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Potential Effects of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on the Philippine Milkfish Industry
No full textThe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to be the largest trading bloc in the world as it facilitates trade partnerships with the ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. There are numerous studies evaluating the effects of RCEP on different countries, however, few to none focus on its effects on the Philippines\u27 agri-fisheries industry, especially the possible risks, threats, and corresponding safety nets that local producers can expect and anticipate under the agreement. With this, the study adopts an ex-ante analysis in investigating the effects of RCEP\u27s trade liberalization on the Philippine milkfish industry and the context in which it operates.
In analyzing the comparative advantage of Philippine milkfish under the import and export-trade scenario, the Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) values of 30 milkfish grow-out pond producers in barangays San Pablo, Sta. Elena, and Sagrada Familia in Hagonoy, Bulacan show that extensive, semi extensive, and intensive milkfish production systems can satisfy local demands, diminishing the need for imports. On the other hand, only the intensive production system showed a comparative advantage when it comes to milkfish exports, implying a need to improve local production by decreasing production costs to strengthen the comparative advantage of other production systems.
Partial equilibrium analysis of the industry using Tsakok\u27s (1990) method showed that trade liberalization under RCEP will decrease domestic prices and domestic production by 0.09 percent and 41 thousand mt respectively. Meanwhile, the local consumption will increase by 85 thousand mt and imports by 126 thousand mt/ Welfare effects show that the trade agreement will reduce changes in government revenue, changes in consumer and producer surplus, net economic loss in consumption and production, and total loss to society to 0, implying welfare maximation or the optimal allocation or resources.
The Philippine milkfish industry can expect the following risks and threats in the international market: the expected increase in imports which may exacerbate the decreasing fisheries output from 2020 to 2023, import dependency on Indonesia for milkfish fry, the limited foreign market demand for milkfish and the noncompliance to SPS measures. On the other hand, producers can find opportunities and safety nets under BFAR\u27s Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program and the National Bangus Development Program, and the vertical integration of the industry.
The study recommends a continued commitment to the National Bangus Development Program, improvement of compliance to SPS measures, expansion of milkfish product forms for export, and the organization of milkfish producers and operators. Theses recommendations focus on strengthening the comparative advantage of local producers and increasing their bargaining power to make trade agreements such as RCEP advantageous for agricultural producers as well
Resource Use Efficiency of Coconuts Farms by Tenurial Status in San Pablo City, Laguna, 2022
No full textThe study evaluated the efficiency of coconut farmers across all tenure groups in utilizing their resource, which include fertilizers, pesticides and labor. The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) characterize the coconut farmers in San Pablo City, Laguna; (2) determine the cropping practices employed by the farmers in cultivating coconut; (3) analyze the effects of tenure on the productivity of the coconut farms; (4) determine the efficiency of resource utilization by tenurial status; and (5) provide recommendations based on the findings of the study.
Ninety-nine coconut farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. In total, 40 were landowners, and 59 were tenants; more specifically composed of 16 leasehold tenants, and 43 share tenants. Primary data were used to assess the qualitative and quantitative aspects of inputs\u27 effect on yield and the farmers\u27 efficiency in utilizing them. Descriptive and statistical analyses were used to facilitate the qualitative and qualitative and quantitative aspects of inputs\u27 effect on yield and the farmers\u27 efficiency in utilizing them. Descriptive and statistical analyses were used to facilitate the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the study. The farmers\u27 perceptions of their cropping practice\u27s effects on income and input utilization\u27s effects on yield were determined initially. These were then compared with quantitative data to assess their agree of utilization of inputs. The Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to determine if there were significant differences between the median yield of coconut farmers across tenure groups. In contrast, the t-test was used to determine if the mean yield between leasehold and share tenants significantly differed. Multivariate regression test were also conducted to evaluate which explanatory variables significantly affect yield. Through this, the farmers\u27 resource use efficiency was also determined.
