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Risk Analysis of the Operations of J&F Aquatic Resources Farming Corporation in Zambales
No full textMilkfish is the top aquaculture fish species produced in Zambales, accounting for approximately 93.15% or 8,531,449 kg of the overall estimated total aquaculture production in the province (BFAR, 2022). In 2022, there are 8 registered milkfish cage operators in Zambales with J&F Aquatic Resources Farming Corporation ranking 2nd with an estimate annual production of 1,249,600.00 kg.
Despite the huge socioeconomic value that the company provides to the province, it\u27s sustainable development is still hampered by various risks arising in its operations including fish stock depletion, high input costs due to feeding requirements, price fluctuations, feed supply insufficiency, reliance on imported fry, presence of multilayered distribution channel, and vulnerability to climate change among others. Hence, risk analysis on the operations of J&F Aquatic Resource Farming Corporation was conducted to identify and assess the risks occurring in its operations as well as proposed risk mitigation strategies to boost the productivity, profitability, and resiliency of the company.
The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model was used to identify and categorize the different business activities of J&F Aquatic Resources Farming Co. into five major processes namely plan, source, make, deliver, and return. The ISO 31000:2009 along with the House of Risk (HOR) Framework were also adapted in this study to ensure a more systematic approach to risk analysis. The latter was used to identify the critical risk agents that the company should prioritize and determine the most effective risk management strategies to be implemented. A benchmark analysis relative to selected ASEAN milkfish industries, particularly Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar, was also performed in order to evaluate the performance of the company and gain a comparative analysis with the cultural management practices of the said countries in accordance with the selected parameters from Codex Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CXC 1-2003) of the International Food Standards, Philippine National Standards for fresh chilled and fresh frozen milkfish (PNS/BAFS 66:2020), and data from SEAFDEC/AQD. Data collection was done through questionnaire administration, interview, KII, and utilization of secondary data.
Risk identification results showed that there are a total of 50 risks occurring in the SCOR operations of the J&F Aquatic Resources Farming Co., 29 of which are risk events while 21 are risk agents. The finding of the risk analysis revealed that there are four (4) most critical agents based on the obtained highest Aggregate Risk Potential (ARP) and modified Pareto Diagram. These are the economic and political factors, dependence on supplier, unfavorable conditions of water quality in fish cages, and human error, which were found a cumulative percentage of 50.79% to the overall aggregate risk potential of the company. Overall, the current mitigation measures that J&F Aquatic Resources Farming Corporation implements were found to be limited in terms of the adaptation of appropriate strategies for them to remain competitive.
To mitigate these priority risk agents, 19 preventive actions were proposed and subjected to the evaluation of industry experts. Based on the evaluation, eight (8) of the proposed risk mitigation strategies were selected for the company and key industry stakeholders to implement.
Furthermore, results of the benchmark analysis demonstrated that the company has still a lot of areas to develop to ensure its compliance with the Philippine National Standards, which could be done through strengthening its implementation of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) and Philippine National Standards, as well as leveraging advanced and sustainable milkfish-related technologies in order to boost its competitiveness, productivity, and profitability, and resiliency. In addition, initiatives and efforts from the key industry stakeholders are also needed to further advance the local milkfish industry and capitalize on its potential for growth and competitiveness on the international market
Omnichannel Marketing Perspective in Selected Agricultural Supply Stores in Los Baños, Laguna
No full textThis study aims to assist local agricultural supply stores in adapting to the ever-changing landscape, particularly in the digital era, by identifying effective strategies to meet customer demands, enhance access to communication platforms, and develop more targeted marketing approaches. Considering the limited research on agricultural supply stores, the researcher interviewed twenty-three (23) such stores located in Los Baños, Laguna, analyzing their business operations, current marketing strategies, and perspectives on omnichannel marketing. It should be noted that the agricultural supply stores interviewed represent a diverse range of businesses with some extending their offerings beyond traditional agricultural supplied to include non-agricultural products and groceries.
The study presents a comprehensive literature review encompassing global and agricultural marketing trends, e-commerce platforms and their applications, omnichannel and digital marketing strategies, and buyer and customer journey mapping. These insights will be instrumental in understanding the omnichannel perspectives of the selected agricultural supply stores. The objectives of the study are to (a) identify the profile of agricultural supply stores owners/managers in selected areas in Los Baños, Laguna; (b) determine the perceptions of agricultural supply stores owners/managers regarding omnichannel marketing; (c) assess the usefulness and effectiveness of omnichannel marketing in agricultural supply stores; (d) Formulate recommendations on how to better understand and use omnichannel marketing in improving current marketing activities.
