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Pagsubok at pagharap sa panahon ng pandemya at kakayahang makiangkop ng mga traysikel drayber ng upland toda sa Bay, Laguna
No full textEconometric Analysis of the Impact of Education on Income Inequality in the Philippines
No full textEducation is a key priority for the Philippine government, but challenges in accessibility, teacher quality, dropout rates, and education quality persist. This study examines the relationship between education and income inequality in the Philippines using annual time series data from 1980 to 2018. Contrary to some previous research, the findings suggest that an increase in education level may widen wage gaps, indicating a positive relationship between education and income inequality. However, an alternate model incorporating the index of human capital per person reveals a negative impact on income inequality, supporting the human capital theory. The study also highlights the delayed effect of education expenditure on income inequality, as well as the negative correlation between GDP growth and income inequality.
The results indicate the need for improved education accessibility, inclusivity, and quality, as well as addressing discrimination in schools to reduce income inequality. The study recommends revisiting education policies such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, enhancing education provisions, and implementing effective measures to ensure equity in the education system. Additionally, comprehensive approaches beyond education, considering other socioeconomic factors, are necessary to tackle income inequality. The study underscores the need for education system reforms, addressing issues like inadequate funding, standardized testing, lack of creativity, and corruption. By prioritizing quality and accessible education for all Filipinos, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, income inequality can be addressed more effectively. Ultimately, significant changes in the economic structure are crucial in tackling the persistent challenge of income inequality in the Philippines
An Analysis of the Effects of the Modification of Community Quarantine Classifications on the Philippine Stock Market
No full textDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world imposed a number of measures in order to contain the spread of the virus. This lead to an unprecedented synchronized implementation of lockdowns around the globe which has traumatized financial markets, including the Philippine stock market. In order to stop the spread of the virus, the Philippines had implemented five types of Community Quarantines, corresponding to a certain degree of allowed mobility within the area it is implemented. Using panel data regression, the study investigates the effects of community quarantine classifications implemented in the National Capital Region on the Philippine Stock Market. The results of the Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) Regression with Fixed Effects model found that Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), General Community Quarantine with Heightened Restrictions (GCQH), and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) had a negative impact on the volatility of stock returns, relative to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). MGCQ was found to have positive impact on the volatility of stock returns relative to ECQ, but had less volatile stock returns relative to ECQ. Moreover, the volatility of stock prices in the financial sector was found to be significantly less relative to the stocks belonging to the holding firms sector. Thus, risk- averse investors, should invest during MECQ, GCQH, GCQ, and MGCQ, where stock returns are less volatile. Furthermore, GCQH should be implemented in favor of other community quarantine classifications, as stock returns are the least volatile during this period, should another global outbreak occur
Analysis of the Energy Expenditure Patterns of Households Across Income Groups in CALABARZON
No full textThis study explores the energy expenditure and budget allocation patterns of poor and non-poor households in the CALABARZON region. Using data from the 2018 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed to analyze the relationship between household income and spending of households (in the form of budget shares) on different energy sources they consume for their daily activities. Non-poor households spend considerably higher for their overall energy consumption compared to poor households. With regards to the five household fuels, poor households spend more on fuelwood, charcoal and kerosene while non-poor households spend more on electricity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). As the overall spending of households expands, budget shares of households on electricity increases while the budget shares on LPG, fuelwood, charcoal and kerosene decreases implying that electricity spending is prioritized by most of households. Estimation of Engel Curves supports these results demonstrating the impact of household income on patterns of energy expenditure considering the socio-demographic profiles of households. The computation of the expenditure elasticities provided a deeper understanding on the households\u27 energy spending behavior of households toward electricity, LPG, fuelwood, charcoal and kerosene. Poor households rely more on traditional fuels while non-poor households depend more on modern fuels for their energy consumption. Overall, the study provides insights into the energy consumption patterns of households in CALABARZON, highlighting the importance of considering income disparities and socio-demographic factors in energy policy-making for promoting energy efficiency and accessibility
A Case Study on Undernutrition among Children under Five Years of Age in Barangay Calumpang, Nagcarlan, Laguna
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Economic Efficiency of Rice Production Under Communal and Pump-Assisted Irrigation Systems in Pila, Laguna During the Dry-Season, 2023
No full textThe main research question driving this study was: What is the difference in economic efficiency between rice farms using communal irrigation systems and those employing additional pump irrigation systems? To address this, the study analyzed the economic efficiency of rice production under communal and pump-assisted irrigation systems in Pila, Laguna, Philippines, with objectives to determine the economic efficiency among rice farms using these irrigation systems, to identify the factors influencing economic efficiency, and to propose policy recommendations based on the results. Data was collected from 66 randomly sampled farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier production function, and Tobit regression analysis.
