1
THE PARTICIPATION OF FISH VENDORS IN POLICY FORMULATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION IN TACLOBAN CITY WET MARKET
CHANEL ABIA, JEAN NICOL ASIS, HARVEY BARRANTES, GENERY BOLLOSA, ELLA JEAN CABIDOG, PAUL ARKEAN
CAJEFE, SHEILA MAE CALITES, RIZZA DACURRO, March 2019
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed to determine the level of participation and policy implementation of
Tacloban City that benefit the fish vendors’ development and other market stakeholders
particularly the consumers’ welfare affecting the fish vendors’ income. It is hypothesized
that the level of participation is low.
The descriptive research design of this study included the interface interview of
randomized sample of thirty (30) fish vendors and estimated 30% of the total registered
fish vendors in Tacloban City Wet Market in old terminal. The data gathered by using 5point Scale Likert Type questionnaire is treated with statistical formula to describe the
acceptability of the outcome.
The conclusion of the study is to reject the null hypothesis. Data shows that the level of
participation is high as they are interpreted as “Very Often” with an Overall Mean of 4.30.
The Standard Deviation of the sample population is 0.07746 which suggests that the
respondents varied in the level of participation but closely at the same level with the overall
Mean of 4.30. The Overall Mean of the Fish Vendors level of awareness is 3.73 interpreted
as “Aware” which is not acceptable for food safety standards which requires everyone to
have a must “Totally Aware” level. The Standard Deviation of the sample population is
0.589002 which suggests that the respondents varied in the level of awareness but the
deviants are closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 3.73. The Tacloban City
government’s effectiveness in implementing the policy on sanitation and food safety
standards as shown in table 4 are generally interpreted as “Fairly Effective” with a Mean
of 3.8 based on the Fish Vendors’ perception and experience. The question item 10 is the
lowest with 3.6 Mean which is Fairly Effective.” The Standard Deviation of the sample
population is 0. 0.623267. It suggests that the respondents varied in the level of
effectiveness but the deviants are closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 3.8.
The SD however is getting higher compare to the SD of level of awareness. This suggests
that the Implementation of the Tacloban City government is perceived and experienced by
the Fish Vendors with multiple standards or questionable consistency in implementation.
Table 5 shows the level of satisfaction of Fish Vendors to Tacloban City Government. The
Vendors are generally at lost or “Not Sure” about the Government services to the Fish
Vendor Sector. “Government Support” is least satisfactory for the Vendors with a Mean
of 3.1 but “Satisfied” with a Mean of 4.2 in “Participation and Respect.” The Standard
Deviation of the sample population is 0.244949 It suggests that the respondents varied in
the level of satisfaction but the deviants are closely at the same level of satisfaction with
the overall Mean of 3.7. The “High” level of participation and “Fair” effectiveness of
implementation of policy however do not suggests any positive impact for the fish vendors’
development, income improvement and public exposure to epidemiological risk reduction.
Participation and Policy that is implemented is not consistent to national policy particularly
P.D. 856 and Consumers’ Welfare Act to get the customers back to wet market from
supermarket patronage.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Fish vendors, like in any other sector, participate in various activities of the
organization. They too have their groups wherein they express their joys, sentiments,
problems and other concerns. They played a vital role in the organization either as a
member or leader.
The City of Tacloban is the largest City and Regional Center of the Eastern Visayas
Region of the Philippines. It is also the capital city of Leyte. It is known of its historical
places and various products seen in the city. There are abundant supplies of food in the
market like fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Fish vending is a natural activity in any wet
market. The success of the vendors lies in keeping their “suki” (a friend or loyal customer)
from coming back. Customers prefer the friendly and approachable vendors according to
their choice to whom they will to buy. There are secrets where a fish vendor can have many
loyal clients. One maybe by offering good quality of fish, and proper fish handling, and
better pricing (geoview.info).
As an organization, participation of fish vendors in the market policy formulation
and implementation would help empower them. It makes impact in terms of income,
services delivered to customers, supplying the need both the vendors and the consumers,
and providing good condition of fish sold. Participation is done by way of attending
meetings, making suggestions on matters concerning market issues and abiding ordinance
as way of discipline. It is our common knowledge that fish vendors are recognized by the
city government and that they are considered as part of the system.
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A purpose of fish vendor’s organization, like any other organizations of
occupational groups is to promote the interest of their members. It is by no means that such
interest will be compatible with the public interest. A strong tradition in economic theory
sees interest organizations as conspiracies against the public interest, but competitive
markets are ensuring greater compatibility of private and public interest.
In the market itself, vendors face other kind of problem. Fish vending spaces are
either not recognized or just do not exist. Vendors are often harassed unto paying “local
taxes” in order to continue vending fish on city pavements and other areas perceived as
encroaches on public spaces. They are constantly harassed and threatened with eviction by
the police and civic authorities while 99 units of tampered weighing scales were destroyed
by Tacloban City government in October 2018.
With their livelihood, fish vendors are able to organize to protect their sector as
well as establish its major role in the economy. The organization, however is not for militia
or armed security but to ensure participation in public governance.
In Tacloban City fish vendors association participates in public administration. The
level of participation however is not determined yet and the kind of participation and policy
implementation seem ineffective to benefit the fish vendors’ development and other market
stakeholders particularly the consumers’ welfare that affects the fish vendors’ income.
Thus, this study.
Statement of the Problem
The study aims to investigate the level of participation of Fish Vendors in policy
formulation, its implementation, effectiveness and critical challenges for their economic
survival and success.
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1. What are the market policies for fish vendors in Tacloban City?
2. What is the level of participation in terms of Policy Implementation?
3. What is the level of effectiveness of the Policy Implementation?
4. What is the level of satisfaction of the fish vendors in Tacloban City public
service and governance?
5. What are the challenges the fish vendors face for economic survival and
success?
Hypothesis of the Study
The null hypothesis of the study is stated as “the level of participation of fish
vendors in the formulation and implementation of policy in Tacloban City Wet Market is
low that affects their income.”
Significance of the Study
This study will help fish vendors to have a voice in decision-making relating to
vending policy of Tacloban City. Their participation in the policy formulation and
implementation in the supermarket of Tacloban City will provide them a better chance to
be heard regarding their problems vent.
To the Fish Vendors. The study will help them appreciate the beauty of being part
of an organization. This will enforce property rights of the vendors to do business.
Likewise, will enrich their understanding the market mechanism in their sector.
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To the Market Administrator. The study will provide an insight on what help
they can provide concerning market service delivery in order to improve process and
strategies.
To the Consumers. This study will help consumers understand and observe a
system that may lead to a more organized fish market.
To the Researchers. This will greatly help the researchers determine the level of
participation of fish vendors in the policy formulation and implementation in the Tacloban
City supermarket. The result of this study will provide a basis for appropriate
recommendations beneficial to the vendors, consumers and administrators.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study sets limits on the level of participation of fish vendors in the supermarket
of Tacloban City, towards policy formulation and implementation. This study included fish
vendors with assigned stalls/space in Tacloban City at the wet market division. The amount
of capital invested has no weight as well as the variety of fish sold in selecting the
respondents for the study.
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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
In this chapter, presented are the selected related literatures and studies reviewed to
formulate the theories and concept applicable to and for the explanations of the situation
under enquiry.
Typically a wet market is a partially covered market in a fixed location where food
vendors sell their products at individual stalls. According to the P.D. 856 legal definition,
it is a place where most of the goods for sale are perishable (DOH, 1998). A market is
divided into different areas where vendors of the same items are grouped together in tightly
knit stalls. The floor can be damp since vendors use water to freshen their produce, store
live fish and seafood in makeshift tanks or on ice and some of the areas get a regular hosing
down to clean up the blood and guts from the butchered fish and meat(A Global Kitchen,
2019). Wet Market is a technical term used to differentiate fresh meat and produce markets
from Dry Markets which sell durable goods like cloth and electronics. Wet markets sell
live poultry, fish, reptiles, and mammals of every kind. Animals may stay from days to
weeks. (Wikipedia, 2019, Medterms, 2019).
