competition of the Sony World Photography Award. His winning entry, titled Pseudomnesia: The Electrician, was created using DALL-E 2, an AI image generator developed by OpenAI.  Figure 1  Boris Eldagsen’s Pseudomnesia: The Electrician  Eldagsen’s aim was to challenge the contest and spark discussion about a technology that has the potential to alter our perception of photorealistic imagery. After the announcement, he declined to accept the award, leading to a strained relationship between him and the organizer. Despite not being invited, Eldagsen took the stage during the ceremony to address the audience.  He said AI images are not photographs and therefore should not be considered in competitions designed for camera-based practitioners. On his website, Boris stated that the judges lacked the ability to differentiate between photographic images and those generated by AI machines. He argued that his creations are not photographs but “images” artificially synthesized with photographic elements as visual language (2023).  The disclosure raised multiple inquiries regarding the characteristics of artwork produced by AI and raised doubt about the definition of photography, whether it should be distinguished from its medium. The photographer expressed disappointment stating, “photographic language has dissociated itself from its medium, which is disheartening for photography because AI now defines the future of the field” (Fotopodden, 2023).  According to World Photography Award officials, they are aware that the image is AI generated. The Creative Photography category in its tradition has always been open for experimentations. A spokesperson for the Sony World Photography Awards clarified:    During our various exchanges with Boris Eldagsen ahead of announcing him as the Creative category winner in the Open competition on 14 March, he had confirmed the ‘co-creation’ of this image using AI. In our correspondence he explained how following ‘two decades of photography, my artistic focus has shifted more to exploring creative possibilities of AI generators’ and further emphasizing the image heavily relies on his ‘wealth of photographic knowledge’. As per the rules of the competition, the photographers provide the warranties of their entry (artforum, 2023).  The officials of the Award have announced the suspension of all activities with him, citing his deliberate attempts to mislead them, which has rendered the warranties he provided invalid. Eldagsen, on the other hand, contests this assertion and maintains that he participated as a cheeky monkey. He stated: I opted to submit an image that was artificially created. I saw myself as a hacker attempting to uncover weaknesses in the system. My intention was not to exploit the competition, but rather to highlight an area in need of attention (Eldagsen, 2023).  The controversy surrounding Eldagsen’s entry has sparked an intense debate within the photography community. Some argue that AI-generated images should not be allowed in photography competitions, while others believe that the use of technology is essential for the evolution of the art form.  In the advent of photography, artists had similar apprehensions like today with AI, in his website Derek Murphy noted: “Baudelaire called photography the refuge of failed painters with too little talent. Van Gogh said photographs could never capture that human spark, so he started focusing more on painting portraits” (Murphy, 2022).  Eldagsen’s actions have also raised questions about the responsibility of artists and creators to disclose the use of AI in their work. While some feel that it is important to be transparent about the tools and techniques used, others argue that the focus should be on the outcome and the impact it has on the viewer. While John Lennox puts it in his book titled 2084: “The real problem with AI, then, is . . . the likelihood of our blindly depending on machines, lulled to trust them by bad metaphors. The danger is that computers will fail us and do so in bad ways”(2020).  Regardless of where one stands on the issue, the use of AI in art and photography will continue to be a hotly debated topic in the years to come. As technology advances and artists push the boundaries of what is possible, it will be the responsibility of organizations such as the Sony World Photography Awards to navigate these uncharted territories and establish definitive criteria for participation in their competitions.  Navigating the Intersection of Photography and AI in Competitions  One of the most significant concerns surrounding the use of AI in photography competitions is the ethical implications. AI can be used to

ABSTRACT: Human sense of hearing is instrumental in various aspects of our lives, enabling us to recognize and locate sounds. This research aims to explore the enhancement of sound amplification and filtering capabilities in hearing aids through a simulation conducted using MATLAB. The study addresses the prevalent issue of hearing loss in the global population, with a focus on improving the limited adoption of hearing aids. By leveraging the digital signal processing capabilities of MATLAB, the project aims to differentiate between speech and background noise, leading to improved audio quality for hearing aid users. The simulation involves three main stages: audio recording, audio filtering, and audio amplification. The MATLAB-based simulation generates output files reflecting the enhanced audio, while also addressing the challenges of potential distortion and the selective cancellation of specific noises. The findings of this research hold the promise for the development of more effective and efficient hearing aid technologies, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments.  