Assessing the adoption of a fully automated groundwater supply system in upland Cebu, Philippines: A mixed-methods study using the hybrid STS-TAM plus framework

This study examines the adoption of a fully automated groundwater supply system implemented in upland Cebu, Philippines, through a mixed-methods approach grounded in the integrated Science and Technology Studies-Technology Acceptance Model (STS–TAM Plus) framework. The framework extends traditional behavioral models by including environmental awareness and government support to capture socio-institutional influences on technology uptake. Quantitative modeling using Structural equation modeling identified Perceived Usefulness, Attitude Toward Technology, and Environmental Awareness as dominant predictors of adoption behavior. Mediation analysis revealed that perceived usefulness influenced behavioral intention primarily through attitudinal and environmental pathways, highlighting the role of psychological and emotional factors in shaping acceptance. Qualitative data from interviews and field observations supported the statistical results, revealing key sociotechnical dynamics such as financial barriers, trust-building, and the need for government support. Triangulation confirmed strong convergence between attitudinal and institutional factors, reinforcing the contextual validity of the model. The findings demonstrate that the successful adoption of fully automated groundwater supply system depends not only on user intention but also on systemic readiness, community participation, and institutional engagement offering actionable insights for designing sustainable, community-responsive water systems in resource-constrained and topographically complex regions.