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Effect of Buffalo Milk Consumption on the Growth of 10 to 12 years Old Schoolgirls in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines
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Factors Affecting Adoption Decisions of Pinakbet Farmers on Organic Concoctions in Candelaria, Quezon, 2020
No full textThis study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the adoption decisions on organic concoctions among pinakbet farmers in Candelaria, Quezon in 2020. It also aimed to determine the profitability of organic concoction among the three types of farmer- respondents: adopters, disadopters, and non-adopters from five barangays of Candelaria who participated in the study. In this classification, a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) test was employed to understand the extent of their adoption. Multinomial logistic regression was used to measure the probability and reasons of their decisions. Additionally, profitability was determined by costs and returns analysis.
The findings show that the factors affecting adoption of organic concoctions were sustainable vegetable practices (reflected in KAP scores). Adopters had the highest average score (8 out of 15 questions), which proved that adopters are the most perceptive of sustainable vegetable growing practices.
Based on the results, practices (total), educational level, membership in association, and share of vegetable farm income were significant at a 5 percent probability level while KAP score is significant at 10 percent probability level in adopter relative to non-adoption. For disadopters, KAP Score, practice (total), educational level, and membership in association were significant at a 5 percent probability level while sex (males) and share of vegetable farm income were significant at 10 percent probability level relative to non- adopters.
The months covered for determining the effects of organic concoctions on profitability were from December 2019 to July 2020. Cost and returns analysis and one- way ANOVA were performed but showed no significant difference in the means of per area by adopter type. This proves that there is no incentive for pinakbet producers to adopt organic concoctions. However, tenure status, particularly the owner-cultivators and share tenants, showed a significant difference in the mean cost per area at a 10 percent probability level. The ROI was considered to understand the investment of organic concoctions where each farmer-respondent resulted favorably except for adopters, which attained only 1.5 percent ROI per annum. This suggests that their adoption of organic concoctions is not profitable as the ROI of the adopters were less than the opportunity cost of capital based on the average lending rates of 7.04 percent per annum.
The problems found in this study were the lack of efficient technological demonstrations, incentives, and convenient inputs of organic concoctions. The larger market from the bagsakan centers and its respective price premium for organic vegetables are not high enough to compensate for the high input cost and low production because of losses from pest and diseases.
It is recommended that (1) the LGUs and MAO coordinate with non-affiliated farmers to create a larger audience for awareness for the organic concoctions; (2) along with sufficient easy-to-read resource materials; (3) giving support to farmer associations to have accessible and cheap input for organic concoctions in their area; and (4) recognizing the possible impact of farmer associations on their member’s KAP on adoption studies
Profitability of Selling Dressed Broiler Chicken in Calamba City and Los Baños, Laguna, Under Different Coping Strategies During the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2023
No full textThe study was conducted to analyze the profitability of selling dressed broiler chicken in Calamba City and Los Baños, Laguna, under different coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objectives were to; 1) assess the profit of the dressed broiler chicken vendors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) identify the coping strategies employed by the dressed broiler chicken vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic; 3) determine the effect of the coping strategies employed by the dressed broiler chicken vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic on their profit; and 4) evaluate other factors affecting the profit of the dressed broiler chicken vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 41 dressed broiler chicken vendors selected via complete enumeration were interviewed. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through pre-tested interview schedule from the dressed broiler chicken vendors, while the secondary data, which is the list of dressed broiler chicken vendors, were obtained from the City Veterinary Office of Calamba and the Public Market Administrator of Los Baños. The methods of data analysis used in this study included descriptive analysis, cost and return analysis, paired-sample t-test, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Based on the results, most of the dressed broiler chicken vendors are late middle- aged, female, married, college level, from Calamba City, sole proprietors, and have sourced
their supplies outside their city or municipality. Also, they have an average dependent size of two (2), an average number of paid worker/s of two (2), and an average of 21 years of operation. Moreover, results revealed that the total budget for purchase per day, the total volume of sales per day, and the total net profit per day declined from 2019 to 2020. Meanwhile, the price of purchase per kilogram, the selling price per kilogram/total revenue per kilogram, and the net profit per kilogram increased from 2020 to 2021.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dressed broiler chicken vendors employed coping strategies such as using personal savings for their capital, using borrowed resources for their capital, cutting cost of operation, and intensifying marketing efforts. Intensifying marketing efforts strategy recorded the highest increase in their net profit and is significant. Also, various combinations of these coping strategies generated higher profits than other combinations. Other factors that affect the net profit of the dressed broiler chicken vendors are the number of paid worker/s and the source of supply. The number of paid workers of the dressed broiler chicken vendors is positively related with their net profit. Meanwhile, those who sourced their supplies outside their city/municipality recorded higher profits compared to those who sourced their supplies within their city or municipality.