Keywords: sound amplification, filtering, hearing aids, MATLAB simulation, improved audio quality  Engr. Irineo P. Quinto  Engr. Luigi Carlo De Jesus  Engr. Leonardo M. Samaniego Jr.   Ronald Kenneth M. Aliven  Merwyn Floyd S. Blanco  Sean Karlo T. Conejo   Jex O. De Los Santos  The human sense of hearing is instrumental in various aspects of our lives, enabling us to recognize and locate sounds, thereby preventing potential dangers such as car accidents or fires, as well as aiding in the discovery of objects overlooked by our eyes ​(Lam, 2018)​. However, individuals who lack this ability face difficulties in navigating such situations​ (Smith, 2020)​. Hearing loss manifests in different ways, with some people experiencing difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds, while others struggle with high-frequency sounds, highlighting the variations in hearing impairment​ (Jones, 2019)​. Hearing aids play a crucial role in assisting individuals with hearing deficiencies by amplifying and filtering sounds across different frequency channels ​(Gupta, 2017)​. However, simply amplifying the specific frequency channels is insufficient, as it also amplifies accompanying noises, resulting in distorted and unintelligible sounds ​(Smith, 2020)​. To address this issue, digital filtering is employed to eliminate noise within a given frequency range, ensuring a cleaner audio output ​(Gupta, 2017)​. Once noise cancellation is achieved, appropriate amplification can be applied without the risk of amplifying unwanted noise ​(Jones, 2019)​. Therefore, it is established that digital filtering is a necessary step before performing amplification ​(Lam, 2018)​.  The objective of this research is to enhance an individual’s hearing abilities by improving the functionality of hearing aids. The primary task of a hearing aid is to amplify sound at various frequency ranges, ensuring that speech frequencies can reach the ear, based on the specific degree and configuration of the individual’s hearing loss. This project aims to provide benefits not only to the hearing-impaired individuals but also to the researchers involved, as it seeks to educate them on the principles of audio amplification and ensure the efficient operation of the hearing aids.   The focus of this project lies in leveraging a simulator, namely MATLAB, because of the prevailing pandemic situation. The primary aim is to direct efforts towards the exclusive processing of audio signals. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the intrinsic limitations that accompany this approach. While the results achieved through the simulator may exhibit similarities to real-life situations, it is important to note that they may not entirely replicate the authentic utilization and experiential elements associated with the use of an actual physical hearing aid.  B.1. Block Diagram  Figure 1   MATLAB Simulink Block Diagram  The block diagram of a hearing aid system consists of four main blocks: the original output block, amplifier block, parallel digital bandpass filter block, and hearing aid speaker block. The original output block represents the input sound signal captured by the microphone. This block converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal, which serves as the initial input for further processing. The electrical signal then enters the amplifier block, where it undergoes amplification. The purpose of the amplifier is to increase the strength of the signal to a level that can be effectively processed by the subsequent blocks. Next, the signal is divided into multiple parallel paths in the parallel digital bandpass filter block. Each path represents a specific frequency range that requires specialized processing. The bandpass filters within this block isolate and extract the desired frequency components from the signal, while attenuating frequencies outside the desired range. This enables targeted signal enhancement and noise reduction. After the signal has been processed by the bandpass filters, it is directed to the hearing aid speaker block. This block converts the electrical signal back into an acoustic signal, which is then delivered to the user’s ear. The speaker produces sound waves based on the processed signal, allowing the user to perceive the amplified and filtered sound.  Overall, the block diagram showcases the sequential flow of the sound signal through the different processing stages of the hearing aid system. Starting from the original output, the signal passes through amplification, parallel digital bandpass filtering, and finally, to the hearing aid speaker, resulting in an enhanced and tailored audio experience for the individual with hearing impairment.  B.2. Bandpass Filter Design  The bandpass filter is a digital filter that has been specifically chosen for its ability to isolate and process signals within a designated frequency range. Its primary function is to remove unwanted noise effectively while emphasizing frequencies crucial for speech and sound perception. In this research, a configuration involving two parallel bandpass filters has been implemented, as depicted in Figure 1.  The inclusion of two parallel bandpass filters offers several advantages, including enhanced noise reduction and a targeted response to specific frequencies. Each filter is meticulously designed to cater to a particular frequency range, ensuring that the desired speech frequencies are accentuated while minimizing the impact of noise outside those ranges. By adopting this configuration, the objective of the research is to optimize the filtering process and enhance the overall performance of the hearing aid system.  The parallel arrangement of the bandpass

