Journal of Academic Research

Employability and Occupational Alignment of College of Arts and Sciences Graduates of Samar State University

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Higher education institutions are increasingly expected to demonstrate the employability and labor market relevance of their graduates. This study assessed the employability, occupational relevance, and early career outcomes of graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of Samar State University, covering cohorts from 2018 to 2021. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected from 485 graduates of the BS Information Technology, BS Information System, BS Psychology, and BS Statistics programs through a structured survey adapted from the Commission on Higher Education Graduate Tracer Study. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were employed to analyze employment status, duration of job search, occupational distribution based on the Philippine Standard Occupational Classification, industry sector placement, initial earnings, and reasons for unemployment. Results indicated generally favorable employability outcomes, particularly among BS Statistics and BS Information Technology graduates, although variations across programs and cohorts were observed. While many graduates were employed in highly relevant professional and technical occupations, instances of occupational mismatch and underemployment persisted, especially among BS Information System graduates. Initial earnings were largely modest, reflecting entry-level employment and regional labor market conditions. Unemployment was primarily attributed to limited job opportunities, lack of work experience, and personal circumstances. The findings underscore the need for continuous curriculum enhancement, strengthened academe–industry linkages, and improved career development services to support effective school-to-work transitions and sustained graduate employability.

Graduate Employability and Program Impact of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management in a Rural Campus Context

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The tourism and hospitality sector is becoming increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving, particularly in rural and regional areas where tourism is essential for economic development. This tracer study examines the employability, competencies, and industry relevance of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) graduates from Cebu Normal University Balamban Campus. The research evaluates employment outcomes, alignment between job roles and degree, perceived competencies, and employer feedback to assess the effectiveness of the BSTM program in preparing graduates for the workforce. A descriptive mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing quantitative data from 116 BSTM graduates (2013–2024) collected through a tracer study questionnaire, and qualitative data from open-ended responses by graduates and selected employers. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were conducted. The majority of graduates obtained permanent employment, often soon after graduation, and are employed in both tourism-related and non-tourism sectors, indicating diverse career trajectories. Both graduates and employers reported strong professional competence, communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork. Nevertheless, deficiencies in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and foreign language proficiency were identified, highlighting areas for curriculum enhancement. The findings indicate that the BSTM program supports graduate employability and industry readiness, although continuous curriculum development is necessary. Recommendations include strengthening digital skills, expanding entrepreneurship education, enhancing industry partnerships, and improving career placement support to maintain alignment with industry needs and to promote sustainable tourism development and regional growth.

Domestic Responsibilities and Reading Comprehension Proficiency among Senior High School Students in Samar, Philippines

Kathleen Joy Maglasang — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill that supports students’ academic achievement and lifelong learning. However, contextual factors such as domestic responsibilities may influence students’ engagement in reading and study activities. This study examined the relationship between domestic responsibilities and the reading comprehension proficiency of Senior High School students in the District of Zumarraga, Schools Division of Samar, during School Year 2024–2025. Specifically, it described students’ reading comprehension proficiency in terms of comprehension strategies, vocabulary acquisition, and sentence structure analysis; assessed the incidence of domestic responsibilities in household maintenance and care, food-related activities, and economically productive tasks; and determined the relationships among these variables. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 216 Senior High School students selected through stratified random sampling from four public secondary schools. Data were collected using an adopted questionnaire and analyzed using weighted mean and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient. Results revealed that students demonstrated a satisfactory level of reading comprehension, with vocabulary acquisition obtaining the highest grand weighted mean (WM = 3.40), followed by sentence structure analysis (WM = 3.34) and comprehension strategies (WM = 3.23). In terms of domestic responsibilities, students were highly involved in household maintenance and care (WM = 3.55), moderately involved in food-related activities (WM = 2.99), and minimally involved in economically productive tasks. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between household maintenance and care and the reading comprehension domains (ρ = 0.355–0.390) and between food-related activities and comprehension domains (ρ = 0.240–0.316), while economic productive tasks showed very weak, non-significant relationships (ρ = 0.018–0.075). The findings suggest that moderate domestic responsibilities do not necessarily hinder students’ reading development and may, in turn, indirectly support discipline and learning.

Social Media Usage and Platforms Exposure Among Junior High School Students

Jacquilen Conde — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the relationship between students’ social media usage profile and their level of social media platforms exposure among Junior High School students in a district of the Schools Division of Samar. Specifically, it described students’ usage profile in terms of gadgets used, preferred platforms, duration, and purpose of use, and determined their level of exposure across cognitive, behavioral, and emotional aspects. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed involving 312 students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an adopted and validated questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Spearman’s rho correlation. Findings revealed that smartphones were the most commonly used devices, while Facebook/Messenger, TikTok, and YouTube were the most preferred platforms. Most students reported moderate daily usage (1–3 hours) and primarily used social media for communication, educational purposes, and entertainment. Students demonstrated a frequent level of exposure across cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dimensions, indicating that social media plays a meaningful role in their learning experiences, communication practices, and emotional engagement. Correlation analysis showed that gadgets used had a statistically significant but very weak relationship with social media platforms exposure, while preferred platforms, duration, and purpose of use were not significantly related. These results suggest that access to digital devices may slightly influence students’ engagement with social media for academic-related activities, but other usage factors have limited impact. The study highlights the importance of promoting responsible and balanced social media use to support students’ academic development and overall well-being.

Campus Journalists’ Aspirations and Lived Experiences Amid Limited Media Education Pathways in Samar, Philippine

Joan Baclay , Elmer Irene — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Campus journalism is instrumental in cultivating students’ competencies in writing, reporting, and civic engagement. In the Philippines, campus journalism is institutionalized as both an academic and civic pursuit through a Republic Act. Nevertheless, in Samar province, prospective student journalists encounter structural obstacles, notably the lack of journalism or media-related degree programs in local higher education institutions. This study investigates the lived experiences and aspirations of nine student journalists from basic and tertiary schools in Samar, supplemented by perspectives from two experienced campus journalism mentors. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through open-ended narrative interviews and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, with narrative analysis applied to identify individual turning points and processes of meaning-making. Four primary themes emerged: (1) external influences and internal motivations, (2) aspirations and realities in media futures, (3) barriers to accessing journalism education, and (4) adaptive strategies in pursuing media aspirations. The findings indicate that campus journalism supports identity formation, self-expression, and advocacy; however, students’ career ambitions are constrained by limited academic offerings, financial barriers, and geographic isolation. Despite these impediments, students engage with alternative platforms such as school publications, online content creation, and community media to maintain their involvement. The study underscores the necessity for institutional reforms, including the expansion of local journalism programs, provision of scholarships, and enhancement of alternative media platforms to promote equitable access to journalism education and foster youth aspirations.