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Evaluating the Marketing Efficiency of Saba Banana in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, 2024
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the marketing efficiency of the Saba Banana in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro. The specific target objectives were as follows: (i) identifying the marketing practices involved in Saba banana industry, (ii) tracing the Saba banana marketing channels, (iii) analyzing the profitability of each channel participant, (iv) analyzing the marketing margin and the share of consumers’ pesos, (v) identifying the problems encountered by the Saba banana channel participants, and (vi) determining the policy implications based on the results of the study.
Thirty farmers were interviewed from the five upland barangays of Bansud namely; Malo, Bato, Villa Pag-asa, Rosacara, and Conrazon. Using a forward tracing approach, the commission agent, wholesalers/shippers, and retailers of the farmers were tracked. A profitability analysis was done by measuring the net income and net cash returns. Using the traditional formulas for marketing margin, share of consumer\u27s peso, and Shepherd’s formula, the marketing efficiency was analyzed.
Three marketing channels were identified in the study namely: (1) Saba Banana Farmer-\u3e Commission Agent -\u3e Wholesaler/Shipper -\u3e Retailer, (2) Saba Banana Farmer -\u3e Wholesaler/Shipper -\u3e Retailer, and (3) Saba Banana Farmer-\u3e Banana Chips Processor. The main focus of the study was the first two marketing channels. Channel 1 had higher product losses than Channel 2, primarily due to weak retail sales in April and competition in the Paraqanue market. Channel 2 had a shorter marketing channel but a higher total marketing margin due to higher intermediary prices. Retailers had the highest share of consumer peso in both channels. Furthermore, channel 2 had a more even distribution of prices among farmers, wholesalers, and retailers and this channel was also found to be more marketing-efficient using the Shepherd\u27s formula due to a lower marketing cost ratio.
The study suggested interventions in reducing farmers’ losses through implementing a standardized counting of Saba bananas, policies empowering farmers to increase their bargaining power, a market information system that helpsfarmers make more informed decisions, and research advancements on high-yielding and pests and disease- resistant varieties of Saba bananas
An Analysis of the Money and Banking Sector of the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation (1941-1945)
No full textThe Japanese Occupation altered the Money and Banking Sector of the Philippines to aid its war efforts through the control of Philippine money and banks. Studies about the Japanese Occupation detailed mostly personal and military war accounts, causes and effects of money and banking during the Occupation are described but not detailed as those of the Spanish and American Occupations in the Philippines. This study describes and analyzes the money and banking sector of the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation by adopting an institutional analysis framework of Dorward and Omamo which is in line with the New Institutional Analysis of Douglass North. The objectives of this study are to describe the roles and functions of banks and determine and analyze the institutional changes of banks during the Japanese Occupation. Inflation was the main outcome of Japanese changes in money and banking of the Philippines, printing unbacked money to support their war. As a consequence of inflation fueled by the war and coercion, Filipinos suffered from hunger and poverty and resulted to extreme measures to survive. Furthermore, the Philippine economy became a target of Currency Warfare which further increased inflation. Confusion and loss of property were the consequence of institutional change as money produced during the Occupation became worthless after the war
The Filipino family in agriculture: case studies of vegetable farming families in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines
No full textFarming in the Philippines is a collective effort involving family members. Filipino farming families play a vital role in sustaining the country\u27s food production. This study employed a qualitative approach to explore how children are socialized into participating in farm work. The research involved in-depth interviews with five families engaged in vegetable farming in an upland community in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes from the interviews. The study highlights that parents are the primary agents of socialization for their children in agriculture. They often teach their children how to farm to prepare them for the demands of adult life. Moreover, observing their parents at work instills a sense of responsibility in the children, motivating them to assist with farm tasks. This research contributes to the literature by showing that parents’ active involvement is crucial in maintaining children’s interest in agriculture. This study recommends that skill-based seminars be made available for farming families
Analyzing the Capital Requirements and Willingness to Shift of Gardeners to Propagation and Trading Tissue-cultured Aglaonema Plant, Selected Towns, Laguna, 2024
No full textOne of the current concerns for the ornamental plant industry is how the locally grown beautiful plants will compete with imported tissue-cultured plants. The expensive in vitro seedling production remains a significant obstacle to wider implementation of this technique. As a result, the absence of investment funds becomes more apparent. While lending facilities exist, it is unclear how much should be made available to potential borrowers. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the capital requirements of gardeners for shifting to propagation and trading of tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant in selected municipalities in Laguna. It also: profiled the Aglaonema plant growers in selected municipalities in Laguna; estimated the investment costs needed by the growers/gardeners to enable them to propagate and trade tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant; evaluated the garden owners’ access to credit sources; ascertained the willingness of the garden owners to shift to propagation and trading of tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant; determined the factors associated with willingness of the garden owners to shift to propagation and trading of tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant; identified the issues they encounter in shifting to and propagating tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant; and recommended possible courses of action that would help other garden owners to shift to propagating and trading tissue- cultured Aglaonema plant.
