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Exploring the nutritional, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties of saba banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana BBB Group) peels
No full textThis study investigated the nutritional and functional components of ‘saba’ banana peel (SBP) to determine its health-promoting potential for special food applications. SBP has undergone analyses measuring proximate composition, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, phytochemical content, estimated glycemic index (eGI), pancreatic lipase inhibition, and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition. Data were processed using SPSS v20 and expressed as mean ± SD. Proximate analysis showed that SBP contained 83.83 ± 1.06% moisture, 6.74 ± 0.83% crude fat, 5.58 ± 0.24% crude protein, 9.97 ± 0.04% total ash, 9.91 ± 0.10% crude fiber, and 60.08% nitrogen-free extracts. Vitamin C content was found to be 72.15 ± 2.20 mg vitamin C/100 g fresh sample, whereas its antioxidant activity was 53.75 ± 1.29% DPPH inhibition. The eGI of SBP was 77.88 ± 1.42 and the phytochemical content analyses revealed that SBP contained total phenols at 135.61 ± 2.72 mg GAE, total flavonoids at 18.33 ± 0.65 mg catechin equivalent, and total tannins at 65.64 ± 1.97 mg quercetin equivalent. Finally, its pancreatic lipase inhibition was 35.34 ± 4.34%—almost 50% as effective as lipase inhibitor drug Orlistat. Its cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition was 71.40 ± 2.06%—almost 80% as effective as the cholesterol-lowering drug Cholestyramine. SBP had the highest phenolic content when compared with the published values of other fruit peels and far greater lipid-lowering enzyme inhibition effects than the healthy pigmented red and black rice varieties. These findings showed that SBP, which was considered as agricultural waste, contains nutritional properties and bioactive compounds, and can be utilized as food products and nutraceuticals with potentials in ameliorating obesity and associated disorders, providing banana farmers and processors additional revenue for their crops
Cetacean Morbillivirus in a Risso\u27s Dolphin (Grampus griseus) that Stranded in the West Coast of Luzon Island, Philippines
No full textBackground: Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly infectious virus of whales, dolphins, and porpoises and is one of the major viral pathogens of cetaceans. It can infect a wide range of cetacean species and has caused mass mortalities in several parts of the world in the past 30 years. The virus causes immunosuppression that often results in secondary viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections (including Toxoplasma gondii) in an infected animal. On 10 January 2019 a Risso\u27s dolphin stranded in Morong, Bataan, Philippines with recurring diarrhea. The dolphin succumbed three months later while in rehabilitation. Methodology: Necropsy, histopathology, serology, and PCR were carried out to determine the cause of death and other clinical signs. Results: Gross necropsy showed that the animal died due to intestinal volvulus. Serology revealed CeMV antibody titers at ≥1:512 via CeMV virus neutralization, as well as IgG antibody against T. gondii. No CeMV RNA was detected. Conclusion: To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first documented case of CeMV infection in a cetacean from the Philippines. The absence of reports of mass mortalities that can be attributed to CeMV in the Philippines suggests that the virus is likely endemic in the region
Continuity of Rice Family Farming in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines
No full textThis special problem focuses on the research problem of the declining number of rice farmers and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the Philippines, particularly in Calauan, Laguna. the average age of rice farmers is increasing, indication a potential shortage of farmers in the future. Additionally, the availability of agricultural land is decreasing due to industrialization, which poses a threat to farm succession planning. The study also addresses the need for Calauan, Laguna to achieve self-reliance in rice production during major crises.
The objectives of the study are to identify the factors influencing farm succession and continuity of rice farming in Calauan, analyze the correlation between these factors and the choice of succession route, and provide recommendations to motivate youth engagement in rice farming.
The scope of the study focuses on Calauan, Laguna, which is one of the largest rice production areas in the province. The research design utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Qualitative research methods, including phenomenological interviews, provide in-depth insights into the subjective experiences and perspectives of rice farmers. Quantitative research methods, such as surveys, allow for systematic data collection analysis of the factors influencing generational succession.
Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and surveys conducted in selected barangays of Calauan, Laguna. The respondents included farm owners, tenants, and their children or successors. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to ensure a diverse range of participants.
The data analysis consisted of descriptive analysis for qualitative data and statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation and binary regression, for quantitative data. The findings from the analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding farm succession in rice farming.
