Vol. 4, Issue 2

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This study is dedicated to assessing the current level of digital transformation within selected fast-food establishments in North Caloocan City and its impact on operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance. This research focuses on respondents residing in North Caloocan City from different generations: Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. Forty (40) responses were gathered per generation, accumulating a total of 120 responses. These responses and a comprehensive approach aim to develop an enhanced operational plan that promotes innovation, improves service quality, and strengthens competitiveness in the local food industry. The study implements a survey methodology, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed through Google Forms to efficiently gather data. This method guarantees accessibility for participants and allows for the collection of detailed feedback on various aspects of their dining experiences. Key factors examined in this study include the mode of payment, technical capacity, processing time, accessibility features, and assistance availability of adopting technologies in the operations of fast-food restaurants. The findings provide practical insights for restaurant managers and stakeholders looking to improve their operations. Fast-food restaurants may provide positive service by matching their approaches with the requirements and expectations of consumers. This could include strengthening digital systems and technical procedures, increasing staff training for digital support, assuring accessible and user-friendly platforms, and delivering faster and more reliable transaction processing. Finally, the study aims to create a structured operational plan based on the data acquired, which will serve as a guide for improving customer happiness and operational efficiency in Caloocan City’s digitalized fast-food enterprises.

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This study aims to assess guest perceptions regarding lodging operational services in selected three-star hotels in Quezon City, recognizing that guest satisfaction plays a critical role in shaping service quality, customer loyalty, and overall competitiveness in the hospitality industry. With the increasing expectations and sophistication of modern travelers, understanding how guests evaluate various aspects of hotel operations has become essential for identifying strengths, addressing weaknesses, and enhancing the overall guest experience. The research specifically focused on key operational service areas, including front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance services, which are widely regarded as core factors influencing guest satisfaction and repeat patronage. A quantitative research design was employed to ensure systematic and measurable data collection, utilizing a structured survey questionnaire that was distributed to hotel guests who had stayed in the selected establishments within the past six months, thereby reflecting recent and relevant experiences. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to determine the levels of guest satisfaction across different service areas and to identify specific gaps where service improvement is needed. Findings indicated that guests generally held favorable perceptions of front office and housekeeping services, reflecting effective staff performance and operational efficiency in these areas; however, notable gaps were observed in the consistency and quality of food and beverage offerings as well as in the responsiveness and upkeep of maintenance services, highlighting areas that require focused management attention. It provides actionable recommendations for hotel management in refining service protocols, and implementing continuous quality monitoring systems.

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The study aimed to determine the impact of educational tours on students’ practical experience, skill development, emotional and social readiness, career preparedness, and industry exposure. The researchers used a quantitative descriptive method to gather and analyze data. Information was collected through a survey questionnaire distributed to one hundred twenty-two (122) respondents, consisting of one hundred twelve (112) fourth-year tourism students from National University Fairview and STI College-Novaliches, and 10 educational tour implementers from various institutions. Participants were chosen using purposive sampling, selecting only those who had joined at least one educational tour. The results showed that both students and implementers found educational tours to be highly effective in improving practical experience, skills, and career readiness. Tours helped develop students’ communication, teamwork, and technical abilities, and boosted their confidence in professional settings. However, leadership development received lower ratings, suggesting a need for more opportunities for students to take initiative during tours. The Mann-Whitney U Test revealed a significant difference between the perceptions of students and implementers, with implementers giving higher ratings and viewing the tours as more beneficial overall. Both groups agreed that educational tours are essential for professional growth. The study concluded that while these tours effectively link theory and practice, they can be improved through structured learning, leadership training, reflection, and stronger collaboration between schools and tourism establishments. These findings guided the development of an Educational Tour Enhancement Plan to make tours more meaningful, skill-focused, and career-oriented.

