Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development

29/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Optimal Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Wind Turbine Generators, and Battery Energy Storage System in an Enhanced IEEE 33-Bus Test System

Abstract:
Environmental concerns over fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are driving interest in electric vehicles (EVs). However, EV integration poses challenges to the power grid, including voltage violations and power losses. This study optimizes the placement of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), wind turbine distributed generation (WTDG), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the IEEE 33-bus system using differential evolution (DE) algorithm. MATLAB was used for the optimization process, while OpenDSS handled the power flow analysis. Results show that increasing EVCS sites raises power losses, while integrating WTDGs and BESS improves performance by reducing the losses and improving the voltage profile. This study provides insights for optimizing EVCS allocation and renewable energy integration to promote sustainable transportation.

Keywords: Electric vehicle integration, battery energy storage system, differential evolution algorithm, MATLAB, OpenDSS, wind turbine distributed generation

Citation:
Rago, J. P., Manzano, J. P. P., & Lebosada, M. D. C. (2026). Optimal Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Wind Turbine Generators, and Battery Energy Storage System in an Enhanced IEEE 33-Bus Test System. Philippine E-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 14–29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18399374
https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.16/2026.01.26.pdf

29/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Do Personal Financial Practices Influence Happiness: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract:
Several studies emphasize the importance of personal financial practices in shaping the peoples’ financial planning, investment behavior, and spending decisions. However, relatively few studies have explicitly examined the relationship between personal financial practices and subjective well-being, particularly happiness. This paper aimed to determine the effect of personal financial practices on behavioral outcomes such as happiness. It employed a cross-sectional research design using correlation and regression analyses based on data gathered from 930 respondents in the Philippines. The findings indicate that personal financial practices are a significant determinant of subjective well-being, specifically happiness. Personal financial practices function as socio-economic assets that foster resilience, empowerment, and happiness. Thus, the study suggests that strengthening personal financial practices not only enhances financial stability but also contributes to broader life satisfaction and overall happiness.

Keywords: Financial well-being, financial behavior, financial education program

Citation:
Gatawa, G. O. & Gatawa, F. C. (2026). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 1-13.https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.16/2026.01.16.pdf
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18323241

Several studies emphasize the importance of personal financial practices in shaping the peoples’ financial planning, investment behavior, and spending decisions. However, relatively few studies have explicitly examined the relationship between personal financial practices and subjective well-being...

28/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of cornstarch-based films incorporated with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil

Abstract:
Bioplastic films prepared from cornstarch incorporated with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. The films were prepared via solution casting to contain different amounts of LEO (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w). The films were characterized for thickness, color properties, moisture content, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (BIOTECH 1582) and Salmonella typhimurium (BIOTECH 1826) was determined via disk diffusion using 6 mm film discs on Mueller–Hinton agar. Significant improvement in elongation at break (25.06 ± 7.39%) at 0.5% LEO, and increase in film thickness and moisture content with LEO addition were observed. All films containing LEO displayed strong antibacterial activity. Interestingly, the control film (0% LEO) exhibited notable baseline antibacterial activity (inhibition zones >29 mm) probably due to the vinegar and glycerol in its formulation. Considerable increase in antimicrobial activity occurs with 2% LEO against S. aureus. Overall, films prepared with 0.5% LEO showed the best possible balance between mechanical flexibility and antimicrobial activity, suggesting that this formulation may be used in preparing active food packaging materials.

Keywords:
Antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength

Citation:
Villanueva, B. D. M., Dorado, A. A., Sumague, M. J. V., & Felismino, R. M. (2025). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 51-61. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17694787

28/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy-based Polymeric Sorbents with Potential Applications in Nuclear Wastewater Decontamination and Management

Abstract:
With the Philippines set to include nuclear power in its energy mix, effective nuclear waste decontamination strategies must be developed. Spent nuclear fuel water waste contains very high concentrations of HNO3 and a variety of metal ions which makes sorbent development for radionuclide sequestration extremely difficult. In this study, we report two polymeric resin sorbents prepared by curing bis-epoxides with diaminopropane in dimethyl sulfoxide. The sorbents Ep-NGDE and Ep-BOMB are able to resist physical deterioration in 3 M HNO3 while exhibiting unique sorption characteristics that may prove useful in nuclear water waste decontamination. Ep-NGDE exhibits high capacity and selectivity for Na+ while Ep-BOMB exhibits high capacity for radionuclides Cs+ and Sr2+. The reasons underlying their sorption behaviors are navigated and a procedure for their deployment is proposed.

