University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
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Analyzing the Consumption of Counterfeit Goods Across Different Generations in the University of the Philippines Los Baños
No full textThis study aimed to analyze the consumption of counterfeit goods across different generational clusters in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). With this, the study made use of a two-stage regression analysis. The initial stage of the analysis was dedicated to estimating the predicted values for the purchase intention. This model examined the factors that influenced the consumption of counterfeit goods across different generations. Following the estimation of purchase intention, the second stage of the regression involved employing a multinomial logistic model to compare their buying behavior. The variables included to explain the purchase decision were demographic variables, social perception, ethical values, and purchase intention.
The study revealed that several factors significantly influenced the consumption of counterfeit goods among UPLB staff and students, including age, income, civil status, social perception, and ethical values. Younger individuals, especially those aged 18-27, and those with lower incomes were more inclined to purchase counterfeit goods, whereas individuals with higher ethical values were less likely to do so. Males were more frequent consumers than females. Moreover, distinct consumption patterns emerged across generational clusters: Generation Z had the highest propensity to consume counterfeit goods, likely driven by a desire to project a luxurious lifestyle; Generation Y showed a low inclination, occasionally deterred by negative social perceptions; and Generation X had the lowest inclination, guided by strong ethical principles that discouraged counterfeit consumption
Benefit Cost Analysis of the PUV Modernization Program on the Sorsogon City - Gubat Route
No full textThis study sought to assess the benefits and costs of the PUV Modernization Program on the Sorsogon City-Gubat route, through an in medias res framework, to quantify the gains of this policy to the society. Specifically, it described the PUVMP implementation in the said locality through five components: change in income of drivers, reduction in the external cost of air pollution, and depreciation, operation, and maintenance costs. The study computed the Net Present Value of the policy’s net benefits derived from the comparison of the baseline and the with PUVMP scenarios.
Results from the two cases– without full enforcement and strict enforcement– show that the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program on the Sorsogon City-Gubat route would yield negative net benefits after 15 years, therefore, making it not economically desirable
Factors affecting the willingness of youth to join cooperatives in Calamba City, Laguna, 2023
No full textCooperatives are people-centered enterprises that contribute to social development and economic growth of their members and the community. Youth, on the other hand, are valuable human resources for development and important catalysts of technological advances, social change, and economic growth. In this study, the willingness of youth to join cooperatives in Calamba City, Laguna was assessed. Primary data were obtained from 96 youth individuals, composed of 48 members and 48 non-members of an organization, through a pre-tested survey interview. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the reliability of the questionnaires. The associations between socio-economic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and perception with the willingness to join cooperatives were determined using Fisher’s exact test. This analytical tool was also utilized to determine if there was a significant association between the knowledge levels of youth-respondents familiar with cooperatives and their source of information about cooperatives. The study found that most of youth-respondents had low level of awareness when it comes to the existence and benefits of cooperatives. The majority also had low level of knowledge about the nature, purpose, principles, and types of cooperatives. Nevertheless, a large portion of them had positive perception of cooperatives. The study also revealed that 59 percent of the respondents were not willing to join cooperatives. Some of the reasons stated by them include the lack of time, interest, and knowledge. On the other hand, the remaining 41 percent were willing to join cooperatives to gain benefits, learn about efficient investment and savings mechanisms as well as entrepreneurship, help other people, and enhance their skills, among others. In addition, the multi-purpose cooperative was the most preferred type among the youth-respondents who were willing to join cooperatives. In the analysis of the association between socio-economic factors and the willingness to join cooperatives, only membership wassignificant at a 1 percent probability level. Meanwhile, awareness, knowledge, and perception had significant associations with willingness to join cooperatives. On the other hand, social media and school as sources of information about cooperatives were significant at a 10 percent probability level. It was concluded that youth-respondents had low levels of awareness and knowledge about cooperatives, but they perceived them in a positive way. The majority of them were not willing to join cooperatives, and most of those who were willing were members of an organization. They were willing to join primarily to gain the benefits of being a cooperative member and to learn. The main barrier, however, to their willingness to join was the lack of time. Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations were formulated: expansion of social media reach, provision of cooperative education, collaboration with youth organizations, establishment of youth cooperatives, and consideration of a broader range of perspectives in future studies
Economic Efficiency of Rice Farmers Under Shallow Tubewell Irrigation in Pila, Laguna, December 2021- May 2022
No full textThe study aimed to analyze the economic efficiency of shallow tubewell irrigated palay farmers. The study was conducted in the four lakeshore barangays of Pila, Laguna, that solely depend on STW for irrigation. Fifty-six respondents participated in the study under proportional random sampling during the dry season of the crop year 2021-2022. Using the stochastic frontier framework, the study found that STW-irrigated farmers have a substantial degree of economic inefficiency since the average economic efficiency level is 72.44%. The economic efficiency level was calculated by multiplying technical and allocative efficiency estimates.