Based on the findings of the study, the following were recommended: (a) Employment of Intensifying Marketing Effort Coping Strategy; (b) Employment of Combinations of Coping Strategies; (c) Sourcing Supplies from Chicken Production Areas Outside the City/Municipality that Offer Lower Purchase Prices; and (d) Provision for Assistance in the Availment of Formal Credit Programs and Services
Analysis of Consumers\u27 Market Choice for Chicken Meat in San Pablo City, Laguna
No full textAlthough there are several modern retail markets, the majority of the consumers still prefer wet markets in terms of shopping for fresh food products. Several studies have shown that there are different factors which may affect the market choice of the consumers. This study focused on analyzing the consumers\u27 market choice for chicken meat in San Pablo City, Laguna. Data was obtained through online surveys and specific criteria in choosing the respondents. The data gathered showed that out of the 101 respondents, 59 of them are purchasing in wet markets, 36 from supermarkets and only 6 consumers from online market.
Majority of the consumer-respondents are female and are within the age bracket of 21 to 75 years. A total of 61 percent are college graduates and the majority of them are employed. On average, the consumer-respondents have a household size of 4-6 and a weekly food budget of Php 3,169.
The attribute importance rating showed that in terms of market attribute, price (cheapness) and convenience are the top two priorities of the consumers in choosing their market for chicken meat. For the meat attributes, on the other hand, freshness ranked first followed by the overall quality of the meat while the importance of the meat attribute smell also showed relative importance, especially to wet market consumers. The food safety attributes that the consumers give high importance to are the sanitation and certification mark. These two factors are indication of food safety consumptions of the meat products.
Results of the multinomial logistic regression showed that the factors age, educational attainment, household size and weekly food budget are statistically significant on the market choice of the chicken meat consumers in San Pablo City. The variables age and household size increase the profitability of choosing the supermarket over the wet market. While the variables educational attainment and weekly food budget decrease the probability of choosing supermarkets. Consequently, the weekly food budget also decreases the probability of choosing online market over wet markets.
The practice of proper waste disposal and the local regulations of sanitation control in wet markets are recommended to improve the environment of the market. More so, innovations of marketing strategies are recommended for supermarket and wet markets in terms of competitive pricing and promotions to keep their competitive edge in the food market industry and obtain sustainable sales
Analysis of the Effect of Urbanization on the Nutritional Status of 0-5 Years Old Children in Nagcarlan, Laguna, 2023
No full textThe study analyzed the effect of urbanization on the nutritional status of 0-5 year old children in Nagcarlan, Laguna. Primary data were collected from 142 households through questionnaires. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale and Child Dietary Diversity Score were collected to determine the household food insecurity and dietary diversity levels of children. Ordered logistic regression was used to determine the factors affecting child nutrition. Secondary data were also collected by accessing the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS) and e-OPT was used to determine stunting, wasting, and undernutrition among children. Chi-square test was used to test the difference of nutrition status between urban and rural children.