Primary data collection utilized a mixed-methods approach, conducting face-to-face interviews and distributing survey questionnaires to agricultural supply store owners or managers. This dual approach enabled the gathering of both quantitative and qualitative data, which were subsequently analyzed through a descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. The questionnaire focused on gathering information about the respondent\u27s profiles, business overviews, current marketing strategies, and their knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and acceptance of omnichannel marketing. The summarized data will be integrated with the marketing funnel and analyzed buyer and customer journey to evaluate the effectiveness of omnichannel marketing strategies.
An analysis of the gathered data revealed that traditional marketing strategies continue to be the the most common approach used by agricultural supply stores, with 13 out of 23 stores relying mainly on this method. The familiarity, ease of use, and perceived time-efficiency associated with traditional marketing practices contribute to this preference. However, a growing subset of stores, encompassing 4 out of 23, have adopted digital marketing as their primary marketing strategy. This reflects the growing importance of digital platforms and the recognition of their ability to reach a larger audience. Notably, 4 out of 30 stores have adopted the concept of omnichannel marketing, a strategic approach that combines traditional and digital marketing channels. This adoption indicates that these businesses are gradually adapting to technological advancements and exploring new opportunities. While some of the surveyed agricultural supply stores already incorporate the core principles of omnichannel marketing, the term remain itself remained unfamiliar. However, upon a brief explanation, they readily grasped its meaning and acknowledged it significance. Notably, 74% of the respondents indicated their willingness, either full or partial, to implement omnichannel marketing strategies within their businesses.
In order to effectively navigate the competitive agricultural supply store market, owners and managers are recommended to meticulously plan marketing calendars, identify specific target markets, and enhance their offline and online visibility by incorporating omnichannel marketing strategies. Agricultural input suppliers should cultivate strong customer-supplier relationships by offering high-quality products at competitive prices, ensuring timely delivery, and providing exceptional customer service. Aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs must ensure financial preparedness, network with experienced store owners and suppliers, and implement strategic marketing strategies to succeed in this increasingly, competitive landscape. So as to gain a more holistic understanding of the industry, future studies should broaden the scope of data collection by incorporating more quantitative data, particularly financial metrics. Expanding the geographic scope of the study to cover a wider range of locations can also provide a more comprehensive perspective. Additionally, prioritizing interviews with store owners and managers, who possess in-depth knowledge of business operations, especially in the marketing realm, and gathering insights from customers to thoroughly analyze buyer and consumer journeys are recommended
An Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Online Buying Intentions of Ornamental Plants Consumers in Benguet
No full textThis research examined the impact of product quality, trust, convenience, and website quality on the online buying intentions of Benguet consumers for ornamental plants. A conceptual framework was developed based on previous relevant studies. The data collection form was modified from the questionnaire used by Nafisah and Hayati (2022) in their study. The questionnaire was distributed through a Facebook post shared in existing groups for ornamental plants consumers and through approaching potential respondents in the places frequented by buyers of ornamental plants. After compiling data, SmartPLS4 was used in conducting analytical procedures.
A profile of the respondents was generated using frequency counts and percentages. Most of the respondents were employed women in the age range of 25 to 44 years old and residents of Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. Most respondents are also degree holders and belong to the middle-income class. In terms of buying ornamental plants, many respondents have been doing this for more than 2 years to 5 years and are making purchases about once every few months to once or twice a month.
The reliability and validity of the constructs in the study were verified through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) algorithm. The structural model was also assessed and found to be free of collinearity issues, with moderate explanatory power and predictive relevance. Results from the regression analysis showed that of the four identified predictors, trust, convenience, and website quality positively impact consumers’ online buying intentions. Trust has the most impact, followed by website quality, and convenience.
Additional data from the respondents revealed that the central concept of convenience made them choose the online method of purchasing ornamental plants. Other reasons included plant variety, price, delivery options, mental health, and accommodations by sellers. On the other hand, unmet expectations, scammers, dishonesty of sellers, bad packaging, delayed shipping or delivery, rude sellers, sellers with insufficient information and knowledge on plants, inaccessible designated dropping areas, overpricing, and poor customer service may discourage consumers from making online purchases.
