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Molecular detection of Chlamydiaceae in captive birds from five animal facilities in the Philippines
No full textBackground: Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic agent transmitted from birds to humans that causes psittacosis from asymptomatic infections to mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia, even death in humans. Although some antibiotic treatments are effective, infection may become severe if treatment is delayed due to delayed diagnosis. Testing for C. psittaci is not routinely available in most hospitals. Therefore, the risk of contracting C. psittaci is an important public health concern. Methods: In this study, 303 fecal samples from 99 bird species in five different animal facilities in the Philippines were collected and subjected to PCR targeting envB of Chlamydiales DNA. Positive samples were retested by real-time PCR targeting 16S rRNA and confirmed Chlamydiales infection. Results: Two out of 303 samples (0.6%) were positive for Chlamydiales DNA. One positive sample was from facility 1 (7.14%; 1/14), and the other was from facility 3 (0.87%; 1/115). The 102 bp of envB nucleic acid sequences were successfully determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the samples were found to be with cluster of C. psittaci, C. abortus, and C. buotenis. Conclusions: Although species could not be determined, we molecularly detected Chlamydiaceae that are potentially pathogenic and zoonotic
Embryotoxicity test of the anti-anemia drug from Alternanthera sessilis
No full textAlternanthera sessilis is a plant native to wetlands that is commonly known in the Philippines as “bunga-bunga” (Tagalog). Currently, A. sessilis is available as a natural product that can combat anemia in the Philippines. Anemia, together with diabetes, is one of the complications experienced during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify the safety of A. sessilis as a supplement for pregnant mothers by testing its embryotoxic and possible teratogenic effects in pregnant mice.The experimental design consisted of supplementation of 7.3 mg/mL (low) and 73 mg/mL (high) A. sessilis to pregnant dams compared with 10,000 IU/kg of isotretinoin (positive control), soybean oil (vehicle control), and distilled water (negative control group). Reproductive parameters, histological parameters, and gene expression pattern changes were observed in the embryos of pregnant dams. Dams and embryos in the isotretinoin group had reduced reproductive performance and induced teratogenicity. Administration of a low dose (7.3 mg/ mL) of A. sessilis capsule showed no significant changes in the reproductive performance of dams and embryo development (E11.5). Although not significant, a higher dose (73 mg/mL) of A. sessilis resulted in a slight reduction in reproductive performance and embryo growth when compared with the negative control group. According to the immunohistochemistry results, the high-dose group of A. sessilis had a significant increase in the expression of BCL-2 anti-apoptotic protein in the embryonic liver (E11.5) when compared with the negative control group and the isotretinoin group. The findings in this study suggest that the use of A. sessilis as a supplement at a low dose can be beneficial during pregnancy
Effect of locality and axial position on the properties of iron bamboo (Guadua angustifolia kunt.) and solid bamboo [Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees] grown in the Philippines
No full textThis study investigated the effect of locality and axial position on the morphological, physical, and mechanical properties of iron bamboo (Guadua angustifolia Kunt.) and solid bamboo [Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees] from three locations in the Philippines: Laguna, Baguio City, and Nueva Vizcaya. Morphological properties were assessed by measuring culm height, internode length (IL), culm diameter (CD), and culm wall thickness (CWT), whereas physical and mechanical properties were determined using ASTM D143-2019 and ISO 22157-2019. Results showed significant differences in properties based on localities and axial position. Laguna\u27s iron bamboo had 75.29 and 11.87% higher CD and CWT than Baguio\u27s, respectively. Laguna\u27s solid bamboo CD exceeded Nueva Vizcaya\u27s by 38.76%, but Nueva Vizcaya\u27s solid bamboo had a 9.13% higher CWT than Laguna\u27s. Iron bamboo\u27s CD increased by 62.66%, and solid bamboo by 24.41% from bottom to top. Conversely, their CWTs decreased by 47.70 and 55.18%, respectively. Baguio City\u27s iron bamboo exhibited greater relative density (RD), radial (RS), tangential (TS), longitudinal (LS), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) – surpassing Laguna\u27s by 30.50, 42.58, 15.40, 33.96, and 29.31% respectively. However, its moisture content (MC) was 27.04% lower. Meanwhile, Laguna\u27s solid bamboo had an 8.00% higher RD but an 18.46% lower MC compared to Nueva Vizcaya. Notably, solid bamboo from Nueva Vizcaya recorded the highest shrinkage properties. Both bamboo species showed an increasing trend in RD from the bottom to the top but a decreasing trend in MC, RS, TS, and VS. LS was highest in the top portion of iron bamboo and in the bottom portion of solid bamboo. Baguio City and Nueva Vizcaya bamboo exhibited the highest static bending