The study investigated the factors influencing farm succession decisions in rice farming and provided insights into the perspectives of both parents (rice farmers) and their children (potential successors). Contrasting preferences were observed among potential successors, depending on whether they were owners\u27 children or tenants\u27 children. Owners\u27 children expressed a strong desire to preserve family heritage and continue the farming tradition, while tenants\u27 children emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate rice supply for the region. These differences in preferences may be influenced by varying levels of privilege and the specific challenges associated with rice farming in the Laguna region.
The study highlighted important factors that play a significant role in decision- making. Potential successors expressed concerns about the long-term profitability of rice farming and uncertainties about the future prospects of both rice farming and their own careers. However, the majority of tenants\u27 children still demonstrated willingness to take over the farm, motivated by the desire to contribute to regional food security. Some potential successors, regardless of being owners\u27 or tenants\u27 children, preferred alternative careers for stability. These findings contradict previous foreign studies that suggested access to resources and technological advancements as influential factors. Another study emphasized the impact of changing social and cultural norms on youth engagement in farming and generational succession decisions.
The motivations behind the preferences of owners\u27 children and tenants\u27 children reflect their unique circumstances and challenges. Owners\u27 children often come from more privileged backgrounds, giving them flexibility in career choices and considering farming as an optional responsibility. In contrast, tenants\u27 children deeply respect their parents\u27 hard work and prioritize farm management alongside exploring other career opportunities for their families\u27 future security.
In terms of farm succession planning, intra-family transfer is the preferred route for rice farmers. They view agriculture as vital for food security, meeting community needs, and providing for their families. Rice farmers emphasize the importance of continuing agricultural practices for future generations and sustaining their communities. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions and market uncertainties, farmers maintain a deep commitment to farming as a way of life. They encourage people of all ages to be involved in agriculture, recognizing the value of intragenerational knowledge transfer.
The study sheds light on the complexities of farm succession decisions and provides insights into the considerations and perspectives of rice farmers and their children. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective strategies for successful farm succession planning and ensuring the continuity of farming practices across generations. Rice farmers consider various factors when determining the readiness and ability of potential successors to take over the farm. These factors include the age of potential successors, access to resources, farm profitability, the desire to preserve family heritage, and the motivation and personal goals of the potential successor. Additionally, work-life balance, income security, social support, and the desire to preserve family heritage emerge as top factors considered by rice farmers\u27 children in their willingness to take over the rice farm.
The study reveals some contrasting results compared to previous studies. Local and foreign studies have suggested that factors such as educational level, marital status, family farm exposure, farm profitability, and farm operation are key determinants of farm succession. However, in this study conducted in the Philippines, particularly in the Laguna region facing challenges and a decrease in farmland, factors like community support and financial stability are crucial considerations for rice farmers when deciding whether to pass their land to their children. The cultural and environmental factors specific to the study area contribute to these differences in results.
The findings of the Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis consistently highlight the significance of the desire to provide sufficient rice supply and the desire to preserve family heritage as influential factors in choosing intra-family transfer as the preferred succession route among rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna. These findings deviate from the results of previous foreign studies, indicating the importance of considering the specific context and cultural dynamics of the region.
The prioritization of ensuring an adequate rice supply indicates the emphasis placed by rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna on food security and meeting local demand. This finding underscores the unique contextual factors that shape the decision-making process in this region and highlights the need to consider local agricultural dynamics and community needs when studying generational succession in agriculture.
Furthermore, the desire to preserve family heritage aligns with the recognition that maintaining family legacy and cultural heritage are significant motivators for continuing the family farming tradition. This emphasizes the deep value placed on family heritage by successors in Calauan, Laguna and reinforces their inclination towards intra- family transfer. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the specific context and cultural dynamics of a region when examining generational succession, as the considerations and priorities of rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna differ from those in other regions. these contrasting results with previous foreign studies underscore the significance of contextual factors and cultural dynamics in influencing decision-making in agricultural succession. The unique considerations and priorities of rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna, particularly in relation to rice supply and family heritage, distinguish them from farmers in other regions. This highlights the diverse range of factors that shape decision-making in the context of agricultural succession.
