Slongan is the official research journal published by the Research and Publication Office (RPO) of Cor Jesu College. Slongan is a B’laan word for treasure chest where one puts important documents, memorabilia, and other precious items for safekeeping. Like a slongan, the office considers this publication a fusion of researches in the difference academic disciplines essential to the continuing development of higher education. However, unlike treasures in a slongan, these researches will not be kept but will be disseminated in the most applicable method determined by the center. The articles published in the journal are peer reviewed. RPO and its network of experts in the region works through a publication process to ensure the readability and replicability of the published research papers. Through the Slongan, RPO commits to its mission of generating knowledge to improve the human condition and facilitate transformative education and development.
Cor Jesu College Research and Publication Office
Fears, Motivation, and Strategies of Guidance Counselors in Handling Clients with Suicidal Tendencies
Across the globe, suicide is now a typical behavior among the youth in the contemporary period. This phenomenon challenges school guidance counselors on how they reach out to suicidal clients effectively. However, as they help suicidal clients overcome their unresolved issues, they are also vulnerable to the counseling sessions. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to explore the fears, motivations, and strategies of guidance counselors in handling clients with suicidal tendencies. Using purposive sampling, nine (9) key informants willingly participated in the semi-structured interviews. Results revealed three themes as regards their fears. They were (1) apprehensive about suicidal clients' wellbeing, (2) occupational vulnerability, and the (3) adverse effects of counseling suicidal clients. Furthermore, there were two emerging themes as regards their motivations. These were (1) professional calls to help and (2) counseling as an instrument for change. Lastly, two themes were extracted for their strategies, namely, (1) reliance on counseling tools and techniques and (2) provision of a support system.
Copyright (c) 2021 Darwin F. Ignacio, Ida G. Tudy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Philippine K to 12 Implementation: Difficulties and Coping Strategies of Public Elementary School Administrators
K to 12 curriculum created novel challenges among educators, parents, students, school administrators, and stakeholders. Thus, this study described the difficulties and coping strategies of elementary school administrators in dealing with the K to 12 program implementation. This study employed the qualitative phenomenological research design, which included twelve (12) school administrators in Davao del Sur in selected public elementary schools. Key Informant Interview was utilized to gather necessary data to bring out the difficulties and coping strategies of elementary school administrators on the K to 12 implementation in the Philippines. Results revealed that participants experienced scarcity of learning materials, lack of training and orientations, low-quality materials, and additional workload. Despite the challenges, school administrators find ways to mitigate their current situation, such as employing innovative strategies, social support systems, and personal coping strategies. The results of this study would bridge to future research about the experiences of other school administrators, teachers, and students who had undergone the K to 12 curriculum.
Copyright (c) 2021 Ruby Jean A. Blasabas, Maria Vinice O. Sumaljag https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
No Signal: Social Media Marketing Challenges in Academic Libraries
The growing underutilization of library resources and services has prompted colleges and universities to apply marketing strategies like social media to keep libraries relevant and responsive to their stakeholders' needs. This phenomenological study aimed to explore librarians' challenges and strategies in marketing academic libraries in the Davao region using social media. Data were gathered through key informant interviews with nine librarians who were purposively selected based on the study’s inclusion criteria. Results showed that social media marketing has become a trend among libraries and entails challenges. Five themes emerged: accessibility, no clear social media marketing plan, lack of user engagement, additional tasks, and issues and concerns in library social media. Librarians used common marketing strategies such as orientation and instruction and cited innovative strategies and best practices in promoting their library through social media. Lastly, librarians have gained insights in marketing academic libraries using social media, presented into four themes: enhanced library image, improved library services, gaining new skills, and developing a sense of responsibility. To further strengthen social media use in academic libraries, librarians are urged to formulate and intensify a social media marketing plan as a basis for future library social media marketing activities.