The study found that the majority of children in both urban and rural households had normal nutritional status according to the height-for-age, weight-for-length, and weight-for-age ration. A chi-square test was conducted for all three nutrition indicators using the barangay classification (urban and rural) as the grouping variable. The results of the comparison tests did not provide sufficient evidence to conclude a significant difference in the nutritional status of urban and rural children.
In terms of household food insecurity, it was found that more rural households were food insecure than urban households. It was found that the food insecurity levels were significantly different. In terms if dietary diversity. The food choice behavior and pattern of both the rural and urban communities are relatively similar. Mostly having grains such as rice as a main source of carbohydrates and flesh foods such as chicken and fish as the source of protein.
The ordered logistic regression found that in urban areas, caregiver\u27s health insurance and toilet types were significant factors. Meanwhile in rural areas, the water source was a significant factor. Lastly, a regression with both urban and rural households was also applied to see if urban-rural differences was a factor to child health. It was found that the barangay classification, caregiver\u27s health insurance, water source, toilet type were found to be the only significant factor.
It was concluded that urban and rural classification was a factor to child nutrition in selected areas in Nagcarlan with rural areas having higher levels of nutritional status. However, food insecurity levels were still relatively higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The following recommendations were given based on the findings of the study (1) Promoting health insurance awareness in the urban areas of Nagcarlan, (2) Expansion and strengthened local markets in Nagcarlan, (3) Information campaigns for proper IYCF practices and programs on livelihood assistance, and (4) Creating environmental sanitation drives and solid waste management programs
Profitability Analysis of Custom Hiring Service Providers in Top Rice Producing Areas in Nueva Ecija, 2021-2022
No full textThe analysis of the profitability of custom hiring service providers in the top rice producing areas in Nueva Ecija was done in conjunction with the DOST-PCAARRD funded project, Assessing the Economics and Policy Environment of custom Hiring of Rice Mechanization Service in the Philippines. The study focused on the analysis of the profitability of government-supported and private CHS providers in top rice producing areas in Nueva Ecija. Specifically, the study described the CHS providers in the top rice producing areas in Nueva Ecija and determined the factors that affect the profitability of CHS providers. In addition, profitability, and sustainability of government-supported and private CHS providers were determined and compared. The constraints of CHS providers were identified and recommendations to improve the profitability and sustainability of CHS Providers.
Complete enumeration of CHS providers in top rice producing areas in Nueva Ecija. A total of 51 CHS providers-respondents were interviewed for the study. The analytical tools used to support the objectives of the study were descriptive analysis, net profit and operating profit margin, revenue and expenses, cost analysis, break-even point, t-test analysis, cash flow analysis, financial analysis, and SWOT analysis.
Gathering of data for the study was done during the years 2021-2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic; as such, the results of the study may not fully reflect conditions in the absence of the pandemic. The study only focused on the provision of machines for specific farm operations, land preparation and harvesting.
Results showed that government-supported and private CHS providers were profitable and able to sustain their operations by hiring out machines to the rice farmers in the top rice producing areas in Nueva Ecija. The main factor affecting the profitability and sustainability of government-supported and private CHS providers.
CHS providers are recommended to provide machinery not available but suitable in the area. Moreover, they are advised to maximize the training and seminars offered by the government. Researchers interested in custom hiring services were recommended to compare the profitability of CHS providers in different areas
Motivation and Work Performance Among Barong and Gown Employees: The Case of Fashionable in Lumban, Laguna
No full textFashioNoble is one of the established Barong & Gown microenterprises in Lumban, Laguna that usually employs its local talents, unlike its competitors who mostly outsource their labor, because of their mission to preserve this sociocultural tradition and to provide income opportunities to its townmates. However, during the last quarter of 2023, it faced an all-time high voluntary turnover rate, of ≈ 35%, and the primary reason stated by the manager was better income opportunities. This implied a problem in its maintenance function. Still, there was also a minor issue on the output quality of its current workers which was long overdue, thus suggesting its motivation function to tackle both, since earlier studies on Organizational Behavior asserted that this aspect influences employee outcomes, i.e., performance and retention. Therefore, this study delved into the motivation of its employees, their work-related behavior, and the factors surrounding such, inspired by the lens of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to particularly cover their intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.