Overall, the study\u27s findings shows that while there may not be a strong and meaningful relationship between variables such as the desire to preserve heritage or family business and the desire to provide sufficient rice supply, these factors still play a significant role in the decision-making process of selecting a successor and determining the succession route. The observed relationship between these variables and succession route may be due to chance rather than a genuine association, possibly because rice farmers already perceive the challenges of rice farming as common and inherent to their profession.
The study also reveals that rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna do not engage in proper succession planning, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, there may be a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the importance and benefits of succession planning. They may not fully understand the long-term implications of not having a clear plan for transferring their farming operations to the next generation. Traditional cultural norms and practices may also discourage discussions and planning related to succession, with the belief that the successor will naturally take over without formal planning.
Limited access to resources, such as financial services and agricultural extension programs, can hinder rice farmers\u27 ability to engage in succession planning. Insufficient access to information and guidance on the process further contributes to the lack of proper planning. Additionally, the lack of interest or willingness among potential successors to continue farming can hinder the initiation of succession planning. Uncertainty about future careers, particularly among potential successors to continue farming can hinder the initiation of succession planning. Uncertainty about future careers, particularly among students, may lead to a temporary consideration of taking over the farm until more clarity is gained. Financial concerns and the focus on short-term economic needs and immediate profits in the face of agricultural uncertainties and risks may also divert attention away from succession planning.
Despite the absence of appropriate succession planning, rice farmers in Calauan, Laguna are more incline towards intra-family transfers as a means of succession, especially for tenants. This presence can be attributed to the strong attachment and emotional connection that farmers have to their land and farming traditions. Passing down the farm to the next generation is deeply ingrained in their cultural values, emphasizing the preservation of family heritage and the continuation of the family business.
Practical considerations, such as limited resources and knowledge about alternative succession options, contribute to the preference for intra-family transfer. Limited access to financial resources, legal support, and information on other succession routes may lead farmers to default to the familiar and straightforward option of transferring the farm within the family. This option requires less external assistance and helps maintain continuity in farming operations. The transient nature of tenant farming, with limited continuation of the family business.
Practical considerations, such as limited resources and knowledge about alternative succession options, contribute to the preference for intra-family transfer. Limited access to financial resources, legal support, and information on other succession routes may lead farmers to default to the familiar and straightforward option of transferring the farm within the family. This option requires less external assistance and helps maintain continuity in farming operations. The transient nature of tenant farming, with limited control and long-term security over the land, also shifts focus towards immediate livelihood sustainability rather than long-term succession planning. The uncertainties of tenancy arrangements and potential changes by landowners further discourage significant investment in succession planning.
It is important to note that while there are potential successors willing to continue the family farming tradition, a significant number of rice farmers still choose non-family transfers as their preferred succession route. These options, such as selling the land, leasing it to others, or engaging in share farming, indicate challenges and limitations in passing down the farming business to the next generation. Thus, the ability of Calauan, Laguna to contribute to the province\u27s self-reliance in rice production during major crises remains uncertain, even with potential successors
An Analysis of the Sourcing Strategies of Selected Buko Pie Enterprises in Los Baños, Laguna Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
No full textThe buko pie, a trademark of the town of Los Baños, Laguna, is part of the tourism industry in the town. Just like any other business, this was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the general objective was to analyze the sourcing strategies of selected buko pie enterprises in Los Baños, Laguna amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objectives of this study were (1) to describe the profile of the buko pie enterprises and entrepreneurs in Los Baños, LAguna; (2) to discuss the buko pie supply chain and their sourcing strategies before the pandemic; (3) to explain their supply chain and sourcing strategies during the start of the pandemic up to the current time period; (4) to identify and evaluate the effect of supply chain disruptions to the buko pie enterprises with respect to their sourcing strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic; (5) to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the buko pie enterprises; and (6) provide recommendations which could improve the supply chain management and sourcing strategies of buko pie enterprises.
Five buko pie stores namely (1) VM Delight Friendly Buko Pie Store, (2) Shiela\u27s Buko Pie Store, (3) Mitz\u27 Bakeshop, (4) Angelica\u27s Original Buko Apple Pie Bakeshop and Pasalubong Center, and (5) Orient: The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop were the respondents of the study. VM Delight has been in the industry for 9 years, Shiela\u27s for 42 years, Mitz\u27 for 40 years, Angelica\u27s for 2 years, and Orient for 57 years. All stores have only one branch in the town, with the exception of Mitz\u27 that has two branches. VM Delight is located in Brgy. Anos, Shiela\u27s in Brgy. Maahas, and Mitz\u27, Angelica\u27s and Orient in Brgy. Malinta. All are located along the National Highway of Los Baños.