The farmers\u27 perceptions regarding the benefits gained from utilizing inputs did not match their utilization for numerous reasons, such as the high costs of inputs, low income generated from coconut farming, and lack of provisions from the government. It was also found that intercropping generally helped farmers attain a higher income, with two of them generating income higher than Php254,328. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the median yield of landowners significantly differed from the median yield levels of both types of tenants. The mean yield between both types of tenants also did not significantly differ, as seen in the t-test results. The multivariate regression tests revealed that the variables found to affect such yield are tenure at one percent significance level and labor at ten percent. From this test, it was determined that share tenants underutilize pesticides significantly more than the other two. However, all groups also underutilized fertilizers. Similarly, labor was found to be underutilized by both types of tenants only.
From the results, it is recommended that the farmers plant more trees to increase their yield, document the best practices in the farm, promote intercropping to increase income, introduce other coconut varieties, and utilize labor more efficiently, given that it is found to affect yield significantly
Profit Efficiency and Productivity Analysis of an Intercropped Coffee Production in Batangas and Cavite, 2021
No full textThe demand for coffee nowadays has been steadily increasing especially with coffee shops being established left and right. However, domestic production cannot supply the needed amount of coffee beans and have to rely heavily on importation.
The study was to examine the productivity and profit efficiency of coffee farms in Batangas and Cavite that adopt an intercropping system. Along with the general objective, the study was guided by four specific objectives: (1) characterize the coffee farmers in Batangas and Cavite and their cropping system; (2) to compare the profitability of an intercropped coffee production system between Batangas and Cavite; (3) to compare the profit efficiency between the intercrops; and (4) to determine the factors affecting the productivity and profit efficiency of an intercropped coffee.
Sixty-five coffee-farmer respondents were randomly selected in from three municipalities in Cavite and Batangas. Comparison of inputs used and output produced, profitability analysis, stochastic profit frontier analysis, and analysis of variance were done to evaluate the profit efficiency of the coffee farms.
Results showed that there were significant differences in the profitability of the farms. Moreover, the most profitable intercrops for coffee farms are pineapple and banana. The analysis of the stochastic profit frontier revealed that fertilizer price, wage rate, land area, capital investments, and the age of coffee trees significantly affects the profit of the coffee farms. The inefficiency model showed that weeding frequency, pruning frequency, and coffee-related trainings are positively related to profit efficiency, while fertilizer application frequency, and location of the farm are positively related to profit inefficiency.
The results of the study can be used by the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Coffee Board, and other agencies to further improve the coffee industry in our country. Research and extension services are recommended to help increase the knowledge of the farmers and convince them to shift into more profitable intercrops
Comparative Analysis of Farm Productivity and Profitability of Rice Farmer-Borrowers and Non-Borrowers in Nueva Ecija, 2022
No full textCapital constraint has been one of the most challenging problems faced by the rice farmers in the country. Knowing that rice farming relies heavily on capital, the lack of it may result in sub-par use of inputs, hence will cause low productivity and consequently, low profitability. This study made use of the primary data gathered by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños (DAAE, CEM, UPLB) from Nueva Ecija, which is known as the rice granary of the Philippines .
Comparison of means between borrowers and non-borrowers, and formal borrowers and informal borrowers, was conducted to assess whether there are variation in terms of input utilization, farm productivity (yield), and farm profitability of the rice farmers in Nueva Ecija. Probit regression analysis was also conducted to determine the factors that affected the credit availment of the rice farmers in the said province. Lastly, multiple regression analysis was employed to determine if credit had an effect on the farm productivity of the rice farmers in Nueva Ecija.
After analyzing the raw data provided by DOST-PCAARRD and DAAE, CEM, UPLB, out of the 70 respondents, it was found that only 11 percent of the rice farmers in Nueva Ecija opted for formal credit, while 89 percent opted for informal credit. Additionally, most rice farmers only availed a loan amounting to Php 20,000 or less. In terms of input utilization, borrowers and non-borrowers did not significantly differ, while formal and informal borrowers significantly differed in terms of seed usage and herbicide application. Overall, non-borrowers, formal borrowers, and informal borrowers did not significantly differ in terms of farm productivity and farm profitability. After running Probit regression analysis, it was found that educational attainment significantly and inversely affects the probability of credit availment of rice farmers. After running multiple regression analysis, it was found that labor and machine costs directly and significantly affect yield, while it was also found that credit did not significantly affect the farm productivity of the rice farmers in Nueva Ecija.