Stalls selling seasonal and, primarily, local fruits and vegetables are arranged
colourfully and artistically. At times the vendor may be a family member or relative of the
farm where the produce is grown. Some of the produce may come from other parts within
a country or over the border from a neighbouring country. Seafoods and meat stalls can be
found in wet markets where true ‘nose to tail’ can be shopped. Vendors will kill, pluck,
butcher, gut and scale fish and poultry on the spot. Resourcefulness and concern for making
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use of all parts of an animal are key philosophies of most Asian cuisines. So, fish and goat
heads, eels, chicken feet, pig trotters, offal such as liver, kidneys, tongue and tripe are on
full display (op. cit.)
Wet market is divided into two sections: fish/seafood and meat/poultry. In the fish
market, fishmongers and seafood vendors shout their hearts out to call the attention of
buyers. Fish vendors prepare shallow basins with chunks of ice. Here they arrange small
fishes like Short mackerel (Hasa-hasa), Moonfish (Hiwas), and Threadfin bream (Bisugo).
Larger fishes like the Yellow-fin tuna (Tambakol) and Milkfish (Bangus) are stacked neatly
in front of the stall. Tilapia is a popular fish and it has its own area within the fish market.
The vendors have customized stalls wherein instead of a flat table, they have deep tubs
filled with oxygenated water. Live tilapia flips within the small confines of the tub creating
water splashes, and customers can choose which fish to buy. The fish vendors will gut,
scale, and clean the fish for the customer. Seafood is a bit pricey compared to fish and the
supply is limited in the market. Prawns, shrimps, crabs, mussels are the usual seafood
available; oysters are rare (Dimaculangan, 2019). For most vendors, one of the secrets to
success is to keep their “suki” (a frequent or loyal customer) coming back. Keeping fish in
good condition from the time it was caught until the moment it is cooked is the primary
concern of this vendor (Denxio, 2019).
Fish Distribution Channels in Bangkok
The domestic market for fish and fishery products is distinguished principally by
the dependence on supplies from commercial fisheries, aquaculture and small-scale
fisheries. It should be noted that a significant proportion of aquaculture produce,
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particularly shrimp, is exported. The strong export orientation of the Thai fisheries sector
has limited the supplies available for domestic consumption. To counteract this trend, the
development of aquaculture and improved utilisation of fish by-catches for direct human
consumption is being encouraged. Both freshwater and marine fish and fishery products
are regularly traded in Bangkok’s domestic fish market. Chilled and live fish are landed at
the Bangkok wholesale fish market, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The range of shopping options includes public retail markets, supermarkets and
street hawkers that offer a wide selection of fish and fishery products. Public markets and
street vending currently hold a significant share of the retail market of chilled and live fish,
fresh, fermented and cured fishery products. Large supermarket chains and medium-sized
independent supermarkets offer mainly chilled, frozen, cured, fermented, processed
(surimi-based fishery products, dried seafood snacks, and roasted squid/cuttlefish) and
canned seafood. There are 154 wet markets and 109 supermarkets in Bangkok competing
mostly for the consumers (FAO, 2109).
Kuala Lumpur’s Retail Fish Market Sector
The Selayang wholesale market being one of Kuala Lumpur’s main sources of fresh
produce, including seafood. The Kuala Lumpur urban area is home to a variety of retail
establishments offering live, fresh, frozen, cured and canned seafood to consumers. The
range of shopping options include public retail markets, supermarkets and street outlets,
which offer a wide selection of live fish, fresh fish, frozen and canned fishery products as
well as cured and fermented fish. Public markets and street fish hawkers currently hold a
significant share of the retail market of chilled and live fish, as well as fermented and cured
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fishery products. Large supermarket chains offer mainly canned and processed seafood
(including fish/shrimp crackers, shrimp paste, fish sauce, fish snacks, boiled-dried anchovy
and dried fish). There is a strong preference by consumers to regularly shop for
chilled/fresh fish at public retail markets and to a lesser extent, at street hawker stalls. The
most popular product form is whole fresh fish and the species most in demand are Spanish
mackerel, Indian mackerel, squid, threadfin bream, red snapper, grouper, sardine and
shrimp. In a market where culinary traditions regard intrinsic characteristics of fresh fish
as important, frozen products have to overcome consumer resistance. Usually, unsold fish
is frozen and offered for sale the next day, at which time it fetches lower prices in
comparison with fresh fish. However, frozen imported seafood (including hoki fillets and
shucked mussels) is sold at some fast food restaurants; according to the restaurant
management, improved availability and advertising campaigns have raised acceptance
levels for frozen products among consumers in the catering sector. Cultured fish such as
seabass, snakehead and catfish are well accepted by most ethnic and income groups.
The main legislations formulated by the Federal and municipal authorities related
to vending included regulations/laws which required
vendors
to apply for
registration/licensing, follow codes of practices, undergo periodic medical examinations,
and follow training and inspection procedures. In addition, City Hall has implemented
measures to try to control the number of hawker licenses; since 1996, a complete freeze in
the issue of new licenses began. However, this drastic measure apparently has not been
totally effective, as more street hawkers have appeared. The authorities acknowledge the
following problems associated with the increase of the population:
a) Inappropriate location and poorly designed/non-uniform stalls
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b) Inadequate basic amenities; wastes are not properly disposed of
c) Poor management and low personal hygiene habits
d) Improper food handling practices; lack of adequate health awareness.
Street fish hawkers currently play a significant role as fresh/chilled seafood
suppliers in Kuala Lumpur; however, there is no detailed data on the number of such
hawkers operating in the city. The main characteristics of fresh/chilled seafood street
hawkers include the following:

Temporary stalls are set up in busy streets/around public markets during certain
times of the day. It is the simplest type of market available, making use of existing
road infrastructure and with a low level of investment. In general, it is easy to
relocate facilities/equipment to another site. When operating in areas surrounding
public/private markets, they compete with the permanent fish retailers. These
vendors usually operate at fixed and regular locations, mainly using portable
equipment, umbrellas and tent-type stalls

Fresh seafood are carried in plastic boxes or insulated boxes from the wholesale
markets to the street marketing areas using taxis, public transportation and private
cars and vans

Limited availability of potable water supplies and wastewater disposal systems at
the stalls; however, all street food markets visited had an acceptable common solid
waste disposal system and a regular cleaning schedule

In general, fish hawkers at street markets, when compared with public markets or
supermarket chains, offered significantly less variety of fishery products per stall,
but with the advantage of being comparatively less expensive. In most informal
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street markets visited, besides fish and fishery products, vegetables, fruits and other
items such as noodles, dried fish, traditional food items, fresh chicken, pork and
beef were also offered.
Retail sales of raw food, in particular fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh and cured fish at
busy streets or around public markets by informal vendors in Kuala Lumpur are an integral
part of the local market place. These market outlets are regulated and supervised by the
municipal authorities.
The main factors for this growth of street food vending in Kuala Lumpur can be
explained as follows:
i) Local eating habits, cultural significance of street food hawkers, socio-economic
environment, unemployment rates, and urban population growth
ii) Loyal patronage of a growing clientele; street food vending has emerged in response to
a socio-cultural need for inexpensive nutritious foods. In the particular case of fresh raw
seafood, informal street markets operating from strategic locations at busy hours of the day
save customers time and/or money which might otherwise be spent in search of public
markets or supermarkets
iii) The Asian financial crisis had severely hit the urban poor population. Therefore, street
food vending activities flourished.
Currently Kuala Lumpur City Hall is planning to regulate street food vending to
include the designation of specific street areas as well as provision of support to vendors
through the construction of adequate food stalls and related facilities. Joint plans with the
Hawkers Association include the design of adequate vans for mobile food vending. Also a
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survey is being planned to collect updated information on the socio-economic
characteristics of the street hawkers and petty traders.
In general, it was noticed during field surveys that fish and fishery products offered
by street hawkers were of acceptable to good quality. It appeared that consumers felt
satisfaction and convenience with readily available fresh fish at street seafood markets.
Based on observations, it is concluded that street fish markets were well accepted by
consumers and in general, provide personalised services with adequate seafood expertise.
However, it is important to note that Asian consumers, in particular the Chinese, are less
likely to complain when dissatisfied with a purchase due to cultural factors (face saving
behaviour). Based on direct observation and limited survey data, it appears that
convenience, strategic location and affordable prices directly influence repeat purchases of
street vended fish, rather than customer satisfaction and loyalty.
