SCHOLA de SAN JOSE

POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

The Impact and Survival Adaptations

of Polomolok Meat Shops During

the COVID-19 Pandemic

Qualitative Research Paper

Submitted to the Faculty

Of the Grade 11-TVL

Schola de San Jose

Cannery Road, Polomolok, South Cotabato

In partial fulfilment

Of the requirements for

Practical Research 1

,Aj Luiz Soquita, Arpwin Naraga Alba, Princess Grace Perez, Christian Mark Espra
Cyryl Kate T. Estolano, Gerald Compra, Honey Rose J. Declaro, MG John C. Fagtanan,
,Micheal Jan I. Romulo, Micheal Miana, Regelyn J. Batigas, Rosamie Pandia
Salvador O. Zata

February 2023)

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

1
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Nowadays, we are facing new normal society where COVID-19 changed everything.

COVID-19 is an acute disease in humans caused by a coronavirus, which is characterized mainly

by fever and cough and is capable of progressing to severe symptoms and in some cases death,

especially in older people and those with underlying health conditions. It was originally identified

in China in 2019 and became pandemic in 2020. During pandemic, COVID-19 resulted in the

movement restrictions of workers, changes in demand of consumers, closure of food production

facilities, restricted food trade policies and financial pressures in food supply chain. During the

pandemic, the business activities and supply of various food products has been suspended due to

closing the food production facilities.

Polomolok meat shops are one of the businesses that hit by the crisis of COVID-19 virus as the

facilitators stopped the operation of meat industries since the virus can also get attached to meat.

The percentage of buying and selling meats has decreased dramatically. COVID-19 affects

everyone who is involved in meat industry.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

2
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

The impact of COVID-19 in Polomolok meat shops has resulted to crisis where meat

traders need to provide proper sanitization, monitoring, screening of workers, cleaning, as well as

disinfecting every area where the virus can be affected. COVID-19 taught every organization

about survival adaptations as they need to be more productive and idealistic on how they can

promote and provide their customers need. Apparently, meat shops know what is best for their

products and how can they sell every good they have.

COVID-19 is also a lesson to us where we can be more positive in life and wiser for future

needs.There is a lack of meat because there is not enough supply of meat, it is limited because of

covid and moreover, people do not have enough money because you cannot go out because of the

lock down, so the generation of their income is slow because of this. In early April 2020, here in

Polomolok, meat packing facilities started to shut down due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19

virus among workers. Furthermore, meat producers and processors faced difficulty in harvesting

and shipment of the products due to lockdown situations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly and indirectly impacted overall meat production here in

Polomolok. Every meat shop in Polomolok will be affected by the reduction of the labor force

and the ban on the movement of animals due to which there will be a decrease in the supply of

meat and fewer animals will be slaughtered, and many workers will also be laid off.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

3
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

The impact of COVID-19 on livestock is unexpected. Due to this pandemic, meat packing

facilities have also closed or reduced working hours, affecting the processing capacity of the

entire Polomolok province. The day when people go to the market here in Polomolok province is

a different day, it’s slow but even though its slow, many meat shops are still open and even if it’s

only small, they still continue to serve people by providing them meat, where it helps them to

supports their family.

The Department of Agriculture assures the general public that there is sufficient meat to feed the

nation despite mounting worries about the availability of meat.

According to recent projections, the country’s meat industry will experience a deficit. However,

agriculture secretary William D. Dar said, “We are pleased to report that on the contrary, we have

a favorable outlook despite difficulties encountered last year, especially for pork, due to the

African Swine Fever outbreak.”

In feb.12, 2023 We did an Interview where We asked three different meat shop owner’s 5 simple

questions, What issue is addressed by their meat stand business in a pandemic, What steps are

taken to obtain supplies for the meat shop?, How did business operate in the meat market before

and after the

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

4
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Pandemic?, How did their meat shop business develop during COVID-19?, How does their meat

stand or butcher shop make money during COVID-19?. All of them has the same answer in this

one question “What problem does your meat stand business solve during COVID-19 pandemic?”

all of them answered lack of costumers due to the market’s barangay-based schedule for selling

meat during the epidemic that’s why Consequently, during the epidemic, meat sales declined.

B. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on meat shop

businesses in Polomolok and what are the adaptations they implemented to keep their

businesses running.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions;

1. What are the challenges faced by meats shops in Polomolok during the COVID-

19 Pandemic, in terms of:

1.1 Operation,

1.2 Income,

1.3 Customers?

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

5
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

2. What are the new strategies you employed to cope with the changes brought

about by the COVID-19 Pandemic, in terms of:

2.1 Marketing,

2.2 Pricing,

2.3 Sanitation,

2.4 Operation?

C. Significance of the Study

This study aims to provide information regarding the impacts and survival adaptations of

Polomolok meat shops during COVID-19. Furthermore, the study could be of importance

to the following;

Butcher. This will help them to determine the strengths and weaknesses of meat products

where they can determine the specific area they should focus more and further enhance in order

to make their products fresher in the market.