The technical efficiency of STW-irrigated palay farmers was estimated using stochastic production frontier analysis. The average technical efficiency level of STW- irrigated palay farmers is 80.04%. The analysis suggests that labor used and area planted are the factors that significantly affect the technical efficiency and production of STW irrigated palay farmers. Results show that increasing these inputs will increase farmers\u27 yield and technical efficiency.
Regarding allocative efficiency, it was estimated via stochastic cost frontier analysis and shows that STW-irrigated palay farms also suffer from allocative inefficiency since the average level of allocative efficiency accounts for 89.52%. The analysis suggests that palay output and prices of labor, area planted, and nitrogen significantly affect the production cost and allocative efficiency of STW-irrigated palay farmers.
Furthermore, the cost and return analysis shows that STW-irrigated palay farms experience negative cash income while net income remains positive.
Regarding problems farmers encounter, most are experiencing limited capital, high input prices, low farmgate prices of palay, low machine performance of STW, and high construction, operation, and maintenance costs of STW units.
The study suggests that STW irrigated palay farms in Pila, Laguna, suffer from economic inefficiency, which is 27.56% inefficient. Hence, various policies and programs must be implemented to increase these farms\u27 economic efficiency and further increase the yield and profit of STW palay farmers in the municipality. Such policies include land consolidating efforts, increasing availability of mechanized equipment, and mechanisms that will aid farmers during changes in input prices
Don Leon Nature Farm Inc: A Case Study
No full textAgritourism in the Philippines has grown significantly over the years from initially being recognized and promoted in 2002 with the identification of ten agritourism sites in the country to becoming one of the global leaders in agritourism, with over 170 accredited farm tourist sites. Agritourism farms offer benefits beyond profit and tourist appeal. Adopting organic farming methods can also support environmental sustainability and long-term profitability.
Batangas, particularly within the CALABARZON region, are crucial to the country\u27s agricultural output. Among its towns, San Juan, Batangas, stands out as a famous tourist destination, renowned for its beaches, and was awarded for its tourism-driven initiatives, making it a perfect location for the growth and expansion of additional tourism enterprises such as agritourism farms. Within San Juan, Batangas, an eight-hectare integrated and diversified organic agritourism farm is located, known as Don Leon Nature Farm. The farm is the only TESDA-accredited organic agritourism farm school in the town that offers scholarships for organic agriculture production (NC II). It also engages and operates in farm tourism, crops, ornamental plants, livestock production, and vermicomposting, and has learned to adopt value-added processes. The farm is a family business corporation, owned and being managed by its president Dr. Noel S. Gutierrez, and his family, together with their five permanent employees and 8-12 on-call employees.
It is known that a well-managed agritourism farm can contribute significantly to social communities by offering business opportunities, employment, and participation in the agritourism industry through their services. However, managing an agritourism venture poses considerable challenges. Many businessmen have encountered numerous obstacles in the process, and this is also evident in Don Leon Nature Farm. Hence this study was conducted to assess the overall business performance of the Don Leon Nature Farm considering the limited availability of data on agritourism farm performance and the factors that influence the failure or success of the business from the management perspective. The findings of this study can aid in formulating and developing strategic management approaches, which also requires meeting a set of objectives such as (1) present the profile, vision, mission, and general information of the agritourism farm business (2) describe the general and task environment surrounding and affecting the farm (3) discuss the overall business operations of the farm in terms of finance, marketing, production/operations, and personnel/human resources (4) assess the challenges, issues, and factors faced by the farm that are essential in achieving farm productivity; and (5) formulate recommendations and strategic plans that will aid in increasing farm productivity and improving the farm\u27s chances of survival in light of the changing environment.
This study employed a descriptive research design, specifically utilizing the qualitative case study approach and quantitative analysis of the financial aspect of the farm. The data utilized to obtain essential information for evaluating the farm business performance were both from primary and secondary sources. Primary data is composed of observation, on-site and video call interviews using a set of questionnaires while secondary data includes three years of financial statement reports, files, and documents provided by the farm, and the data gathered from various research materials, journals, and publications that are all essential in the study.
