Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1. INTRODUCTION

The Philippine government has been very serious in addressing the

problem of malnutrition in the country. On January 30, 1987, through Executive Order

no. 128, the function of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) were redefined to address the

malnutrition problem in the country, particularly among the children (Inquirer.net, 2012).

This problem became even worst because of unhealthy lifestyle of young

generations, they prefer to it junk foods and ready-to-eat foods that are convenient for

them rather than eating healthy foods. Young generations don’t like to eat vegetables, so

all parents are worried about their children’s health. That’s why the proponents thought

of making Crisp’ Squash to make it as an alternative to meatballs. According to Auguste

Escoffer School of Culinary Arts ( 2021 ) many sources says that the first meatball was

made in ancient Persia, but this is debated by food scholars. Traditional Italian meatballs

typically contain equal portions of meat and soaked bread, and other additional such as

egg and other vegetables. Because of its taste we are sure that young generation will love

it. It is like any other street foods but it is healthier than that. Crisp’ Squash is made with

Squash locally known as Calabaza.

Squash , ( genus Cucurbita ), genus of flowering plants in the gourd family

( cucurbitaceae ), many of which are widely cultivated as vegetables and for livestock
feed. Squashes are native to the new World, where they were cultivated by indigenous

people before European settlement ( Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021 ). Squash thrives in

many types of soil but grows well in organic-rich medium often found in compost or

reuse heaps. A soil pit range between 5.6 and 6.8 is recommended. It performs well all

year round at a temperature range 18 -30°. It can be grown in areas with low to high

elevation, although most varieties perform best under mid elevations conditions ( DOST,

2014).

Squash is rich source of vitamin A. The deeper its yellow color, the higher

the vitamin A content. The young shoots, flowers, and fruits are used as vegetables. It is

cooked alone or in combination with other vegetables, fish or meat. Mature fruits can be

made into pies and sweets, flours and noodles. Seeds of mature fruits can be boiled in

salted water, dried like watermelon seeds, roasted and used as snack food ( DOST, 2014).

Above all, Crisp Squash is perfect for those who love street foods and

even for those who really like to eat vegetables. Aside from that it is easy to cook, we can

get a lot of benefits in eating it. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin B6,

Magnesium, Calcium, Iron which are vital to a healthy immune system. The many

vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in squash provides several health benefits

( WebMD Editorial Contributors, 2022 ). That’s why the proponents should procede in

conducting this proposed business to help those who doesn’t like to eat vegetables but

want to improve their healthy lifestyle.

2. Objectives of the Study

 This study aims to create a product called Crisp’ Squash to be assess by

selected Grade 11 and Grade 12 students of Calamba Bayside Integrated School year

2022 – 2023. It seeks to answer the following questions :

1. How the Crisp’ Squash developed?

2. What is the level of acceptability of Crisp’ Squash in terms of the following :

2.1. Taste

2.2. Appearance and texture

2.3. Aroma

3. What are the benefits of Crisp’ Squash to our health ?

3. Scope and Limitation

This propose business about “Crisp’ Squash“ aims to determine the

acceptability of these products as nutritious food. Students of Calamba Bayside

Integrated School will be covered as part of respondents for evaluation techniques. This

study will only cover the health benefits and the acceptability of Crisp’ Squash as

nutirious food.

4. Significance of the Study

This study aims to know the acceptability of Crisp’ Squash as nutritious

food. The result of this study are expected to be beneficial in many ways for the

following:
Students – The students will greatly benefit from the study because they will receive the

development and improvement in inventing new flavor of Crisp’ Squash.

Teachers – Being an educator, model and also a second parent of students, with their

knowledge, skills and experience in the field of this industry, they can help us, the

proponents to elaborate the message of the study to analyze the seen problem, and to find

the most efficient and effective answers for the propose bussiness.

Future Researchers – This study will give them relevance of the acceptability of Crisp’

Squash (Calabaza) as nutritious food in conducting further study that is related and

coherent in this study itself.

5. Locale of the Study

This study is conducted at Calamba City Old Plaza year 2022-2023. This

place is selected due to its convenience to the proponents. The proponents know that this

place is famous to everyone who lives nearby. This study will test the acceptability of

Crisp’ squash as substitute to meatballs and as nutritious food. The propose business will

be located in front of St. John the Baptist Church in Calamba City.

 Figure 1. Locale of the Study

6. Respondents of the Study

The respondents will be the selected Grade 11 and Grade 12 students of

Calamba Bayside Integrated School. They will be the one who will try the product and

will answer the given questionnaires which supplies the information needed.

7. Population and Sampling

The target population of this research consists of 817 Senior High School

Students from Calamba Bayside Integrated School. The table below shows the

breakdown of the recorded number of students enrolled in Senior High School for the

academic year 2022-2023.

Grade Level & Section No. of students

Grade 11- Pacioli 44
Grade 11- Aristotle 48
Grade 11- Euclid 47
Grade 11- Pythagoras 51
Grade 11- Mollison 44
Grade 11- Zabaglione 58
Grade 11- Bruch 53
Grade 11 - Thomas 42
Grade 11 - Pascal 52
Grade 12 - Julienne 42
Grade 12 – Hegel 48
Grade 12 - Eclair 46
Grade 12 - Busa 46
Grade 12 - Wedgwood 59
Grade 12 - Smith 59
 Grade 12 – Kelvin 39
Grade 12 - Raviolli 39
Total 817
Table 1. Target Population

Due to time and accessibility constraints , it is impossible to survey the

whole population. With that the proponents used the Slovin’s Formula in determining the

appropriate sample size. From a population of 817, a sample size of 269 students were

chosen to represent the population with 5% margin of error.

n= N / (1+Ne²)

whereas :

n = no. of samples

N = total population

e = margin of error

n = 817/ (1+ 817(0.05²))

n = 817 / (1+817 ( 0.0025 )

n = 817/ (1+2.0425)

n = 817/3.0425

n = 268.52917

n= 269
The method of random
sampling was used to develop
the sample of the research
under discussion. According
to this method, which
belongs to the category of
probability
sampling techniques, sample
members are selected on the
basis of their conveni
The method of random sampling is used to develop the sample research

under discussion. According to this method, which belongs to the category of probability

sampling techniques, sample members are selected on the basis of their convenience.

8. Sources of Data Gathering Procedure

The proponents prepared a home made street food which are properly

cooked. The proponents provide the food to the selected Grade 11 and Grade 12 students
of Calamba Bayside Integrated School. The questionnaires are then distributed to the

respondents to answer. The questionnaire are answerable by “ Yes “ and “ No “.

9. Definition of Terms

Appearance – the way the product looks.

Aroma – a distinctive, typically pleasant smell.

Calcium – a mineral must often associated with healthy bones and teeth, also plays an

important role in blood clotting, helping muscles to contract, and regulating normal heart

rhythms and nerve functions.

Free radicals – might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Iron – helps our muscles store and use oxygen.

Magnesium – it support muscles and nerve function and energy production.

Squash – locally known as Calabaza.

Taste – a sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth.

Texture – appearance or consistency of a product.

Vitamin A – a nutrient important to vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and

immunity. Also has antioxidant properties.

Vitamin B6 – important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous

system and immune system healthy.