For the personal entrepreneurial competencies of the owners of the selected buko pie stores, the top three competencies are the goal setting competency, the information seeking competency, and the systematic planning and monitoring competency. On the other hand, the lowest three competencies displayed str risk-taking competency, the persistence competency, and the opportunity seeking competency.
As for their supply chains, each buko pie store has their own unique supply chain. Generally, their supply chain consists of raw materials suppliers, the produced and retailer, and the final customer. Their raw materials suppliers were not disclosed in this study as the businesses keep such information confidential. The raw materials suppliers were not disclosed in this study as the businesses keep such information confidential. The raw materials are delivered to the production area and then the finished products are transferred to their main store. Most of the buko pie stores only have one branch and only make use of this distribution channel. Mitz\u27 Bakeshop is the only buko pie store with two branches in the town.
With respect to their sourcing strategies, the businesses claim that their sourcing strategies are the same before and during the pandemic. Hence, they only answered the KSFs in the strategic sourcing once which is for both before and during the pandemic. Based on the results, the top three KSFs in terms of importance and implementation are leadership in strategic sourcing planning, linking sourcing strategy to corporate strategy, and sourcing strategy. Meanwhile, the bottom three KSFs in terms of importance are competitive analysis, supplier collaboration, and supplier development.
For the SWOT analysis, the general strengths of the buko pie stores include quality of the buko pie made, being family-owned and run by the family, have trained employee and employee benefits, ensured smooth communication, and provided delivery. The weaknesses are lack of distribution channels. Opportunities include expansion, mechanization, and use of technology such as social media. Threats include inflation, other buko pie players, consumer preference, and ambulant vendors.
It is recommended for the buko pie stores to use different sourcing practices instead of just one and to establish a sourcing strategy using the five phases in strategic sourcing by Frederico, Kumar, & Garza-Reyes (2021). Included in these phases are a contract between supplier and the buko pie stores to ensure continuous supply from the supplier. Other sourcing practices must be done as well to ensure multiple sources of supplies. Another recommendation is for the businesses to adapt to the changing environment by utilizing technologies such as mechanization of the production of buko pie and creating an online presence through social media or food delivery apps
Short-wave near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to detect adulteration of honey with sucrose syrup
No full textNear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was assessed as a rapid method of detecting honey adulteration in the Philippines. The sample set contained 288 spectra of authentic and adulterated honey samples obtained from six farms in the provinces of Benguet and La Union. Spectral data were pre-processed using ParLeS software in which partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis was employed. Multivariate analyses like PLSR, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed to predict the level of adulteration, reducing sugar content, and apparent sucrose content. Calibration models for predicting adulteration level (from none to highly adulterated) gave the best results using PLSR on spectral data without pretreatment (calibration R2 \u3e 0.93, validation R2 \u3e 0.94). Principal components (PCs) of the spectral data were extracted using PCA wherein the NIR absorbance bands for sugar (836-840 nm and 978-980 nm) and water (938-940 nm, 978-980 nm, 984-986 nm and 992-994 nm) in honey were identified. Using LDA, calibration models were able to classify honey based on level of adulteration and apparent sucrose; overall accuracies of 99.5% and 100% were observed, respectively. When validated, however, the LDA models could not detect pure honey (out of 6 and 11 samples, respectively), while 86.7% and 100% of adulterated honey could be detected, respectively. Further sampling is recommended to strengthen LDA models
Effects of alginate-based chitosan-starch coating on the physico-chemical properties of guapple (Psidium guajava L. cv. Queso de Bola)
No full textBecause of its nutritious qualities and growing demands, an attempt to support the Philippine Guapple industry was enacted through edible coating. Especially those of starch and chitosan formulation, edible coatings are known to develop low-cost and biocompatible resistance from the drastic changes that commodities experience from their surroundings. Thus, becoming a low-cost technology to prevent yield losses and decrease rate of senescence for selected fruits. With the control treatment as the designated Treatment 1, Treatment 2 Guapples are treated with coating concentrations of 2% Alginate + 0.5% Chitosan, and Treatment 3 Guapples are those that have been treated with 2% Alginate + 0.5% Chitosan + 2% Starch. This setup identifies if the variations of Starch and Chitosan concentrations affect the overall postharvest