Copyright (c) 2021 Marjorie T. Jorillo, Maria Lorena M. Abangan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Information Skills and Media Literacy Instruction to Misinformation Evaluation Skills Among College Students
Accurate information is vital to the lives of every student. Thus, being able to distinguish between correct and erroneous information is a necessity. Hence, this descriptive-correlation research aimed to determine whether information skills and media literacy instruction can significantly influence the misinformation evaluation skills. The researchers administered adapted and patterned survey questionnaires to one hundred forty-one (141) BLIS college students from Regions XI and XII. Results revealed that students-respondents have high proficiency in information skills, namely computer skills, information literacy skills, and browsing and navigation skills. They have also received outstanding media literacy instruction, and they are highly skillful in evaluating and identifying misinformation. Moreover, using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, findings revealed that both of the two independent variables, namely Information Skills and Media Literacy Instruction, can significantly influence the respondents' misinformation evaluation skills. These findings serve as the basis to further strengthen the students' information skills, and media literacy instruction as these variables positively affect college students' skills in evaluating misinformation.
Copyright (c) 2021 Eva Carla F. Gadia, Ida G. Tudy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strangers' Battle: Adversities and Coping Mechanisms of Library Paraprofessionals Managing School Libraries
This phenomenological qualitative research focused on library paraprofessionals’ adversities and their coping mechanisms managing a school library. Nine (9) library paraprofessionals from the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental took part in this study through Key Informant Interviews (KII) . Results revealed that they wrestled with heavy workloads, lack of training and background in library management, poor implementation of RA 9246, and absence of training opportunities. In coping with these, they developed a strong support system and have kept a positive attitude towards their work. They also gained insights, presented into three (3) themes: making the library a priority, keeping a positive attitude and collaborating with library organizations. To fully attain effective and efficient school library services, the Department of Education (DepEd) called for the strict implementation of Republic Act 9246. Also, librarians are prompted to collaborate with professional organizations in advocating and standing for the strong implementation of the said law.
Copyright (c) 2021 Jennifer M. Reyes, Ida G. Tudy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EMPLOYING CONCRETE-REPRESENTATION-ABSTRACT APPROACH IN ENHANCING MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE
This quasi-experimental research study aims to determine the effect of two teaching approaches—the concrete-representation-abstract approach and conventional approach—in enhancing the performance of students in Mathematics. Participants were grouped into a control group that was exposed to the conventional approach and experimental group that was exposed to the CRA approach. Pre-test and post-test of the two groups were gathered and analyzed using mean, paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results revealed that there was no significant difference found between the pre-test mean scores of the experimental group and the control group. A significant difference was established between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of the students in both the control and experimental group. Lastly, there was a significant difference between the post-test mean scores of the control group and the experimental group while controlling the pre-test scores. It was also found out that the CRA approach had a higher mean score than the conventional teaching approach. Thus, the CRA approach found to be better than the conventional in enhancing students’ mathematics performance.
concrete-representation-abstract approach
Copyright (c) 2020 Cristian Tenebro Camañan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GRADUAL RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITY APPROACH IN IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is fun but very challenging to teach. Several studies reported different teaching approaches that are considered effective in enhancing students’ performance in Mathematics. This quasi-experimental design of the study aims to determine the effects of the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) Approach in improving the performance of students in Mathematics, particularly in lesson Geometry 7. The subjects were grouped into a control group that was exposed to the Traditional Teaching Approach Employed by the School and experimental group, which was exposed to the GRR approach. Data gathered were analyzed using mean, t-test for independent sample, paired sample t-test, and ANCOVA. Results revealed that before the implementation of the approaches, both levels of proficiency of the groups are at the beginning level, which implies that they were struggling in their understanding due to lack of essential knowledge and skill on the topics. The results showed that there is an improvement in the performance of students in Mathematics after being exposed to the GRR approach and traditional teaching approach. The post-test performance of the control group found to be at the developing level of proficiency while the experimental group found to be at the approaching proficient level. Finally, the study indicated that there was a significant difference in the posttest mean scores between the control and experimental groups with pre-test mean scores covariates. The findings revealed that the GRR approach could improve the Mathematics performance of students. Based on the result of this study, the Gradual Release of Responsibility Approach is recommended to be used as an approach in teaching Mathematics.