Meat Process Worker. This study will help them to understand the importance of survival

adaptations towards the meat cleanliness and freshness. This would also help them to learn about

meat process and be more productive in selling goods.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

6
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Consumer’s. This study helps people who eats meat that they should know where the

meat came from and how the butcher chops every piece of the meat. This study also helps them

to understand how hard meat shops undergo just to provide meat to everyone.

Researcher. This study is also helpful to those people who wants to study about meat

industry. This study can also help them to clearly understand the most important part of being a

meat trader.

D. Scope and Limitations of the Study

The acope of this Study is to identify the effects and survival strategies used by

Polomolok meat shops

During COVID-19. Selected Polomolok meat shops will be used as examples of the various

impacts and

Strategies used by these meat shops during COVID-19.

The difficulty of conducting this study stems from the challenges we faced, such as the

crowdedness of the meat market, the challenge of interviewing a meat shop owner who we can

interview because some of them don’t want to get interviewed because they want to protect their

privacy, and the camera’s microphone’s inability to capture clear audio, which prevents us from

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

7
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

understanding what they are saying. Some of the people that we interview also have a secluded

tone, which makes it difficult for us to understand what they are saying

Other issues not regarded as a result of meat markets will not be included by this study. Each

respondent is given a questionnaire to complete. The findings of this study will only be

applicable. Will conduct an interview in three meatshops in Polomolok, so that we can get

information about our research, the three meatshops that we will interview are 4DR meat shop,

Ritas meat shop, and frenz meat shop

E. Definition of Terms

For better clarification and understanding of the terms related to this study, the following

terms are defined comprehensively.

Meat Shops – a shop in which meat and poultry are sold.

COVID-19 – an acute disease in human caused by a coronavirus which is characterized mainly

by fever and cough and is capable of progressing to severe symptoms and in some cases death.

Butcher – is a professional at preparing cuts of meat and fowl. A butcher is also a person who

slaughters farm animals for a living.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

8
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Meat Process Worker – produce meat products for the food manufacturing, catering and food

retail industries. As a meat packer, it will be your responsibility to inspect, weigh, clean, wrap,

and package all meat products.

Meatatarian – A person who exclusively or predominantly eats meat.

Meat Processing – Processing meat involves slaughtering animals, cutting the meat, inspecting it

to ensure that it is safe for consumption, packaging it, processing it into other products such as

sausage or lunch meats, delivering it to stores, and selling it to customers.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

9
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Chapter II

METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design

The research design for this study will be a qualitative case study, which involves an in-depth

examination of a single case to gain a detailed understanding of its characteristics, behaviors, and

adaptations during the pandemic. The case study approach is suitable for this research question

because it allows for a comprehensive exploration of the experiences and adaptations of the

Polomolok meat shop in response to the pandemic.

The study is expected to provide insights into the impact of survival adaptations of Polomolok

meat shops during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will be useful in informing policies

and strategies for small businesses in the meat industry to adapt to the new normal and remain

competitive.

this research of ours is field research a process where data is collected through a qualitative

method. We will use this to complete our research about the impacts and adaptations of

meatshops during the covid 19 pandemic.

B. Participants of the Study

The study will include the owner/s and employees of Polomolok meat shop who were

working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of participants is 3, 4DR meatshops, Meatty

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

10
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Ribol Meatshop, Frenz Meatshop availability of respondents who are willing to participate in the

study.

C. Locale of the Study

This study is conducted at Polomolok Public Market, this place was selected for knowing

that the meat traders and shoppers are there. The respondents of this research are questioned

where they feel comfortable and safe. The researcher hoped that this study will help them to

answer all the questions they need to submit. The findings may also be specific to the context of

Polomolok meat shop and may not be generalizable to other meat shops or businesses in different

contexts.

D. Sampling Technique

This study focuses on purposive sampling technique where the respondents of the

research were three (3) meat shop owners. The researcher wants to gain detailed experience of the

respondents about their adaptations and changes causes by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study will only focus on the impact and survival strategies of Polomolok meat shop and may not

provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader context of the pandemic's impact on the meat

industry.

