University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
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Participatory video as a capacity-building tool on disaster risk reduction management: the case of a Philippine rurban youth group in Bay, Laguna
No full textThis study aimed to explore a youth-led participatory video (PV) process as a strategy for building the capacity of youth in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) in a Philippine urban community. The study’s main research problem is: What constitutes a youth-led PV process? Specifically, it aimed to 1) describe a youth-led PV production process, 2) identify emergent characteristics of a youth-led PV process, and 3) examine features that explain how a PV process capacitates youth in DRRM. A series of DRRM and PV training workshops were conducted from January to March 2019 with a selected group of youth in Barangay San Antonio, Bay, Laguna. Qualitative interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation were also conducted with key stakeholders in the community. The emergent features of the PV process include creating communication strategies for youth participants, dovetailing project activities, sharing control between youth and adults, drawing out ideas and giving feedback, choosing the appropriate software for video editing, and including fun in the process. The PV process enhanced the knowledge and skills of youth in both DRRM and PV production, established a new core group in DRRM, and boosted their confidence in carrying out their assigned tasks efficiently. Knowledge of a youthled PV process and its emergent features can guide PV practitioners and researchers toward conducting more engaging PV projects with youth participants
Assessment of the Effect of Formal Credit Access on the Level of Adoption of Modern Rice Technologies and Farm Income of Rice Farmers in Calauan, Laguna, 2023
No full textCredit has a fundamental role in stimulating development in the agricultural sector by empowering capital-constrained rice farmers to have the ability to invest in productive inputs. The study primarily assessed the effect of formal credit access on the level of adoption of modern rice technologies and farm income of rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna. Specifically, the study sought to (1) establish the level of access to formal credit and level of adoption of modern rice technologies; (2) evaluate farmers’ perceptions of credit availment from formal financial institution; (3) determine the key factors affecting access to formal credit; (4) assess the effect of formal credit accessibility on the level of adoption of modern rice technology and farm income; and (5) recommend potential approaches and strategies to improve both credit accessibility and adoption of modern rice technologies. The cropping period covered in this study were the dry and wet seasons of 2023. Primary data were gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. Seventy-one randomly selected rice farmers were interviewed from the three barangays in Calauan, Laguna: Bangyas, Dayap, and Masiit. The direct elicitation approach was used to classify the respondents into credit-constrained and credit-unconstrained. The level of technology adoption among the respondents was determined based on the scores they accumulated from adopting specific modern rice technologies. They were then categorized as high, moderate, low, or no adoption. The study found that about half of the respondents were credit-unconstrained. The remaining respondents faced credit constraints, primarily due to lack of collateral. Rice farmers primarily perceived the process of obtaining formal credit as too stringent and complex. However, they saw formal credit as a more secure option compared to informal sources. Binary logistic regression identified household size, collateral, borrowing procedures, choice of institutions, and bank proximity as key factors that influenced access to formal credit among rice farmers. Tobit regression results indicated that access to formal credit and education level significantly impact the adoption of modern rice technology. The cost and return analysis revealed that high-technology adopters had the highest costs but also had the highest yield, revenue, net return, and return on investment. Moreover, Fisher’s exact test indicated no significant relationship between formal credit utilization and farm productivity. However, there was a significant association between formal credit utilization and farm income, suggesting that utilizing credit to adopting technology impacts the level of farm income among rice farmers. Based on the results, the study recommended the following: (1) introduce alternative forms of collateral; (2) streamline the credit application process; (3) design financial products, services and programs catering the needs and capacities of farmers with large families; (4) introduce agent and digital banking services; (5) foster partnerships between formal financial institutions and farmers’ organization, and (6) create initiatives to improve financial literacy of farmers and their knowledge on modern rice technologies
Assessing the Effect of E-Arise-Arbs Program on the Socio-Economic Condition of Beneficiaries in Laguna, 2019-2021
No full textTo make credit more accessible to agrarian reform beneficiaries, especially to those who were adversely impacted by risks and uncertainties, DAR, in collaboration with LBP, created a loan program named E-ARISE-ARBs. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of the program on the socio-economic condition of beneficiaries in Laguna, specifically: (1) describe the operation and implementation of E-ARISE-ARBs program, (2) profile the socio-economic condition of beneficiaries, (3) assess the credit utilization rate and loan repayment performance of the beneficiaries, (4) analyze the effect of the program on the income and quality of life of beneficiaries, (5) determine the variables associated with the recovery of ARBs, and (6) provide recommendations to improve the implementation of E-ARISE ARBs program or similar credit programs based on the results of the study.
