Evolving Coco Coir Supply Chains. The Case of the Coco Coir Industry Cluster in Laguna, Philippines

Arlene C. Gutierrez,Clarissa G. Lontoc,Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba,Jimmy B. Williams 한국무역연구원 2013 The International Academy of Global Business and T Vol.9 No.1

One of the most vital agro-based and export industries in the Philippines and among the most studied is the coconut industry. Among the many products from coconut, the potential of coco coir particularly in climate change mitigation is not widely tapped. The Philippines exports minimal volumes of coco coir to the global market despite its status as one of the largest coconut producers in the world. This study analyzed the case of the Laguna coir fiber industry cluster structure and players in the context of the current status, issues and opportunities that the industry faces as well as the global trends that significantly affect the industry. Emerging local and export opportunities are discussed in a strategy blueprint for policy-makers and other industry stakeholders. Managing a sustainable, agile industry cluster using adaptable supply chain design strategy via industry organization and governance changes, better knowledge management, enhanced readiness and cohesiveness of chain participant interaction within supply chains and among supply chain networks and synergistic policies is suggested.

Challenges and Prospects in Investing in the Indonesian Stock Market:

Arlene C. Gutierrez The International Academy of Global Business and T 2016 The International Academy of Global Business and T Vol.12 No.2

Indonesia was one of the fastest growing ASEAN countries as well as the world. The outlook was driven by strong economic fundamentals including high GDP growth, a rising middle class, and increasing urbanization. The Indonesian Stock Market served as a major entry point for foreign investors. The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI), the primary measure of Indonesia’s stock market performance, showed high growth historically and a positive outlook moving forward. This study aimed to evaluate the challenges and opportunities in Indonesia’s stock market, specifically for foreign investors whose main purpose was value investing. It focused on the Consumer Goods Sector, as it is the most attractive sector in the market. Top-down and fundamental analyses were conducted to assess the market and identify investment entry points. Upon analysis, it was concluded that the sector would grow and this growth would be driven by increasing household spending, positive CCI, increasing disposable income, and changing consumer lifestyles. Food, beverage and pharmaceutical sub-sectors showed the highest growth potential while the top picks in terms of investment entry points were INDF, ICBP and KLBF. Though the sector remained attractive, foreign investors should be wary as investing across borders entails challenges including transaction costs, currency risk, country risk and legal risk.

Investment Entry Points in the Philippines

Arlene C. Gutierrez 아시아무역학회 2017 Journal of Asia Trade and Business Vol.4 No.1

The Philippines was one of the fastest growing economies in the ASEAN region. The growth was driven by high GDP growth, rising middle class, stronger government spending and increasing foreign investments. One of the most vital sectors in the Philippine where foreign investors can invest would be the petroleum industry. This study aimed to analyze the attractiveness of the Philippine petroleum sector, assess the risks and prospects, evaluate opportunities and barriers in investing in the sector, and recommend specific investment entry points for both foreign corporate and individual investors. External and internal assessment, trend analysis, benchmarking, supply and demand gap analysis, discounted cash flow and relative valuation were used to identify investment entry points for foreign investors in the petroleum sector. Upon analyzing the sector, it was concluded that it is indeed attractive. Major drivers include decreasing dominance of the big players, favorable business climate and increasing government support and incentives for new entrants. For individual investors, Petron Corporation has been chosen as an attractive choice based on its intrinsic value. Overall, the sector was favorable for potential entrants. However, investors should be wary about new trends in the sector in order to take advantage of higher returns on investment.

A Business Model Analysis of Virtual Currency Platforms in the Philippines

Arlene C. Gutierrez,Mar B. Cruz 아시아무역학회 2017 Journal of Asia Trade and Business Vol.4 No.2

The advent of advanced technology coupled withchanging consumer behavior triggered the innovations disrupting traditional practices. Among these innovations is the use of virtual currency (VC) in trade transactions. VC refers to any type of digital unit used as a medium of exchange. This study focused on the business model analysis of VC platforms among Philippine-based firms. Specifically, it looked at the revenue model, application and potential risks associated with VCs and the applicability of VCs to agribusiness firms. Descriptive analysis, business models canvas, benchmarking, trend and risk analysis were used. Results showed that VC differed in terms of purpose and target market. Two main popular forms would be loyalty program credits and cryptocurrency. The former was very common among local successful firms while bitcoin was the most traded cryptocurrency in the country. These currencies differ in the level of flexibility and sources of revenues. Meanwhile, asset-backed-tokens emerged as a virtual currency that could address some problems among agriculture-based firms. Despite the attractiveness of virtual currencies, consumers should be wary of the potential risks associated with the transactions, including liquidity and fraud possibilities. Lastly, businesses adopting VCs should widen its network of external partners to maximize the returns from the marketing program.

An Analysis of Duck Egg Production in the Philippines: Factors Affecting the Decision of Duck Raisers on the Choice of Stock Replacement for Duck Egg Production

Arlene C,Gutierrez 아시아무역학회 2019 Journal of Asia Trade and Business Vol.6 No.2

Duck has been one of the most important segments of the poultry industry in the Philippines. It has been a major contributor in the total agricultural output of the country. Duck egg production remained as the dominating sector in the industry due to various processing opportunities like balut (embryonated egg), penoy (unfertilized duck egg without yolk), century egg and salted egg which were gaining attention both in the local and export markets. In view of these trade opportunities, the Bureau of Animal Industry in the country continuously developed new breeds of duck. However, limited research studies tackled the traits that duck raisers perceived to be important when choosing the stock replacement. A survey among 295 commercial duck raisers was conducted focusing on production practices and decision factors in selecting stock replacement. Based on the results which involved descriptive statistics, the chi square test, frequency counts and the analytical hierarchical process, price and quality were determined to be the most important considerations of duck raisers when selecting their stock replacement. However, it was found out that raisers were willing to pay a higher price in exchange for better quality stock replacement but one major problem is the availability of new stocks. Thus, it is recommended that the government focus on new breeds with better quality as well as ensure the availability of these breeds to duck raisers all over the country.