At most street food markets visited, adequate to fair conditions were observed
regarding fish handling practices. At most stalls, fresh seafood was displayed without ice,
except some high value finfish, shrimp, prawn and squids which were kept with crushed
ice. However, most street fish vendors had at least one insulated box to keep chilled fish in
crushed ice and one (1) 15 - 20 litres capacity plastic bucket for storage of potable water
for fish cleaning. Some large stalls had at least one lined insulated HDPE container to keep
fish with ice. Regarding the variety of fish and fishery products at street markets, most
stalls had about ten (10) fresh/chilled fish species or six (6) fishery products (mainly
minced, cured and fermented) on display. The hawkers indicated that they were holding
inventories of fresh fish from one to two working days. On average, street fish vendors
operate about 6 to 8 hours daily and most of the vendors interviewed indicated that the
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average number of working days is about 7 days per week. The average daily sales per stall
are about 45 - 60 kg of fresh fish and shellfish.
The main challenge is therefore the need to implement effective and sustainable
interventions, taking into account the peculiar characteristics of street fish vending in Kuala
Lumpur.
Statutory
requirements,
including
licensing,
should
be
linked
to
equipment/infrastructure development programmes. In particular, seafood street vending
should have adequate provision of improved facilities for handling, chilled storage and
preparation which can be provided by targeting busy street areas where seafood vendors
regularly operate. In addition, different seafood vendors, depending on the type of seafood
prepared and sold (e.g. chilled raw fish and cooked fish/squid balls), working hours,
working places, modus operandi (with fixed stalls or itinerant vendors with pushcarts),
have varied requirements in terms of equipment and facilities, as well as different views
regarding proposed improvements of their services and facilities.
The use of simple dial metallic thermometers is suggested, to regularly measure
temperature of seafood on display at street fish markets. Dial thermometers can easily be
calibrated to a known temperature by adjusting a hex nut located under the dial. These
thermometers were locally available. This basic tool could be included as part of the
training kit for street fish vendors. In addition, adequate supplies of potable water (water
taps) as well as suitable wastewater drainage systems should be made available to each
street fish stall. Water is used extensively in fish markets not only for fish cleaning, but
also to flush offal and blood from equipment and floors, and to flume wastewater to floor
drains and collection sumps. The first step for the implementation of potable water supplies
in individual stalls at street fish markets should be to analyse water use patterns, install
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water meters and regularly record water consumption. The next step should be to undertake
a survey of all market area and ancillary operations to identify wasteful practices and
undertake corrective actions. Each street fish vendor should pay according to their water
consumption and proportionally for the provision of wastewater drainage systems.
Regular training courses on fresh/chilled fish handling and hygiene should be part
of any development programme for street seafood vendors organised by the Kuala Lumpur
City Hall in co-ordination with the relevant government agencies. This training should be
aimed at providing adequate guidance and technical assistance to fish hawkers on proper
seafood handling and personal hygiene practices. All stall holders and their assistants who
are involved in the preparation and sale of seafood should be required to attend and pass
this training course.
Basic technical fields, which may be relevant for training courses intended for street
fresh fish vendors, are as follows:
i) Introduction to the concepts of freshness, quality, wholesomeness and nutritive value
ii) The care of live and fresh fish, handling methods, use of ice, receiving deliveries, quality
inspection, storage of live and chilled fish; hygiene and sanitation for fish retailers,
selection and application of detergents and disinfectants
iii) Quality and quality aspects at retail level; display of fish; promotion of fish sales
techniques. Avoiding bad marketing practices
iv) National and municipal regulations and codes of practice for fish vending
v) Introduction to business planning; simple economics for fish retailing
vi) Equipment & facilities development programmes in street fish vending.
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Metro Manila’s urban area is home to a variety of retail establishments offering live, fresh,
frozen, cured and canned seafood to consumers. The range of shopping options include
public retail markets, supermarkets and street hawkers which offer a wide selection of live
fish, fresh fish, frozen and canned fishery products as well as cured and fermented fish.
Public markets currently hold a significant share of the retail trade of chilled, live fish,
fermented and cured fishery products. Large supermarket chains and medium-sized
independent supermarkets offer mainly chilled, frozen, cured and canned seafood.
Supermarkets are currently handling a less significant portion of the retail market share for
chilled fish and fishery products. The sales of chilled fish in supermarkets are still not
significant, because housewives associate fresh/chilled fish with public markets and only
grocery goods/canned fish with supermarkets. Despite the fact that most supermarkets are
low-cost, low-margin, high volume, self-service operations designed to provide the
consumer’s total needs for food and household-maintenance products, there is still a strong
preference to shop for chilled/fresh seafood in the public retail markets, and to a lesser
extent at street hawker stalls. Most supermarkets have well-defined seafood product sales
strategies, including adequate product mix and a variety of frozen, fermented fish products,
fish sauce, and canned seafood products.
Wet Markets in Metro Manila
Retail sales of raw food, in particular fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh cured
seafood at busy streets or around public markets by informal vendors in Metro Manila, are
an integral part of the Filipino marketplace. These market outlets are locally known
as talipapas and according to municipal legislations, are not permitted to operate within a
radius of 200 meters from the public markets. However, itinerant street fish vendors
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peddling from place to place and carrying two baskets for fish display/transport on shoulder
poles were not common in urban areas.
In the past, Metro Manila was besieged by the problem of street hawkers, sidewalk
vendors and ambulant peddlers. Municipal authorities were then authorised to establish
flea markets (tiangge) or vending areas in selected streets, roads and open spaces. The
municipal ordinance No. 79 - 2 of 1/5/79, issued by the Metropolitan Manila Commission,
indicated that the Mayors of the cities and municipalities in Metro Manila were in charge
of the design, measurements and specifications of the structures and equipment to be used
in these flea markets or vending areas; the allowable distances; the days and times allowed
for conduct of the business authorised; the rates of fees or charges to be imposed, levied or
collected; the kinds of merchandise, goods and commodities sold and service rendered; and
other matters and activities related to the establishment, maintenance, management and
operation of the flea markets and vending areas. However, the establishment of such flea
markets and vending areas under such terms and conditions was subject to the final
approval of the Metropolitan Manila Commission.
With the implementation of the Presidential Decree 856, Code of Sanitation of the
Philippines, hawkers are no longer allowed to sell food on the streets. The City Council of
Metro Manila formulates and implements policies on the operation, licensing and control
of hawkers. The Bureau of Permits under the City Council of Metro Manila, Office of the
Mayor, is directly in charge of licensing. The implementation of a participatory approach
and education programmes in street food business, public information campaigns and the
recognition of food marketing as an important informal activity were necessary changes in
policy, which helped to clarify the benefits and disadvantages of unregulated street food
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vending. However, specific interventions (such as adequate training, credit, improved food
safety, hygiene and inspection, equipment/infra-structure development programmes and
policy formulation to support regulated street food vending) are still confronted by
financial problems and lack of adequate manpower for law enforcement. In most cases, it
will require some time to gradually implement the necessary changes.
Provision for solid waste to be deposited in bins was inadequate to fair in most
street fish market outlets. However in most of the street markets visited, there was not much
solid wastes in evidence. Most vendors indicated that they manage solid waste collection
and disposal by themselves. The most common procedure was to store wastes in a woven
fibre basket or plastic bag which stood without a lid until full. Hygienic conditions could
be greatly improved, if adequate potable water supplies (tap water) and solid waste bins
with lids could be made available to street fish markets.
The use of simple dial metallic thermometers is suggested to regularly measure the
temperature of fish on display at street fish markets. Dial thermometers can easily be
calibrated to a known temperature by adjusting a hex nut located under the dial. These
thermometers were available at some supermarkets and specialised shops. This basic tool
could be included as part of the training kit for street fish vendors. In addition, the provision
of an adequate wastewater drainage system to street fish market outlets is greatly needed.
Water is used extensively in fish markets not only for fish cleaning, but also to flush offal
and blood from equipment and floors, and to flume wastewater to floor drains and
collection sumps. The first step for the implementation of potable water supplies (tap
water) to individual stalls at street fish markets should be to analyse water use patterns,
install water meters and regularly record water consumption. The next step should be to
18
undertake a survey of all market area and ancillary operations to identify wasteful practices
and undertake corrective actions. Each street fish vendor should pay according to their
water consumption and proportionally for the provision of wastewater drainage systems.
