Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Families suffer enough from financial burdens like mortgages, household bills, and
school fees. Not only that, in some cases only one parent is working, or no parent at all. This
puts a financial strain on the families, because every child likes to buy something in the
school canteen. Due to the price increases, the number of students shopping in the school
canteen decreases significantly. This is mainly due to the fact that the students refuse to buy
expensive food from the canteen, preferring to bring their own snacks and lunch with them.
As a result of the students' limited purchases in the school canteen, the income of the canteen
staff is reduced, which leads to financial burdens for the canteen staff as they need the money
to live. (Monica Abouharb, 2016) School canteens, where food is served, consumed and
wasted, provide an ideal scenario to study school support services such as the canteen and
their impact on students' lives. (Herrero et al., 2019)
Canteens sell food to give students the energy to participate more actively in class,
but due to the price increase, it's not surprising that students actually stops buying at the
canteen and starts to bring their own food instead. According to Valera (2018), food and
nutrition are critical components of personal growth. Especially in school, it is necessary for
a holistic education to nourish the body as well as the mind and soul. However, the ongoing
socio-economic concerns within the community and family bring with it issues of
accessibility and affordability of food sold in the canteen. The impact of school canteens in
setting an example of a healthy food environment is important. The choice of food and drinks
is strongly influenced by the price. (Billich et al., 2019)
Food served during lessons and breaks in and around the school plays a special role
in school life as it meets the students' needs for energy and refreshment. It affects students'
academic and extracurricular activities, health, and the school community. (Mahreen et al.,
2010) Since it is difficult to concentrate when hungry, eating at school encourages students to
concentrate more in class. And a canteen is held here to meet the students' need for food and
snacks during the class days. According to Andaleeb & Caskey(2008), student satisfaction
can be explained by three key factors: staff behavior, food quality, and price. Given the high
costs of the food at the canteen, it is crucial to recognize the students' satisfaction with it. The
staff will be able to determine what to improve in their services by paying sufficient attention
to these aspects.
The school canteen is one of the essential parts of the academic institution, and it
plays a vital role in students' lives. It is where they get their meals, snacks, and beverages to
sustain their energy throughout the day. However, students' satisfaction towards the school
canteen can be affected by the prices of the food items being sold. According to a study by
Jisook et al., (2009), the price of food is an important factor in determining student
satisfaction towards school food services. Therefore, it is important to investigate the
correlation between school canteen food prices and students' satisfaction.
 In recent years, the issue of the affordability of food in school canteens has gained
attention in various countries. In the Philippines, for instance, the Department of Education
(DepEd) has implemented guidelines on food pricing in school canteens to ensure that the
prices are affordable and reasonable for the students (DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2017). However,
there is a need to assess whether the implementation of these guidelines has improved
students' satisfaction towards school canteen food prices.
The significance of this study lies in its potential contribution to the improvement
of school canteen services. By determining the correlation between school canteen food
prices and students' satisfaction. Additionally, this study can provide insights to school
canteen operators on how to improve the affordability and quality of their food services,
which can have positive impacts on the overall academic performance and well-being of the
students. According to Twum and Peprah (2020), in higher education institutions, measuring
student satisfaction is crucial for assessing service quality. Higher education institutions must
strengthen their relationships with students in order to maintain a competitive edge.
This study will assess students' insights regarding the cost of food in their school
cafeteria, including how it affected them financially in recent years. Canteen food services
have been a significant part of the school, it aims to supply and meet students' nourishment
needs. It exists in order to provide nutritious foods and healthy meals, not just for the
students, but also for the faculty members, staff, and admins. Unfortunately, due to the rapid
increase in the exchange of dollars to the Philippine Peso which causes the high-rise of
inflation rate in the Philippines, it is now a question of how students manage and responds to
this sudden change and what are the effects of these adjustments on them.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), inflation in the Philippines
increased from 2021's average rate of 3.9 percent to 5.8 percent in 2022 and 8.6 percent in
February 2023. This is the main reason behind why the researchers are eager to pursue and
complete this study inquisitively. These excessive food costs have garnered a lot of attention
in school areas. Thus, it is essential to distinguish students' perceptions of the high increase in
canteen food prices; to identify if it still satisfies their needs or if the cost of foods and drinks
lacks affordability.
On the whole, students purchase food at canteens to boost their energy for any
class participation. It would not be unexpected if some of the students are beginning to bring
their own food instead of purchasing it from the school canteen due to the expensive prices of
snacks. According to Galabo (2019), student satisfaction can be determined by the
atmosphere, features, and prices of the canteen. Students’ satisfaction with the canteen food
services might depend on how affordable the foods are.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

This study is anchored on the following theories namely Parasuman et, al. (2012) Servqual; a
multiple-item scale for measuring consumer perception of service quality; Chanaka et, al.
(2014) An assessment of retail service quality; Lai T. L, (2004) Quality and perceived values
impact on satisfaction, intention, understanding on satisfaction and switching intentions;
Parasuman et, al. (2014) A conceptual model of service quality and it's an implication for
future research; Wang (2012) Identifying the economic properties of Canteen Food;
Feldmana et, al. (2013); Finch Meghan et, al (2006); Abouharb (2016) and other related
theories relevant to this study.