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The study examined the key elements influencing customer attraction, satisfaction, and revisit intention within the local coffee shop industry. Recognizing the rapid growth of coffee culture in the Philippines particularly in urban areas like South Caloocan. The research aimed to determine how six major factors product quality, pricing, ambiance, customer service, accessibility, and additional amenities shape consumer behavior and preferences. Employing a descriptive-correlational quantitative design, the study surveyed 200 respondents who were active patrons of coffee shops in South Caloocan City. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analyzed using statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, weighted mean, chi-square test, and ANOVA. The results revealed that product quality and ambiance were the most influential factors in attracting consumers, followed closely by customer service and pricing. Accessibility and additional amenities also showed positive but secondary effects on consumer attraction. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the respondents’ demographic profiles particularly age, occupation, and frequency of visits and the factors that influenced their choice of coffee shops. The study concludes that consumer attraction in South Caloocan coffee shops is multidimensional, combining both functional factors (quality, price, accessibility) and experiential factors (ambiance, service, amenities). Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that coffee shop owners enhance sensory ambiance, maintain consistent product quality, and offer value-driven pricing strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. It reveals a friendly service, high-quality beverages, and comfortable atmosphere. It plays a significant role in attracting customers as basis for in enhancing marketing strategies and maintain competitive experiences in the market.

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This study focused on assessing the safety measures practiced during educational tours in promoting safe learning experiences among Tourism students in Quezon City. It aimed to evaluate students’ perceptions in four key areas: perceived risk and safety awareness, adherence to safety protocols, confidence in handling emergencies, and the perceived effectiveness of the school’s safety policy. By examining these areas, the research intended to identify existing gaps and provide recommendations for improving safety management in future excursions. A quantitative research design was used in the study. Data were gathered through a survey questionnaire that utilized a four-point Likert scale to determine the level of agreement among respondents regarding different aspects of safety management. The findings indicate that both students and coordinators exhibit a commendable level of awareness and adherence to safety measures. However, differences in perception can be attributed to variations in experience, exposure, and responsibilities. Tour Coordinators tend to view safety practices as effective because of their direct involvement in planning and supervision, whereas students rely mainly on observation and experience during the tour. This gap highlights the necessity for institutions to provide inclusive safety orientations, practical emergency frills, and consistent communication systems. The overall outcome of confirmed safety measures in educational tours depends not only on the presence of policies but also on the shared understanding, preparedness, and cooperation of all participants involved. It assesses safety measures implemented during educational tours to promote safe learning management practices, institutional policies, and student awareness to develop effective school guidelines that ensure secure, meaningful, and well-supervised excursion experiences.

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This study explored the relationship between funding status and employability among Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduates of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), Batch 2022–2024. In the highly competitive maritime industry, academic scholarships are frequently regarded as offering graduates a significant advantage in obtaining apprenticeship placements and initial employment. This study sought to assess whether the funding status has a considerable impact on the employability outcomes of maritime graduates. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was utilized. Data was collected from 100 AIMS BSMT alumni via a structured survey questionnaire conducted online. Respondents were classified based on funding status as either academic scholars or non-scholars. Employability was assessed through indicators including employment status, time to secure the initial seagoing position, length of the first contract, employment strategies, job position at the time of hiring, and gross monthly income. Statistical analyses comprised frequency and percentage distributions, as well as the Chi-Square Test of Independence, to assess the association between funding status and employability variables. Findings indicated that academic scholars typically encountered shortened waiting periods for employment and had greater access to staffing agencies in comparison to non-scholar graduates. The Chi-Square analysis demonstrated a significant association between funding status and employability, indicating that scholarship support plays a role in enhancing employment outcomes. However, the findings also indicated that non-academic factors, including personal initiative, employment strategies, and skill development, are significant in securing employment. The research determined that although funding status is markedly correlated with employability, it should not be regarded as the exclusive factor influencing career achievement.

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Effective leadership is a critical non-technical competency in the high-risk maritime industry, indispensable for ensuring safety, fostering teamwork, and mitigating operational hazards. This study evaluated the leadership skills and shipboard preparedness of third-year maritime students at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) and examined the predictive relationship between these variables. Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 200 students via a validated, structured survey using convenience sampling. The study measured leadership across administrative, interpersonal, and conceptual domains, alongside physical, social, psychological, and emotional preparedness. Results indicated that students possess a well-rounded and "evident" foundation of leadership competencies (Administrative M=4.18, Interpersonal M=4.16, Conceptual M=4.15). Furthermore, respondents demonstrated a "very high" level of holistic readiness for shipboard responsibilities across all dimensions. Multiple regression analysis revealed a robust and statistically significant model (R² = .566), indicating that combined leadership competencies explain 56.6% of the variance in overall preparedness. Notably, interpersonal skills (β = .396) and conceptual skills (β = .329) emerged as the primary, highly significant drivers of readiness, underscoring the critical role of human interaction and cognitive adaptability under pressure. Conversely, administrative proficiency, while necessary, was not a statistically significant independent predictor. The study concludes that the transition from student to shipboard officer heavily relies on cognitive and social leadership competencies. To maximize operational readiness, maritime education should prioritize scenario-based interpersonal simulations and critical thinking exercises to holistically equip future mariners for the global maritime sector.