qualities of Guapples. The physico-chemical parameters were measured through non-destructive and destructive tests, as they relate to the overall process of senescence. Replicated four times in ambient conditions (28°C, ~80% RH ), the physico-chemical variables are recorded periodically in a span of one week. It was found that in moisture loss deterrence, the coating from Treatment 2 is the most effective, with significant moisture loss deterrence (vs. Control) found during Day 2. On the other hand, it was found that in preserving the Guapples from Browning, Treatment 3 does it slightly better. No other significant changes were found in terms of other chemical properties of Guapple such as Total Soluble Solids, Titratable Acidity, pH, Firmness, and Ripening Index. Furthermore, the consumer sensory evaluation suggests that they are unable to find any significant preferential difference, except for slight preferences in Visual Quality found in Guapples with Treatment 3. Moving forward, maintaining temperature in the laboratory is recommended as it is determined to be a confounding variable that may have affected results in a warm June climate
Fruit and vegetable waste management practices at Pasig Mega Market in Pasig City, Philippines
No full textThe fruit and vegetable sector produces waste significantly, causing social, environmental, and economic loss. Thus, a study was conducted at Pasig Mega Market, Pasig City to describe the fruit and vegetable vendors\u27 waste management practices. Vendors and government employees participated in focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results showed an average of 100-200kg of waste are collected in the market daily, with leafy vegetables, Watermelon, Melon, and Saba as the common types. Focus group discussions revealed that discounted prices for suboptimal items, quality assurance methods, adherence to First-In, First-Out principle and marketing strategies are the vendors\u27 efforts to reduce waste. The identified approaches in handling wastes are giving them as animal feed, creating alternative products, and returning damaged products to suppliers. Key informant interviews disclosed the local government and market administration practicesin waste management like composting and donation as animal feed for the local zoo. Moreover, it revealed improvement in the management implementing the ordinances. Problems encountered were focused on supplier issues, weather, market competition, and consumer preferences. Overall, their waste management reduces food waste disposed in landfills. Recommended strategies for vendors and administration are: valorizing food waste, organizing awareness and livelihood programs, and conducting regular evaluations
Genetic diversity of avian infectious bronchitis virus in commercial poultry flocks in select regions of the Philippines
No full textAvian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious disease of domestic chickens caused by the avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Albeit its known presence in the country, detailed information and field data are limited. To identify the predominant strains of IBV and characterize its clinical profile, a total of 37 field IBVs from selected regions in the Philippines were analyzed. Confirmed cases of IB were isolated from vaccinated flocks which presented mild to moderate respiratory, enteric, and nephropathogenic signs. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the partial S1 gene highlighted that all field IBVs belong to Genotype I. Sixteen (16) strains (43.24%) belong to GI-1 (Mass) lineage (H120-like = 11 strains (68.75%); Mass-like = five strains (31.25%)); one strain (2.70%) from GI-22 (CK/CH/LSC/99I-like) lineage; three strains (8.10%) from GI-25 (GA07) lineage; 11 strains (29.73%) were re-isolation of vaccine strains; and six (16.21%) strains were from an unknown lineage that might be distinct to the Philippines. Field IBVs were closely related (80-100%) to Chinese, US, Malaysian, and Thai IBV strains. This study demonstrated the co-circulation of multiple IBV lineages in the Philippines which may serve as an index for more targeted prevention and control strategies of IBV infection in the field
Antibiogram and stress response to Salmonella infection in Philippine native chickens
No full textFree-range native chicken production is beset by multiple environmental threats. This study aimed to detect Salmonella from environmental samples and cloacal swabs of Philippine native chickens, characterize antimicrobial resistance pattern, and assess stress response to infection. Salmonella was detected through culture and PCR assay. The disk diffusion method was used to describe resistance pattern and differential leukocyte count to assess stress response. The overall detection rate of Salmonella was 8.9% (21/237), 2.11% (5/237), and 8.04% (16/199) of which were detected by culture and PCR, respectively. Isolates were 80% susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and 60% to norfloxacin, cefaclor, and chloramphenicol. An intermediate to susceptible pattern (40%-80%) was demonstrated to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin. Antibiotic resistance was 80% in ampicillin, doxycycline, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; 60% in kanamycin and cefuroxime; and 40% in neomycin. Multidrug resistance was demonstrated by 80% of the isolates which had MAR indices ranging from 0.43-0.57. The H:L ratio was significantly high (p-value=0.005) during the highest detection rate at Day 150 indicating a stressful state. The study suggests the potential of native chickens as reservoir for multidrug-resistant Salmonella they possibly acquire from the environment. Attention should be given to the environmental conditions to which native chickens are raised
