Inflammatory diseases are normally treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which may cause adverse effects if used for prolonged periods. Thus, there is a need to search for alternative anti-inflammatory medicine. This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of C. iria Linn. roots ethanol extract. The extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using standard procedures. The anti-inflammatory activities were determined using the egg albumin denaturation assay and the human red blood cell membrane stabilization method while the cytotoxic activity was investigated using the brine shrimp lethality assay. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and saponins in the extract. Anti-inflammatory assays revealed that the extract has comparable results with the positive control (250 µg/ml Celecoxib) while being non-toxic. These results suggest that the synergetic actions of identified phytochemicals may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect on egg albumin and human red blood cells.

Rivers are known to be the emitters of waste in the world’s oceans. Most of the top ten rivers that contribute to the waste in the world’s oceans are situated in the Philippines indicating poor solid waste management in the country. Studies focusing on the pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities in the country are very limited. Thus, this study investigates the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the riverside communities along the Cotabato City rivers, Mindanao Island. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to determine the factors affecting the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors (n = 387). Results showed that Attitude (ATT) and Subjective Norms (SN) have significant direct effects on the intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors among the respondents. Moderation analysis showed that gender has significant effects on the relationship between Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) and Intention (IN) to implement pro-environmental behaviors. The results of this study may provide insights into the policy design to promote and enhance the resident’s intention to implement pro-environmental behaviors for river conservation and protection. Extending the TPB model to assess other internal and external factors that may affect pro-environmental behaviors is recommended for future studies.

The Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) is a vulnerable species, endemic to the Philippines. The need of local people for food and land has led to the endangerment of the Philippine duck populations through illegal hunting and the conversion of wetlands to aquaculture and farmland. This study was conducted to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) of residents (n = 500) in Maguindanao provinces for the conservation of the Philippine duck and the effects of conservation attitude and knowledge toward the Philippine duck, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, on WTP. The mean annual WTP for Philippine duck conservation was USD 0.60, and the total estimated annual amount that could be collected was USD 134 thousand when projected based on the number of households in the Maguindanao provinces. A positive conservation attitude and high knowledge increased the WTP for Philippine duck conservation. Females, pet owners, and those with higher income pledged a higher WTP than males, non-pet owners, and those with lower income. This study revealed that local residents are supportive of the conservation of the vulnerable duck populations by paying a considerable amount. These results are critical for designing and implementing outreach programs for increasing awareness and the acquisition of funds urgently needed for the protection and conservation of the remaining Philippine duck population in the area.