Copyright (c) 2020 Jun Mark R. Panlaan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROCONTROLLER LABORATORY TRAINER MODULE FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS
The knowledge of microcontrollers to engineering students is essential since it will help them in the development of their prototypes for their design projects. The idea of this study was to develop a laboratory trainer board using the Arduino microcontroller kit. The developed laboratory trainer module covers sensors, motor, Bluetooth modules, switches, and displays. The laboratory module evaluation was assessed through the finished projects using the trainer module. Students were given a survey questionnaire after performing experiments. Based on the results, the microcontroller trainer module was essential in helping students learn hardware programming and microcontroller interfacing.
Copyright (c) 2020 Juvy Amor M. Galindo, Jamie Eduardo C. Rosal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ACCELERATION DATA LOGGING SYSTEM FOR STRUCTURALHEALTH MONITORING USING TRIAXIAL MEMS ACCELEROMETER
A structural health monitoring system for midrise structures prototype developed for monitoring building vibration and health is presented. An accelerometer sensor connected to a computer was used for collecting and monitoring acceleration data on structural beams of midrise buildings. The prototype provides information and representation of the acceleration vibration of Z Axes on a midrise structure.
Copyright (c) 2020 Jamie Eduardo C. Rosal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AUTO-SHIFT APPLICATION PILOT (ASaP) CONTROL SYSTEM: AN INNOVATION PROJECT FOR A STUDENT DRIVER FRIENDLY AND SAFER DRIVING VEHICLE
The facilitation of effective driving lessons is the preoccupation of every Technical Vocational Education (TVE) institution offering a driving competency program. It is observed that with one steering wheel driving unit, the driving lessons are delayed since both student driver and driving instructor will take turns positioning in the same steering wheel during demonstration and application of driving competencies. Likewise, the safety of both student driver and driving instructor is at stake since the driver instructor’s control of the student driver’s manipulation of the steering wheel and pedals is done only through verbal instruction. This development study aimed to innovate an Auto-Shift Application Pilot (ASaP) control system for a driver student-friendly and a safer driving vehicle. ASaP controls the functioning of the two sets of steering wheels and two sets of pedals, respectively, for the student driver and driving instructor to facilitate teaching-learning of car driving competencies. Using quantitative and qualitative descriptive design, test and evaluation of the functionality and aesthetic design of ASaP control system were conducted to 5 driver instructors and 15 student driver respondents. Results showed that ASaP control system is functional in its set-up and needs enhancement in its aesthetic design. It is recommended that this ASaP control system be installed in a manually transmitted school driving vehicle for a student driver-friendly and safer school driving lessons.
Copyright (c) 2020 Site Administrator https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Employers’ Satisfaction on the Performance of New College Graduates
Employers’ feedback on the performance of new college graduates is an important piece of information that schools must consider to determine the relevance and responsiveness of their curriculum, programs, and services. This study aimed to determine the satisfaction of employers on the performance of new college graduates of Cor Jesu College, Philippines. It employed descriptive research design. The respondents were purposely chosen who were managers and personnel in-charge of 40 companies and institutions in Davao region. Results revealed that all 19 skills (Specific job-related knowledge, Specific job-related skills, Oral communication, Written communications, Comprehension, Math skills, Computer skills, Critical thinking, Problem solving, Research and analysis, Teamwork, Organization and planning, Time management, Quality of work, Productivity, Creative and Innovative, Adaptable, Responsible and Character ) received highly satisfactory rating. Moreover, it can be argued that technical skills, such as computer skills, and soft skills (character) were among the top skills that the employers recognized among the graduates of Cor Jesu College. The results affirmed the effectiveness of the school’s rigid training in response to the skills needed in the industry. The implication of the study on the continuous improvement in the curriculum, programs, and services are discussed.