A Cobb-Douglas production function indicated significant positive influence of area planted and nitrogen fertilizer on production and a negative impact of fuel usage. Factors such as membership in farming organizations, household size, and seed variety negatively affected technical efficiency. The study found an average technical efficiency of 79.15 percent, allocative efficiency of 96.72 percent, and economic efficiency of 77.14 percent, indicating that there is still room for improvement for the technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of the rice farms.
Notably, the study underscored the influence of irrigation systems on efficiency. Farms using pump irrigation systems demonstrated the highest average technical efficiency at 81.84 percent and economic efficiency at 78.95 percent, Conversely, farms employing gravity systems revealed slightly higher average allocative efficiency at around 97.15 percent. Geographical and infrastructural challenges pose efficiency obstacles, especially for gravity-fed irrigation systems. The Tobit regression analysis flagged gravity irrigation, household size, membership in farming organizations, and farm ownership as significant determinants of economic efficiency.
These comprehensive research findings offer valuable insights for boosting efficiency in rice farms situated in Pila, Laguna. Key recommendations include improving and maintaining irrigation systems, encouraging the use of energy-efficient farming equipment, providing financial assistance to farmers for high input costs, and reassessing the role of farming organizations. Promoting farm ownership is also proposed to enhance farming efficiency. Further research is suggested to broaden geographic focus and to explore the impacts of environmental factors and management practices
Demand Analysis for Crude Oil in the Philippines, 2000-2020
No full textOil plays a crucial role in the economy, primarily in production and marketing. In the Philippines, oil is used by the transport, commercial and public services, residential, industrial, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (AFF), and non-energy use sectors. Over the past year, the price hikes of oil-derived products like diesel and gasoline have brought attention to the topic in the country. This study was conducted to analyze the behavior of crude oil demand across sectors. Time study was conducted to analyze the behavior of crude oil demand across sectors. Time series data and fuel consumption by sector were visualized through line graphs to understand the trajectory and behavior of the data. Econometric analysis was also done to identify and determine the relationships of the factors influencing crude oil demand.
Among the sectors, crude oil demand was generally increasing in transportation, commercial and public services, and non-energy use sectors. However, the industry sector exhibited a downward trajectory, while AFF, as well as the residential sector, did not show any discernible trend. Oil extraction did not follow a specific trajectory likely due to various production-specific factors such as OPEC production cuts, refinery shutdowns, reduced input usage, and the impact of the pandemic leading to decreased demand. Additionally, oil reserves significantly decreased in recent years, with the Middle East remaining the top source of crude oil imports for the Philippines.
In terms of elasticity, crude oil demand was found to be income inelastic in the transportation and AFF sectors, income elastic in the commercial and public services sector and among non-energy users, and insignificant in the industry and residential sectors. Real GDP showed a positive and significant relationship with crude oil demand in all sectors except for the industrial and residential sectors. It was elastic for commercial and public services and non-energy uses, and inelastic for the transportation and AFF sectors. Regarding price elasticity, the industry, residential, and commercial and public services sectors exhibited price inelastic demand. Non-energy users showed price elasticity, while the transportation , commercial and public services, and AFF sectors showed insignificant relationships. These findings align with the law of demand, as prices demonstrated a negative relationship with crude oil demand in the sectors with significant relationships. The study also found that crude oil demand was inelastic to the real exchange rate in the transportation and AFF sectors. For the remaining sectors, the relationship was insignificant. A positive relationship was observed between the real exchange rate and crude oil demand for both sectors, indicating increased demand when the Philippines Peso depreciates.
The Philippines, being dependent on oil imports and lacking domestic resources, needs to conserve crude oil by prioritizing energy efficiency and conservation measures. The government should support the transition to renewable energy through research, development, and infrastructure establishment. Promoting energy-efficient technologies at the institutional level is crucial to reduce oil consumption and allocate resources to sectors like public transportation. Repealing excise taxes on oil can help ease the burden on residential consumers. The relationship between the depreciation of the Philippines Peso and crude oil demand suggests the need for strict regulation of foreign currency reserves to prevent excessive transfer costs and protect the transportation and agricultural sectors from weakened purchasing power
Productivity and Profitability of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Production using Hydroponics and Traditional Farming Technologies in Selected Municipalities of Laguna, 2022
No full textThe study analyzed the productivity and profitability of lettuce grown in hydroponics and traditional farms in selected municipalities of Laguna in 2022. Specifically, the study (1) described the farmers growing lettuce using traditional farming and hydroponics; (2) compared the farming practices under hydroponics and traditional farming; (3) assessed the difference in yield of lettuce in hydroponics and traditional farming; (4) evaluated the difference in the profitability for both hydroponics and traditional farming; and (5) came up with recommendations based on the results of the study.
The 25 respondents were found through Facebook, Google Maps, and visitations to the municipal offices. The analytical tools used were descriptive analysis, productivity analysis, cost and return analysis, and the return on investment analysis.
Based on the descriptive analysis, there were more female hydroponic growers and more male traditional growers. Younger farmers also tend to grow lettuce hydroponically while older farmers grow the traditional way. In terms of educational attainment, 88 percent of the total respondents were degree holders but 60 percent did not take a course related to agriculture. In terms of experience, traditional farmers have more experience than the hydroponic growers.
The productivity analysis showed that although traditional farms generally have larger area and higher produce than hydroponic farms, the latter had higher yield. This indicates that every area allotted to a hydroponic farm is worthy to invest on. On the other hand, the cost and return analysis seem to favor the traditional farms when the per farm values were computed. However, when the per unit area was measured, hydroponic farms have a greater value, especially in terms of the net income.
The return on investment for hydroponic farms and traditional farms are 24.01 percent and 18.66 percent, respectively, for the one month cropping season of lettuce. This indicates that traditional farms are profitable while hydroponic farms are not.
Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to use hydroponics in a relatively smaller space as this farming system would produce well even though given a small area
Determinants of Consumers\u27 Purchase Intention of Natural-based Facial Skin Care Products among Students in UPLB
No full textAs our way of life advances, the consumption pattern of mankind also changed. Different issues around the world brought researchers, scholars, and marketers in different industries to begin the probe of sustainability that leads to the trendy concept of organic and natural consumption that we have today. The global demand for natural skin care products is continuously growing at a very fast rate, however, the Philippines was still behind its Asian counterparts. This tells us about the need for marketers and business players in this sector to have a better grasp of consumers’ purchase intentions toward natural skin care products. The purpose of this study is to develop a deeper understanding of Philippine consumers’ purchasing intentions for natural skin care products. Focusing on this topic regarding natural-based facial skin care products (NFSCP) provides a clear contribution to the knowledge of consumer preference in the Philippines and ensures a greater understanding of the natural skincare market that will have both practical and theoretical significance for marketers and business players in this sector. This study will be a tool for marketers and business players in developing a successful marketing strategy for brand value.
The objective of this study is to examine the consumers’ purchasing intention of UPLB students towards facial skin care products made with natural ingredients. Also this research was a mix of qualitative and quantitative nature of research, and this paper used the framework of correlational research. The conceptual framework was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior due to its resilience in predicting consumer behavior in various studies. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data collected.
Based on the descriptive analysis, the respondents’ biggest reason why they first tried using NFSCP is because of health and safety reasons. Their biggest influence was their close social groups where they usually get direct word of mouth as well as from online influencers where digital word of mouth is present. The respondents usually buy every 2-4 months with a budget of about Php 500 – Php 1,000. The products that most of them are purchasing are cleansers, moisturizer, and sunscreen usually through online platforms like Lazada and Shopee as well as Watsons (drug store lifestyle hybrid). Most of them are considering skin-friendliness as an advantage of NFSCP and many of them will not buy any other product if their current product happens to be unavailable in the market. This could indicate many possibilities including product dependency or strong preference for the product they are using, they might have limited awareness of the alternative products in the market, or they may be completely satisfied with their product and do not see any need to use other products. Lastly, the top 3 factors that the respondents are considering when choosing facial skin care products are effectiveness, price, and value for money.
Based on the analysis of PLS, the result shows that among the six antecedent of attitude, personal knowledge have the most significant effect on attitude as driver of purchase intention, followed by safety value. The most statistically significant pathway can be seen on perceived behavioral control and purchase intention indicating that an individual’s control over his/her own behavior contributes a lot to his purchase intention. Furthermore, the result also showed that the attitude towards purchasing NFSCP also has a significant effect on the purchase intention of NFSCP. On the other hand, the relationship between health value, social value, hedonic value, and environmental value towards attitude are statistically insignificant, therefore they were not supported. Similarly, the relationship between the subjective norm and purchase intention was also insignificant.
Given that PLS-SEM is under the causal research design, it is evident in this study that purchase intention is mainly caused by personal knowledge and safety value, wherein these two drivers influence attitude leading to purchase intention
A Comparative Study of Resilience in Selected Agritourism Farms in Laguna in the Midst of Business Disruptions during the Pandemic
No full textAgritourism has paved its way to the Philippines more than twenty years ago upon the conception of the Philippine Tourism Master Plan, a project that promotes an environmentally sustainable tourism. The industry strengthened through the implementation of the Republic Act No. 10816 or An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Farm Tourism in the Philippines which promoted the collaboration between agriculture and tourism. From there, the inherent benefits of agritourism did not only manifest within the industry but also reflected in other sectors. As agritourism tied agriculture-related activities such as cultivation and farming, harvesting, processing, and tending to livestock and animals with educational tours, training, and accommodation, engagement with visitors increased.
With that, agritourism encouraged local employment and business opportunities, enrichment of natural resources, and the preservation of rural landscapes. At present, the Philippines is among the list of globally known tourism destinations making it an attractive and profitable industry for the country. How ever, the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the industry. Like any other businesses, no one was prepared for the pandemic including the agritourism farms that endured lockdowns and quarantine which prevented the farms to extend their main product and services-the first-hand farm experience and food offerings.
According to Zhang et al. (2021), no other sector was swooned as critically as the tourism and hospitality industry. This is because agritourism incurs losses that cannot be recovered as it offers services and accommodation that unlike products, cannot be sold in the future (Gossling et al., as cited by Wojcieszak-Zbierska et al., 2020). It resulted to business disruptions such as food supply chains disruptions, challenges in food security, and global economics shock and decline.
Despite all of this, there are standing agritourism sites today that displayed resiliency. The business models together with the strengths and weaknesses of the four selected agritourism farms in Laguna were studied in this paper. These agritourism farms that showed resilience are Costales Nature Farms, Daang Hari Campgrounds Agritourism Park, and Vonwelt Nature Farm. The general environment was assessed along with the business disruptions that these farms suffered from during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigating the problems they faced and the ways by which they were able to cope despite the disaster brought by the pandemic contribute valuable insights and knowledge to the study and resiliency. The crisis management strategies of the farms were thoroughly examine and comparative analysis was utilized to extract and collate the best and notable strategies on resilience.
The findings of the study suggest that the top strategies employed by the agrotourism farms are Diversification and Innovation, Business Pivot, and Cost-Cutting. To cope with the disruptions, diversification of offering can be implemented. This has been performed by all of the four farms with activities such as value-adding, product development, increasing marketing and promotional channels, and farm expansion and facility development. Another notable resilience strategy is business pivoting. Business Pivot practices that worked for the farms include repurposing their amenities, a shift in the product offering, and shifting the use of resources. As for the cost-cutting strategies, downsizing was the prominent practice.
For start-up companies, Diversification and Innovation has greatly contributed to their coping strategies specially diversifying the products and services, and expanding their farm facilities in order to gain competitive advantage. This has also been true for farm schools as the farm school training was a significant contributor to their recovery. Moreover, Business Pivot is the leading strategy for medium-scale farms which is applied through repurposing acquired properties and assets, reallocating and maximizing their resources. These strategies fostered resiliency, adaptability, and helped towards the achievement of business continuity