Ethical Consideration (Human Participants Protection)

The researchers asked the approval of the Municipality of Baggao top officials particularly the

Baggao Tourism Office before the conduct of data collection. They similarly got permission from the

Barangays where the tourism attractions are located. Human subject protection has given top

consideration and several strategies are closely adhered to. No information are made available beyond

what the respondent wishes. The participants' responses are likewise kept private. The researchers

explained to the participants how and why the study is being done. The participants' names are not

required and they have the choice of whether or not to write them on the questionnaire, protecting

their anonymity and confidentiality. Only the researchers can access to the participants' responses and

names.

The participants had the choice to withdraw at any time while filling out the questionnaire. Prior

to the collection of data, the permission form is read. Additionally, high confidentiality was ensured.

Data Collection Procedure

The participants of this study are the people within the tourist destinations who are the direct

witnesses of developments and changes in the area that includes the Baggao Tourism Office employees,

the residents, the barangay officials who regularly monitor the place, the workers like tour guides and

small business owners and the tourists.

A questionnaire was designed and administered to the participants through a printed

questionnaire presented in an interview-style format. The purpose of the questionnaire is to investigate

the effects of social media on ecotourism of Baggao. Questions are simplified to avoid ambiguity and to

ensure that it will only take them minimal time to answer to encourage participation. The questionnaire
also includes cover letter to briefly explain the statement of the problem and the importance of the

study and for them to be motivated to participate in the data collection.

Since only few tourists visit during weekdays as they prefer to visit on the weekends, it is

assumed that weekends are bustling for the participants in the tourist spots thus data collection took

place from Monday to Thursday only to give the respondents ample time to answer and to avoid

disruption of their work. Some of the researchers were employed by LGU Baggao in the past and are

familiar with practically all of the staff members in the Tourism Office so collecting data from them is

easier for the researchers.