Abstract  With the advancement of sensor technologies, numerous applications have emerged in various fields and regions. Utilizing these innovations and recent advancements can greatly benefit building applications, enhancing smart functions, and improving user comfort. In particular, the detection of fire plays a crucial role in preventing property destruction and potential loss of life. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) are intelligent frameworks aimed at providing automated management of control services and optimizing resource utilization. In this proposed model, all devices are registered in the IOE server and administered by an Administrator, while an IP Telephony network facilitates long-distance calls and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications. The proponents have employed Cisco Packet Tracer, along with VLAN networks, to simulate the proposed model, and for real-life scenarios, they have implemented a cost-effective design for the Internet of Things (IoT) and FDAS-based Evacuation Service.  Keywords: VLAN Networks, Cisco Packet Tracer, IoT, FDAS, IP Telephony  Engr. Jaime V. DavidEngr. Luigi Carlo De JesusEngr. Leonardo M. Samaniego, Jr.Mark Joshua A. AñonuevoJoshua D. BernadosJulius Iver A. Reyes Introduction  One of the most destructive aspects of fire is its rapid and uncontrollable spread ​(A. Bröring, 2011)​. Therefore, timely fire detection is crucial for preventing fire hazards. The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of interconnected sensors, actuators, and programmable devices embedded in home appliances, physical devices, and vehicles, enabling them to exchange data and improve the efficiency of everyday devices using computer-based systems​ (Anwar, 2018)​. In addition to enhancing device efficiency, IoT also offers economic benefits and aims to simplify human life by creating smart devices.  IoT extends the connectivity of objects beyond conventional devices used for everyday purposes. In this paper, the proponents have developed an IoT-based alarm system, where registered devices in the IOE server act as a home gateway controlled through the IoT monitor. This paper provides a detailed presentation of the design and implementation of monitoring products for the fire protection system based on IoT. The IoT terminal devices are responsible for monitoring the operational status of the fire suppression and safety system, including building fire department alarms, hydrant pipe flow, environmental temperature, and more. Through IoT, effective sensing, reliable transmission, and centralized and efficient management of the fire system become achievable​ (L. Huang, 2011)​.  Thus, the Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) is widely adopted as the primary safety system for high-rise residential, commercial, and industrial establishments, as it acts as a protective measure to prevent accidental fires from escalating into unmanageable outbreaks. Traditional FDAS systems were traditionally constructed using wired transmission and the CAN (controller area network) bus protocol​ (Shu-guang, 2011)​. However, wired fire detection and alarm systems come with drawbacks, such as installation and maintenance costs, construction and expansion complexities, susceptibility to corrosion, aesthetic concerns, high fault rates, and a high count of false alarms due to limited cable transmission distance.  The network also includes an IP Telephony component, which showcases the basic setup of IP telephones within a specific building or establishment. These facilities facilitate long-distance voice communication or calls, allowing IP phones to be configured for internal and external calls within a specific location.  Methodology  The overall system is built using Cisco Packet Tracer, a proprietary multi-platform tool that allows for the creation of networking and IoT simulations without the need for hardware or an existing network. Each zone of the system includes a fire monitor and sensor nodes equipped with ceiling sprinklers, siren, temperature sensor, and smoke detector. These smart components are connected to a microcontroller and can be linked to the network by connecting the microcontroller to the Home Gateway wirelessly. The entire system is responsible for processing data and sending control signals to activate the notification devices, and data processing and monitoring can be accessed through the software.  Cisco Packet Tracer offers several advantages. First, it is easy to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, it can be accessed anywhere and anytime, providing flexibility and convenience to its users. Another advantage is its ability to simulate configurations related to Cisco devices, allowing users to test and troubleshoot network designs before implementing them in real-life scenarios. Moreover, it provides information-driven operation efficiencies that reduce inventory, downtime, and time to market. Finally, it offers a greater ability to support business evolution from a reliable, transparent technology foundation that is viable with future innovation discharges.  Table 1   Devices Used in the Network and their Function  Device  Function / Description  Router 2811  Supports multiple WAN interfaces.   