This study's primary focus is the Students who aim to determine whether satisfaction is
achieved considering the Food Prices in the canteen of Liceo De Cagayan University RNP-
Campus.

American theoretical perspective coined by Parasuraman et, al (2012) Servqual scales

for measuring service quality as cited by Chanaka et, al. (2014) Service quality concept has
focused on three issues: What is service quality; What causes service quality problems; and
what can service organization do to improve quality on the other hand Lai T. L. (2014)
underlined that the Servqual model offers a theoretical foundation for investigating the
relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. Consumer expectations and
customer satisfaction are essential factors that have an impact on client satisfaction. Taylor et
al. ( 2003 ) made a point of “when expectations are met or exceeded, customers report
higher levels of satisfaction.” There have been various prior studies that looked into the
notion of service-setting satisfaction. Based on the consumer's attitude toward specific
product or service features, one may assess customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is
influenced by a range of variables, such as perceived service quality, customers' moods and
emotions, social interactions, and other subjective elements that are unique to their
experiences. Moreover, Parasuraman et al. ( 2014 ) created a service quality model to show
how distinct organizational gaps affect how customers perceive quality. Yet they listed ten
factors that affect service quality across all industries. Tangibility, reliability, responsiveness,
competence, access, courtesy, communication, credibility, security, and understanding are
among the 10 aspects. Also, these 10 dimensions were subsequently reorganized into the
well-known SERVQUAL model's five dimensions. include tangibility assurance, reliability,
responsiveness, and empathy. The following are the definitions of these five dimensions:
tangibility refers to the physical facilities, tools, and appearance of employees; assurance
refers to the knowledge and courtesy of employees and their ability to convey trust and
confidence; reliability refers to the ability to perform the promised service dependably and
accurately; responsiveness refers to the willingness to assist clients and to provide prompt
services; and empathy refers to the ability to understand the feelings and perspectives of
clients.

According to Wang (2012), as people become wealthier, they spend less on lesser
products and more on higher-quality ones, such as better food and clothing. So, it is crucial to
establish whether the food served in the canteen is enough or inferior before anything else. It
is vital to investigate whether the relationship between students' pocket money and the
number of days they eat in the canteen is direct or inverse in order to obtain the strongest
evidence possible. In line with Feldman et. al (2013), Students' opinions could have a
positive influence on how menu information is presented on campus and have a stake in the
overall meal options. The improvement in the meals sold through schools has implications
for the school canteen, which has a relevant way of influencing students' eating habits and
contributes significantly to modeling supportive conditions for food choices Finch Meghan et
al (2006).
 Abouharb (2016) Due to the price hikes the number of students who buy from the school
canteen is dramatically decreasing. This is mainly because students will refuse to buy
expensive food from the canteen, but would rather bring their own recess and lunch. The
income that the canteen workers receive will be reduced, causing financial strains for canteen
workers, as they need the money for living.

This study only underlies the importance of the affordability of food prices in the school
canteen and its significant relationship to student satisfaction at Liceo de Cagayan
University. This factor is the backbone of the research. The affordability of food prices in the
school canteen is the base of the student's level of satisfaction with the school.

Schematic Presentation

Figure 1

The primary concern of this study is to determine the correlation between the school canteen
food prices and the student satisfaction. The dependent variable is the student satisfaction
which is based on the provided services of the school canteen of Liceo de Cagayan
University. This study where the independent variable is the school canteen food prices with
the sub variables namely: price of entrees, price of side items, price of beverages and price
of snacks.

School Canteen Prices

Price of Entrees
Students Satisfaction
Price of Side Items
Price of Beverages
Price of Snacks

Statement of the Problem

The affordability of foods in the school canteen has always been an issue in many schools.
This study aims to determine whether student satisfaction is achieved considering the food
prices in the canteen of Liceo de Cagayan University - RNP Campus

During the course of the study, this seeks to provide answers to the following questions:

1. Is there a correlation between school canteen food prices and students satisfaction?
 2. How does the affordability of foods affect student’s academic performance?
3. Does the student's allowance fulfill all of their expenses while attending school?