The study was conducted in two ARBOs in Laguna availing loans from E-ARISE- ARBs. Interviews were conducted with 68 ARBs, both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, who were affected by Typhon Ulysses. Descriptive analysis, degree of credit utilization, loan repayment rate analysis, cost and returns analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test were employed as analytical tools. Most of the respondents experienced crop damages. Hence, agri-enterprise loans were the type of loan availed by beneficiaries. Amount of loan applied ranged from PhP5,000 to PhP40,000. Beneficiaries were generally satisfied with the implementation of the program. Using Fisher’s Exact Test, it was found that loan repayment performance was proven to be positively related to degree of credit utilization. Regarding the effect of the program on net farm income and quality of life, results of the Mann-Whitney U Test showed that there was no significant difference between percent change in net farm income of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. However, using Fisher’s Exact Test, it was found that quality of life was positively associated with the loan program. Delinquency issues were raised by the cooperatives regarding the loan repayment of beneficiaries. Hence, it was recommended to underscore the adverse consequences of poor credit standing to beneficiaries with unpaid loans and create initiatives for them to participate in seminars about budgeting. Before extending the implementation of the program, it was recommended to conduct a thorough review on its implementation to ensure a significant positive impact on the beneficiaries\u27 net farm income and standard of living. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen ARBOs\u27 loan repayment policies prior to extending the program to address delinquency issues
Market Potential of Hydroponic Lettuce in Los Baños, Laguna, 2024
No full textThe study was conducted to assess the market potential of hydroponic lettuce in Los Baños, Laguna. A total of 100 household food decision-maker respondents were selected through systematic random sampling, and 11 out of 18 food establishments were identified by complete enumeration. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using survey questionnaires, while data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, estimation of market potential, and chi-square test. Resultsshowed that the household food decision-makers were comprised of young, female adults, who had 11 to 14 years of formal education, were married, had 4 to 6 household members, and were earning less than PhP10,957. For the food establishments, business characteristics varied in terms of the type of business, years in business ranged from 1 to 9 years in operation, the scale of the business was mostly micro-businesses, and their monthly income ranged from PhP5,000 to PhP150,000. They use lettuce as a side dish for their rice meals, salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, burritos, and bentos. Respondent’s awareness showed that only 50 percent were aware of hydroponics from household consumers while 81.82 percent of food establishments. Their source of awareness came from social media or the internet. Household respondents had a low level of knowledge regarding hydroponics, while food establishment respondents had a low to moderate level of knowledge. Despite their knowledge level, both perceived hydroponic lettuce positively. Results also showed that the majority of the household respondents and food establishment respondents were willing to pay for hydroponic lettuce. In terms of their lettuce buying pattern, most of the household consumers bought 1 to 5 pieces and 1 to 2 times a month. The majority purchased their lettuce from the wet market. For food establishment respondents, most of them used 8 to 121 lettuce pieces, purchased 8 to 95 lettuce pieces and a frequency of 3 to 9 times a month, and spent PhP250 to PhP1,449 in a month. Most of them got their lettuce from Los Baños, specifically at the public market or at the Pamilihang Bayan ng Batong Malake. The Chi-square test showed that civil status and awareness had a significant relationship with willingness to pay. The market potential for household consumers per month at the lowest price WTP ranged from PhP 12,806.80 to PhP998,930.40; at current selling price of PhP35 is PhP3,944,494.40; and at the highest price WTP ranged from PhP76,840.80 to PhP1,120,595.00. For institutional buyers, the market potential per month at the lowest price WTP ranged from PhP 196.34 to PhP23,364.94; at current selling price of PhP35 is PhP 40,665.96; and at the highest price WTP ranged from PhP10,308.06 to PhP26,702.78. It can be concluded that hydroponic lettuce had market potential in Los Baños, Laguna for household consumers, compared to institutional buyers. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended to launch educational campaigns, allocate R&D funds, and implement a certification system to increase awareness and knowledge. Additionally, implementing a dynamic pricing strategy and production flexibility was recommended to maintain competitiveness of hydroponic lettuce