It was recommended to explore other related topics or survey other areas with more variability among possible study groups as this study\u27s respondents\u27 traits were almost homogenous
Production and Income Assessment of Small-Scale Sweet Potato and Snow Cabbage Farmers and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lucban, Quezon, 2022
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the growth of Philippine agriculture since health protocols such as stay-at-home orders and travel restrictions were declared in March 2020 inevitably affecting the availability and affordability of agricultural produce. Food scarcity became a challenge since the limitation hindered the transport of goods worldwide, including the town of Lucban. The burden lies in the hands of the local small-scale vegetable and root crop farmers. It is, therefore, necessary to determine the effect of the pandemic on the production level and income of farmers.
A total of 80 sweet potato farmers from Barangays Igang, Nagsinamo, and Samil and 87 snow cabbage farmers from Ayuti, Kulapi, and Tinamnan were interviewed for this study. The total farm area and the list of farmers were obtained from the OMA. Primary data were gathered through personal interviews using a pre-test questionnaire.
The results of the study showed that most of the farmers continued their production during the pandemic. Both sweet potato and snow cabbage respondent showed a significant decrease in their production during the pandemic. However, the prices of both commodities significantly increased. Moreover, using cost and returns analysis, it was found that both snow cabbage and sweet potato farmers obtained a significant increase in net farm income during the pandemic. A comparison of means using t-test revealed the statistical difference on the items in costs and returns before and during the pandemic. For sweet, it was determined that the expenses on land rent in-kind, unpaid family labor cost had a significant difference compared to the amount before the pandemic. On the other hand, it was determined that land rent in-kind, unpaid labor cost, seed cost, fertilizer, pesticide, and hired and unpaid family labor cost significantly increased during the pandemic. Furthermore, there was one each respondent for sweet potato and snow cabbage farmers who sold their produce online in comparison to a respondent who sold their produce through the traditional market. Using partial budget analysis, it was found that the sweet potato farmer who sold online gained a positive change in net income while the snow cabbage respondent who sold online obtained a negative change in net income.
The most usual challenge faced by sweet potato and snow cabbage farmers during the pandemic was the pest and diseases that affected the value of the produce. It us then recommended the the LGU, as well as the OMA, provide support by facilitating trainings to educate farmers on the modernized farming techniques and market opportunities that best fit the farmers\u27 capability and resources corresponding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is recommended that OMA and SIPAG to establish a central market for the farmers to gather their output and help sell their produce in the town and nearby municipalities
Analysis of the Resilience Strategies of Selected Foodservice Businesses in Los Baños, Laguna
No full textAs a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous establishments worldwide were forced to close, causing serious interruptions in a multitude of sectors. The economy of the Philippines has been thrown off, supply chains disrupted, and many businesses had to rethink their management techniques. Despite all these challenges, some establishments managed to operate after the implemented lockdowns. Foodservice businesses in Los Baños, Laguna namely Bonitos Bar & Restaurant, Dalcielo Restaurant & Bakeshop, Danielito’s Home Kitchen, Spice Jar, and Stable were studied as they are some of the establishments that remained operating amidst the pandemic.
The general objective of the study is to analyze the different business functions of the selected foodservice businesses to determine the management strategies and best practices they have adopted to overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic on their business. The study was able to discuss the operations, human resource, marketing, and finance aspects of the businesses. Furthermore, it presented the similarities seen among them using and evaluated the implications of the patterns by relating them to the Portfolio of Capabilities, Resilience Indicators, and the profiles of the owners.
The study utilized a descriptive research design (multiple case study design) to present the similarities or differences between the selected foodservice businesses. The method of collecting data was through interviews that were both done virtually through online communication platforms and physically. Printed questionnaires were also distributed. As for the secondary data, the researcher utilized information that was available on their websites or social media platforms.