The study also assesses the external and internal environment of the farm by using PESTLE analysis for the general environment and task environment analysis for the task environment. The internal analysis focused on marketing, finance, production, and personnel. In addition, various evaluation tools like Michael Porter’s Five Forces, Financial Ratio Analysis, Horizontal Analysis, and SWOT listing were employed to analyze the external and internal state of the business. These analyses identified farm business issues and problems that are relevant in the formulation of alternatives, recommendations, and strategic management approaches that the farm may opt to adopt.
The problem flow chart of Don Leon Nature Farm Inc. reveals that the farm’s informal organizational structure leads to an overreliance on the owner and a lack of clear tasks and responsibilities among its few employees resulting in slow decision-making and confusion among the employees. Dr. Gutierrez handles most administrative, tour, and technical duties, while employees focus on labor-intensive tasks. Poor management practices are further intensified by the limited marketing exposure and reliance of the farm on traditional promotion methods by only utilizing Facebook to promote their products and services, leading to financial struggles. Additionally, the farm suffers from poor production due to natural disasters and disease outbreaks, leaving parts of the farm unused. These inefficiencies and low productivity prevent the farm from meeting market demand, resulting in decreased sales, net losses, and an inability to pay off debts or achieve growth.
After evaluating various options, the researcher recommends that Don Leon Nature Farm Inc. pursue a turnaround strategy that specifically focuses on restructuring strategy. The strategy is necessary to develop a clear organizational framework, streamline operations, increase marketing efforts, reduce production risks, and improve financial stability, preparing the farm for long-term growth and success
A Market Potential of Vacuum Freeze-Dried Skim Coconut Milk (VFD-SCM) in Los Baños, Laguna
No full textThe processing of coconut milk, a high-value product with significant market demand, generates substantial byproducts, primarily skim coconut milk (SCM) and insoluble protein. These byproducts are often discarded, leading to environmental concerns and missed economic opportunities for local food processors. Bautista et al. (2023) report that approximately 65% of the initial coconut milk volume results in SCM after separating coconut cream for virgin coconut oil (VCO) production. This study aimed to explore the market potential of skim coconut milk (SCM) processed through vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) technology. The Philippines is experiencing a growing consumer preference for convenient, healthy, and high-quality food options. However, the market for freeze-dried products is dominated by expensive imports. Project FREEZE, initiated by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST-UPLB) in cooperation with Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) and the Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALAFOP), seeks to enhance local industry competitiveness by introducing new products utilizing VFD technology.
This study investigated the receptiveness of bakery and pastry shops in Los Baños, Laguna, towards vacuum freeze-dried skim coconut milk (VFD-SCM), assessing its market potential and ability to address the utilization of coconut milk byproducts. The research identified the desirable attributes of skim coconut milk and evaluated purchasing and consumption patterns for bakery and pastry shops. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design and utilized purposive and convenience sampling. The data collection involved a Market and Consumer Survey using a Usage, Attitude, and Image (UAI) study which assessed the respondents\u27 product knowledge and purchasing behavior. Additionally, product perception tests, attribute importance tests, and customer-perceived price analysis were conducted to evaluate VFD-SCM.
The key findings from the research indicated a promising market for VFD-SCM within the Los Baños baking and pastry industry, characterized by a youthful and health- conscious demographic. Notably, 78% of bakery owners and their customers identify as health-conscious, which aligned well with the introduction of VFD-SCM as a healthy alternative ingredient. Following the current low usage of coconut milk in baking, the study identified a significant knowledge gap among bakery owners regarding the benefits and applications of coconut milk.
To facilitate the adoption of Vacuum Freeze-Dried Skim Coconut Milk (VFD-SCM) in the bakery industry, the study recommends several strategic initiatives. Educational efforts, such as workshops and recipe demonstrations, should be implemented to inform bakery owners about VFD-SCM’s benefits and versatility. Product development should focus on key attributes like taste, color, and nutritional value, and ensure a longer shelf life while incorporating organic ingredients and sustainable practices. Effective marketing strategies are essential, including social media campaigns, collaborations with local food influencers, and in-store demonstrations. Capitalizing on targeting niche markets such as artisan and confectionary bakeries would be an advantageous positioning for the product. Additionally, ensuring consistent availability through distributor partnerships and bulk discounts can further incentivize use. Utilizing a freemium business model in the product introduction phase is a recommended pricing strategy for VFD-SCM. By implementing these comprehensive recommendations, VFD-SCM can penetrate the Los Baños bakery market and potentially expand to other regions, addressing the utilization of coconut milk byproducts and offering economic and environmental benefits.