Convenience Sampling Technique: A convenience sampling technique will be used to select

participants for the study. Participants will be selected based on their availability and willingness to

participate in the study. The sample will consist of the owners and employees of Polomolok meat

shop.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

11
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

E. Data Gathering Methods

There are several data gathering methods that can be used to study the impact and survival

adaptations of Polomolok meat shops during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the

most common methods:

The following methods will be used to collect data from the participants: Semi-structured

interviews: This method will be used to collect in-depth information on how the meat shop was

impacted by the pandemic, the strategies they used to adapt and survive, and their experiences

during this period.

1. Tape/Video Recorder: is a qualitative data gathering method that enables the researcher to

record the voice and scenario during the data gathering activities. It replaced the

research’s handwritten notes while conducting the interview or focus group discussions.

2. Interviews: An interview is a good method for gathering qualitative data, which provides

a deeper understanding of the impact and adaptations of meat shops during the pandemic.

Researchers can conduct in-person, phone, or online interviews with meat shop owners,

employees, and customers to get their perspectives on the situation.

3. Focus groups: A focus group is a method of gathering qualitative data that involves

bringing together a small group of people to discuss a specific topic. Researchers can

conduct focus groups with meat shop owners, employees, and customers to gather

information about their experiences during the pandemic.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

12
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

4. Observations: Observations can be a useful method for gathering data about the behavior

of meat shop employees and customers during the pandemic. Researchers can visit meat

shops and observe how employees interact with customers, how customers behave in the

store, and the strategies that are being implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.

By using a combination of these data gathering methods, researchers can get a comprehensive

understanding of the impact and survival adaptations of Polomolok meat shops during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

F. Data Gathering Procedure

The first thing we do before we start our interview is we ask the person or the business owner if

are we allowed to have a interview and to take a video about their business.

And then we asked a permission if are we allowed to to ask them some questions and to get some

informations. Then while we are making an interview we are observing the place.And how they

do their work.

After we get the informations we thank them for their participations and cooperation and also for

allowing us to have an interview to their businessThe first step we do, is to ask our teacher if are

we allowed to conduct this kind of research study.

And we ask for a permission letter to our teacher so that we can start our research interview.

The second step we do, is before we start our interview we ask the person or the business owner

if are we allowed to have a interview and to take a video about their business.

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

13
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

And then we prepared all of the things that we need to start our research interview. We prepared

our research questions our camera and specially our self’s so that we are already prepared when

we start our interview.

And then we asked a permission if are we allowed to ask them some questions and to get some

informations. Then while we are making an interview we are observing the place.And how they

do their work.

After we get the informations we thank them for their participations and cooperation and also for

allowing us to have an interview abou their business.

G. Ethical Considerations

Step 1: Initial data gathering The initial data will be gathered through a review of existing literature

and news articles related to the impact of COVID-19 on the meat industry in general and meat shops

in particular. This will help to identify potential research questions and areas of investigation.

Step 2: Selection of Participants The participants will be selected through purposive sampling. The

owner and employees of the Polomolok meat shop will be contacted and asked if they would be

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

14
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

willing to participate in the study. Customers of the meat shop will be approached during their visit to

the shop and asked if they would be willing to participate.

Step 3: Semi-structured Interviews Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the participants

to gather data on their experiences and adaptations during the pandemic. The interviews will be

conducted in person or through phone calls, based on the preference of the participants. The interview

questions will be open-ended to allow for a comprehensive exploration of the participants'

experiences and adaptations. The questions will include topics such as the impact of the pandemic on

the meat shop's business, changes in operations and management, customer behavior, and government

regulations.

Step 4: Observation Observations will be conducted at the meat shop to gather data on changes in the

shop's operations and management during the pandemic. The observation will focus on the shop's

layout, hygiene practices, customer behavior, and staff management. Step 5: Document Analysis The

researcher will also analyze documents such as financial statements, sales records, and government

regulations to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the pandemic on the meat shop's

operations

QUESTIONNAIRE:

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

15
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

This review aims to discuss the challenges of meat shops businesses in Polomolok

during COVID-19 Pandemic. Specific Objectives: This study specifically aims to:

1. What problem does your meat stand business solve during COVID-19 pandemic?

2. What is the process of gathering the supply for meat shop business during COVID-19

pandemic?

3. What is the difference in the flow of your meat shop business before covid and after covid? 4.

How is the progress of your meat shop business during covid-19?

5. How does your meat stand business generate income during COVID-19?

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

16
SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

Chapter III

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

17
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, INSIGHTS GAINED AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Summary of Findings

(Indentation/Start your paragraph here)

B. Insights Gained

(Indentation/Start your paragraph here)

C. Recommendations

(Indentation/Start your paragraph here)

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

18
 SCHOLA de SAN JOSE
POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO

REFERENCES

GUIDE QUESTIONS

COMMUNICATION LETTERS

DOCUMENTATION

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

19