Hypotheses

The hypothesis of this study is tested at a 0.05 level of significance.

Ho1: There is a positive correlation between school canteen food prices and student
satisfaction in Liceo de Cagayan University.

Ho2: There is no correlation between school canteen food prices and student satisfaction in
Liceo de Cagayan University.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study aims to determine correlation between school canteen
food prices and student satisfaction, the impact of food affordability on academic
performance, and the adequacy of student allowances in covering expenses while attending
school can be summarized as follows:
Enhancing student welfare: The study can contribute to enhancing student welfare by
providing insights into the impact of food prices on student satisfaction and academic
performance. By understanding the factors that affect student welfare, school administrators
and policymakers can develop strategies to improve the quality and affordability of school
meals.
Addressing a relevant issue: The study is significant because it addresses a relevant issue that
affects students in many schools. The affordability of food in school canteens has been a
concern for students and their families, and understanding the impact of food prices on
student satisfaction and academic performance is crucial in developing strategies to address
this issue.
Improving food systems: The study can contribute to the development of more efficient and
effective food systems in schools. By understanding the relationship between food prices,
student satisfaction, and academic performance, school administrators can develop strategies
to improve the quality and affordability of school meals.
Providing insights for future research: The study can provide insights for future research on
the impact of food prices on student satisfaction and academic performance. The findings can
be used as a basis for further studies that can explore the issue in greater depth and provide
more detailed insights into the factors that affect student welfare.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The study's focus is the correlation between the school canteen food prices and students'
satisfaction at Liceo de Cagayan University (LDCU) - RNP Campus. The respondents will
only be limited to some Grade 12 Senior High School students as the subject of the study that
are currently enrolled this school year 2022-2023. Researchers will not exceed any other
problems that were not stated or not necessarily linked to the research paper.

The dependent variable in this research is the Senior High School students' satisfaction in
LDCU - RNP Campus towards school canteen food prices which is the independent variable.
It intends to measure how much the prices of food in the canteen influence the students’ level
of satisfaction. The study will be done in which researchers will follow the evaluation
processes through which the information gathered will be analyzed and assessed. Moreover,
data will be gathered by distributing a questionnaire to the above-said respondents, who will
then complete a survey with it.

Definition of Terms

The terms listed below have been operationally defined for an efficient review of the
problems.

School Canteen. This variable refers to a spot where students purchase snacks during break
time.
Food Prices. This variable is the cost of any food or snacks in a school canteen. Students
Satisfaction. This variable refers to how satisfied students are with the food in the school
canteen after the sudden increase in prices.
Beverages. This term refers to any drink you can see in a school canteen.
Snacks. This term refers to different kinds of foods available in a school canteen.
Side Items. This term is a side dish that could be served with the main dish.
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the relevant review of the literature on the variables used in this

present study. The constructs presented herein firm up the assumptions of the study. The

researcher opted to arrange them according to the order of the variables, so the readers may

be properly guided.
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology that will be used in this study. It includes

the research design, research participants, sampling procedure, research instruments, validity

and reliability of the instruments, data gathering procedure, and the statistical treatment of

the data.

Research Setting

Write Here…

Figure 2

Liceo de Cagayan University Rodolfo Neri Pelaez (RNP) Campus

Research Design

Write Here…

Participants and Sampling Procedure

Write Here…

Research Instruments

Write Here…

Scoring Procedure

Write Here…

Data Gathering Procedure

Write Here…

Validity and Reliability of the Instruments

Write Here…

Statistical Techniques

Write Here…
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 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire

RESEARCH TITLE HERE

Legend
 CURRICULUM VITAE

2x2
Formal picture with
white background

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name :
Age :
Gender :
Address :
Height : 5’4”
Weight : 61 kg
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Roman Catholic
Civil Status :
Language/Dialects : English, German, Tagalog, and Cebuano

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

● Organizing School Programs/Events

● Emceeing/Hosting
● Writing and Editing Academic & Professional Communications
● Writing and Editing Speeches

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Secondary: Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School

Cagayan de Oro City
2001-2005

Intermediate: West City Central School

Cagayan de Oro City
1995-2001

WORKS EXPERIENCE
 Liceo de Cagayan University
Cagayan de Oro City
Chairperson, Languages Department (Senior High School – RNP Campus)
2016 - 2018; 2022 - Present

SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS, AND TRAININGS ATTENDED

● 3rd Philippinische Deutschlehrertagung (DLT)

Zoom Webinar
March 12-13, 2021

● Focus Group Discussion on Senior High School English Book Titles

Zoom Conference
November 7, 2020

October 3, 2009

AFFILIATIONS

● Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP)

Member
November 2014