strength than the bamboo from Laguna. In contrast, Laguna\u27s culms showed significantly higher shear (SS) and maximum compression strength (MCS) – 46.09 and 97.09% higher for iron bamboo, and 100 and 123.29% higher for solid bamboo, respectively. The presence of nodes did not significantly affect SS and MCS in either species, but samples without nodes had higher strength than those with nodes. The result indicates that iron and solid bamboo from Laguna is suitable for construction and engineered bamboo applications, whereas bamboo from Baguio City and Nueva Vizcaya is recommended for structural applications that require high strength but not necessarily large culms. The findings highlight the versatility of Philippine-grown iron and solid bamboo as eco-friendly and sustainable raw materials for the bamboo industry in green building practices
Drug-excipient compatibility testing of cilostazol using FTIR and DSC analysis
No full textCilostazol possesses pharmacological restrictions, such as its absorption being limited by its dissolution rate, and formulation studies must be employed accordingly to generate an optimized formulation. A drug-excipient compatibility analysis is conducted to determine any interactions that may affect the formulation in order to guarantee the stability, bioavailability, and manufacturability of solid dosage forms. To identify any incompatibilities, cilostazol alone and in combination with the individual excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, isopropyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, and corn starch were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) equipped with an attenuated total reflectance method and heat-flow differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with a temperature ranging from 30–400 °C at 10 °C/min ramp rate. The FTIR analysis of cilostazol alone and combined with excipients revealed no evidence of chemical or physical instability. Minor changes in the appearance of the absorbance bands in the FTIR comparison can be seen primarily due to the chemical characterization of the excipients, but the characteristic peaks of cilostazol were still present. As for DSC compatibility analysis, the % difference in cilostazol\u27s principal peak temperature alone and with excipients showed no significant change. This implies that no incompatibilities exist between cilostazol and the excipients
Why Do Minimum Wage Earners Stay in their Jobs?
No full textPrevious studies have suggested that numerous factors, including socio-demographic and employment characteristics, affect labor market decisions faced by workers. This study intends to analyze the relevant factors that affect minimum wage workers\u27 decisions to stay in their jobs. Usually, entry-level positions are the starting point of an individual\u27s labor force participation, but in the case of minimum wage earners, it is what is suitable for their lack of skill sets. Given this, this study utilized secondary data of active and separated workers under Stronglink Services, Inc., wherein, through logistic regression, it aims to determine which employee individual and employer characteristics affect their decisions. Based on the data, it was found that such workers are employed in positions such as housekeeping aides, grounds maintenance crews, and packaging production crews, which are described as low-skilled labor. To analyze workers\u27 characteristics , descriptive statistics were shown and analyzed. The results of the logistic regression show that age, educational attainment, tenure, and the size and location of employers significantly affect workers\u27 decisions to stay in their jobs. The decision to stay or leave is further determined by their reservation wages. As minimum wage earners, they are expected to have low reservation wages, mainly because they are low-skilled workers, which makes them less selective about employment opportunities. Furthermore, since turnover is costly for employers, there should be retention programs that boost employee morale and productivity in the workplace to decrease turnover rates in the company
Performance Evaluation and Experiences of Student Interns: The Case of DAME Internship Program 2021
No full textInternship is an avenue for students to apply the theoretical knowledge they learned from the classroom to a workplace setting and consequently gaining practical knowledge necessary for their future undertaking.
For most students, internship is the chance to get a real work experience. This is where the problem arises. As such is the case, there will be gaps in expectations of the employers and the performance of the student interns, stemming from the difference of the student\u27s theoretical and practical knowledge. Hence, the objective of the study is to assess the overall expectations of corporate partners of the DAME Internship Program 2021 and the BS ABME students\u27 performance. Specifically, (1) describe the corporate partners of the DAME Internship Program 2021, (2) discuss the performance evaluation of supervisors on the ABME student interns, (3) identify the strongest points and areas of improvement of student interns, (4) assess the students perception on internship towards their future career readiness, (5) formulate courses of action that could improve the performance of the upcoming BS ABME graduates.