Based on the resilience indicators that were developed by Ducheck (2020), seven (7) were seen among the respondents and they are as follows: leadership and awareness, situational awareness, network robustness, market sensitivity, innovation and diversification, compliance and regulation, and core competencies of staff. It was also revealed that the owners showed entrepreneurial capabilities such as risk-taking, persistence, self-confidence, demand for efficiency and quality, and opportunity-seeking. The presence of these indicators proved that the businesses are resilient. The researcher also assessed the portfolio of competencies of each business, which aided them in overcoming crisis-related issues. The capabilities include anticipation, cultural and behavioral, relational, and technological. These qualities largely contributed to their success.
It was advised in the study that new businesses should try to look for and study the updated business models of other businesses in the same industry. It was advised in the study that new businesses should try to look for and study the updated business models of other businesses in the same industry and to assess the resilience and entrepreneurial capabilities of their business. Some of the best practices that were identified from the firms were calculated rebranding, development of innovative products or services, and the acquisition of online ordering and delivery systems. However, upon observation, there is not one-size-fits-all approach in business as it all depends on the sole-focus or priorities of each firm, thus, having a resilient and entrepreneurial mindset enables a firm to allocate their resources over their priorities efficiently. As for recommendations for future studies, it would be better to gather data from more foodservice businesses as it would provide more perspectives and to try and look for businesses that offer similar products. Acquisition of financial statements is also highly advisable
Perception and Behavioral Intention Towards Financial Technologies of Rice Farmers in Selected Municipalities of Laguna
No full textCurrently, little research exists regarding the attitudes of rice farmers towards using financial technologies (fintech) as a tool for managing financial transactions on their farms. The study entitled, “Perception and Behavioral Intention towards Financial Technologies of Rice Farmers in Selected Municipalities of Laguna” was conducted with the general objective of determining the perception and behavioral intentions to financial technologies of rice farmers. Specifically, the study aimed to: 1) present the profile of rice farmers and their farms in the selected areas in Laguna; 2) describe the fintech services that are utilized by the rice farmers; 3) determine the rice farmers’ perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and other external factors affecting the usage of fintech; 4) analyze the adoption of fintech services across different demographics; 5) assess the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of fintech among rice farmers; and 6) recommend strategies for key stake holders to facilitate adoption of fintech products and services.
Rice farming is a critical component of the Philippine economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the country’s agricultural output. However, rice farmers encounter various challenges, including limited access to formal financial institutions, inadequate credit facilities, cumbersome loan application processes, and high transaction costs. Effective agricultural financing and risk management are vital for sustainability and growth of rice farming. Fintech, the integration of financial services and technology, has the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape in the Philippines, especially for individuals engaged in agriculture. Through this study, the author gained valuable insights into the demand for fintech solutions.
The study presented a new research model that investigates farmers’ attitudes towards fintech integration into farm practices based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The association of farmers’ attitudes, fintech, and TAM is novel within this field of research. The research model of this study contributes to the existing literature as it aims at explaining the attitude towards fintech integration into farm practices, being based on the extended TAM. This study used the rice farmers’ perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and other external factors—perceived behavior control and personal innovativeness—as antecedent variables; attitude towards using fintech as independent variable; and behavioral intention as dependent variable.
Based on the existing literature within the technology acceptance field, a research model has been created. A deductive and quantitative research approach has been employed in order to test the hypothesis of 330 rice farmers from selected municipalities in Laguna, specifically from Pila and Victoria using a structured and supervised survey. The questionnaire is divided into three parts: the profile of the farmers and their farms; their fintech services usage, and their perceptions. The results of the Pearson correlation tests showed that four out of five hypotheses could be accepted. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and personal innovativeness have an impact on the rice farmers’ attitude towards fintech. The findings revealed that the attitude towards using fintech in their farm influences the behavioral intention. Using the Chi-Square test, it was also found that the socio-demographic profile of the respondents is not associated with fintech adoption.
Research limitations concern the model’s application in different contexts for other technologies, factor of time, factor of performance, and the concentration on specific industries in which user-driven innovation is highly important. Future research is encouraged to take these factors into consideration. Employers and farm owners should support their farmers’ confidence in using fintech in processes by reinforcing the perception of fintech’s usefulness. User-centric design, intuitive interfaces, transparency, and trust and reliability are key to driving fintech adoption among farmers and empowering them to leverage digital financial services for their agricultural activities.