Switch 2960  Easy to deploy, manage, and troubleshoot. It offers automated software installation and port configuration.   IP Phone 7960  Full-feature telephones that provide voice communication over an IP (Internet Protocol) network.  Personal Computer (PC)  Connection to access layer  Laptop  Tablet  Manipulating, storing, calling up information for the user in changed format if required.  Smartphones  Server  Monitors intelligent things that are recorded on it and have specific database features.  Central Server  Used to link the router with the cellular network.   Cell Tower  Cellular-enabled mobile device site where antennas and electronic communications equipment are placed to create a cell in a cellular network.  Home Gateway  Allows data to flow from one discrete network to another.  Microcontroller (MCU-PT)  Used to connect various intelligent things.  Ceiling Sprinkler  Provides an appropriate amount of water to extinguish fires before they get the opportunity to grow and spread throughout the room.  Siren  Designed to sound the alert in the event of a fire-related emergency.  Lights  Visible lights   RFID Reader  Type of communication device that involves connection and communication between a transmitter (transponder or tag) and a receiver (reader).  Smoke Sensor  Used to detect smoke in a specific room, surroundings or area.   Temperature Sensor  Measures the temperature of its environment and converts the input data into electronic data to record, monitor, or signal temperature changes.  Table 1 presents a comprehensive overview of the devices utilized in a network configuration, along with their respective functions. The Router 2811 is specifically designed to support multiple WAN interfaces, enabling seamless and efficient network connectivity. In contrast, the Switch

ABSTRACT: Shuttle service serves as a highly convenient mode of transportation for private institutions and companies seeking to travel between two locations. NU-Asia Pacific College offers a school shuttle service that accommodates students, parents, visitors, faculty, and staff who rely on public transportation from Lapu-Lapu St. to the main building of NU-Asia Pacific College. Currently, there is no existing monitoring system in place for the college’s shuttle service. Consequently, several potential scenarios could arise, including unexpected incidents like hijacking or kidnapping, route changes due to refueling, unauthorized usage of the service, and insufficient capacity. To address these issues, a system has been developed that utilizes Google Maps to accurately track the shuttle’s current location, capacity, and status. Additionally, the system automatically records each trip and generates historical analytics. The study’s results demonstrate an impressive accuracy rate of 99.99989% in terms of GPS coordinates, thus confirming the system’s reliability for real-time monitoring of shuttle activity at NU-Asia Pacific College and highlighting the significance of this technological advancement.  Keywords: track monitoring system, transportation, web services, database, Google maps  ​​​Development of a GPS Location Detection and Monitoring System for NU-APC Shuttle Service Using Android Application and Web Server  Engr. Luigi Carlo De Jesus  Engr. Leonardo M. Samaniego Jr.  Engr. Stanley Glenn E. Brucal   Engr. Einstein D. Yong  Engr. Juan Miguel H. Villarroel  Engr. Sergio R. Peruda Jr.  Engr. Paulo Cosio  Abstract  Shuttle service serves as a highly convenient mode of transportation for private institutions and companies seeking to travel between two locations. NU-Asia Pacific College offers a school shuttle service that accommodates students, parents, visitors, faculty, and staff who rely on public transportation from Lapu-Lapu St. to the main building of NU-Asia Pacific College. Currently, there is no existing monitoring system in place for the college’s shuttle service. Consequently, several potential scenarios could arise, including unexpected incidents like hijacking or kidnapping, route changes due to refueling, unauthorized usage of the service, and insufficient capacity. To address these issues, a system has been developed that utilizes Google Maps to accurately track the shuttle’s current location, capacity, and status. Additionally, the system automatically records each trip and generates historical analytics. The study’s results demonstrate an impressive accuracy rate of 99.99989% in terms of GPS coordinates, thus confirming the system’s reliability for real-time monitoring of shuttle activity at NU-Asia Pacific College and highlighting the significance of this technological advancement.  Keywords: track monitoring system, transportation, web services, database, Google maps  Introduction  Transportation is an essential aspect of contemporary society ​(Cascetta, 2015)​. In the Philippines, commonly utilized forms of public land transportation include tricycle, jeepneys, buses, and taxis​ (Thanatorn Chuenyindee, 2022)​. When people travel, it is crucial for them to stay informed about their current location, ensuring they are on the right track and aware of the distance remaining to reach their destination safely. Modern technologies, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), play a significant role in providing secure transportation services like Grab, Uber, and Angkas.  Shuttle service proves to be an extremely convenient means of transportation between two locations ​(Collins Dictionary, n.d.)