There are 14 Host-Training Establishments (HTEs) that partnered with the UPLB Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship. Namely, they are: ADAMCO, Romarcom, SIDC, TTBDO, CTC, Roxas Holdings, Lupa Realty Holdings, 1Export, Tagani, Varacco, RU Foundry, St. Johnpaul Countertrade, Zoomanity Group and Choice Harvest. All these companies managed to hire at least one student intern. They all operate within the agribusiness industry with the exception of Lupa Realty.
Gaps in expectation were identified through the identifying the individual expectations of the HTES. Student interns were able to deliver the require outputs by their supervisors. Many were satisfied of the outputs submitted by the student interns, although there are still several who were unsure whether it was used or had any impact on the company. Also, the average scores of student interns given by their supervisors were also used in the study. It was found out that out of 52 students, below 10 managed to get a perfect score. There are student interns who got scores below 90%, but most managed to score above 90%. This meant that students were exceptional but still have room for improvement in the eyes of the employers. Using ten performance factors, study showed that the interns scored lowest in organizational skills.
Research found that the DAME-CEM student interns\u27 strong qualities are their communication skills, attitude, quality and quantity of work, and their job knowledge. Even then, employers still noted communication skills and attitude, together with adaptability as the qualities they should improve on.
Students\u27 perception of the internship towards their future career showed that the internship was successful for most. They have positive feedback towards the job, HTE, supervisors, and the FICs. They were also able to develop various skills throughout the internship.
Thus, it tis recommended to focus on improving the communication skills - presentation, attitude-confidence, and organizational skills of the students. Provide workshops and seminars that would improve these key areas so that it will be easier to bridge the gap between the expectations of the employers, and the performance of the student interns. This will help future student interns and graduates in retaining their jobs. As for getting the job, it is a different but relevant matter. Hence, it is recommended to future researchers to look into the hiring process of the corporate institutions to gain insights that would be valuable to the graduates of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship. Together, these will help them acquire and retain their jobs in these corporate institutions
Business Continuity: A Case Study on Mr. Cabatay\u27s Fish Farm Business in Binangonan, Talim Island
No full textAquaculture, the breeding and harvesting of marine organisms, is the largest subsector within the fisheries sector. However, the aquaculture industry has been experiencing a decline in production volume over the past decade. This research focuses on Mr. Rogelio Cabatay\u27s fish farm on Talim Island, Laguna de Bay which has faced significant challenges leading to significant losses and risking business continuity.
Mr. Rogelio\u27s fish farm, like many others, has encountered a decline in production volume and revenue due to various factors. The most prominent among these factors are environmental. These include damage caused by typhoons, slow growth of fingerlings, fish kills and other unfavorable water conditions. Theft, and government interventions such as the relocation of fish pens and cages adds up to the immediate issues. The fish farm business financial health is in critical condition. However, inevitable risk factors continue to threaten business continuity.
This research aims to analyze the production and business continuity of Mr. Rogelio\u27s fish farm on Talim Island. The specific objectives are to describe the business environment and local aquaculture industry, profile the entrepreneur and his fish farm business, analyze the external and internal environment, and recommend strategies to address threats and opportunities.
Qualitative research methods, specifically the Key Informant Interview (KII) design, were employed. Face-to-face interviews and questionnaires were conducted with Mr. Rogelio Cabatay, the owner and operator of the fish farm. Financial data collection was done through a separate interview via Facebook chat. Secondary data from credible online sources were also gathered. Data analysis involved organizing internal factors by business function, financial ratio analysis, and benchmarking production performance with industry standards. The VRIO framework and PESTEL analysis were used to evaluate the internal and external environment, respectively, and SWOT analysis informed the formulation of strategic recommendations.
The local aquaculture industry in Talim Island faces moderate competition, with barriers to entry providing some protection. Supplier and buyer bargaining power are high depending on availability and the number of options. Substitutes pose a low threat, while industry rivalry is high. Moreover, Mr. Rogelio\u27s fish farm encounters challenges across political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. The lack of awareness and information dissemination about aquaculture programs and subsidies adds financial strain, especially during natural disasters. Efforts to improve farm-to-market roads are underway, but the inflation rate raises the cost of operation such as transportation. Reliance on environmental factors like water quality remains a significant issue. Communication of policies, costly permit renewals, and illegal farms further contribute to industry challenges. The main internal risk factor for Mr. Rogelio\u27s fish farm is its failing financial health, influenced by factors including inevitable environmental risks. Theft and under-maximized production contribute to the financial strain. The analysis implied that Mr. Rogelio’s fish farm does not completely meet the industry standards in terms of production. Moreover the financial crisis worsened due to the aggressive use of debt financing.