Education, Employer Satisfaction, Job Performance, Character, Computer skills, Descriptive, Philippines
Factors Affecting College Enrolment of Cor Jesu College for Academic Years 1992-2008
The study mainly sought to determine factors affecting college enrolment of Cor Jesu College for academic year 1992-1993 to academic year 2008-2009. Specifically, it wanted to establish growth and levels of enrolment of the school as well as its income and tuition elasticities. The study proposed two models to explain the variation of college enrolment. The first model showed per capita income, college-bound population, tuition, academic programs and major course offerings as predictors of first semester enrolment. Data from the Nursing Department and Weekend College were excluded because of tuition differential. The second model used the same set of predictors as found in the first model except tuition in order to accommodate data on enrolment, academic programs and major courses from Nursing and Weekend College. Using the mean, the average first-semester college enrolment was, 1,784 students and its average annual growth was a negative 1.3 percent. The computed tuition elasticity was negative 0.89 and typical income elasticity was a negative figure. Using multiple regression analysis, the study found that per capita income and college-bound population were significant predictors of the first model and only academic program was the significant predictor of the second model.
academic programs, enrolment factors, income and tuition elasticities
Too Much or Too Little Water: Adaptation Pathways of Agusan Marsh Communities
The study was undertaken to explore what measures the communities need to undertake to reduce their vulnerabilities and increase their capacities in the face of changing climate regimes. Focus was on the adaptive pathways of the Agusan marsh communities, particularly populated with indigenous peoples. In the face of critical water needs in the marshlands and the local context, emerging long-term adaptive strategies of the communities include (1) developing appropriate infrastructures for resource provisioning that can withstand the seasonal fluctuations and changing climate regimes in the region, and (2) developing a garbage disposal or sanitation system that is appropriate for perennially flooded or permanently floating communities.
adaptation, climate changes, marsh, vulnerabilities
Teachers’ Caring Behavior and Students’ General Achievement Goal Orientation
The study determined the significant relationship of teachers’ caring behavior and students’ general achievement goal orientation. The standardized instrument Teachers’ Caring Behavior Survey measured the caring behaviors that teachers manifest to students, while the survey of Students General Achievement Goal Orientation measured the educational goals of high school students. Results revealed that the level of the high school teachers’ caring behavior was rated moderate in terms of anxiety reduction, willingness to listen, rewarding good behavior, and appropriate use of criticism while only the category being a friend showed low rating. Students exhibited highly motivated goals in the categories mastery goal, performance goal, and social goal. Per year level analysis reveals insignificant difference on teachers’ caring behavior to students’ general achievement goal orientation.
achievement, goal orientation, high school, teachers’ caring behavio
Factors Affecting Students' Decision to Drop Out of School
Dropping out is a serious problem because it denies individual students their fundamental human right to education. The study aims to find out the reasons why students drop out of school and the factors that contribute to the high dropout rate in order to provide a programme design to identify mode of interventions to address the problem. It is a descriptive-correlational and comparative type of research. Descriptively, results revealed that financial resources were the major reason why students drop out of school. Inferentially, result showed significant differences in terms of policies and practices, student-teacher relationship, financial resources and academic performance except the nature of the curriculum which shows no significant difference by the number of times the students dropped from school year 2010-2011 to school year 2012-2013, while age, civil status and sources of tuition payment are contributory factors that lead students to drop out of school.
dropout, policies and practices, student-teacher relationship, nature of the school curriculum, financial resources.
Preferred Learning Styles of Criminology Students
Over the past decades, knowledge on the students’ learning styles gained interest among educators. Several studies considered learning styles as predictors to academic performance. This study aimed to investigate on the learning styles of criminology students of Cor Jesu College. It employed descriptive quantitative research design using the instrument developed by Andrew D. Cohen, Rebecca L. Oxford, and Julie C. Chi. Results showed that the respondents were visual, introverted, random-intuitive, closure-oriented, particular, synthesizing, sharpener, deductive, field-independent and reflective. They also considered themselves as both metaphoric and literal. The respondents were also consistent when it came to preferred learning style regardless of sex, except for field-independent for males and field-dependent for females. Hence, it can be argued that the respondents can easily be grouped according to their preferred styles. The result served as a useful feedback to students to maximize their potentials and preferences and for teachers to tailor their teaching strategies in line with the learning styles of the students. On a larger scale, it is important that in the revision of curriculum the school should consider the learning preferences of the students for it to be adaptive, effective and relevant.