Lastly, some marketing strategies such as building trust, gaining credibility, taking advantage of online platforms, offering exceptional customer service, and staying relevant were recommended based on the results of the hypotheses testing and the additional data provided
Food neophobia and its association with nutritional status and diet quality in selected Filipino children ages 2 to 5 in Barangay Gulang-Gulang, Lucena City, Quezon Province
No full textFood neophobia (FN) is the reluctance to eat novel foods. It peaks around the toddler and pre-school years, a sensitive time for developing dietary habits. If this eating behavior persists, children are susceptible to acquiring lifelong unhealthy dietary habits, ultimately affecting their development. Hence, this cross-sectional study involving 88 children aged 2-5 was conducted to describe FN relative to nutritional status (NS) and diet quality (DQ). Data were collected using a computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) online survey. Weight-for-height and height-for-age measurements were used to assess NS. While dietary diversity score (DDS) and Menu Eval Plus for DQ. The Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS) was adopted to measure FN. Most children had normal NS. The mean DDS was 4.44, with excessive intake of energy and nutrients. 26.1% of children had high levels of FN. No significant associations were noted regarding age, sex, NS, and DQ. Children with higher CFNS scores had fewer intakes of legumes (p-value=0.041) and vegetables (p value=0.048) and excessive intakes of phosphorus (p-value=0.002), vitamin A (pvalue=0.027), and riboflavin (p-value=0.037). FN in this cohort was attributed to parental education, household income, children\u27s temperament, home food environment, and rewarding. Increasing food exposure represents half the perceived interventions to address FN
Effect of climate on endemic species in Laguna Lake
No full textLaguna de Bay and Taal Lake are two of the largest fresh water bodies that supply fish to Metro Manila and Southern Luzon [Philippines]. Traditionally, fish cultures from Laguna de Bay consisted of the Leiopotherapon plumbeus (silver perch) or locally known as ayungin, the Glossogobius giurus (white goby; local name \u27biyang puti\u27) and Ariidae sp., collectively called kanduli. From Taal Lake, the most common catches includes tawilis (Sardinella tawilis) and maliputo (Caranx ignobilis). The advent of climate change concerns and the uncertainties that the new climate normals bring necessitate as closer look at how the Philippine\u27s fresh aquatic resources may likewise change. The project assessed the effects of climate change on fingerling stage of endemic species maliputo (Caranx ignobilis) and the fry stage of (ayungin (Leipotherapon blumbeus). Fingerlings of C. ignobilis and L. plumbeus were randomly distributed into experiment tanks. Treatments included aerated un-heated tanks and heated tanks (27 deg C and 33 deg C). Physico chemical parameters were measured daily at six hour intervals. These included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids. Biological parameters measured included fish weight and size. From the C. ignobilis and L. plumbeus experiments, it was shown that there was no significant difference in mortality from fingerling of fry raised at ambient temperature (unheated) from those that were raised at elevated temperature (heated). Therefore Caranx ignobilis fingerling and L. plumbeus fry propagation are not yet threatened by global warming for the next thirty years. However, breeding programs take many many years (possibly more than 30 years). In order to be ready for climate adaptation and resilience, breeding for climate change must be initiated now. Furthermore, more research should be conducted for the juvenile and adult stages, particularly during fertilization wherein climate change has been implicated in affecting fish stocks
Utilization of saba (Musa \u27saba\u27 [Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana] and sweet potato flour (Ipomea batatas) in pan de sal formulations at different levels of substitution to bread flour
No full textBread flour in pan de sal formulation was partially substituted with 25% and 50% saba flour; and 25% and 50% sweet potato flour. Pan de sal with 25% Saba flour was considered the most acceptable by the panel. Pan de sal with 25% saba flour had higher % moisture content (20.78 +-0.17), contained more % fiber (2.18 +- 0.85) and had higher %ash content (1.74 +-0.09) than control. It contained less %protein (7.99 +-0.06), had lower %fat level (1.11+-1.20) and less %carbohydrate (65.99 +- 0.49)
Effects of Drying Temperature and Tempering Duration on Hybrid Rice Seed Germination, Thin-Layer Drying Characteristics, and Power Requirement
Get PDFThis study presents the results of thin-layer drying tests for hybrid rice seeds. The independent factors were drying air temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C) and tempering duration (1, 2, and 4 h), while the dependent parameters were seed germination and drying characteristics, including drying rate, total and effective drying operation times, and power requirement. Considering one hybrid and 3 mo storage period after drying, the results showed that samples continuously dried at 45 and 55°C resulted in 91 and 86% germination percentages, respectively, which were above the acceptable Philippine national standard of at least 85%. However, when tempered for 2 or 4 h, even samples dried at 65°C resulted in more than 90% germination percentage. Tempered samples had an effective operation time of only 1 - 3 h, which was 50% less than those continuously dried (1.5 - 6 h of effective operation time). In effect, the total power used was halved by applying tempering. These results showed considerable advantages of tempering in terms of seed quality improvement and potential energy savings