To restore the financial health of the fish farm, temporary production decrease during poor water quality, consultation on water quality, thorough checking of pen and cage damages, and investment in fish inputs with survivability rate are recommended. Other strategies include considering harvest period, acquiring technical knowledge, improving laborer morale, renting out unused pens and cages, deleveraging through debt payments, asset selling for liquidity, scouting cheaper input sources, reducing transportation costs, diversifying income sources, and seeking government assistance and subsidies.
This study provides an analysis of Mr. Rogelio\u27s fish farm business, considering internal and external risks, with the aim of formulating sustainable short term and long-term strategies. The findings and recommendation can benefit the selected fish farm, other researchers, relevant authorities and policymakers, as well as small fish farm owners on Talim Island and aquaculture practitioners in general. Effective risk management strategies and business continuity planning are crucial for agribusinesses in the face of various risks and changing business environments
Business Practices Challenges and Opportunities on Lambanog Processing and Marketing in Tiaong and Tayabas
No full textLambanog, it local name, sometimes translated as coconut wine and internationally marketed as the Philippine vodka, spirit, or liquor, is a natural and chemical-free traditional alcoholic beverage made by distilling naturally fermented coconut sap or tuba, another coconut-derived alcoholic drink. With a typical alcohol content of 80 to 90 proof (40 to 45% alcohol by volume (ABV)), it is recognized for its high potency. When pure, the beverage has a translucent or colorless appearance and is frequently said to have a solid but clean taste. Quezon province is known to be the “Lambanog Capital” of the Philippines given the century-old tradition of lambanog- making preserved and continually practiced by some of the processors in various areas in the province, including the municipality of Tiaong and the City of Tayabas.
This Special Problem Report generally identified and analyzed the business practices of lambanog businesses involved in lambanog processing and marketing in Tiaong and Tayabas City as well as the challenges and opportunities confronting these businesses. Particularly, this research study was able to attain the following objectives: (1) describe the socio-demographic and business profile of the respondents and their lambanog businesses; (2) examine the business practices of the lambanog businesses in Tiaong and Tayabas City, Quezon province; (3) assess the challenges and opportunities confronting the lambanog processors and distributors in Tiaong and Tayabas City, Quezon Province; and (4) formulate strategies or recommendations that can be adopted to improve the future direction of lambanog processing and marketing in Tiaong and Tayabas City, Quezon Province.
This study interviewed three (3) lambanog processors in Tayabas City and 15 lambanog distributors based in Tiaong, Quezon as its primary respondents. The data were collected through the conduct of personal interviews; additional information and supporting data were collected from various resources of government agencies and institutions as well as from previous studies or existing literature related to lambanog.
The lambanog businesses interviewed can be described as owned and managed by different members or generations of a family of farmers or business people interested in venturing into agriculture-related business activity. The owners and managers currently managing the business are mostly aged 26 and above, married and attained college-level education. They also currently have multiple revenue streams, not solely relying on the income from their lambanog businesses. The businesses of the interviewed processors are considered to have small-scale operations which cover the production of coconut sap (input provision), processing of the raw material into distilled lambanog, packaging and labeling of products, then its distribution, marketing, and sales, and finally the actual delivery of products to their customers.
In the conduct of the activities related to each business process or aspect of lambanog processing and marketing, various business practices are observed to be executed or performed by each lambanog processor and the lambanog distributors that are aimed to help them to manage their business resources and operations effectively and efficiently. Some of the notable business practices involved or related to human resources management, business research and development, product-market related strategies or activities, capacity-building, and business or industry collaborations or partnerships with other stakeholders or industry players.
To be able to identify the challenges and opportunities confronting the respondents, a business analysis was conducted examining the lambanog businesses. The SWOT analysis, which provides an overview of the common strengths and weaknesses among the three processors and 15 distributors interviewed in the study together with the opportunities and threats facing them, and the Competitive Profile Matrix, which was designed to see the competitiveness of each lambanog processor business in comparison to one another, were the two analytical tools used in this study to scrutinize the data collected from the interviewed businesses.
The challenges and opportunities that lambanog processing and marketing in Tayabas City and Tiaong, Quezon are currently facing or could potentially face in the future were determined after completing the various analyses. The identified challenges primarily highlight concern about the limited business growth-driven practices or strategies that lambanog processors and distributors incorporate into their business operations as well as the intense competition in the alcoholic drinks market. The opportunities that have been identified, on the other hand, generally center on strengthened partnerships and collaborations with various public and private organizations, the fusion of tradition and modernization into the lambanog-making process, and building and managing lambanog-related business and with a business founfation based on their family business years of experience and the capacity to acquire and possess formal and technical expertise.