(ibid.).
Food safety and Health as growing concern of the consumers; affected income of fish
vendors
Wet market as it sells live poultry, fish, reptiles, and mammals of every kind from
days to weeks, is a common sight in many areas of the world and a source of influenza
viruses and other infectious disease agents for human beings. It provides optimum
conditions for the development of disease agents such as influenza. Add the daily human
contacts (including children) with the live animals, and conditions are optimal for the
transfer and evolution of infectious disease agents. SARS outbreaks have been traced to
wet markets in southern China (Medterms, 2019).
WHO (2019) encouraged a multisectoral team which involves persons from
vendor’s associations, government, and consumer organizations as well as academia to
work for public health and safety. Representatives from agriculture, fisheries and animal
husbandry may be involved to address problems that could arise during production.
Municipal authorities should be included to ensure that essential services and support are
provided to the market. Government and academic experts in food safety are essential
advisers. Public health authorities with knowledge of community and occupational health
should also be included. In the implementation of the project, all stakeholders and resource
persons should gain a basic understanding of food safety, which is the basis of the project.
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As necessary, the Healthy Food Market team should also invite the participation of persons
with special expertise.
Mandaue City Government implemented Ordinance 12-2010-562, known as the
Plastic Bag Prohibition Ordinance of 2010, which prohibits the use of and distribution of
disposable plastic bags and styrofoam in any business establishments in the city for
ecological efficiency reasons but vendors' income are affected due to customers' lack of
support due to convenience (Gitgano, 2016).
Fish vendors at (Davao) city’s Agdao Public Market expect their income to grow
as they strive to woo mall consumers to go back to the markets for fresh seafood (Business
World, 2017).
Theoretical Framework
Laissez-faire economics and the idea of an "invisible hand" guiding the free
markets by Adam Smith (1776). Adam Smith believed that ideal government should limit
its activities to administer justice, enforcing private property rights, and defending the
nation against aggression. In his first book, "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," Smith
proposed the idea of an invisible hand—the tendency of free markets to regulate themselves
by means of competition, supply and demand, and self-interest. (Investopedia, 2019).
Keynesianism. Ideal Government for Johm Maynard Keynes was the one that
regulates and takes active role in economic affairs. Keynes said the government should
spend more money when people do not have work. The government can borrow money
and give people jobs (work). Then people can spend money again and buy things. This
helps other people find work (Keynes, 1936).
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Aristotelian Oligarchy and Democracy. Aristotle observed that the dominant
class in oligarchy (literally rule of the oligoi, i.e., few) is typically the wealthy, whereas in
democracy (literally rule of the dêmos, i.e., people) it is the poor. He opposed both political
norms and forms of government. Oligarchy is bad as they (few wealthy persons) rule for
their own benefit while democracy which is also bad as they (poor people) rule for their
own benefit. Polity, according to him, is the best form of government which mixed classes
rule--- rule of the “middle” group of citizens, a moderately wealthy class between the rich
and poor (Aristotle, 335 B.C.). The most difficult question of polity however, "how the
poor people, mostly uneducated and wealth people, mostly greedy can rule together with
justice?"
Weber's Bureaucracy. According to the bureaucratic theory of Max Weber,
bureaucracy is the basis for the systematic formation of any organisation and is designed
to ensure efficiency and economic effectiveness. It is an ideal model for management and
its administration to bring an organisation's power structure into focus. “Bureaucracy is an
organisational structure that is characterised by many rules, standardised processes,
procedures and requirements, number of desks, meticulous division of labour and
responsibility, clear hierarchies and professional, almost impersonal interactions between
employees”. According to the bureaucratic theory of Max Weber, three types of power can
be found in organizations; traditional power, charismatic power and legal power. He refers
in his bureaucratic theory to the latter as a bureaucracy. All aspects of a democracy are
organised on the basis of rules and laws, making the principle of established jurisdiction
prevail.
21
The following three elements support bureaucratic management:
1. All regular activities within a bureaucracy can be regarded as official duties;
2. Management has the authority to impose rules;
3. Rules can easily be respected on the basis of established methods.
Hobbes Bureaucracy. The central tenet of Hobbes' natural philosophy that human
beings are, at their core, selfish creatures...and that every creature was naturally in a
competition, and because of that an absolute sovereign was needed. Thus the law of nature
must replace the state of nature where everyone had the tendency to be selfish without
consideration for others who were harmed by them, and who were rightful to defend and
preserve themselves against aggression or harmful effects of human activities. Thus war
to be avoided, seeking peace can be attained through collective understanding of need for
each other complementing with individual capacity by the initiative of just sovereigns.
Leadership Styles (in Seno, 2017)
According to Newstrom & Davis, Leadership Style is the manner and
approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. As
seen by the employees, it includes the total pattern of explicit and implicit act ions
performed by their leader.
The need for leadership style is to make decisions, according to Kurt Lewin (1939).
There are three styles of leadership decision making, the autocratic, (1) the autocratic
leaders make decisions themselves without consulting their followers, or involving them
in the decision-making process. Having made a decision they impose it and expect
22
obedience; (2) democratic leaders take an active role in the decision making process but
they involve others too but not necessarily put decisions to the vote; and (3) laissez-faire
leaders have very little involvement in decisions making themselves, pretty much leaving
matters to their followers which can be good enough in a condition that followers are
capable (Lewin, Lippit, White, 1939).
Leaders approach their employees in different ways. Positive leaders use
rewards, such as education, new experiences, and independence, to motivate
employees, while negative employers emphasize penalties (Newstrom, Davis,
1993, in The Performance Juxtaposition Site, 2017). The negative approach has a
place in a leader's repertoire of tools in certain situations; however, it must be
used carefully due to its high cost on the human spirit.
Antonio Gramsci (1999), a teacher-philosopher, emphasized the importance of
means in achieving ends. The governed need education, trainings, rewards and sufficient
financial means towards set goals and objectives of the organization which he summarized
in a short phrase: “…the ones who need the ends, need the means” (Gramsci in Riel, 2016).
Training (and educating the people) is about emancipating and empowering the poor from
slavery of mediocrity. Training for Organizational Culture (government and private) is
important. It is the link between the organization of work and the organization of culture,
and was rather envisaged by Gramsci as the new ‘professional culture’, the new technical
and vocational preparation needed by manpower (from the skilled worker to the manager)
to control and to lead development, as well as the society which this development inevitably
generates (Agustin in Riel, 2016).
23
Negative leaders act domineering and superior with people as they believe
the only way to get things done is through penalties and that their power is
increased by pressuring everyone into higher levels of productivity and allegiance
with threats. Yet, what normally happens when this approach is used is that morale
falls, which leads to lower productivity and disobedience. Most leaders do not
strictly use one or another, but are somewhere on a c ontinuum ranging from
extremely positive to extremely negative. McGregor (1957) developed his
philosophical view about leadership with his two opposing perceptions about how
people view human behavior at work and organizational life, the Theory X and
Theory Y. With the Theory X assumptions, management's role is to coerce and
control people while with Theory Y assumptions, management's role is to develop
the potential in people and help them to release that potential towards common
goals. Herzberg (1959) theorized that hygiene (dissatisfier) factors must be
present in the job before motivators can be used to stimulate the workers. Hygiene
includes economic security, relationship with fellow workers, supervision while
motivators include advancement, growth (socio-economic), and recognition,
responsibility (respect and trust). Both Hygiene and Motivators are parts of
leadership tasks McGregor's Theory X is based on workers caught in the lower levels 1
to 3 of Maslow's Hierarchical Needs theory due to bad management practices, while
Theory Y is for workers who have gone above level 3 with the help of management.
McGregor's Theory X is also based on workers caught in Herzberg's Hygiene
(Dissatisfiers) while Theory Y is based on workers who are in the Motivators or Satisfiers
section. (Seno. 2017).
24
In 1977, Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard developed the situational leadership
theory.
It
is
based
upon
two
continuums
—
the
required
level
of supervision and arousal required to coach workers in specific situations so that
they develop into great performers. However in 1985, Blanchard modified the
model into Situational Leadership in which the leadership is the act of providing
the correct amount of supervision (Directing Behavior) and arousal (Supportive
Behavior), which in turn, produces the best learning and developmental
environment (figure 1) (Hersey & Blanchard, 1957).