An Analysis on the Market Potential of Cacao Charcoal Briquettes in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

Tisha-an Lyka J. Ambal,Arlene C. Gutierrez,Agnes T. Banzon,Loida E. Mojica The International Academy of Global Business and T 2017 The International Academy of Global Business and T Vol.13 No.2

Due to increasing cacao production in the Philippines, agricultural waste from chocolate production also increased. With this, the CocoaPhil Foundation developed cacao husks into new products, namely charcoal briquettes, to fully utilize cacao waste and provide an alternative to wood charcoal. The study aimed to analyze the market potential of cacao charcoal briquettes in Los Banos, Laguna. Specifically, it aimed to assess the potential demand and devise strategies for commercialization. A survey was conducted among 19 large-scale vendors, 41 small-scale vendors, and 50 household consumers. Focus group discussions, usage, an attitude and image study, price point analysis and product attribute ranking were used to assess the data. Results showed that there was a very low awareness level among all segments. Household consumers exhibited a higher level of willingness to purchase and use the product compared to the other two segments. The study revealed that the major factors affecting consumers’ decision were price and availability of the product. After evaluating the market potential of the product in Los Banos Laguna, it was concluded that there was potential for cacao charcoal briquettes, but to fully commercialize the product, positioning should be changed to better fit the market.

An Assessment of the Diversification More Choices and Strategies of Coffee Farmers in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines

Bethzaida Genesis F. Girang,Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba,Loida E. Mojica,Arlene C. Gutierrez,Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol 아시아무역학회 2020 Journal of Asia Trade and Business Vol.7 No.2

Purpose – The volume of local coffee production in the past 10 years has been declining. Despite this, several smallholder coffee farmers are still able to subsist in the industry through various diversification modes and strategies. This study primarily assessed the different diversification mode choices and strategies of coffee farmers in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study utilized a field survey of 60 respondents and descriptive analysis. Findings - Results revealed that majority of the farmers in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines already practiced either on-farm diversification (85% of farmers) exclusively or mixed diversification (15% of farmers) in their farms. Specifically, farmers plant several types of crops and practice 34 cropping combinations that would benefit the farming business. The top five of these crop combination choices are (1) Coffee – Banana – Coconut – Guyabano (Soursop), (2) Coffee – Black Pepper – Rambutan – Cacao – Lanzones – Sinturis – Jackfruit – Chico (Sapodilla) – Santol (Cotton Fruit), (3) Coffee-Banana-Coconut-Black Pepper-Lanzones, (4) Coffee – Banana – Coconut – Black Pepper – Rambutan – Lanzones – Ginger, and (5) Coffee – Banana – Coconut – Black Pepper – Ube (Purple Yam) – Ginger. The decision of the farmer to choose the diversification mode (on-farm, off-farm, and/or non-farm diversification) to be implemented in the farm was affected by socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age and household), farm characteristics, personal and philosophical factors, economic/business factors, and market factors. However, the decision of the farmer to choose the diversification strategy (crop combination) to be implemented was equally affected by the seasonality of the crops, income stream, cash flow, and other market factors. Research Implications – Diversification mode choices and strategies chosen by farmers including crop combination decisions appear to be influenced by a number of factors and thus, since each farm situation is unique, the decision is primarily the farmer’s choice.

Entrepreneurial Inclination and Factors Affecting Entrepreneurial Intention Among Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) Students at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

Kenneth L. Medina(Kenneth L. Medina ),Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba(Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba ),James Roldan S. Reyes(James Roldan S. Reyes ),Agnes T. Banzon(Agnes T. Banzon ),Arlene C. Gutierrez(Ar 아시아무역학회 2022 Journal of Asia Trade and Business Vol.9 No.1

Purpose - Most studies on entrepreneurial intention were focused on developed countries. In developing and agriculture-based economies like the Philippines, there is limited entrepreneurial intention studies conducted among university students, who are potential entrepreneurs in the country. This study intends to bridge this gap by providing insights about the entrepreneurial inclination and entrepreneurial intention of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) students at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Design/Methodology/Approach - Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was utilized to explore factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention of the BSA students. A total of 108 students were surveyed using an online questionnaire, and data analysis tools included Cronbach’s alpha, frequency analysis, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Data analysis focused on each batch of students. Findings - The study found that Batch 2012 and below showed a greater number of students with high personal attitude, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial intention. On the other hand, Batch 2015 students exhibited the lowest entrepreneurial intention. Generally, the respondents had high entrepreneurial intention; however, low perceived behavioral control or self-efficacy was also recorded. In terms of entrepreneurial inclination, all batches showed high inclination, except for Batch 2015, where the majority of the students did not have an entrepreneurial role model and had not taken an entrepreneurship course or subject. An equation model was constructed for Batch 2015 students, wherein personal attitude and subjective norm were found to be significant with intention. Research Implications - The study findings imply the need for certain colleges in UPLB to undertake strategies tailor-fit for addressing gaps in entrepreneurial inclination and intention for every batch.