A total of 102 gardener -respondents were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the garden owners’ age, marital status, level of education, household size, gardening experience, educational attainment, technical knowledge in tissue-culture, access to credit, and capital requirement. The total cost of the gardeners’ investments, amount of capital that they are willing to invest, labor expenses, and input expenses were also determined, from which the capital requirement was obtained. Partial budget was used to analyze the net change in income when gardeners shift to propagation and trading of tissue-cultured Aglaonema plant. The results showed that garden owners are 51 years old on the average, are married, have reached high school with average household size is four, average farming experience of 13 years. There will be a positive net change in income of PhP93,483.33 suggesting that shifting could improve their income even though the capital investments are high. The average distance between credit providers is 4.48 kilometers which implies that credit facilities are accessible to the gardeners. The results of the Fisher’s Exact test revealed that technical knowledge of the garden owners is significantly associated with their willingness to shift at a p-value of 0.006.
It was concluded that the gardener-respondents would be willing to shift to propagation and trading of Aglaonema, but they will have an average capital requirement of almost PhP100,000. They need to enhance their knowledge on how to properly propagate and care for tissue-cultured plants. They will earn additional income if they push through with the change even if the additional capital requirement is high. Recommendations include: conduct of seminars and trainings to improve the gardeners’ knowledge on tissue culture; increase local production of tissue-cultured aglaonema and other ornamental plants; government partnership with gardeners for greenhouse facilities; and promoting use of greenhouses for other ornamental plants
A Feasibility Study of Establishing a One-Hectare Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Farm in Brgy. Sumucab, Cavinti, Laguna
No full textCassava (Manihot esculenta) is a root crop extensively cultivated in tropical regions for its tuberous roots. The roots of cassava contain high levels of carbohydrates and essential nutrients, making it a staple food crop across the globe. Cassava has several desirable characteristics, including its adaptability, resiliency, and productivity, making it an ideal crop for farmers in marginal lands. Strong global demand for cassava, combined with the increasing market for cassava-based products, offers a favorable opportunity for establishing a cassava farm.
The general objective of this study was to determine the viability and profitability of establishing a one-hectare cassava farm in Brgy. Sumucab, Cavinti, Laguna. Specifically, it aimed to: a.) present an overview of establishing a cassava farm and its planned area of operation; b.) determine the market, technical, organizational, and financial viability of cassava farming in Cavinti, Laguna; c.) identify the potential risks and challenges associated with cassava production; and d.) recommend specific courses of action based on the findings of the study.
A mixed-method research design was used to determine the feasibility of the proposed cassava farm. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through interviews with cassava processors and retailers, a cassava expert, and other key informants. The secondary data includes online journals, articles, reports from government and private institutions, and undergraduate special problem reports from the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship. The collected data were proven useful in assessing the overall feasibility of establishing a cassava farm.
The one-hectare land in Brgy. Sumucab is owned by A. Nocon Realty and Development Corporation. The project site is a part of their 40-ha land, which is considered an economic zone in Cavinti. Thus, agricultural farming and forestry are encouraged in the area, emphasizing the suitability of establishing a cassava farm in the area.