Keywords:
Spent nuclear fuel, highly acidic and oxidizing wastewater, radionuclide decontamination, epoxy polymer

Citation:
Escobar, E. C., Nisola, G. M., Chung, W. J., Lu, M. M. D., Reaño, R. L., Sareno, J. M., and Dorado, A. A. (2025). Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy-based Polymeric Sorbents with Potential Applications in Nuclear Wastewater Decontamination and Management. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 62-70. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17744709
https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.15/2025.11.28.pdf

With the Philippines set to include nuclear power in its energy mix, effective nuclear waste decontamination strategies must be developed. Spent nuclear fuel water waste contains very high concentrations of HNO3 and a variety of metal ions which makes sorbent development for radionuclide sequestrati...

27/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release

Fluoride varnish used in dental caries management acts as a fluoride reservoir to ensure a steady supply of fluoride ions necessary to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of enamel. Its effectiveness is limited by the bioavailability of calcium and phosphate ions in the oral cavity. This study evaluated a locally manufactured fluoride varnish in light of its ability to release calcium ions. Distilled water was added to a cup containing the fluoride varnish and allowed to incubate at 37°C. The contents of the cup were collected and replenished with fresh distilled water every 30 minutes for 4 hours. The collected solutions were analyzed for calcium concentration. A large calcium concentration was initially released and the results of the cumulative calcium ion released showed an increasing trend. This positively suggests the bioavailability of calcium in the fluoride varnish formulation, highlighting its potential in effective dental caries management.

Citation:
Lim - Co Yu Kang, G. G., Parreñas, T. J., & Nolasco, N. P. (2025). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 45-50.

13/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Allocation on a Coupled Distribution-Transportation Network with Randomly Distributed Photovoltaic Modules

The shift to electromobility through electric vehicle (EV) adoption is hindered by range anxiety, lengthy recharging period, and long queueing times at limited charging stations (CS). These problems can be addressed by utilizing fast charging through high-power chargers, but they can adversely impact the distribution network. Hence, the distribution and transport networks must be studied simultaneously in allocating the charging facilities. This study offers a new perspective by tackling the CS siting and sizing problem in a coupled distribution-transport network with randomly distributed solar modules. M/M/s queueing theory was utilized to provide a realistic EV charging demand. The objective function consisting of minimizing the additional power loss from CS integration, maximizing the captured traffic flow, and minimizing the per-unit cost of land occupied by CS was solved using OpenDSS, MATLAB, and GA. Results showed that voltage violations in the distribution network are the main concern arising from CS deployment, even with the presence of solar modules. Hence, network improvements are necessary to support the high pe*******on of EVs in the future.

Citation:
Manzano, J. P. P. & Lebosada, M. D. C. (2025). Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Allocation on a Coupled Distribution-Transportation Network with Randomly Distributed Photovoltaic Modules. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 25-43.

06/12/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Emotional competence, self-affirmation, help-seeker stereotypes and their relation to the psychological help-seeking intentions of Filipino adolescents

The concern on Filipino adolescents’ mental health issues, coupled with the general public’s reluctance to seek professional help for mental well-being, underscores the need to investigate the factors that could positively influence psychological help-seeking among this age group. This study examined the predictive relationships between the Filipino adolescents’ level of psychological help-seeking intent and their emotional competence, use of self-affirmation, and negative endorsements of mental health help-seekers. A total of 392 high school students from Baguio City were surveyed using pre-existing tools designed to measure the proposed variables and their relationships. Correlation and regression analyses revealed no significant associations between psychological help-seeking intent and the predictor variables. This lack of direct relationships is attributed to variability in responses, potentially stemming from differences in participants’ personal experiences, cultural norms, and social attitudes. These findings also underscore the complexity of help-seeking behaviors among Filipino adolescents, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to understand the factors that influence these behaviors,
which is essential for developing more effective interventions.