Evaluation of Some Toxic Trace Elements in Crocus Sativus L. and Soil Using Neutron Activation Analysis Technique
Get PDFNeutron activation analysis was used in this research to measure the concentrations of aluminum (Al), bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and thorium (Th) in soil and saffron plants as well as their contamination, enrichment, and translocation rates. The edible part of the saffron showed a higher Hg concentration than the WHO/FAO-permitted level in the urban area. The soil was not intoxicated and contaminated by Al, As, and Th except in the urban areas, which were slightly polluted by As. The calculated contamination degree and pollution load index indicated that the soil was almost uncontaminated. The enrichment factors (EF) showed minimal enrichment levels of Al and Th and low As contamination, which may still increase due to human activities in the environment. The tested elements’ translocation abilities were also evaluated by the paired t-test statistical method and indexes of translocation, and it was found that Al, As, and Th can quickly relocate into different soil depths. Saffron was also evaluated as a very poor absorber of the elements studied. While Cl and Th can easily move from the saffron’s corm to its aerial parts, Al and Hg merely translocate from the corm to the petal. It was also found that Al, Cl, and Th can move between the petals and the thread
Food product and process development from selected resilient, drought resistant and underutilized crops
No full textCrops in the project sites (Tayabas, Candelaria, Dolores [Philippines]) were identified for possible product development. Saba, camote, taro and white corn are among the main crops in the project sites. Saba and taro can be classified as an underutilized crop, camote is a resilient and drought resistant crop while white corn is considered as an alternative staple. Among the studies conducted were processing white corn into muffins and determining the appropriate maturity stage for its processing into flour. Saba, cassava and camote flour were also utilized in processing of pan de sal which are breakfast alternatives. Utilization of saba banana fruits, saba banana peels, saba banana blossom, taro corms and camote into food products has been done. Saba banana fruits were utilized into flour and camote also into flour, which were consequently used in various food products has been done. Saba banana fruits were utilized into flour and camote also into flour, which were consequently used in various food products. Studies on the process optimization and characterization of banana flour were conducted. The saba flour was processed into various food products such as native delicacies suman, kuchinta, fermented and non-fermented puto, polvoron, pancake premix, chicken breading, pan de sal, extruded snack chips and ice cream. Physico-chemical, proximate, functional and sensory properties were determined alongside the product development experiments. A unique product was also developed from saba fruit, which is a saba banana beverages with high quality and acceptability. Saba banana blossom was also processed into burger meat patties using combinations of banana blossom and texturized vegetable protein (TVP). Banana peels which are waste products of saba banana flour production, were also utilized as source of pectin for possible use as food ingredient. Using camote flour, products developed were pancake mix, parbrolied noodles (miki), sotanghon, polvoron, suman, kuchinta and crinkles. A product from taro corms was also developed. This is a street-food type fried balls similar to fish balls. A seminar on saba flour processing in one of the study areas, Barangay [Village] Masalukot. The seminar was a success, as it was attended by around 30 people mostly members of the association of housewives. Also, a poster on saba processing was set-up during the Agri Fair Exhibit conducted by the UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños] College of Agriculture during its 42nd Foundation Week
Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Antioxidative Activities of the Bioactive Peptides in the Crude Salt-Soluble Protein Hydrolysates of Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum Engl.) cv. Mayon Kernel
Get PDFThe in silico enzyme digestion and peptide function annotation of pili nut (Canarium ovatum Engl.) 11S globulin protein sequence revealed the presence of bioactive peptides with antihypertensive and antioxidative activities. Molecular docking simulations showed that the proline-histidine (PH) ligand can better inhibit angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity than captopril. This result was verified through biochemical assays. Pili kernel protein was extracted with 0.5 M NaCl buffer using the modified Osborne fractionation method, which yielded 100 mg of protein per gram of defatted pili kernel determined via Bradford assay. SDS-PAGE suggested that the protein extract had a major legumin-like (11S) globulin structure with an approximately 57 kDa molecular weight. Enzymatic hydrolysis using pepsin, thermolysin, α-chymotrypsin, and trypsin was used to release the potential antihypertensive and antioxidative peptides with an average rate of 0.03869 mm2 h-1, estimated from band intensity. The hydrolysates were tested for ACE inhibition and free radical scavenging. Captopril and enalapril had %ACE inhibitions of 74.02 and 83.57 %, respectively, whereas the 6 h hydrolysates had a peak %ACE inhibition of 99.73%. These same hydrolysates however, only had 51.32% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared to ascorbic acid, which had 75.59%. These results showed the potential of pili nut as a functional food, especially for preventing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases