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 5-
point 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.
 2

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.
 3

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.

 4

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.
 5

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.

 6

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
 7

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,

 8

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
 9

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

 10

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
 11

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
 12

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
 13

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
 14

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.

 15

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
 16

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
 17

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.
 19

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).

 20

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 Transformational-

Transactional-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
Citizens' Level of Performance and Cooperation n
e
s
s

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

Political Factors,
Vendors' Practices, e.g. National Policy
Income, and and laws, City or
Values 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 Disagree

1.00-1.75 1 Totally Disagree

RANGE SCORE INTERPRETATION

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 Partially Aware

1.00-1.75 1 Ignorant

RANGE SCORE 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 INTERPRETATION

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 Needs Improvement

1.00-1.75 1 Poor

RANGE SCORE INTERPRETATION

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

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%
𝒏

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

 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

RESPONDENTS’ PROFILE
AGE f (%) SEX f (%)
40 and below 22 73.33 Male 19 63.33
41-60 years old 0 0.00 Female 11 36.67
61 and above 8 26.67
30 100 30 100

CIVIL STATUS f % ANNUAL INCOME f %

Single 5 16.67 1M and above 0 0.00
Married 25 83.33 251,000-999,000 0 0.00
Widow/er 0 0.00 250,000 and below 30 100
30 100 30 100
 33

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Sex Civil Status Age Family Income

Male, Single 40 yrs old-below Female, Married, 60yrs old -above 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 INTERPRETATION

1. We are convened for consultation. 4.46 Very Often
2. We are asked for suggestions. 4.10 Very Often
3. We are informed prior to any City Ordinance and 4.53 Very Often
Resolution enactment.
4. We are heard and our inputs, critiques are considered. 4.13 Very Often
5. We have a representative from our Fish Vendor 4.31 Very Often
Association to Sanggunian Panlungsod.
Overall Mean 4.30 Very Often

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 INTERPRETATI

ON
Sanitary Condition 4.3 Highly Aware
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? 4.1 Highly Aware
3.Are you aware that proper Sewage and Waste Disposal is part of the 4.3 Highly Aware
standards of Sanitation?.
4.Are you aware that Vermin Control is part of the standards of Sanitation? 4.3 Highly Aware
Food Safety, clean and safe source 4.2 Highly Aware
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 3.8 Aware
the standards of Sanitation?
7. Are you aware that, temperature control is part of the standards of 3.8 Aware
Sanitation?
8. Are you aware that clean freezer/cooler storage facility is part of the 3.9 Highly Aware
standards of Sanitation?
9. Are you aware that proper utensils handling is part of the standards of 4.4 Highly Aware
Sanitation?
10. Are you aware that soaking the utensils in 170ᵒF boiling water is part 3.2 Aware
of the standards of Sanitation?
11. Are you aware that using 30-100 ppm Chlorine solution is part 4.3 Highly Aware
of the standards of Sanitation?
12. Are you aware that using chopping blocks and boards shall be free 4.0 Highly Aware
from cracks and crevices is part of the standards of Sanitation?
13. Are you aware that using Calibrated and clean (sanitized as well) 4.3 Highly Aware
Weighing Scale is part of the standards of Sanitation?
Overall Mean 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 4.26 Very Effective
1.Implementation of the standards of sanitation
2. Implementation of WASH. 4.23 Very Effective
3. Implementation proper Sewage and Waste Disposal. 4.2 Very Effective
4. Implementation of Vermin Control as part of the standards of 4.3 Very Effective
Sanitation?
Food Safety, clean and safe source 4.2 Very Effective
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 4.26 Very Effective
explosive and or chemical.
7. Implementation Temperature Control practice. 4.1 Very Effective
8. Implementation clean freezer/cooler storage facility. 4.2 Very Effective

9. Implementation proper Utensils Handling. 4.3 Very Effective

10. Implementation of soaking policy for the utensils in 170ᵒF 3.6 Fairly Effective
boiling water.
11. Implementation of using 30-100 ppm Chlorine solution 4.3 Very Effective
policy.
12. Implementation using chopping blocks and boards free 4.2 Very Effective
from cracks and crevices policy.
13. Implementation using Calibrated and clean (sanitized as 4.3 Very Effective
well) Weighing Scale.
Overall Mean 3.8 Fairly Effective
 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 3.8 Not Sure
viability and competitiveness.
Overall Mean 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 4.0 Priority
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)

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-fish-
vendor-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-the-
local-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 survey-

interview fish vendors in Tacloban City Wet Market.

Your approval will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours, Noted by:

Abia, Chanel
Asis, Jean Nicol SARAH G. CAJIPO. MRD
Barrantes, Harvey Research Adviser Researcher
Bollosa, Genery
Cabidog, Ella Jean
Cajefe, Paul Arkean
Calites, Sheila Mae
Dacurro, Rizza

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 SARAH G. CAJIPO. MRD
Barrantes, Harvey Research Adviser Researcher
Bollosa, Genery
Cabidog, Ella Jean
Cajefe, Paul Arkean
Calites, Sheila Mae
Dacurro, Rizza

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 Always Very Often Sometimes Seldom Never

(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
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.
 50

Part 3. Level of effectiveness of policy implementation.

A. Level of Awareness of Policy

Items Totally Very Aware Aware Partially Ignorant

Aware (5) (4) (3) Aware(2) (1)
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?
 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 Totally Very Fairly Needs Poor

Effective Effective Effective Improvement (1)
(5) (4) (3) (2)
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.
 52

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.

Part 6 Level of Satisfaction of Stall tenants

Items Totally Satisfied Not Not Totally Not

Satisfied (5) (4) Sure (3) Satisfied (2) 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 Top Priority Priority Less Tolerable No Comment

(5) (4) Priority (3) (2) (1)
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..
53