Abstract-This study aimed to assess drinking water quality of the different water sources in Barangays Vigo, Yapas and Tinoblan in Laoang Northern Samar. Water sources were: deep well, pump well and communal faucets. Water quality is based on the physical, chemical and bacteriological properties for each of the eight sampling stations. Three sampling periods were made at an interval of at least 15 days from January-February, 2012. Findings revealed that most water sources were within the permissible limits in terms of color, odor, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrite. However, hardness and alkalinity were beyond the allowable limits. All water samples were positive for fecal coliforms. Thus, this study concludes that all water sources tested are not safe and not potable.

Pain has always been a cause of concern to humans. People often searched for remedy from plants because of the many documented side effects of commercial medicines. This study was conducted to determine the analgesic efficacy of the root decoction of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) found in Mondragon Northern Samar. Acetic acid-induced writhing method was used to test the analgesic activity of polipog. Writhing test is a chemical method used to induce pain of peripheral origin by injection of irritant (ex. acetic acid). The manifestations of abdominal writhing in mice were described as an arching of back, extension of hind limbs and contraction of abdominal musculature. Analgesic activity of the test compound is inferred from decrease in the frequency of writhing.  From the results obtained, polipog is comparable to the commercially available drugs in terms of analgesic efficacy.

A cough is a sudden and often repetitive reflex that helps clear the air passages from secretions, irritants, and foreign particles, including microbes. Coughing can be due to a respiratory tract infection or choking, smoking, air pollution, asthma, chronic bronchitis, medications, and a   variety of many other factors which becomes an emerging health problem in the globe. This study investigated the role of Salacia korthalsiana Miq. (Polipog) root decoction as anti-coughing agent through screening and partial characterization of secondary metabolite. The physical properties determined in the root sample were: boiling point 99.3 , brownish red in color with a pleasant odor; pH 5.86 and soluble in water and ethanol which makes the Polipog root extract polar. Phytochemical screening was used for the determination of active chemical properties for anti-cough. Further, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the active functional group for anti-cough. Among the chemical properties determined for anti-cough only steroids and saponins are present, which is an antitussive and expectorant agent. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis showed that the main functional groups present are:  the amine and ethers, which are medically active for medicinal purposes. Therefore, Polipog roots are positively active for anti-cough.