The study concluded that by implementing these strategies, VFD-SCM can successfully penetrate the bakery market in Los Baños and potentially expand to other regions or internationally. Future research should explore VFD-SCM\u27s potential in different markets, refine target demographics, incorporate baking trials or product tests, and analyze the cost-effectiveness of production. This comprehensive approach positions VFD-SCM as a valuable ingredient in Filipino bakeries\u27 evolving landscape, offering economic and environmental benefits while addressing the challenges associated with coconut milk byproducts
Feasibility Study of Establishing a Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon Plant in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines
No full textThe Philippines is a significant producer and exporter of coconut shell-based activated carbon and charcoal. As a byproduct of the coconut industry, activated carbon production from coconut shells maximizes the use of the raw material by converting it into a useful product to what would otherwise be discarded, leading to more efficient resource utilization. According to Markets and Markets, the industry is growing at a CAGR of 9.8% and is expected to be worth USD 8.4 billion in 2030. In 2022, the Philippines had a total net trade of USD 151 million in the activated carbon industry alone with Germany, Japan, the USA, China, and South Korea as the major destinations.
The intended market for the proposed product encompasses entities involved in water treatment and purification. Based on conducted market research, the demand for CSAC in the CALABARZON Region is estimated at 3,750 kilograms per month. Most respondents are inclined to purchase the product within the price range of PHP 100 to PHP 125 per kilo or PHP 2,500 to PHP 3,125 per sack, aligning closely with the prevailing market price range of PHP 80 to PHP 200. Agro-manufacturing industries could also be a potential target market for this project.
The production process of CSAC is a complex operation that involves several meticulous steps. The sourcing of raw materials can be conducted locally, while the necessary machinery will be imported from China, a leading supplier of equipment for the activated carbon industry. The business will operate from Monday to Friday, with an eight-hour workday. The direct labor required for CSAC production will include a supervisor responsible for overseeing the entire production process, a mechanical engineer in charge of ensuring the optimal functioning of the plant\u27s equipment, a chemical engineer tasked with conducting various tests to ensure product quality, and laborers responsible for assisting the machinery in the plant. The business will have a total of nine (9) employees, including five (5) regular workers, and the remaining four (4) workers who will be required to report to work following their respective schedules.
Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the project is unviable across all three scenarios. In the Base Scenario, the net present value (NPV) is calculated at PHP -2,711,345.64 with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 12.15% and an estimated payback period of 5.626 years. In Scenario 1, the NPV and IRR are PHP -1,941,433 and 18.18% respectively, with a projected payback period of 4.99 years. Conversely, Scenario 2 yields an NPV of PHP -4,162,670.66 and an IRR of -2.03%, resulting in a lengthy payback period of 11.054 years while Scenario 3 yielded an NPV of PHP -5,963,900.55.
Upon completing an extensive analysis of the four business functions, it has been determined that establishing a coconut shell-based activated carbon processing plant in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines is not currently feasible. Despite the potential benefits that the project could bring, several significant concerns need to be addressed before pursuing this project.
One of the major concerns is the inconsistent supply of coconut shells. Sourcing these shells from the vicinity of the plant site could prove to be challenging and unreliable. Fluctuating raw material prices may also present an issue. Furthermore, the necessary skills for operating the processing plant machinery would require training, which is presently unavailable in the Philippines due to the equipment\u27s origin in China.
Strong market competition is a significant concern for the proposed project. Existing CSAC manufacturers currently hold a significant market share, placing small-scale processors at a distinct disadvantage and making it difficult for them to thrive in this competitive landscape. In addition, the projected demand for the project does not demonstrate the ability to cover the associated manufacturing costs according to the break-even analysis.
Furthermore, the proposed project necessitates a substantial investment, posing a challenge for potential entrants into the industry. The high costs of equipment, materials, and labor could present significant barriers to financing the project, particularly for small-scale entrepreneurs with limited access to necessary resources.
