Food security in terms of adequate quantity and quality of food to lead a healthy life must be considered as the prime function of a food system. This study aimed to investigate the microbial quality of street-vended foods and the factors predisposing to their contamination. Interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect data from 110 street vendors on their profile and hygiene practices. Standard methods were used for the enumeration of total bacterial counts and identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Examinations were made of 173 menu items, classified as snack foods, main dishes, sauces, and cold dishes. The microbial quality of most of the foods was within the acceptable limits (less than 5.0 log 10 cfu/g), but samples of buko juices, fruit salads, burger bun with spaghetti, and pansit with pork had unacceptable levels of contamination with a total mean log 10 cfu/g of 7.1, 7.0, 6.1, and 6.0 respectively. S. aureus was detected in 104 food samples (60.1%) and 69 contained E. coli (39.9 %). Time and temperature abuse, exposure of food to flies, and poor hygiene practices during preparation and serving were likely the risk factors for contamination. Vendors have to receive education and training on food hygiene to improve the safety of street foods in Ozamiz City and thereby heighten the safety of consumer.

<abstract> <p>Water is an essential element that sustains life on this planet, yet it is threatened by human activities. With little attention paid to the waterfall as a source of a domestic water supply and a tourist spot for recreation, this study was designed to investigate one of the waterfalls in Iligan City, Philippines: Dodiongan Falls. The location of the study is a neighborhood of the city garbage dumpsite that due to an uncontrollable situation, releases dark-colored secretion from the treatment box as has been verified by the residents in the area; this posed a threat to their food security and livelihood. Assessing the physicochemical parameters, heavy metal concentration and <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> counts is very crucial in interpreting its water quality. All parameters such as the pH, alkalinity, turbidity, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and the E. Coli test were done following the standard procedures. The results revealed that the pH, alkalinity, turbidity, total lead (less than 0.01 mg/L) and total mercury concentration (less than 0.001 mg/L) at the three sites were in conformity with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and Philippine national water quality standards. However, the E. Coli count has increased downstream from 220 to 1,600 MPN per 100 ml, which exceeded the standard limit. With these findings, it is paramount that the creation of a management plan be initiated as soon as possible by the different governmental agencies in order to bring back the life of Dodiongan Falls.</p> </abstract>