Figure 1. Situational Leadership Model
o
Directing - Provide a lot of direction (learner does not know how to perform) and a small
amount of support (you do not want to overload learner - see arousal).
o
Coaching - Decrease direction (so that learner can learn by trial and error) and increase
support (needs emotional support due to some failure).
o
Supporting - Decrease direction even more (so that learner can become self-supporting)
and decrease support.
25
o
Delegating - Provide direction and support on an as-needed basis.
The more responsibility (trust and confidence) of the workers paid by the
management through delegation and authority sharing, supervision and arousal
decrease which result to a more effective and efficient management (Agustin,
2017). The situational leadership style is within the framework of multiple leadership
styles that is applicable for certain situations. With this study, the researcher limited the
framework of situational leadership application subject for enquiry to TransformationalTransactional-Non-leadership (laissez-faire) Leadership Styles proposed by Burns
(Burns, 1978).
Transformational leaders create something new from something old by
changing the organizational basics (Seno, 2017), political and cultural systems
(Tichy, Ulrich, 1984). This differs from transactional managers who make
adjustments to the organizational mission, structure, and human resources.
Transformational leadership accomplishes this by challenging and transforming
individuals' emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long -term goals through the
process of charismatic and visionary leadership which Joseph Schumpeter
originated it as innovation in his Creative Destruction (Northouse, 2007;
Schumpeter in Agustin, 2016).
The term Transformational Leadership was first coined by Downton (1973)
expanded by Bass (1985). Transformational Leadership emergence did not really
come about until James Burn's classic, Leadership (1978. Burn noted that the
majority of leadership models and practices were based on transactional processes
that focused on exchanges between the leader and followers, such as promotions
for performing excellent work or punishment for being late. On the other hand,
26
transformational leaders engage with their followers to create a connection that
raises the level of motivation and morality in not onl y the followers, but also the
leaders themselves. Bass expanded on the transformational and transactional
models by noting they were more of a continuum, rather than two separate entities.
In addition, the concept of Laissez-faire or delegating was also on the Bass wrote
how transformational Leadership inspired the followers to do more by raising
their levels of consciousness of the organizational goals, rising above their own
self-interest for the sake of the organization and address Maslow’s higher level
needs (Bass , 1985). The theories of leadership styles, level of performance, and the
understanding how the performances are affected by leadership style are formed into a
(figure 2) grounded theory (Agustin in Seno, 2017).
Excellent
High
E
f
f
e
c
t
i
v
e
n
e
s
s
Citizens' Level of Performance and Cooperation
and
Efficiency
Poor
Low
Autocratic
Transactional
Transformational
Laissez-faire
Figure 2. Cause of Leadership Style to Level of Performance (Agustin, 2017)
27
In this grounded theory, the collective leadership eliminates unnecessary
government interventions and empowers the citizens to be responsible to each other
(suppliers, consumers and competitors and other stakeholders). Laissez-faire (in an
environment with fully developed institutional, organizational and individual capacity)
delivers expected outcome effectively and efficiently.
Conceptual Framework
Sociological Factors, e.g.
Vendors Organizations,
Religious belief like
Halal, Consumers'
lifestyles and Loyalty
Vendors' Practices,
Income, and
Values
Political Factors,
e.g. National Policy
and laws, City or
Local Government,
Leadership Styles
Figure 4. Relationships of Sociological and Political Factors affecting the Vendor’s Practices, Income and
Values and vice versa.
The behaviors and income of the fish vendors are affected by the political and sociological
factors and likewise, responsive adaptation of vendors to market demand changes the consumers’
behaviors, and vendors’ active and relevant participation affects the government policy formulation
and implementation.
28
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
This chapter of the study served as guide with the procedural processes --- (1) Research
Design (2) Sample and Method (3) Instrumentation and Validation, (4) Procedure in Data
Gathering, (5) Measures and Scoring Methods, and (6) Statistical treatment, in completing the
study.
Research Design
The researchers used a Descriptive research design to describe the level of
participation of Fish Vendors in policy formulation, its implementation, effectiveness and
critical challenges for their economic survival and success.
Descriptive research is the exploration and description of phenomena in real
situations. It allows the researcher to generate new knowledge of the subject by describing
characteristics of persons, situations and the frequency with which certain phenomena
occur (Burns & Grove 1993).
Sampling Method
The data set for fish vendor-respondents was judgmental sampling. There were thirty (30)
vendor-respondents who are stall-tenants in Tacloban City Wet Market situated in old Terminal.
All are considered as fish vendor-respondents.
29
Instrumentation and Validation
The instrument developed by the researcher is 5-point scale Likert-type questionnaire
formulated by the researchers and thesis consultant.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data are collected from the fish vendor-respondents through personal interface
interview to be conducted by the researcher. All identities, data and information are held
confidential to protect the safety, integrity and credibility of the participants.
Method of Scoring
The method of Scoring for rating and interpretation of data gathered are as follow:
RANGE
SCORE
INTERPRETATION
4.76-5.00
5
Totally Agree
3.76-4.75
4
Agree
2.76-3.75
3
Not Sure
1.76-2.75
2
1.00-1.75
1
RANGE
SCORE
4.76-5.00
5
Totally Aware
3.76-4.75
4
Very Aware
2.76-3.75
3
Aware
1.76-2.75
2
1.00-1.75
1
RANGE
SCORE
Disagree
Totally Disagree
INTERPRETATION
Partially Aware
Ignorant
INTERPRETATION
30
4.76-5.00
5
Always
3.76-4.75
4
Very Often
2.76-3.75
3
Sometimes
1.76-2.75
2
Seldom
1.00-1.75
1
Never
RANGE
SCORE
4.76-5.00
5
Totally Effective
3.76-4.75
4
Very Effective
2.76-3.75
3
Effective
1.76-2.75
2
1.00-1.75
1
RANGE
SCORE
4.76-5.00
5
Excellent
3.76-4.75
4
Above Satisfactory
2.76-3.75
3
Not Sure
1.76-2.75
2
Not satisfied
1.00-1.75
1
Totally unsatisfied
INTERPRETATION
Needs Improvement
Poor
INTERPRETATION
Statistical Treatment and Significance
The Statistical treatment used for the data for gathering includes Percentage, Unit
Deviation Method and SD.
31
Percentage
𝒇
P= x 100%
Where:
P - percent (%)
f - frequency
n - number of respondents
SD
Where,
xixi = Each value
μμ = Mean or average
n = number of values
∑∑ = Sum across the values
𝒏
32
CHAPTER 4
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
This chapter presented the interpretation of the results of the data gathered and
analyzed. The analyzes are presented following the percentage and summary preceding
and or in between the discussions about the respondents’ SES, level of participation of the
fish vendors, level of effectiveness of implementation, level of awareness , level of
satisfaction of the vendors and the challenges in rank of priority.
Table 1 shows that the study is participated by twenty-two (22) young adult fish
vendors or 73.33% of the sample population. Eight (8) or 26.67% of the fish vendors are
senior citizens. Eleven (11) or 36.67% of the respondents are female and nineteen (19)
males or 63.33% of the sample population participated in the survey. There were five (5)
Single participants or 16.67% of the respondents, twenty five (25) or 83.33% of the
respondents are Married.
Table 1
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE FISH VENDOR-RESPONDENTS
AGE
f
40 and below
41-60 years old
61 and above
CIVIL STATUS
Single
Married
Widow/er
22
0
8
30
f
5
25
0
30
RESPONDENTS’ PROFILE
(%)
SEX
73.33
0.00
26.67
100
%
16.67
83.33
0.00
100
f
Male
Female
ANNUAL INCOME
1M and above
251,000-999,000
250,000 and below
19
11
(%)
63.33
36.67
30
100
0
0
30
30
%
0.00
0.00
100
100
f
33
SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Sex
Civil Status
Male, Single 40 yrs old-below
Age
Female, Married, 60yrs old -above
Family Income
PhP250,000 below
Figure 3. Socio-Economic Profile
All thirty (30) or 100% of the respondents are earning PhP250, 000 and below per
year. This indicates that the vendors are living and doing business under income tax
exemptions.