The main potential buyer of the cassava roots that will be produced on the farm is Global Food Solutions Inc., located in San Pablo City, Laguna. Among the identified processors and retailers, GFSI presents the largest market demand of 3,500 kg of peeled cassava roots per day. Among the interviewed processors and retailers of cassava roots, GFSI is the sole buyer who revealed that they are currently having issues with their existing suppliers, who are mostly located in Isabela and Batangas. The closer proximity of the proposed farm to the plant facility of GFSI further presents an opportunity for the business to become a supplier of GFSI.
In accordance with the daily demand of GFSI, the farm will implement staggered cropping. This practice will allow the farm to harvest cassava roots per week and perform post-harvesting and distribution daily. The one-hectare land will be divided into ten plots. Each plot will be planted with cassava at an interval of one month during the first year of the establishment of the farm. Planting of cassava will begin by the onset of the rainy season in Cavinti, which is in May. 10 months after planting, 118.18 kg of peeled cassava priced at PhP 30.00 can be delivered and sold to GFSI per day using a rented tricycle. The expected daily production of the one-hectare farm only supplies 3.28% of the total daily demand of GFSI.
The business will employ a manager, supervisor, accountant, and laborers. The manager and supervisor will be paid a monthly salary rate of PhP 15,000.00 and PhP5,000.00, respectively. In addition, regular employees will be granted government- mandated benefits. As for the accountant, he/she will be paid PhP 20,000.00 per year for his/her services. Finally, laborers will be paid PhP 500/day/8 hours of work.
In determining the feasibility of the proposed business, financial statements were created based on prevailing market prices to estimate the costs and revenues. Furthermore, capital budgeting tools were computed to objectively evaluate the viability of establishing a one-hectare cassava farm. The initial investment required for the proposed business would be PhP 879,541.33. The majority (56.27%) of the total investment is allotted to covering the working capital, while 34.07% would be for the fixed asset investments, 9.09% as contingency, and the remaining 0.57% would be funded for pre- operating expenses. A contingency amount was added to the initial investment requirements in case other expenses shall be accounted for but not indicated in this report.
Aside from the base scenario, four scenarios were evaluated through sensitivity analysis. In these scenarios, inflation rates on materials, utilities, labor, transportation, and food were considered. Ultimately, reductions in potential yield and selling price were tested. While some scenarios have incurred positive NPVs and IRRs greater than the discount rate set by banks, all scenarios have generated payback periods longer than the investor\u27s desired payback period. Thus, the proposed project could not satisfy all three criteria, making each scenario unfeasible.
While the project was proven unfeasible, issues and risks can be addressed in order to still pursue this investment. Primarily, the farm\u27s production can only supply 3.28% of the total volume needed by GFSI daily, hence, GFSI may not be willing to accept the farm produce. Additionally, product rejections may also be caused by failing to meet the product size and quality standards imposed by the buyer. These risks further highlight the greater risk of having no alternative markets. On the technical side, continuous cultivation of cassava in the same plots would pose a risk in terms of reduction in yield. As plants continuously take nutrients, the soil may not be able to provide the necessary nutrients for the succeeding cropping cycles. Therefore, optimal yield may not be achieved in the long run. Continuous planting also encourages soil erosion, which has negative environmental impacts. Hired laborers may lack the skills and knowledge in commercial cassava farming. Thus, the productivity of the farm is significantly at risk, given that the farm will rely mostly on the maintenance and performance of hired laborers. Other risks identified in this study include rapid spoilage of cassava, soil degradation, vulnerability to pests, and diseases, extreme weather, and high operating expenses.