In implementing the study, it identified 11 variables, including the five categories of needs and overall motivation as the independent variables, the task performance, and productivity of the employees as the dependent variables, and their job tenure, employment status, and role as moderating variables. Furthermore, it used a mixed method, measuring the first two groups of variables through a five-point Likert Scale, and interviewing the manager and employees of FashioNoble for qualitative responses. The quantitative data underwent summary statistics, correlation, and moderation analysis, and the Problem-Tree Analysis, McKinsey 7S Model, and Advantages vs. Disadvantages analysis of the qualitative data supported their findings.
The collected data include the demographic characteristics of the employees, the situational factors and motivation practices of the management, and the level of perceived motivation, task performance, and productivity of the former. After analyzing these, it was revealed that employees of FashioNoble were relatively diverse in terms of background but mostly are female, 25-54 years old, high school graduates, casual employees who worked in the enterprise for less than five years either as tailors, quality controllers, cutters, computerized embroiderer operator, painter, beader, and pressers. As for the context, the management motivated them extrinsically and the constraints surrounding such practices might have contributed to the perceived job insecurity and burnout among its employees. This was noteworthy because Kuvaas et al. (2017) asserted that extrinsic motivation is positively related to negative employee outcomes. Nevertheless, it was found that the employees were extremely motivated and perceived themselves as always productive, proficient, and adaptive in working. However, no significant associations were found except for the Safety Needs-Task Performance pair, which has a moderate negative association. This deviated from most of the earlier studies but Newstrom (2007) explained this through his Performance-Satisfaction-Effort loop which suggests that high satisfaction from motivation does not automatically lead to better performance.
The measures used for this study only accounted for the perception of the respondents due to the absence of relevant documents for such. However, these are still significant due to its explanation about a socio-culturally attached microenterprise and the measures\u27 reliability. In terms of practice, FashioNoble was the primary beneficiary of its recommendations since these were based on its problems which might also be present in other microenterprises. The solutions formulated were mostly modifications or additions to the motivation function of this agribusiness microenterprise.
As for the novelty, this research pioneered the study of motivation function in microenterprises in the university and accounted for a relatively new combination of variables that have not yet been investigated in this type of agribusiness industry. Therefore, the findings here could be one of the stepping stones in future studies in this field
Range extensions of endemic butterflies in Western Mindanao, Philippines
No full textA recent assessment on the butterflies of Mount Gutom, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines, resulted in range extensions of Mindanao endemic nymphalid butterflies such as Zethera hestioides and Zethera musa
Design and evaluation of 4-DoF machine for improving muscle control and upper extremity rehabilitation
No full textPoor upper limb movement control and coordination are major problems in patients with stroke. A novel combination of muscle and multi-joint movement increases mobility, allows for the degree of freedom in shoulder and elbow joint, and facilitate patients to learn and control their movement. The assisted movement with a symmetrical counterweight balance system and real-time feedback is proposed to enhance and facilitate the movement of paresis muscles. The power assist uses purely mechanical and assisted movement from the non-paretic arm. The feedback system receives data from a three-axis load cell sensor on both sides of the handlebar during movement and feedback force from both sides in real time. The display of real-time feedback is provided and enables subjects to adjust and correct their movement. Two combined movements were performed in five healthy subjects for testing the device system and correlation of force from the load cell and muscle activity from surface electromyography (sEMG). The results showed that the new upper limb rehabilitation machine with feedback and a symmetrical counterweight balance system can achieve mass balance in all positions. The device is robust, safe, and easy for the subject to move a combined movement of the shoulder joint and elbow joint. The force from the load cell sensor occurs simultaneously with muscle activation during movement. This system helps the patient to learn and control their force from the paretic limb. The high repetitions from practice with an accuracy of muscle force and movement control will enhance motor learning and facilitate motor recovery during the rehabilitation period