Finally, this study offered recommendations or strategies that could be employed to enhance the future direction of lambanog processing and marketing in Tiaong and Tayabas City, Quezon Province. Through the SWOT matrix and Ansoff matrix, respectively, specific and general recommendations encapsulating business strategies and growth strategies were specifically given and directed towards lambanog processors and distributors. Additionally, recommendations or suggestions for the government and future researchers were offered to take into consideration their important role in assisting the lambanog businesses and filling in the gaps and limitations of this research, respectively
Status, Problems, and Prospects of Rabbit Meat Production in Bay, Laguna
No full textHaving rabbits as a source of meat was already present in the Philippines after World War II to help alleviate food shortage. However, the spread of knowledge on proper care and benefits was discontinued. In addition, the popularity of rabbits as pets contributed to the industry not being able to flourish. Now, it is gaining attention again due to recent challenges in the agricultural sector such as rising prices of other meat sources. African Swine Fever, and the lower production caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a noticeable increase in the number of rabbit breeders all over the country who aim to promote rabbit meat production as a viable source of income and as a nutritious alternative source of protein. On a national level, the group is called Association of Rabbit Meat Producers, Inc. (ARaMP). Those particularly in Bay, Laguna, the chosen area for the study, formed the group called Bay Rabbit Breeder. Despite several efforts to promote and spread awareness, further support from the government and other institutions is still needed for the industry to thrive.
The general objective of the research is to know the potential of rabbit meat production in Bay, Laguna. It specifically intends to present the profile of the key players engaged in the industry, determine the current status of rabbit meat production in the area, identify the issues and challenges the key players faced and how they addressed these problems, analyze investment opportunities, and provide recommendations to increase the industry competitiveness in the area.
A descriptive research design was used in the study to determine the current status of the industry. The primary data was collected by conducting a survey with 32 respondents comprising members of the Bay Rabbit Breeders. In addition, a consumer survey was conducted with 30 respondents located both in Bay and nearby towns. Purposive Sampling was used to determine population for the study.
The results showed that through the continuous efforts coming from the ARaMP Inc. together with the support from the government, the number of rabbit meat producers in the country has increased. Given the promising outcomes of the industry, the primary hindrance on the meat’s consumption is the lack of consumer awareness that often leads to associating rabbits as pets, same as the reason why the industry didn’t flourish in the early days. This constraint is one of many carried by the individuals who wanted to use or were at least inquisitive but were constrained by the stigma of eating such meat from an animal that is largely regarded as a pet in the nation. The proposed standardized guidelines for slaughtering rabbits by the Bureau of Animal Industry and the ARamP were approved by the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, which aims to increase the domestic production of rabbit meat. It would seem that the rabbit industry still has a long way to go before being recognized as a major livestock locally, but with the collective effort of numerous rabbit meat producers and the government, it wont be long until the Filipino people embrace it.
The problems encountered by the rabbit meat industry in Bay Laguna were lack of consumer awareness, oversupplying, high mortality rate, increasing cost of inputs, competitiveness between breeders and producers, lack of availability, unpredictable climate, lack of in-depth market research, and the increasing number of rabbit meat producers versus low customers base. On the other hand, the prospects are initiatives by local government units such as training and beginning kits for raising rabbits, boosting of rabbit meat production and distribution for food consumption, finalizing the draft for the guideline of slaughtering, and encouraging the involvement of the academe in the industry. In order to further strengthen the industry of rabbit meat in Bay, Laguna, recommendations were made. For the rabbit raisers, they have to increase their consumer awareness, engage in different online platforms, include value adding activities, sell rabbit meat in cuts, find a consistent market, produce by products to gain more income, continuously sell their products in Tiangges, keep accurate records to determine their current status, and explore and target consumer markets in Bay and nearby towns. For the Bay Rabbit Breeders, it is recommended that they regulate the acceptance of new members and provide better management of current members. For the government and research institutions, they should further strengthen the application of the standardized guidelines for rabbit slaughtering and seek for submissions and presentation of innovate concepts to improve rabbit slaughtering and seek for submissions and presentation of innovative concepts to improve rabbit production operations in the country. Moreover, it is also recommended that an updated statistics on rabbit meat production must be presented to help both producers and consumers gain more knowledge about the rabbit meat industry
Status, Problems, and Prospects of the Bangus Industry in the Municipality of Binangonan, Rizal
No full textThe study was conducted to present the status, problems, and prospects of bangus industry in Binangonan, Rizal. Specifically, it aimed to 1. present the structure and performance of the bangus industry in the municipality of Binangonan, Rizal; 2. describe the profile of the key industry players and actors (bangus growers and traders) as well as the bangus farm and trading enterprises in Binangonan, Rizal; 3. determine the problems of the bangus industry in the municipality; 4. identify strengths and weaknesses as well as barriers or gaps for intervention and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs, government, and non-government organizations; 5. enumerate key success factors in the industry; and 6. formulate recommendations and strategic decisions for the participants of the bangus industry in Binangonan, Rizal, to attain the industry’s full potential, viability, and sustainability.
Binangonan is among the 13 municipalities of the province of Rizal. It is divided into two main barangays: Mainland and Island barangays. The mainland is comprised of 23 barangays while the island is comprised of 17 barangays. The residents of these barangays, especially those that are on the island, are heavily reliant on fishing as their main source of income. Anchored on fisheries and aquaculture since time immemorial, the fishing industry in the municipality has been among the municipalities driver of economic growth.
In this study, a total of 50 respondents and key informants were interviewed. Among these respondents are 30 bangus growers, 10 bangus traders, and 10 key informants. The data gathered during this interview served as the primary data while the secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished studies taken from reliable sources such as the Binangonan Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IV-A (BFAR IV-A), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), etc.
The result of the interview has shown that the majority of the respondents were male, married, and are at the age of 41 to 60 years old. Most of them were able to finish primary education and have at least three (3) to five (5) children. Many of the respondents were also able to attend training and seminars and are members of organizations/associations. Their type of business knowledge is mostly through experience and the majority use fishing as their only source of income. As for the bangus growers, all the respondents were male and the majority of them are at the age of 41 to 60 years old. All of them are also married with at least three (3) to five (5) children. The majority of them were able to reach secondary education. All the bangus traders interviewed were able to attend training and seminars. Meanwhile, only half of them is affiliated with or members of associations and organizations. Half of them also have no other source of income while the other half are also fish growers themselves. Meanwhile, all of the fishing enterprises were solely owned and have been operating for at least five years.
Through this interview, it can be concluded that the majority of the players in the bangus fishing industry in Binangonan are mostly dominated by the male population. Although there are female bangus growers and traders, they are very rare. Additionally, it could be inferred that the reason why players in the industry still use traditional fishing methods or techniques is that they have no other source of income to buy modern technologies and equipment.
Bangus was preferred by consumers live or fresh. Retailers and traders transact in the main port of the municipality of Binangonan called Binangonan Fish Port. This is where price negotiations take place. The harvested bangus are classified into four different classifications. The current farm-gate price of bangus is P85-P100 for Class C and D, P100- P130 for Class B, and P150 and above for Class A. The procured bangus from the Binangonan Fish Port reaches different municipalities such as Taytay and Angono and could even reach provinces like Bicol. The price of bangus could still increase as it goes along the supply chain.
According to the Binangonan Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), bangus stockings/fingerlings were priced at P2.00 per piece. Meanwhile, feeds were priced at P1,500.00 per 1 cavan. The Farm Plan and Budget for bangus production requires a total of P538,200.00 capital requirement to be able to put up one hectare of fish cage.
Several problems experienced by the key industry players as well as different farm sizes are identified in the study. These problems include a limited number of fingerlings suppliers, the proliferation of knife fish, traditional fishing techniques, high cost of inputs, high cost requirements to maintain infrastructure and equipment, insufficiency of capital, varying prices of bangus, variable climate, lake pollution and siltation, and establishing a strong relationship with suppliers. Considering that the bangus fishing industry in the municipality is already at its maturity stage, these problems are inevitable. Despite this, there are still prospects, investment, and development entry points in the industry. These are beneficial not only to the key players of the industry but to the whole industry as well.
The better strengthen and improve the bangus industry in the municipality of Binangonan, several recommendations were provided in the study. The recommendations for the bangus growers and traders include proper aquaculture practices, appropriate utilization of fish cages, investing in affordable yet quality fish feeds, and the development of strong linkages/networking between growers and traders. As for the government and other concerned institutions, recommendation include the provision of input, the establishment of a standard quality assurance system, and the provision of easy access to funding capital and financial programs