Table 2 suggests that the level of participation of the fish vendor in policy making
is generally Very Often with an Overall Mean of 4.30. The Standard Deviation of the
sample population is 0.07746 which suggests that the respondents varied in the level of
participation but closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 4.30.
34
Table 2
LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION OF FISH VENDORS IN THE POLICY-MAKING PROCESS OF TACLOBAN
CITY GOVERNMENT
Items
MEAN
4.46
INTERPRETATION
Very Often
2. We are asked for suggestions.
4.10
Very Often
3. We are informed prior to any City Ordinance and
Resolution enactment.
4. We are heard and our inputs, critiques are considered.
4.53
Very Often
4.13
Very Often
5. We have a representative from our Fish Vendor
Association to Sanggunian Panlungsod.
Overall Mean
4.31
Very Often
4.30
Very Often
1. We are convened for consultation.
The level of awareness of the fish vendors about the policy in selling fish are
summarized in Table 3. The question item number 10 which states as “Are you aware that
soaking the utensils in 170ᵒF boiling water is part of the standards of Sanitation” got the
lowest Mean of 3. 2 among 13 items. Fish vendors are also less knowledgeable in
“explosive and chemical-free fish catches as standards” and “temperature control” as part
of standards for compliance.
The Overall Mean of the Fish Vendors level of awareness is 3.73 interpreted as
“Aware” which is not acceptable for food safety standards which requires everyone to have
a “Totally Aware” level. The Standard Deviation of the sample population is 0.589002
which suggests that the respondents varied in the level of awareness but the deviants are
closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 3.73.
35
Table 3
THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF THE FISH VENDOR ABOUT THE POLICY
Level of Awareness of Policy
MEAN
Sanitary Condition
1.Are you aware that part of your duty is to maintain the standards of
sanitation?
2.Are you aware that WASH is part of the standards of Sanitation?
3.Are you aware that proper Sewage and Waste Disposal is part of the
standards of Sanitation?.
4.Are you aware that Vermin Control is part of the standards of Sanitation?
Food Safety, clean and safe source
5.Are you aware that safe fish is free from radioactive, pollution, sewage and
toxic substances is part of the standards of Sanitation?
6.Are you aware that all fish free from explosive and or chemical is part of
the standards of Sanitation?
7. Are you aware that, temperature control is part of the standards of
Sanitation?
8. Are you aware that clean freezer/cooler storage facility is part of the
standards of Sanitation?
9. Are you aware that proper utensils handling is part of the standards of
Sanitation?
10. Are you aware that soaking the utensils in 170ᵒF boiling water is part
of the standards of Sanitation?
11. Are you aware that using 30-100 ppm Chlorine solution is part
of the standards of Sanitation?
12. Are you aware that using chopping blocks and boards shall be free
from cracks and crevices is part of the standards of Sanitation?
13. Are you aware that using Calibrated and clean (sanitized as well)
Weighing Scale is part of the standards of Sanitation?
Overall Mean
4.3
INTERPRETATI
ON
Highly Aware
4.1
4.3
Highly Aware
Highly Aware
4.3
4.2
Highly Aware
Highly Aware
3.8
Aware
3.8
Aware
3.9
Highly Aware
4.4
Highly Aware
3.2
Aware
4.3
Highly Aware
4.0
Highly Aware
4.3
Highly Aware
3.73
Aware
The Tacloban City government’s effectiveness in implementing the policy on
sanitation and food safety standards as shown in table 4 are generally interpreted as “Fairly
Effective” with a Mean of 3.8 based on the Fish Vendors’ perception and experience. The
question item 10 is the lowest with 3.6 Mean which is Fairly Effective.”
36
The Standard Deviation of the sample population is 0. 0.623267. It suggests that
the respondents varied in the level of effectiveness but the deviants are closely at the same
level with the overall Mean of 3.8. The SD however is getting higher compare to the SD
of level of awareness. This suggests that the Implementation of the Tacloban City
government is perceived and experienced by the Fish Vendors with multiple standards or
questionable consistency in implementation.
Table 4
LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CITY GOVERNMENT/MARKET MANAGERS’ LEADERSHIP STYLE
Question Items
MEAN
INTERPRETATION
Sanitary Condition
1.Implementation of the standards of sanitation
4.26
Very Effective
2. Implementation of WASH.
4.23
4.2
4.3
Very Effective
Very Effective
Very Effective
4.2
Very Effective
4.26
Very Effective
4.1
Very Effective
4.2
Very Effective
4.3
Very Effective
3.6
Fairly Effective
4.3
Very Effective
4.2
Very Effective
4.3
Very Effective
3.8
Fairly Effective
3. Implementation proper Sewage and Waste Disposal.
4. Implementation of Vermin Control as part of the standards of
Sanitation?
Food Safety, clean and safe source
4.
Implementation of ordinance for safe fish free from
radioactive, pollution, sewage and toxic substances.
6. Implementation of ordinance for all fish free to be free from
explosive and or chemical.
7. Implementation Temperature Control practice.
8. Implementation clean freezer/cooler storage facility.
9. Implementation proper Utensils Handling.
10. Implementation of soaking policy for the utensils in 170ᵒF
boiling water.
11. Implementation of using 30-100 ppm Chlorine solution
policy.
12. Implementation using chopping blocks and boards free
from cracks and crevices policy.
13. Implementation using Calibrated and clean (sanitized as
well) Weighing Scale.
Overall Mean
37
Table 5 shows the level of satisfaction of Fish Vendors to Tacloban City
Government. The Vendors are generally at lost or “Not Sure” about the Government
services to the Fish Vendor Sector. “Government Support” is least satisfactory for the
Vendors with a Mean of 3.1 but “Satisfied” with a Mean of 4.2 in “Participation and
Respect.”
The Standard Deviation of the sample population is 0.244949 It suggests that the
respondents varied in the level of satisfaction but the deviants are closely at the same level
of satisfaction with the overall Mean of 3.7.
Table 5
LEVEL OF SATISFACTION OF STALL TENANTS
QUESTION ITEMS
MEAN
INTERPRETATION
1. Participation and respect.
4.2
Satisfied
2. Governmental Support
3.1
Not sure
3. Taxation and Policies
3.9
Satisfied
4. Transparency of Ordinance legislative process
3.8
Not Sure
5. General Public Service including protection and market
viability and competitiveness.
Overall Mean
3.8
Not Sure
3.7
Not Sure
Table 6 is the Fish Vendors ranked challenges or problems that requires immediate
attention in order of priority. On top of the list for Tacloban City government’s attention
and favourable action is the “Lack of Technical Support, e.g. Information access about
food safety handling, access to financial capital, protection from high competition, etc.”
The “City Ordinances, e.g. permits, local tax, etc.” requires the least priority for
government action. It requires no changes momentarily for the Fish Vendors.
38
The Fish Vendors need unstructured “Communication” system. They prefer an
unstructured or informal consultation and a crisscross, up-side-down, and bottom-top
communication.
The Vendors also need education and training to be provided by Tacloban City
government in food safety handling, marketing and packaging for them to be competitive
, survive and grow against the growing supermarket’ market share.
Table 6
Challenges Facing the Fish Vendors that need for the Government to address
Items
MEAN
INTERPRETATION
1. Communication structure.
3.8
Less Priority
2. Freezer Cooler.
3.55
Less Priority
3. Education and Training.
3.56
Less Priority
4. City Ordinances, e.g. permits, local tax, etc.
3.5
Less Priority
5. Lack of Technical Support, e.g. Information access about
food safety handling, access to financial capital,
protection from high competition, etc..
6. Others:
A. Unfair Competition---Non tenant hawkers, unlicensed
street vendors, etc.
B. Corruption in Distribution line, Fish Port Extortionists,
lack of direct access to fish vessels
C. Not permanent stall that confuses or cause to lost the
regular customers (suki)
4.0
Priority
Other Fish Vendors’ narratives require government actions including “Unfair
Competition---Non tenant hawkers, unlicensed street vendors, etc”., “Corruption in
Distribution line, Fish Port Extortionists, lack of direct access to fish vessels” and “Not
permanent stall that confuses or cause to lost the regular customers (suki).”