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Program shifting in maritime education is a growing concern, driven by complex academic, economic, and psychological challenges. This study aimed to determine the motivating factors influencing former first-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) students at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) to shift to other degree programs during Academic Years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. Utilizing a quantitative-descriptive design anchored in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), data were collected via a validated structured survey from 50 purposively sampled former BSMT students. The analysis employed frequency distribution, weighted mean, and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney tests to evaluate demographic profiles and the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The demographic data revealed that shifting students are predominantly 20-to-22-year-old, first-born males (92%) from lower-middle-income urban families (74%). While autonomy and competence were acknowledged as significant motivators, the need for relatedness—specifically, the value of relationships within the program (M = 4.26)—emerged as the strongest psychological catalyst for attrition. Furthermore, while the fundamental need for autonomy and competence remained universal across demographics, significant differences in relatedness were observed based on gender ( p = .026 ) and birth order ( p = .041 ), highlighting distinct socialization and support needs among these groups. Ultimately, the decision to abandon the maritime track is primarily catalyzed by unmet interpersonal and social needs rather than solely academic or financial pressures. To effectively mitigate student attrition, maritime institutions must implement targeted, evidence-based career guidance models that prioritize peer support, mentorship, and deep psychological integration.

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The newly enacted Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) serves as a critical legislative framework protecting the rights and welfare of maritime workers. However, the efficacy of such labor laws relies heavily on the rights-holders' actual comprehension of their provisions. This descriptive-quantitative study assessed the level of awareness and understanding of RA 12021 among 253 third-year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation students at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies. Utilizing a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire, data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results indicated that students possess a high level of general awareness regarding the law's existence (M = 3.94); however, their substantive understanding of its specific provisions remained only moderate (M = 13.43). Crucially, regression analysis demonstrated that mere awareness did not significantly predict understanding (p = 0.110). Comparative analyses revealed that while attending seminars significantly boosted baseline awareness, it failed to improve comprehension. Conversely, the formal integration of maritime law into the academic curriculum significantly enhanced understanding. Furthermore, female students exhibited a significantly higher level of comprehension compared to their male counterparts, whereas having a family background in seafaring provided no statistical advantage. The study concludes that while current educational paradigms effectively establish baseline legal awareness, translating this into practical, actionable understanding requires structured, analytical classroom instruction rather than informal exposure, urging maritime institutions to prioritize scenario-based legal education.

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Maritime engine room environments expose seafarers to severe occupational hazards, particularly respiratory risks from diesel exhaust and particulate matter. Despite Filipinos comprising a major segment of the global maritime workforce, localized health data remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of respiratory health issues among selected Filipino engine officers and ratings, exploring their direct implications on work performance and daily life. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed, gathering data from 100 Filipino maritime professionals stationed in Pasay City with a minimum of three years of vessel experience. Utilizing a validated survey instrument, data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Findings revealed that chronic cough (Mean=3.48) and chronic mucus (Mean=3.43) were the most prevalent respiratory conditions. Participants acknowledged a high perceived severity regarding the impact of these issues on their daily tasks. Crucially, the study demonstrated that respiratory deterioration is cumulative; symptoms significantly worsened with advancing age and prolonged years of service (p<0.05). Occupational hierarchy and vessel type also dictated risk levels, with lower-ranking personnel (Oilers/Wipers) and crew aboard offshore supply vessels experiencing the most severe respiratory degradation. Furthermore, a significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.698, p<0.01) was established between overall respiratory problems and a diminished quality of life. The study concludes that occupational respiratory ailments profoundly compromise both the physiological well-being and work efficiency of Filipino seafarers. Stakeholders must urgently implement targeted health surveillance, modernize ventilation engineering controls, and enforce comprehensive safety education tailored to high-risk maritime demographics.

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