Learning Styles, Criminology, Social Science, Descriptive Study, Philippines
A Rapid Assessment on the Industry Needs of Davao del Sur
Job mismatch continues to be a problem in many countries and it poses a real challenge to the academe. In the Philippines, the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) imposes a moratorium on selected courses. One of the main reasons of this action is job mismatch. This study aimed to determine the needs of the industries in the province of Davao del Sur. It employed qualitative design using the a Rapid Assessment Process (RAP). Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) of human resource managers or recruitment in-charge of participating companies were conducted. The findings revealed that computer literacy, oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, possession of the required industry-specific skills and good character are essential factors the industries look for when hiring a potential employee. These industries also expressed expansion plans which would mean additional manpower in the near future. These identified core skills, except for some industry specific skills, are provided in the curriculum of the schools within the province. Moreover, the implementation of the K to 12 Program, which integrates TESDA competencies, is a welcome development. However, the schools must level up and address the specific needs in order to be relevant and responsive to the needs of the industries.
Business Management, Industry Needs, Rapid Appraisal Process, Philippines
Assessment of the Hospitality Education Program in Digos City: Basis for Training Enrichment
This study was conducted to assess the hospitality education program of Schools in Digos City to provide a basis for developmental and training interventions. The study utilized descriptive-evaluative research methods and employed universal sampling techniques in respondent selection that included administrators, teachers and students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one–way ANOVA. The study revealed that implementation of best practices in hospitality education program in Digos City have moderate implementation of best practices. The overall response of the respondents in terms of the extent of implementation of hospitality education program is 3.17 or satisfactory . The Study also concluded that there is significant difference on the level of hospitality education program in the four schools rated in terms of curriculum program, logistics and approaches, teaching pedagogy and linkages and network when grouped according to schools
Hotel and Restaurant Management, Hospitality Education, Descriptive-Comparative, Philippines
Skills and Career Interests of Grade VI Pupils
Unemployment or job-mismatch remains a concern for governments and service providers. This study was geared towards identifying the skills and career interests of Grade VI pupils. It employed a descriptive research design using research-made questionnaires. The participants were from the top seven feeder schools of Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Philippines. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages. The skills they wanted to develop in high school are computer and IT related skills. The programs students preferred to pursue in college were Business Management, Engineering and Architecture and Computer Science. Licensure examination, facilities and accessibility are factors to influence them to choose a college while employability as a factor in choosing a program. Cor Jesu College, Ateneo de Davao University and University of Mindanao were the top three preferred tertiary institutions. The respondents saw themselves managing their own business or working in a company in the future. After college, they were almost equally divided whether to work abroad or remain in the country. It appeared that the young pupils had inclinations towards computer and allied technology skills which were consistent with their career preference. The result of the study will have a big implication for schools offering K to 12 and college programs.
Business and Management, Skills and Career, Descriptive Method, Philippines
Exceeding the Usual: Struggles and Coping Mechanisms of Parents with Differently-abled Children
It is unplanned for parents to have children with disabilities and this certain phenomenon has been studied across the globe for years. Studies reported that parents with differently-abled children went through bigger challenges, and they experienced rough terrains in their situation.The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to discover the struggles and coping mechanisms of parents having differently-abled children. We employed a qualitative design using phenomenological approach. Through purposive sampling, fifteen (15) participants willingly responded to questions regarding the struggles they encountered as parents of differently-abled children and their coping mechanisms through a key informant interview technique. Results revealed six themes as regards their struggles. Participants were challenged communicating with the child, stressed of child’s frequent sickness, troubled about child’s misdemeanor, wounded with the slur of bullying and rejection, burdened financially, and strained emotionally. Furthermore, eight themes emerged as their coping mechanisms. A range of struggles experienced by the parents impacted them and their family. Furthermore, coping mechanisms applied by parents were geared towards children’s well-being. And, they served as their weapons in overcoming their day-to-day struggles.