Analysis of the Marketing System of Vegetable Retailers Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic in Poblacion Public Market, Los Baños, Laguna
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted several marketing systems all over the world which brought negative implications to their performance. The general objective of the study was to analyzed the marketing system of vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market, Los Baños, Laguna during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objective were to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market; present the marketing channels, marketing practices, and marketing costs used by the vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market amid the COVID-19 pandemic; identify the product, information, and payment flow of vegetables being traded in Poblacion Public Market during the COVID-19 pandemic; discuss the problems related to the marketing system of vegetables in Poblacion Public Market during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend appropriate strategies.
The ages of most of the vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market were within 50 to 59 and 60 to 69. Moreover, the number of female vegetable retailers dominated the number of male vegetable retailers. The vegetable retailers in Poblocaion Public Market were also mostly married since most of them belong to an age group where they are capable of settling down. Most of the vegetable retailers whose educational attainment was the secondary level and the remaining ones responded elementary level and college level. Lastly, only 88.24% of the vegetable retailers interviewed were members of the Poblacion Public Market Vendors Association. Four marketing channels were identified in the marketing system of vegetable retailers which are (1) supply point - wholesaler-retailer - retailer - individual buyers ; (2) supply point - wholesaler-retailer - institutional buyers; (3) supply point - wholesaler-retailer - individual buyers; and (4) supply point - retailers - individual buyers. Also, the marketing practices that the vegetable retailers perform were also identified and these were: transporting, sorting, cutting, and packing, and pricing. In the whole marketing system, certain marketing costs are incurred. In the case of the wholesale-retailers in Poblacion Public Market, the identified costs were transportation, labor, rent, electricity, permits and packaging. The average daily value of the marketing costs was P1,025.73 to P1,110.4, and P479.72 to P526.72, respectively.
In the product flow of vegetables, the total estimated volume of vegetables from all of the supply points ranged from 1,721 to 2,283 kilograms wherein 87.16 to 87.6% of it were directed to the retailers who procure their supply points directly. After different processes, the estimated volume sold to the end consumers ranged from 1,593.5 to 1,757.5 kilograms, but it is divided into two due to the kind of buyers which are institutional and individual buyers. The institutional buyers acquired 750 to 1,050 kilograms. Moreover, the information flow among the key players was mainly from wholesaler-retailers to the retailers. For the wholesaler-retailer, the source of information for the price were based on the market situation while the information about the volume requirement of vegetables was based on estimate and demand of their customers. For the retailers, the prices were dictated by the wholesaler-retailers and the market situation, while the volume requirement of vegetables were based on three factors which were on their estimate, budget, and special occasions. Lastly, the information about the specification of vegetable that the wholesaler- retailers purchase was based on the common vegetables used in Filipino households and through the demand or order of their customers. Meanwhile, the information about the specification of vegetable that the retailers were also based on the common vegetables that Filipino households use and by the request made from their customers. Among all of the payment flow per marketing channel, the lowest possible offering price was ₱75 per kilo while the highest possible offering price was ₱255 per kilo. Lastly, problems related to the marketing system of vegetable retailers were also identified which were the following: increase of prices of vegetables, restrictions in logistics, low number of buyers, limited supply of vegetables, and slackening of sales.
In conclusion, the marketing system of vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market is stable but flawed wherein improvements can be implemented. The formulated recommendations were to observe proper handling of vegetables, usage of recordkeeping practices, conduct seminar about different topics, establishment of additional trading posts, and provision of cold storage facilities. Hopefully, through these recommendations the marketing system of the vegetable retailers in Poblacion Public Market will improve