The Influence of ICT Adoption on Enhancing Labor Productivity: A Panel Analysis of APEC Developed and Developing Economies
No full textThe study centers around deriving the effects of ICT adoption on labor productivity in APEC economies, classified into their development levels. It is driven by the observed rise of highly advanced technologies. It responds to the dispute regarding the pre-conceived threats of technology widening the existing divide between rich and poor countries. Growing literature had claimed otherwise, saying that developing economies were already benefitting from ICT as much as developed economies were. The purpose of the study was to confirm whether it is true that developing economies have started to catch up with developed economies. The study is underpinned by the New Growth Theory of Paul Romer, which is an extension of the Solow and Swan Growth model by including endogeneity. Due to the limited availability of data on technology, the study uses ICT indicators, broadband subscriptions, mobile subscriptions, and internet users as the main variables of interest. Their relationship against labor productivity was mainly determined using the RE Regression and is further compared to the relationship of labor productivity to its indicators—GCF, FDI, R&D, and tertiary education. Further, ARDL was used as an attempt to draw out the lagged effects of ICT. The trend of all variables was observed through an in-depth descriptive analysis. Main findings show that the relationship of broadband subscriptions and mobile subscriptions to labor productivity is significant and negative in developed economies. The relationship of internet users to labor productivity in developed economies, on the other hand, is significant and positive. As for the other labor productivity indicators; the relationship of GCF to labor productivity confirms the lagged effects of ICT, with lags of more than one year. Tertiary enrollment and R&D also confirm their positive and significant relationship with labor productivity
Impacts of Mobility Restrictions on Food-Away-From-Home Expenditure of Filipinos during the Pandemic
No full textThis study analyzed the Impacts of Mobility Restrictions on the Food-Away-From-Home Expenditure of Filipinos during the Pandemic. Using a Tobit regression model with robust standard errors to address heteroskedasticity, the analysis incorporates several socioeconomic variables from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey Data (FIES) 2021 - such as income per capita, communication expenses per capita, household size, and urban. Household head characteristics were also factored in such as the age, sex, marriage status, education, and employment. The dependent variable - Food away from home expenditure per Capita, is censored at zero, which reflects households with no expenditure during the lockdowns.
The results revealed that mobility restrictions, represented by the intensity and duration of lockdowns, significantly affected the food away from home expenditure wherein it increased the FAFH expenditure of Filipino households. Other variables such as the sociodemographic and economic variables have also significant effects on the FAFH expenditure. Interestingly, the only insignificant variable in the model was the marital status of the household head. The findings emphasize the substantial effect of mobility constraints on customer behavior and underline the importance of specific regulatory actions to help the food service industry amid pandemic-related disruptions
An Analysis of the Governance of Tadlac Lake using New Institutional Economics and Ostrom\u27s Design Principles
No full textThis study was conducted to analyze the governance of Tadlac Lake by examining institutions (i.e. property rights and transaction costs) and assessing the extent of the presence of the Design Principles in the management of the resource. Tadlac Lake is a small freshwater resource that has a fishing community. Recently, its stakeholders planned to undertake ecotourism. This research utilized the Social-Ecological Systems - New Institutional Economics (SES-NIE) framework to examine interactions of various social and ecological variables and analyze institutions in the governance of Tadlac Lake. To fulfill the research objectives, key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with government agencies and a resort manager, while a focus group discussion (FGD) was done with fisherfolk. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. In terms of property rights, findings showed that Tadlac Lake is a state property, but it also bears characteristics of an open-access resource and private property. Despite laws regarding resource use, research participants raised doubts on the effectiveness of law enforcement; this is especially demonstrated by weak sanctioning. The concepts of property rights and sanctioning are both associated with specific Design Principles. On the other hand, transaction costs in the governance of Tadlac Lake were found to be minimized by stakeholder participation and by having a monitoring system that involves the appropriators themselves, instead of hiring external monitors. Both stakeholder participation and the resource’s monitoring system are also related to the Design Principles. Meanwhile, the slow and minimal progress of ecotourism planning appeared to be incurring high transaction costs
Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Broiler Farms in San Jose, Batangas, 2024
No full textThe study aimed to analyze the technical efficiency of smallholder broiler farms in San Jose, Batangas. The specific objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the socio- economic characteristics of smallhold broiler raisers and the characteristic of their farms; (2) to assess the productivity of smallholders’ broiler farms; to examine the management practices of smallhold broiler raisers; (3) to evaluate the level of technical efficiency of smallholders’ broiler farms; and (4) to identify the factors affecting the technical efficiency of smallhold broiler farms. Thirty-three (33) smallhold broiler raisers were completely enumerated and interviewed. Descriptive analysis using percentages, frequencies, and averages was used to describe socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers, institutional services, feed conversion ratio, and farm input and output utilization. Technical efficiency ratings of individual farmers were computed based on parameter estimates of the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLE). Test for heteroskedasticity, multicollinearity, and omitted variable bias was conducted using the Breusch-Pagan Test, Variance Inflation Factor, and Ramsey Regression Equation Specification Error Test, respectively.
Results of the study showed that day-old chicks, farm size, labor, and feeds had a statistically significant effect on output at a one percent level of probability. It was also found out that the mean technical efficiency is 85.5 percent which implies that smallhold broiler raisers in San Jose, Batangas reached 85.5% of the maximum potential output given the farmer’s resources and technology. The variables for the technical efficiency model such as educational attainment and farming experience in broiler raising were found to be significant at 5 percent and 10 percent levels of probability, respectively. Moreover, the study found that farmers with a high level of technical efficiency typically had a lower feed conversion ratio compared to those with lower technical efficiency. Despite overall efficiency, the study indicates that not all farmers within the efficient frontier use optimal management practices. While these farmers are technically efficient, they may not employ the best or most innovative methods. The conclusion highlights similarities in management practices among smallholder farms, suggesting homogeneity. This implies room for improvement through adopting better or more advanced techniques.
To improve technical efficiency among broiler farmers, several measures are recommended. Enhancing educational programs on modern farming techniques and management practices is crucial. The municipality of San Jose, with the Department of Agriculture Region IV-A, can offer targeted training courses. Improving access to high- quality inputs, like robust day-old chicks and superior feeds, is essential. Optimizing farm layouts can maximize space and improve workflows. Training labor in best practices and introducing labor-saving technologies can boost productivity. Mentoring and information exchange platforms can foster collaboration and innovation. These measures can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of smallholder broiler farmers in San Jose, Batangas
Consumer Buying Behavior on Gourmet Tuyo Products Among Selected Residents from Metro Manila
No full textOriginating from Negros Occidental, the Gourmet Tuyo prides itself as a traditional Filipino product and in being a premium delicacy of dried fish preserved in oil, vinegar, and other spices (BAR, 2011). Its rise to becoming a prominent product online and in shelves manifests the combination of tradition and innovation where such an artisanal product elevated the status of the humble tuyo to something gourmet. With the Philippines standing at the forefront of culinary exploration, its diverse and rich background of culinary roots, as influenced by various cultures, can help further advance its narrative as a potential Gourmet Frontier, which can start by establishing the name of Gourmet Tuyo in the present market. Highlighting its potential as an emerging Gourmet product, the Philippines reported a total fisheries production of 4.65 million metric tons (MT) in 2015, valued at P411 billion pesos, which placed PH among the top fish producers globally. By the year 2019, the country eventually ranked eighth among the world\u27s top fishing producers, with a total production of 4.41 MT of fish and related produce. With such volume of production, fish and its related products has become the second most consumed food group by Filipinos, next to rice (SEAFDEC, 2018; BFAR, 2022). Through innovation, there came the introduction of fish processing techniques that provided more opportunities to elevate the consumption of local fisheries products and to extend the shelf-life of these commodities. Sardines, a main