Citation:
Santiago, S. D. B. N. & Namoca, M. P. E. (2025). Emotional competence, self-affirmation, help-seeker stereotypes and their relation to the psychological help-seeking intentions of Filipino adolescents. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 14-24.

15/11/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Taxonomic Analysis of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities Collected from the Manleluag Hyperalkaline Spring in Pangasinan, Philippines Using Two Bioinformatic Pipelines

Techno-economic analysis (TEA) is used to test the integration of renewable energy (RE) systems in existing facilities and off-grid areas. Public facilities such as schools with enough rooftop space and operating mostly during the day can potentially benefit from RE systems. Thus, this study performed TEA to find an alternative, cost-effective, grid-tied RE system for a public elementary school in Laguna, Philippines. TEA reveals that the most cost-effective system consists of a 55.3 kW solar PV, a 19.2 kWh battery storage, a 27.8 kW inverter, and a grid connection. This configuration yielded a net present cost (NPC) of Php5,898,483 and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of Php6.94 per kWh. This alternative system could reduce the grid electricity import of the school by 39,008 kWh and generate Php433,373 savings annually. These findings underscore the economic benefits of introducing RE-based power systems in existing facilities, particularly public schools.

Citation:
Anacleto, M. R. U., Samaniego, J. M., Manuel, M. C. C., Lantican, N. B., & Diaz, M. G. Q. (2025). Taxonomic Analysis of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities Collected from the Manleluag Hyperalkaline Spring in Pangasinan, Philippines Using Two Bioinformatic Pipelines. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 1-13.

04/08/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Beyond Survival: Appreciating the Life-Giving Essence of Homeschooling in Southern Philippines

Despite its limited number of adherents, homeschooling is flourishing in the Philippines, including in the south, for more than two decades now. What sustained it though beyond its initial enabling laws are still unknown; thus, this study is an attempt to address this knowledge gap by digging deep into the lived experiences of its participants, thereby identifying what gives life to homeschooling through the years. Guided by an appreciative lens, two focused group discussions, two couple interviews, and three key informant interviews were done to a total of 23 participants, comprising 15 adults and 8 children. Qualitative data were then subjected to descriptive phenomenological data analysis, which yielded five emergent themes from 25 themes. The collapsed structure focused on parents’ prioritization of values education, flexibility, quality of learning, strong family relationships, and the important role of the homeschooling community. Important implications to current educational stance and regulations were discussed.

Citation: Yares, J. G. (2024). Beyond Survival: Appreciating the Life-Giving Essence of Homeschooling in Southern Philippines. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 14, 49-63.https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.14/2024.10.15.pdf

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01/07/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Technical Feasibility of a Concentrated Solar Power Plant in the Philippines: A Case Study in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

The utilization of solar photovoltaic (PV), being a popular solar power technology, poses challenges on the quality and network operation of the current power grid. To address this, the concentrated solar power (CSP) can be used as an alternative source of solar energy in the Philippines due to its capability to control the frequency and improve power quality. With the attainment of rural electrification in the country, this study explores the feasibility of implementing CSP in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Using System Advisor Model (SAM), various CSP scenarios were analyzed based on the weather data of Tacurong. Analysis of the computed levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and capacity factor was conducted for all scenarios. Results showed that CSP systems with auxiliary heater achieve high values of capacity factor, while cases without auxiliary heater required a larger solar multiple, leading to higher LCOE. Moreover, despite having high capital cost requirements, CSP technology with auxiliary heater exhibits competitiveness with solar PV in terms of capacity factor. Thus, the CSP with auxiliary heater demonstrates viability as an alternative renewable energy source in the country.
Citation: Aguirre, R. A. Jr., Aquino, K. M. V., Manzano, J. P. P., Peñaflor, E. R. & Elepaño, A. R. (2024). Technical Feasibility of a Concentrated Solar Power Plant in the Philippines: A Case Study in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 14, 30-48.