Ergonomics studies how people interact with other system components, thus ensuring that the task and individual are compatible. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading causes of poor ergonomics. Meanwhile, ABC Oil Mill is a producer of coconut oil and copra cake. Manual copra cake handling was one of the processes being observed in the company and chosen due to most workers encountering MSDs such as fatigue, back pain, shoulder pain, etc. The researchers used different ergonomic assessments such as the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) lifting analysis. Based on the result, REBA had a final score of seven (7), while RULA resulted in a score of ten (10), with an equivalent of High Risk, indicating that the process must be investigated, and change must be implemented. Moreover, the WISHA results show that the lifting index is greater than 1, denoting a high risk in the process. From the ergonomic assessment results, the researchers have developed a design of copra cake lifting equipment. Using the anthropometric data of the workers, some of the highlights of the designs are: (1) it is maneuverable with an adjustable platform; (2) with push buttons for the lift; and (3) with a motor that helps to lift the sacks.

Weed control in wetland paddy fields remains a challenge for Filipino rice farmers due to the limitations of manual and conventional mechanical weeders, especially in intra-row areas. This study introduces a Mechatronics Integrated Weeder designed for both intra-row and inter-row weeding, tailored for muddy field conditions in Barangay Pili, Sariaya, Quezon. The prototype features a galvanized cage wheel for traction, a float for stability, and an Arduino-controlled actuator for precise intra-row weeding. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) verified the structural integrity of key components, with maximum von Mises stress values (e.g., 1.11 MPa front, 28 MPa rear) far below material yield strengths. Field tests showed an average weeding efficiency of 77%, crop damage of 13.39%, and a field capacity of 0.032 ha/h at 1.9 km/h. Survey evaluations yielded high satisfaction scores: 4.33 for efficiency, 4.00 for functionality, and 5.00 for durability. Although the initial cost (∼P78,000) is higher than traditional tools, the long-term benefits include labor savings, improved productivity, and reduced fatigue. The prototype aligns with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, offering a sustainable, farmer-centered solution to modernize rice farming practices in rural communities.

Several studies have highlighted the impact of technostress and physical discomfort on employees' productivity. With the advent of virtual and flexible learning in the Philippines due to the Covid-19 pandemic, teaching and non-teaching employees became susceptible to physical discomfort and technostress. The study uses partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interplay of technostress and physical discomfort to employees' productivity at MSEUF campuses. The study's participants were the employees of MSEUF, including department heads, faculty, and non-teaching employees. The study employed quantitative research with a causal research design to measure the relationship between technostress, physical discomfort, and productivity. Using WarpPLS 8.0, the study measured the sampling adequacy using the Inverse-square root method and Gamma-exponential. Also, the measurement model and structural model were evaluated using reliability and validity tests like convergent and discriminant validity. The result shows that technostress positively affects physical discomfort with a moderate coefficient of determination (R 2) level. While technostress and physical discomfort significantly and negatively affect employees' productivity, with a moderate level of R 2. Furthermore, the result implies that during this shift in the educational systems in the Philippines, employees must be given enough support and assistance to perform at their full potential to deliver and be productive, despite the different challenges.