​, especially when one of the destinations is not easily accessible via public transportation. These shuttle services are reliable in terms of reaching their designated destinations within specific time frames.  Statement of the Problem  Undoubtedly, a glaring concern looms over the shuttle service operations at NU-Asia Pacific College – a concern that demands immediate attention and rectification. Astonishingly, the current scenario paints a disconcerting picture: a complete absence of any form of monitoring system for the shuttle service. This unsettling void in oversight gives rise to a series of potentially dire situations, each more alarming than the last. First and foremost, the specter of unexpected incidents, such as hijacking or kidnapping, hangs ominously over the entire operation. The absence of a monitoring mechanism magnifies the vulnerability, leaving both passengers and authorities in a state of helpless uncertainty. Adding to this unnerving landscape, the potential for abrupt route changes due to the mundane necessity of gas refilling emerges yet another lurking danger. Without a robust system in place, even the most routine operational alterations can lead to confusion, inconvenience, or worse. Compounding these concerns is the disquieting specter of unauthorized individuals exploiting the system for their own purposes. The lack of a vigilant eye allows for clandestine and unauthorized usage of the shuttle service, a perilous breach of security and propriety. Lastly, the dismaying realization of insufficient shuttle service capacity looms large, exacerbated by the absence of a mechanism to gauge and manage demand. Passengers left stranded due to capacity issues may find themselves questioning the very reliability of the service they depend upon. In the absence of a monitoring system, this multifaceted predicament deepens, highlighting a stark and urgent need for comprehensive oversight and rectification. The call for action resounds louder than ever, underscoring the pressing need to establish a robust and vigilant monitoring system without delay.  To address these concerns, the researchers propose the implementation of a GPS tracking system utilizing an Android application through a web server. Separate Android applications will be developed for drivers and users, while administrators and users will have web access. Administrators will be able to monitor the current location of shuttle drivers and the number of trips made throughout the day via a web browser and the web server. Additionally, administrators will have access to historical data regarding the shuttle’s capacity status. This data will aid in decision-making regarding the deployment of additional shuttles, based on the average daily trips for the corresponding day of the week over a four-week period (e.g., if today is Monday, the historical data will be from the last four Mondays).  Drivers will have access to the application to monitor their current number of trips and the shuttle’s location. Students, faculty, and staff users can view the shuttle’s current location by connecting to the Wi-Fi or using mobile data, either through the Android application or by accessing a public link within the APC main campus. The application will notify administrators if a

ABSTRACT This paper details the development and implementation of an online report management system, referred to as “e-Reklamo” system, to help the local government constituents’ express views, disputes, and complaints in the form of online reports reach the authorities. The primary target end-user of this system is the “barangay” – a smallest geographic, administrative, and political unit in the Philippines. Barangay, a small territory of a city or municipality, is governed by a council, locally called as “Sangguniang Barangay.” Its primary function is to plan and implement government policies and programs in the community. With the e-Reklamo, officials can quickly respond to the concerns of its residents, hence providing a more convenient way to send reports and receive immediate feedback or actions. Through the created Android-based mobile application, reports can be created and sent to the admin website for the barangay official to respond. It includes features such as a chat system, locator using Global Positioning System (GPS), and image sending, to assist barangay officials in acquiring more accurate information on reported cases.  Application trials and testing, and end-user surveys were conducted to evaluate its functionalities and features. This resulted to an overall satisfactory rating from the respondents on their experience with the mobile application and its admin website.  Keywords: admin website, barangay, mobile application, online reporting, web application Introduction   A barangay is the smallest and primary administrative and political unit of the local government. Ranges of activities and events happen in the barangay that affects the lives of each citizen. There may be quarrels, squabbles, crimes, or even problems that concern the community in general.  According to Mr. Reynaldo Roxas, Chairman1 of Barangay 757 in the City of Manila, under the administrative district of Sta. Ana, they do not have an online for their residents to report their concerns and problems. Most of which are gathered reports received in their offices or relayed through barangay officials2 roaming around the barangay. In case that all barangay officials are engaged in addressing the needs of their constituents, or if they are limited with the number, they will not be able to take reports from the residents. Instead, they will have to wait for the officials to be present simply to report. The employees of the barangay are at times faced with large numbers of reports and a day can simply not be enough for the employees to sort and file all the reports which can stack up. This in turn will make it harder for the barangay to take action with regard to the reports. Some reports may be simple but unsolved because the officials do not know about it yet. Some could be getting worse by the day as it does not take any action making the situation worse than it already is.   