economic driver and a main raw ingredient of the Gourmet Tuyo, undergoes such fish processing techniques to create the Filipino-favorite dried fish, commonly referred to as tuyo, which is a resulting product of the drying process that not only extends the shelf-life of the fish but also adds value to it. Labelled as “the poor man’s fish”, tuyo is valued for its iconic salty taste, nutritional value, and also, affordability. Once processed and bottled, tuyo can eventually be consumed with more flavor and quality, becoming what we came to know as Gourmet Tuyo. But while Gourmet Tuyo boasted an innovative way of presenting the common tuyo, there are perceived gaps in its recognition as a fish processing product, considering its vague distinction among other similar products such as gourmet tinapa and spanish- style sardines, as well as the limited data regarding its current market status, which has made it difficult to address challenges for its growth and expansion as an emerging product. As such, this research looks into the buying behavior of Gourmet Tuyo consumers, particularly in Metro Manila, to further assess its potential as a value-added product. Data collection involved the distribution of survey questionnaires with Gourmet Tuyo consumers in Metro Manila and a digital audit to map brand presence on digital e- commerce platforms, such as Lazada and Shopee, where the comparison of the gathered information provided vital insights for this research. With the data gathered, the research provided an analysis of the Gourmet Tuyo market in the Philippines, focusing on consumer profiles, desired product attributes, and factors affecting purchases. General findings from the research detailed that consumers prioritize taste, price, and health benefits for product attributes while distribution channels primarily included modern retail trade and online platforms. Despite its long shelf-life, consumers seemingly purchase the product in small quantities and only does so during special occasions or atleast, once a month. When it comes to Gourmet Tuyo brands, Neri’s Gourmet Tuyo leads in brand awareness and sales, closely followed by commercial brands like Doña Elena and San Marino. Meanwhile, homemade brands are able to compete well with branded variants, as indicated by consumer preference for taste and price above other attributes and its digital market sales. Alongside the aforementioned attributes, primary factors affecting consumer behavior are mostly related to perceived quality, which continues to highlight taste as a main consideration when buying, alongside good quality, shelf-life, food safety, and product certification, among other personal, cultural, psychological, and economic factors. Furthermore, the research showed that factors such as branding Gourmet Tuyo as a lifestyle choice, comfort food, local favorite, social status symbol, or in support of endorsers, and as part of daily budget open opportunities for improvement for Gourmet Tuyo, as perceived by the importance-satisfaction matrix. In evaluating the current Gourmet Tuyo products in the market, consumer satisfaction is perceived to be high, and intent to increase future purchases is evident. Areas for improvement within the industry include the introduction of more flavor variety, affordable prices, and increased product volume. Recommendations for Gourmet Tuyo manufacturers mainly focused on product development while product promotion strategies were suggested to Gourmet Tuyo sellers. On the other hand, future studies are encouraged to focus on comprehensive surveys or interviews targeting other specific demographics, market segmentation, product innovation opportunities, sustainability practices, international market potential, and long-term trends
Postharvest Characterization and Storage of Fresh Katmon Fruit (Dillenia philippinensis)
Get PDFKatmon fruit has great economic potential but little is known about its postharvest behavior. This study characterized the katmon fruit after harvest so that appropriate handling may be recommended to extend its shelf life during storage or market display. Physicochemical characteristics, particularly firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acids (TA), and TSS:TA ratio were evaluated during storage under room condition (22°C) and at low temperature (15°C). These characteristics were almost constant under 22°C or at 15°C for two weeks, with pH at 2.8, TSS at about 3.40°Brix, TA at 1.1 – 1.5%, and TSS:TA ratio at 3.1 – 2.04. Only moisture loss significantly increased, reaching 29% after the first week, which reduced the fruit’s shelf life and quality. Fruit in small quantities (1.5 kg) favorably responded to modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) using sealed polyethylene bags (PEB, 0.02 mm). About 15% O2 and 0.45% CO2 were maintained in PEB, which extended the fruit’s fresh quality up to two weeks under 22°C. MAP was also able to maintain the firmness of intact fruits for two weeks when stored at 22°C. In contrast, control fruits reached their limit of marketability after one week. Those without peel may also be kept for about two weeks when packed in PEB (300g per pack), especially if stored at 15°C