Given these factors, it can be concluded that establishing a coconut shell-based activated carbon processing plant in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines is not feasible
Comparative financial performance of organic and conventional rice production in selected areas in Pangasinan, 2013
No full textThe study was conducted to assess the financial performance of organic rice production in comparison with conventional rice production. The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) measure the capital investment of organic rice production and operating cost requirements of organic and conventional rice production in Mangatarem and San Carlos, Pangasinan, (2) compare and analyze the cost and revenue structure of organic and conventional rice production, (3) assess the financial condition of the conventional farmers and organic farmers, (4) compare and analyze the profitability of conventional rice production and organic rice production, and (5) identify sources of financing for organic and conventional rice production. This study tested the following hypotheses: (1) converting from conventional farming to organic production entails additional capital, (2) organic rice production is more profitable than conventional rice production, and (3) organic farms are more solvent compared to conventional farms. Primary and secondary data were gathered for the study. Secondary data were collected from the municipal agriculture office in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Primary data were collected from organic and conventional farmers through personal interviews. Descriptive analysis, tabular analysis, financial analyses for solvency, liquidity, and profitability, and the t-test were used in the study. Based on a sample of 25 organic and 30 conventional farms, the study showed that organic farms have higher net income. On average, the yield of organic rice farms is also higher than conventional farms. The average farm gate price of the organic rice (P19) is higher than in conventional rice farms (P20). Total costs of conventional farms are higher than in organic farms with seeds, tractor rental and pesticides as the highest material costs. Furthermore, total cash costs of organic farms’ decrease over time due to improved soil fertility thus requiring fewer fertilizers. Organic farms (16.80) were more liquid than conventional farms (6.98). They are also more solvent with a ratio of 0.95 than in conventional farms which have a ratio of 0.88. Organic rice production is also more profitable (63%) compared to conventional farms (43%). To further improve the rice programs and projects being implemented and to help increase the farmers’ incomes, the following are recommended: (1) encourage the production of Vermicast or own compost,(2) encourage the production of Vermiti or fermented, (3) production of more pest-resistant varieties should be developed, (4) encourage natural methods in pest resistance, (5) review the requirements for organic certification, (6) promote the benefits of organic produce
Social innovation and its potential transformative outcomes among selected learning sites for agriculture in Camarines Sur, Philippines
No full textThe study analyzed social innovation and its potential transformative outcomes among selected learning sites for agriculture (LSA) in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Certified LSAs in 2019 that were able to conduct training programs were chosen to enable the investigation of potential outcomes. Data were gathered through document analysis, key informant interviews, and surveys using a convergent parallel mixed-method research design. The emergent themes in product and service innovations included new farm produce, processed food products, non-food products, and technical services offered. The process innovations were clustered into sustainable agricultural practices, operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and elevating service performance while marketing innovations included market outlet optimization and client adaptability. The evolution of social innovations involved identifying critical issues, generating solutions, experimenting, and adopting strategies to sustain the innovations. Factors that hamper social innovations included insufficient knowledge and skills, environmental problems, resource problems, regulatory barriers, outdated ICT, troubleshooting problems, customer complaints, limited local materials, high cost of packaging materials and machines, limited technical know- how in ICT operations, and online account optimization difficulty. These innovations contributed to environmental sustainability and knowledge transfer to students and farmers. Even though the training programs conducted by LSAs were less than a year before the pandemic, all farmer trainees shared that they produced social innovations and derived benefits that could potentially reduce costs, increase income, and improve farm efficiency. The proposed framework to promote social innovations was presented to various stakeholders for validation and has been adopted in an externally funded project to promote social innovations among LSAs in the Bicol region
Analysis of the level of period poverty among menstruating female residents of Barangay 176, Caloocan City, National Capital Region
No full textWorld Health Organization (WHO, 2022) defines menstrual health as the complete physical, mental, and social welfare of a biological female during their menstruation, and period poverty is the opposite of that. Period poverty happens when menstruating females lack access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, clean water, sanitation, waste management, education, and products or services associated with menstruation. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the level of period poverty among menstruating female residents of Barangay 176, Caloocan City, National Capital Region (NCR). The study utilized a mixed method approach and a non-probability sampling (convenience sampling), where 36 residents served as the respondents. Results showed that they opted not to buy menstrual-related products and services due to affordability issues–observed in all categories. Their overall level of period poverty was low based on three determinants (accessibility, affordability, and hygienic facilities at home). Statistical analyses showed that all socio-demographic characteristics are associated with the overall level of period poverty, noting that income has the strongest influence. Quantitative data may show a low overall level of period poverty, but textual data of experiences say otherwise–in the context of SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Nonetheless, this study has provided supporting data on the progress of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) using the selected goal indicators