Reporting incidents, such as crimes, consumes time and effort and sometimes is ignored ​(Imus, Magloeo, Soriano, & Olalia, 2018)​. The inconvenience created by this long and tedious procedure tends to result in the resident turning a blind eye to the concerns in their barangay and often can lead to issues not being resolved.   Reports that are ignored can become a big issue down the line and might even affect the entirety of the barangay if not resolved.  Reporting systems can be a cornerstone to improving the overall condition of an organization. There are systems created to help track individual incidents and responses over time and helpful for common people, government organizations and different societies ​(Priya, Srivastava, Islam, & AMIT, 2019)​. Local Government Units (LGUs) have started to deploy technological solutions to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of management and delivery of services to its residents ​(Garcia, 2021)​. The Butuan City Police Office or BCPO had the iPolice Information System – developed to help the BCPO personnel with solutions to solve the problems they are experiencing and make the response time better. The developed system used Rapid Application Development (RAD) as a development methodology along with Agile Prototyping as an approach. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) together with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) integrated models so that software quality of such a system can be measured ​(Bustillo, Patrimonio, & Mateo, 2020)​. Another application was evaluated and got good results for evaluation as it is very usable for its portability and ability to report crime covertly from a mobile phone ​(Sakpere, Kayem, & Ndlovu, 2015)​. A good management reporting system is the foundation of a successful strategy for execution of plans in running an effective local government ​(Knutson, 2018)​. People tend to ignore or avoid reporting to the authorities incidents, and the response time of police officers to a report, including verification of report, are the other challenges that ​(Ocay, Trecenio, & Mairina, 2016)​ have been enumerated in their research.   For the barangay citizens conveniently create and send incident reports to barangay authorities, e-Reklamo3 has a mobile application to create and send detailed information proposed to offer a faster and time-efficient reporting and filing of incident reports or complaints. The mobile application will categorize the reports received and will help record the reports more easily for the barangay personnel.   The mobile application will also help encourage residents to become more responsible residents, hence enabling the barangay to be more alert and ready to respond to a report at the soonest time. Figure 1 illustrates the input, process, and output of the proposed system.   Figure 1   Barangay Reporting System Conceptual Framework  The general objective of this research is to develop a system for the people of the barangay to send reports and barangay officials to manage and respond to the reports. In addition to this, it aims to (1) enable the people of the barangay community to conveniently report issues of the barangay, (2) create a user-friendly system that is accessible to job orders and records, and (3) to provide a time efficient reporting system. While being constrained by these factors, the scope of the application would be one barangay only, when one or more barangay uses

ABSTRACT: Examining trends in the literature regarding evidence-based instructional practices (EBIPs) enables mathematics educators to make well-informed decisions when selecting effective teaching strategies for their classrooms. The evidence-based pyramid suggests that systematic reviews, such as meta-analyses, are the highest level of evidence in a particular field. This study aimed to systematically analyze existing empirical studies on the impact of different evidence-based instructional approaches on students’ mathematical achievement. Using a meta-analysis research design, 28 studies were examined. The findings indicated that, overall, EBIPs are successful in improving students’ mathematical content knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the study revealed that among the EBIPs explored, teaching with cases was the most effective for elementary learners, while upside-down pedagogy yielded the best results for high school students. Additionally, the results showed that teaching with cases facilitates short-term comprehension of mathematical concepts, whereas upside-down pedagogy promotes long-term understanding.  