Risks associated with the proposed farm can be addressed by ensuring that GFSI and ANRDC arrive at an agreement that will ensure that the buyer accepts the farm\u27s daily produce. The agreement shall also cover compromises on GFSI\u27s quality standards. In preventing negative environmental impacts, intercropping with existing coconut trees and utilizing cassava wastes as compost are suggested. Furthermore, proper training and development programs must be provided for the laborers to ensure proper farming practices and appropriate pest and disease control methods. Ultimately, scaling up production and diversifying buyers are the strategies emphasized to achieve economies of scale and reduce overall business risk
Ang pagbuo at paglusaw ng alyansang Frente Popular-Young Philippines, 1936-1941
No full textPangunahing tema sa historyograpiya at agham pampulitikang Pilipino ang dominasyon ng mga elite sa mga kontekstong kolonyal, neokolonyal at “malaya” nang Pilipinas. Madalas banggitin ang mga personalidad na nanguna at nakinabang sa naturang pamumuno at pamamanginoon. Isang lantad na halimbawa ang panahon ng Komonwelt. Panahon man ito ng paghahanda mula sa ganap na kolonya ng Estados Unidos tungong pagkamit ng ganap na kasarinlan mula dito, nakikinita na ng ilang tagamasid ang mga problema sa pagpapatupad ng “demokratikong” pulitikang elektoral, sa paraang unang nilayon ng mga kolonisador na Amerikano. Iilang politiko lamang, na mula sa isang dominanteng partido, ang nahalal, at humawak, ng makapangyarihang mga puwesto kahit may pagmamasid pa rin ang mga Amerikano. Sinasabi mang sistemang dalawahang partido (two party-system) ang umiral sa Pilipinas sa kabuuan ng dantaón 20, hanggang 1972, ipapakita sa papel na ito na may mga partido sa laylayan ang nabuo at umiral noong dekada 30, gaya ng Young Philippines. Nagtangka pang magsama ng mga ito sa isang hugpungang pulitikal sa anyo ng Frente Popular. Subalit, kung sisipatin sa pinanunukala kong balangkas na mahigpit na ugnayan ng namumunong elite-estado, naisasantabi ang Frenteng Popular. Tatalakayin sa papel ang mga salik sa pagsasantabing ito
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Green Environmental Practices (GEP) Among MSME Restaurants in Cabuyao, Laguna
No full textMicro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) restaurants comprise of 99.5% of businesses therefore their actions contribute a lot environmentally, socially, and economically. This study aims to determine the factors of level of implementation of Green Environmental Practices (GEP) of restaurants in Cabuyao, Laguna to suggest strategies for restaurant owners and the Local Government Units (LGUs). The study\u27 objectives include identifying the relationship of demographic factors to the level of implementation of GEP; level of implementation of GEP for each restaurant; evaluating the impact of internal and external factors; determining the economic and social benefits of doing GEP; and specifying the recommended strategies to improve GEP. The study employed a mixed-method approach with forty-six (46) respondents in Cabuyao, Laguna.
First, the key findings for the study is that there is weak negative correlation among the demographics factors such as gender, age group, educational attainment, role in the company, type of restaurant with the level of implementation while there is a moderate positive correlation with years of business in operation and the types of enterprise. Second, all restaurants are into GEP with most to full implementation of practice, with energy efficiency being the most implemented, followed by water conservation, and by waste management. Karenderya with or without air conditioner mostly practice waste management, coffee shops fully practice waste management, chain-type mostly practice water conservation, and franchised mostly practice energy efficiency.
Third, the internal factors include training not being as comprehensive and resources being limited, financial constraints being the main reason for investing, prioritizing operational needs rather than advertising, challenges in transitioning and switching to green practices specifically with environmentally friendly packaging and other energy-efficient operations due to finance. Fourth, for external factors, government support and incentives are not that known in but it would push them to do more GEP.
In supplier, there are limitations of affordability when it comes to eco-friendly materials. For customer demands, the respondents reported that it is not a primary driver as their goal is profitability from the quality of what they sell.
Fifth, for the economic benefits, users who used three appliances - Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights, inverter air conditioner and refrigeration had a decrease on their bill by 10.69%. On the cost-benefit analysis of using the three appliances, the restaurant can get the money invested in 3 years and in the lifetime of the appliance, they can save up to a total of PHP 163,374.75. For water conservation which utilized wash basin, shower head faucets and dual-flush toilets had a decrease of 7.4%. On waste management, only 4% of the population has the initiative to provide discounts when mugs or tumblers are used as this can reduce their operational cost with a motive of also helping the environment. For the government incentives, all respondents reported that they do not receive incentives although if given the chance to apply to have a tax incentive, 96% of them responded that they would. For social benefits, 87% of restaurants reported that GEP is not advertised as a priority and do not think it will contribute to their business. Seventy-six percent reported that they source out from local suppliers which meant that the local community benefits too. Eighty-nine percent disagree that GEP in the business will cause customer retention, and 100% also disagree that it will influence employee satisfaction and retention. This is due to the practice being solely commanded by the management only making it an internal objective but not really affecting the customers and employees.