39
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The fish vendors organized themselves into association or organization, to promote
the interest of their members. It is by no means that such interest will be compatible with
the public interest. A strong tradition in economic theory sees interest organizations as
conspiracies against the public interest, but competitive markets are ensuring greater
compatibility of private and public interest which is seen in the supermarkets’ advantage
over wet markets.
In the market itself, vendors face other kind of problem. Fish vending spaces are
either not recognized or just do not exist. Vendors are often harassed unto paying “local
taxes” in order to continue vending fish on city pavements and other areas perceived as
encroaches on public spaces. They are constantly harassed and threatened with eviction by
the police and civic authorities while 99 units of tampered weighing scales were destroyed
by Tacloban City government in October 2018.
With their livelihood, fish vendors are able to organize to protect their sector as
well as establish its major role in the economy. The organization, however is not for militia
or armed security but to ensure participation in public governance.
In Tacloban City fish vendors association participates in public administration. The
level of participation however is not determined yet and the kind of participation and policy
implementation seem ineffective to benefit the fish vendors’ development and other market
stakeholders particularly the consumers’ welfare that affects the fish vendors’ income.
40
The events or phenomena that happen in several markets including Tacloban City
is explained by the theoretical framework cited in this study. From the “non-observance”
of standards including the accurate calibration of weighing scales, quality products for sale--fresh and safe, and sanitary and epidemiological disease preventive measures to
ministerial permit and tax requirements is explained by the Laissez-faire economics and
the idea of an "invisible hand" of Adam Smith.
Keynesianism however, is seen the tough role of Tacloban City government in
destroying the fraudulent weighing scales and other terms and conditions provided n their
tenant’s contract and inspection reports. Ideal Government for John Maynard Keynes was
the one that regulates and takes active role in economic affairs.
Aristotle opposed both political norms and forms of government---oligarchy
(favouring the supermarket alone and neglecting wet market stakeholders) and democracy
(tolerating the malpractices of the poor vendors in wet markets that risks the public safety).
Oligarchy is bad as they (few wealthy persons) rule for their own benefit while democracy
which is also bad as they (poor people) rule for their own benefit. The most difficult
question of polity however, "how the poor people, mostly uneducated and wealth people,
mostly greedy can rule together with justice?" Hobbes argues that human beings are, at
their core, selfish creatures...and that every creature was naturally in a competition, and
because of that an absolute sovereign was needed. Thus the law of nature must replace the
state of nature where everyone had the tendency to be selfish without consideration for
others who were harmed by them, and who were rightful to defend and preserve themselves
against aggression or harmful effects of human activities. Hobbes is supporting the stand
of John Meynard Keynes. But to do justly a set law of nature must be in place as Max
41
Weber proposed in his principles of Bureaucracy that requires systematic formation of
any organisation and is designed to ensure efficiency and economic effectiveness. It is an
ideal model for management and its administration to bring an organisation's power
structure into focus. “Bureaucracy is an organisational structure that is characterised by
many rules, standardised processes, procedures and requirements, number of desks,
meticulous division of labour and responsibility, clear hierarchies and professional, almost
impersonal interactions between employees”. According to the bureaucratic theory of Max
Weber, three types of power can be found in organizations; traditional power, charismatic
power and legal power. He refers in his bureaucratic theory to the latter as a bureaucracy.
All aspects of a democracy are organised on the basis of rules and laws, making the
principle of established jurisdiction prevail.
Tacloban City government and fish vendors practices are described by the theories
discussed above. The policy is into effect and implemented. The study was aimed to
determine the level of participation (part of Weber’s due processes, procedures and
requirements) of the fish vendor in governance and effectiveness of the policy
implementation for the common good.
The null hypothesis of the study is stated as “the level of participation of fish
vendors in the formulation and implementation of policy in Tacloban City Wet Market is
low that affects their income.”
The data gathered through a 5-point Scale Likert Type questionnaire and interface
interview of thirty (30) fish vendor-respondents, a randomized sample representing the
total population of registered fish vendors in Tacloban City Wet Market in old terminal,
shows that the level of participation is high as they are interpreted as “Very Often” with an
42
Overall Mean of 4.30. The Standard Deviation of the sample population is 0.07746 which
suggests that the respondents varied in the level of participation but closely at the same
level with the overall Mean of 4.30. The Overall Mean of the Fish Vendors level of
awareness is 3.73 interpreted as “Aware” which is not acceptable for food safety standards
which requires everyone to have a must “Totally Aware” level. The Standard Deviation of
the sample population is 0.589002 which suggests that the respondents varied in the level
of awareness but the deviants are closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 3.73.
The Tacloban City government’s effectiveness in implementing the policy on sanitation
and food safety standards as shown in table 4 are generally interpreted as “Fairly Effective”
with a Mean of 3.8 based on the Fish Vendors’ perception and experience. The question
item 10 is the lowest with 3.6 Mean which is Fairly Effective.” The Standard Deviation of
the sample population is 0. 0.623267. It suggests that the respondents varied in the level of
effectiveness but the deviants are closely at the same level with the overall Mean of 3.8.
The SD however is getting higher compare to the SD of level of awareness. This suggests
that the Implementation of the Tacloban City government is perceived and experienced by
the Fish Vendors with multiple standards or questionable consistency in implementation.
Table 5 shows the level of satisfaction of Fish Vendors to Tacloban City Government. The
Vendors are generally at lost or “Not Sure” about the Government services to the Fish
Vendor Sector. “Government Support” is least satisfactory for the Vendors with a Mean
of 3.1 but “Satisfied” with a Mean of 4.2 in “Participation and Respect.” The Standard
Deviation of the sample population is 0.244949. It suggests that the respondents varied in
the level of satisfaction but the deviants are closely at the same level of satisfaction with
the overall Mean of 3.7.
43
Conclusion
The conclusion of the study is to reject the null hypothesis. Data shows that the
level of participation is high as they are interpreted as “Very Often.” The Tacloban City
government’s effectiveness in implementing the policy on sanitation and food safety
standards as shown in table 4 are generally interpreted as “Fairly Effective”
The “High” level of participation and “Fair” effectiveness of implementation of
policy however do not suggests any positive impact for the fish vendors’ development,
income improvement and public exposure to epidemiological risk reduction. Participation
in formulation and implementation of Tacloban City Policy are generally acceptable but
with the content of policy varies and are not consistent to national policy particularly P.D.
856 and Consumers’ Welfare Act to get the customers back to wet market from
supermarket patronage.
Recommendations
The researchers recommended the following:
1. The P.D. 856 adoption for City Ordinance;
2. Tacloban City government provision for capacity development including training
and seminars in relation to food safety handling, marketing strategy particularly
packaging of fresh fish products;
3. Tacloban City government provision of innovative facilities including central
freezer/cooler storage and stall cooler that conforms to environmental standards
(CFC-free, powered by cleaner solar renewable energy, etc.) at accessible and
affordable fees for fish vendors;
44
4. Appropriate actions against, corrupt, extortionists “middlemen” in fish port that
make the costs of wholesale fish price higher and uncompetitive against the plea
markets and supermarkets in Tacloban City and:
5. Attend to other problems mentioned by the fish vendors in table 6 in the preceding
Chapter.
45
References
1. Agustin, R. in consultation. 2019. Tacloban City.
2. Aristotle. (335 B.C.). Politics. Accessed from:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-politics/
3. A Global Kitchen. (2019). What Is A ‘Wet Market.’ Accessed from:
http://aglobalkitchen.com/what-is-a-wet-market/
4. Business World. (2017). BFAR fish stalls promise to cut food waste, Accessed
from:http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Agribusiness&title=bfar
-fish-stallspromise-to-cut-food-waste&id=139639
5. DOH.(1998). Markets and Abattoirs.IRR of Sanitary Code of the Philippines, PD
856.Department of Health. Philippines.