Keywords: meta-analysis, upside-down pedagogy, teaching with cases, POGIL, mathematics education, evidence-based practice ​Edrian Peter B. Villanueva  ​Maricar S. Prudente, PhD  ​ ​Introduction   ​​In recent years, pedagogical research has been focused on finding ways on how students’ achievement may be enhanced. One of the trends in education research is the implementation of evidence-based teaching (EBT) ​(Borrego & Henderson, 2014)​. The evidence-based practice was originally implemented in the fields of clinical medicine and nursing wherein the available empirical evidence in the literature is integrated into clinical practice ​(Groccia & Buskist, 2011)​. In the field of education, one way to implement this evidence-based approach is by employing various evidence-based instructional practices (EBIPs). ​EBIPs are approaches to teaching that have been empirically shown to be effective in promoting and developing students’ conceptual understanding ​(Burns & Ysseldyke, 2009; Sturtevant & Wheeler, 2019)​. ​​  While there are a lot of teaching strategies available in the current literature that have been found to be effective in improving students’ achievement, to our knowledge, there is no existing list of EBIPs in mathematics. In the existing literature, the only available list of EBIPs is for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in general ​(Sturtevant & Wheeler, 2019)​. Such a list of EBIPs in mathematics is deemed to be of importance for teachers since it can serve as a guide on how and why students’ mathematics proficiency is attained in a particular setting ​(Petty, 2009)​. The list is likewise important so teachers can easily choose and employ different teaching strategies that work.    Furthermore, within the realm of mathematics education, there exists a wide array of instructional approaches that can be classified as EBIPs. Given this extensive array, the present study narrows its focus to just three specific subsets of EBIPs. These subsets were identified as being the least commonly employed methods among mathematics educators, as indicated by our prior investigation ​(Villanueva & Prudente, 2022)​. The three underutilized EBIPs are Teaching with Cases (TWC), Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), and Upside-down Pedagogy (UP). The rationale behind concentrating on these less-utilized EBIPs is to offer mathematics instructors insight into alternative and effective instructional strategies for incorporation into their classrooms. In this paper, when we refer to EBIP, we are specifically alluding to these three least-used practices. Presented in Table 1 are the definitions of TWC, POGIL, and UP.   Table 1   Definitions of the Least Used EBIPS by Mathematics Teachers  EBIP  Definition  Teaching with Cases  A teaching approach that uses a case from a book, article, story, simple question, or a real-life problem with sufficient details that allow the students to analyze and come up with a?  Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning  A student-centered pedagogical approach that emphasizes small group collaboration, guided inquiry, and active learning to promote deeper understanding and critical thinking in STEM education.   Upside-down Pedagogy  Also known as inverted or flipped learning, is an instructional approach where traditional classroom activities such as lectures are moved outside of class, and homework-like activities such as problem-solving and discussion occur inside the classroom, allowing for more active and interactive learning.  ​​As part of a much larger study, this systematic review aimed to collect substantial evidence which showcases the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches in students’ mathematics performance.​ ​Regarding this, the conduct of meta-analysis, which is considered to be the highest and the most common form of establishing evidence in the evidence-based pyramid ​(Murad et al., 2016)​, was employed in this study.​   This current study will be the first to investigate the factors that influence the overall effect of the abovementioned EBIPs. This would be helpful to analyze the trend in the literature about each least-used evidence-based instructional practice. Accordingly, this study aimed to provide a systematic analysis of the existing empirical studies on the effect on students’ mathematical achievement of different evidence-based instructional approaches. Specifically, this sought to answer the following questions:  Design and Methods   Research Design  This study employed the meta-analysis research design. Meta-analysis is a technique of combining the empirical findings of previous research to create a synthesis of evidence ​(Basu, 2017). ​In the current study, the numerical findings from the empirical studies in the literature are pooled to arrive at an estimated effect of the EBIPs on students’ mathematics performance.   ​​​Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria  ​​​  ​​​The following inclusion criteria needed to be met by each study to be considered for inclusion in this current meta-analysis.​​   Study Search Procedure  After setting the criteria for inclusion, the research started the article identification using Harzing’s Publish or Perish 7. This initial article identification includes the databases of Google Scholar and SCOPUS. Each database was searched using 11 keywords (Table 2) which were paired with the terms “Math” or “Mathematics.” Additionally, separate searches were conducted on EBSCO, ProQuest, and Taylor and Francis databases. These three databases were purposively chosen since the authors have legal access to these databases through De La Salle University. Furthermore, EBSCO and Taylor and Francis publish major journals in the Social Sciences, especially in the field of Education. Meanwhile, ProQuest publishes thesis and dissertations from various reputable institutions all over the world. The researchers used the Advanced Search options in identifying the records published on EBSCO, Taylor