Sixth, the strategies formulated are designed by the level of implementation by type of restaurant so that it is more specific. In general, the focus was on the least practice and the strategy was about how to improve on it with the intended outcome of reducing costs because MSME restaurants main motivation is about financial. Lastly, the implementation of the strategies would offer economic benefits such as cost saving, job creation in sustainable sectors, and increased investment in green technologies. For social benefits, it would improve community engagement, public health through reduced pollution, and raise awareness about the environmental issues
Monitoring antibodies against FMD using ELISA in vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle in Gresik Regency, Indonesia
No full textBackground: Indonesia is currently experiencing a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in livestock caused by FMD virus. The Indonesian government has implemented a vaccination program for all FMD-susceptible animals using imported vaccines. This study aimed to determine the presence of antibodies against vaccination and field infections by examining SP-O and NSP antibodies. Methodology: Cattles serum samples were collected in Gresik Regency after the first booster vaccine, were tested using ELISA structural protein O and ELISA non structural protein at the National Center for Veterinary Biologics, Indonesia. Results: The results of 325 serum samples showed, that the SP-O antibody seroprevalence was 93.8%, whereas it was 100% in the vaccinated cattle samples and 50% in unvaccinated cattle. The results of the NSP antibody test showed that seroprevalence of FMD was 14.19% and 7.71% in vaccinated, and 60% in unvaccinated cattle. Conclusion: The study showed that vaccination can induce SP-O antibodies up to 100% in cattle in Gresik, the seroprevalence of FMD infection in cattle in Gresik was 14.19%, regional differences and vaccination significantly affected the prevalence of SP-O antibodies, age, region, and vaccination had a significant effect on NSP antibodies
Gross and microscopic pathology of pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) infection in racing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from Luzon, Philippines
No full textBackground: Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 and other virulent NDVs are known to cause multi-systemic infection in birds. However, very little is known about its pathology in poultry species. Methods: In this study, the gross and histopathological changes in various organs of PPMV-1-infected racing pigeons were characterized and morphologically diagnosed. A total of fifteen organs, grouped into organ systems, were analyzed. Results: Clinical history revealed that all pigeons were exhibiting nervous and gastrointestinal signs such as torticollis and green-white diarrhea. Morbidity and mortality rates were spiking at 10 to 15% and 10%, respectively. Gross and in situ examination showed that the brain, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract were mostly affected. The majority of the macroscopic lesions include hemorrhage and variable signs of necrosis and degeneration. Histologically, the brain, kidneys, lungs, and portion of the gastrointestinal tract had presented multiple lesions which include congestion, hemorrhage, and vasculitis. Diffuse lymphoid depletion and necrosis were also notable in all lymphatic organs and related tissues. Conclusion: The results of this investigation support the multi-systemic involvement of the infection which further validates the need for stronger preventive and control measures against PPMV-1 and other avian paramyxoviruses not only for the domestic poultry but also for the other avian species
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy based discrimination of materials using Artificial Neural Networks
Get PDFElectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique used for determining the electrical properties of a material. EIS generates impedance spectra across a frequency range that is unique in a specific material. However, the discrimination of materials is challenging as EIS produces high-dimensional data. In this study, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were used as a machine learning algorithm for classification. Nyquist Plots and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were done prior classification for data visualization purposes. Results showed that the five materials have different Nyquist plot shapes, and 2D PCA is close to being successful in discriminating all materials. Only Paper and Bentonite had intersection when plotted using 2D PCA. ANN obtained a high classification accuracy of 97%, with inference time of 22.41 seconds. It is recommended to extend this research by doing regression analysis on determining intrinsic material properties. Lastly, an end-to-end working application through machine learning deployment was recommended for future use cases