6. Denxio. (2019) Fish Vendor on a Wet Market. Accessed
from:https://denxiotravel.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/life-on-the-street-fishvendor-in-a-wet-market/
7. Dimaculangan, J. (2019). FARMERS' MARKET: A REFLECTION OF THE
LOCAL CULTURE. Accessed from:
http://thetoqueandapron.com/blog/2014/09/16/farmers-market-a-reflection-of-thelocal-culture/
8. FAO. (2019). Low-Cost Fish Retailing Equipment and Facilities in Large Urban
Areas
of
Southeast
Asia
Accessed
from:
http://www.fao.org/3/y2258e/y2258e04.htm
9. Gitgano, F. (2016). Vendors complain of income loss, Sunstar. Accessed from:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/93322
10. Hersey, P., Blanchard, K. H. (1977). Management of Organizational
Behavior: Utilizing Human Resources. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
11. Investopedia. (2019). Adam Smith: The Father of Economics. Accessed from:
https://www.investopedia.com/updates/adam-smith-economics/
12. Keynes, JM. (1936).The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money.
Accessed from: https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Maynard_Keynes
13. Marticio, T. (2018) Tacloban destroys tampered weighing scales of vendors.
October 25,. Accessed from: https://www.pressreader.com/Maslow, A.H.
(1968). Toward a Psychology of Being. (2nd ed.). New York: Van
Nostrand Reinhold.
14. Maslow, A.H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological
Review.
15. Maslow, A.H. (1971). The Farther Reaches of Human Nature. New
York: McGraw-Hill.
16. McGregor, D.M. (1957). Proceedings of the Fifth Anniversary
Convocation of the School of Industrial Management, The Human Side of
Enterprise. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
17. Medterms, (2019). Wet Market. Accessed from:
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=26193
46
18. Riel, A.P. (2017). Disaster Preparedness Level of Tacloban City. University of the
Philippines Tacloban City.
19. Seno, M. (2017). Nurse Manager’s Leadership Styles That Affect the Job
Performances of Staff Nurses in Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital
Palo, Leyte. Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation. Tacloban
City
20. Wet Market. (2019). Accessed from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_market
21. WHO.(2019). A guide to healthy food markets. Accessed
fromLhttps://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/capacity/healthymarket_guide
.pdf?ua=1
22. Weber, M. (1905).The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Accessed
from : https://www.toolshero.com/management/bureaucratic-theory-weber/
47
Republic of the Philippines
Eastern Visayas State University
Tacloban City
LETTER TO REQUEST TO CONDUCT SURVEY
February 26, 2019
DR. FATIMA SOCORRO M. QUIANZON, PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Eastern Visayas State University
Tacloban City
Dear Sir/Madam:
We, the BS Economics students of Eastern Visayas State University are conducting a
research paper, entitled “PARTICIPATION OF FISH VENDORS IN POLICY FORMULATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION IN TACLOBAN CITY WET MARKET”.
In this connection, we respectfully request your permission for us to conduct a surveyinterview fish vendors in Tacloban City Wet Market.
Your approval will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Noted by:
Abia, Chanel
Asis, Jean Nicol
Barrantes, Harvey
Bollosa, Genery
Cabidog, Ella Jean
Cajefe, Paul Arkean
Calites, Sheila Mae
Dacurro, Rizza
SARAH G. CAJIPO. MRD
Research Adviser Researcher
Approved by:
DR. FATIMA SOCORRO M. QUIANZON, PhD
CAS Dean
48
Republic of the Philippines
Eastern Visayas State University
Tacloban City
LETTER TO REQUEST FOR AN INTERVIEW
February 26, 2019
Dear Sir/Madam:
We, the BS Economics students of Eastern Visayas State University are conducting a
research paper, entitled “PARTICIPATION OF FISH VENDORS IN POLICY FORMULATION
AND IMPLEMENTATION IN TACLOBAN CITY WET MARKET”.
In this connection, we respectfully request your ample time to answer the questions
provided in the questionnaire. Your generous cooperation and honest answers will help
us achieve our research goals.
Please rest assured that your answers and information will be held with utmost
confidentiality.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Noted by:
Abia, Chanel
Asis, Jean Nicol
Barrantes, Harvey
Bollosa, Genery
Cabidog, Ella Jean
Cajefe, Paul Arkean
Calites, Sheila Mae
Dacurro, Rizza
SARAH G. CAJIPO. MRD
Research Adviser Researcher
Approved by:
DR. FATIMA SOCORRO M. QUIANZON, PhD
CAS Dean
49
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Part I: SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
Name:(Optional)___________________
Age:_____________________________
Sex:_____________________________
Family Income:
At least PHP 500,000 per year
PHP 251,000-499,999 per year
Less than PHP 250,000 per
Part 2. Level of participation of fish vendors
Instruction. Kindly check appropriate space that corresponds to your experiences and
the questions being asked.
Items
6. We are convened for consultation.
7. We are asked for suggestions.
8. We are informed prior to any City
Ordinance and Resolution
enactment.
9. We are heard and our inputs,
critiques are considered.
10. We have a representative from our
Fish Vendor Association to City
Sanggunian Panlungsod.
Always
(5)
Very Often
(4)
Sometimes
(3)
Seldom
(2)
Never
(1)
50
Part 3. Level of effectiveness of policy implementation.
A. Level of Awareness of Policy
Items
Sanitary Condition
1. Are you aware that part of your
duty is to maintain the standards of
sanitation?
2. Are you aware that WASH is part of
the standards of Sanitation?
3. Are you aware that proper Sewage
and Waste Disposal is part of the
standards of Sanitation?.
4. Are you aware that Vermin Control
is part of the standards of
Sanitation?
Food Safety, clean and safe source
5. Are you aware that safe fish is free
from radioactive, pollution, sewage
and toxic substances is part of the
standards of Sanitation?
6. Are you aware that all fish free
from explosive and or chemical is part of
the standards of Sanitation?
7. Are you aware that , temperature
control is part of the standards of
Sanitation?
8. Are you aware that clean
freezer/cooler storage facility is part of
the standards of Sanitation?
9. Are you aware that proper
utensils handling is part of the
standards of Sanitation?
Totally
Aware (5)
Very Aware
(4)
Aware
(3)
Partially
Aware(2)
Ignorant
(1)
51
10. Are you aware that soaking the
utensils in 170ᵒF boiling water is
part of the standards of Sanitation?
11. Are you aware that using 30-100
ppm Chlorine solution is part
of the standards of Sanitation?
12. Are you aware that using
chopping blocks and boards shall be
free from cracks and crevices is part of
the standards of Sanitation?
13. Are you aware that using
Calibrated and clean (sanitized as well)
Weighing Scale is part of the standards
of Sanitation?
A. Level of Agreement to Effectiveness of City Government/Market Managers’
Leadership Style
Items
Sanitary Condition
6. Implementation of the standards
of sanitation
7. Implementation of WASH.
8. Implementation proper Sewage
and Waste Disposal.
9. Implementation of Vermin
Control is part of the standards
of Sanitation?
Food Safety, clean and safe
source
10. Implementation of ordinance for
safe fish free from radioactive,
pollution, sewage and toxic
substances.
6. Implementation of ordinance
for all fish free to be free from explosive
and or chemical.
7. Implementation Temperature
Control practice.
8. Implementation clean
freezer/cooler storage facility.
Totally
Effective
(5)
Very
Effective
(4)
Fairly
Effective
(3)
Needs
Improvement
(2)
Poor
(1)
52
9. Implementation proper
Utensils Handling.
10. Implementation of soaking
policy for the utensils in 170ᵒF boiling
water.
11. Implementation of using 30100 ppm Chlorine solution policy.
12. Implementation using
chopping blocks and boards free
from cracks and crevices policy.
13. Implementation using
Calibrated and clean (sanitized as
well) Weighing Scale.
Part 6 Level of Satisfaction of Stall tenants
Items
Totally
Satisfied (5)
Satisfied
(4)
Not
Sure (3)
Not
Satisfied (2)
Totally Not
satisfied (1)
6. Participation and respect.
7. Governmental Support
8. Taxation and Policies
9. Transparency of Ordinance
legislative process
10. General Public Service including
protection and market viability
and competitiveness.
Part 7 .Challenges Facing the Fish Vendors that need for the Government to address
Items
7. Communication structure.
8. Freezer Cooler.
9. Education and Training.
10. City Ordinances, e.g. permits, local
tax, etc.
11. Lack of Technical Support, e.g.
Information access about food
safety handling, access to financial
capital, protection from high
competition, etc..
Top Priority
(5)
Priority
(4)
Less
Priority (3)
Tolerable
(2)
No Comment
(1)
53