Through the study, it was perceived that the adoption of fintech among rice farmers faces several gaps and challenges. The limited digital infrastructure, digital literacy, trust and security concerns, affordability and accessibility issues, customization to local needs, and the lack of technical support as barriers to the effective adoption of fintech solutions. Addressing these constraints requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, such as rice farmers, fintech companies, financial institutions, government and regulatory bodies, and agricultural extension services, which are elaborated in this study to create an enabling environment that fosters the widespread of adoption and utilization of fintech among rice farmers
Air and Air-Steam Gasification of Coconut Shell in a Fluidized Bed
Get PDFCoconut shells’ abundance in tropical countries, along with its high volatile combustible matter (83.51%) and energy content (18.68 MJ kg-1) make it a good biomass resource and a promising feedstock for gasification. In gasification, different mediums such as air, steam, oxygen, or their combinations can be used to react with the solid carbon and heavy hydrocarbons of biomass. Hence, the effects of using an air-steam mixture as a gasifying agent for the bench-scale fluidized bed gasification of coconut shells were studied. The steam-to-carbon ratio (SCR) was varied to evaluate its effect on the resulting syngas quality and gasification performance, while the equivalence ratio was maintained at 0.25 and the bed temperature was kept at 700°C. Results revealed that the optimum SCR is 0.6, where peak values of hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) content, hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio (H2/CO), higher heating value (HHV), cold gas efficiency (CGE), and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) were observed. Furthermore, the use of the air-steam mixture (SCR 0.6) as a gasifying agent was compared with the conventional air gasification. The study also showed a significant increase in syngas quality in terms of H2 content (4.70 - 5.82%), H2/CO (0.30 - 0.39), and CH4 content (3.53 - 4.38%). The syngas heating value and gasification performance revealed a statistically similar improvement: HHV from 4.95 to 5.41 MJ Nm-3, CCE from 77.64 to 81.75%, and CGE from 47.99 to 51.01%. Moreover, air-steam gasification produced less CO2 (13.42 CO2mol kgbiomass-1) and had higher energy recovery (49.67%)
Appropriate postharvest technologies to extend shelf-life of resilient crops (Saba banana and legumes) grown in Laguna, Quezon and Batangas
No full textThe project aimed to minimize postharvest wastage and make available more resilient crops such as Saba banana and legumes,and develop/evaluate postharvest technologies applicable to these crops grown in Laguna, Quezon and Batangas [Philippines]. A survey of the postharvest handling practices of traders of stringbeans, Saba banana fruit and banana blossoms in major markets in three provinces was done. The critical points in the supply chain the banana blossom as food extender and an increasingly popular ingredients for vegetable recipes, laboratory studies focused on its physical and rheological properties, as well as its response to modified atmosphere packaging for enhanced shelf-life. An experiment was also done to determine the effect of ambient and low temperature on its visual quality, weight loss, and bract opening and browning. The rheological characteristics of stringbeans were likewise determined. Based on the survey, the critical point in the Saba supply chain is production-related, that of \u27bugtok\u27 disease resulting in low supply of fruits. The problems in banana blossom are browning and decay which occur during postharvest handling, especially packaging and storage. The reported use of sodium metabisulfite solution in fresh -cut blossom which normally keeps for 1-2 days only is an issue. For stringbeans, the traders\u27 major problems of yellowing, shriveling and over-maturity which account for postharvest losses point to harvesting, packaging and storage as critical areas. Alinsanay blossoms had the highest maximum allowable stacking height estimated at 1.76 meters or 22 layers compared to those of Saba (1.11 meters or 11 layers) and Latudan (11 layers or 0.70 meters). Contrary to reports that blossoms could last for 1 month at room temperature, laboratory tests showed that they could only be stored for 2 weeks. Rheological tests in stringbeans indicate that the common 10-kg polyethylene bags can be stacked up to five layers to minimize compression damage. Basic information particularly on the physical and rheological properties of the selected resilient crops need to be disseminated among farmers and traders through the development of information materials and conduct of trainings on proper postharvest handling. Further studies on prolonging the shelf-life and reducing postharvest losses of these crops are recommended