Social Science, struggles of parents, coping mechanisms, differently-abled children, qualitative study, phenomenology, Philippines
English Language Learning, Strategy Use and Academic Performance of College Students
English language remains to be the dominant language use and acceptable globally. However, in school, language teachers observed that students have difficulty in learning this language. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between English language learning and strategy use and academic performance of college students. It employed descriptive correlational design. Questionnaires in English Language Learning and Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) were used to gather the data. Results revealed that the levels of English language learning and strategy use were both rated as high. On the other hand, the academic performance in English 121 (Speech and Oral Communication) of the college students was developing. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between academic performance and strategy use, but no relationship existed between academic performance and English language learning. It implied that students’ use of strategies in learning the language would matter much about their English 121 grades. However, despite a high rating in their English language learning, it did not have any relationship with their academic performance. For educators, the result of the study could give a clear indication of the importance of helping students master the use of strategies in English language learning to maximize their skills and knowledge, and to improve their academic performance.
Education, English Language Learning, Strategy Use, Academic Performance, Correlation, Philippines
Employability and the Contribution of Learned Competencies and Catholic Education in the Workplace for the Graduates of Cor Jesu College
Employability of graduates is one of the measures of success for any school. This study aimed at determining the employability and the contribution of learned competencies and Catholic education in the workplace for the graduates of Cor Jesu College. It employed descriptive research design. Frequency and percentages were used in analyzing the data. Results showed that almost 86.7% of the graduates are employed. Most of them worked under an employer, had a permanent or regular status and mostly belonged to the rank and file. About 2/3 of them worked in the government sector, and the vast majority worked in the Philippines. They got their job through a recommendation of someone or by merely being a walk-in applicant. The majority also landed a job within six months after graduation. Their first job was related to the course they took up in the school. The range of their current salary was within 5,000-15,000 pesos. The top three competencies learned in school that were helpful in the workplace were communication skills, human relation skills, and information technological skills. They also considered their Catholic education as a factor that helped them in their professional life. The result affirmed the quality of Catholic education that Cor Jesu College had offered particularly in preparing students for the world of work. The implication of this study was for the school to look into the school initiated job opportunities and to explore on courses related to public administration
Education, Tracer Study, Employability, Catholic Education, Descriptive Study, Cor Jesu College, Philippines
Reading Speed and Texts Comprehension among Senior High School
Reading is a necessary skill any student should master before moving forward to learn other competencies in English learning. However, reading skill is not just about the ability to articulate the words. It is also understanding the meaning. This research investigates the correlation between Reading Speed and Reading Comprehension Text of the 12th Grade Students of two Senior High Schools in Nagekeo Regency, namely SMAK Baleriwu Danga (private school) and SMAN 1 Aesesa (public school). It employs a quantitative correlational research design. The respondents were all the third grade students of Language Program as a sample with the total number of 51, 21 from SMAK and 30 for SMAN 1 students. Results showed a strong correlation between reading speed and reading comprehension for SMAK Baleriwu Danga (.877) and SMAN 1 Aesesa (.926). Both schools, therefore, revealed a strong correlation between reading speed and reading comprehension. The implication of study is for teachers, as the main simulators in the teaching learning process, to continue giving more opportunities for students to practice reading to increase reading speed and reading comprehension.
reading speed, reading comprehension, correlation, correlation, Indonesia
Coping Mechanisms of Philippine Students Left Behind by OFW Parents
Many students nowadays are experiencing school life without the presence of their parents. While many children have shown a decline in classroom performance while parents are away, many were also found to have performed excellently through various mechanisms. This study employed descriptive-correlational research design to investigate the influence of coping mechanisms towards the academic performance of students with OFW parents. A survey was conducted to students who were performing academically high for the school year 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Survey questionnaires were given to 142 students from Catholic schools in Davao del Sur while Key Informant Interviews were done to another ten students. Using Multiple Regression Analysis, it was determined that out of the eight coping mechanisms tested only three were found to be significant, namely: active coping, planning and using instrumental support. Based on the findings, it is recommended that schools must define policies that would support the creation of a separate program for students with OFW parents with an emphasis on the significant predictors.
Guidance and counseling, academic performance, descriptive-correlational design, Multiple Regression Analysis, Philippines