Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region V- Bicol
Schools Division of Legazpi City
LEGAZPI CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Bitano, Legazpi City
Innovating
… Life-changing…

RESEARCH DEPARTMENT

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: SARI-SARI STORES BEFORE AND DURING

COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN BURAGUIS, LEGAZPI CITY

A Qualitative Research presented to the Faculty of Senior High School Department

LEGAZPI CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Bitano, Legazpi City

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

JOANAVANE T. BALDO
RICA JUDGE V. GUIANAN
ISABELLA R. MIRAFLOR
PEARL ANGELIE NEGRETE
CHRLIZE ANN RINT
ABM 11 – FAYOL

MS. HANNAH M. MAGDASOC

RESEARCH ADVISER

February 2022
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to gratefully acknowledge all those who participated, contributed, and

were instrumental in carrying out this research paper. Without them, this project would not have been

accomplished. This was a milestone in the completion of our work.

First and foremost, to God Almighty for the knowledge, strength, tolerance, determination and

perseverance granted. To Ms. Hannah Magdasoc, for the patience, guidance, assistance, and for sharing

to us her overflowing knowledge and wisdom, not just to the researchers, but to all her students, as well.

Special thanks for the generosity of sharing her time and ideas and for her kindness in checking and

editing this research paper. Because of that, we developed our character muscles by overcoming obstacles.

With her persistent help, the goal of this study would not have been realized.

The researchers would also like to pay our gratitude to our principal Mrs. Annvi Miralpes

Maravilla, who gave us the opportunity to make this study possible. To the parents of the researchers,

for their immeasurable support, guidance and encouragement.

 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes the background of the

study, the statement of the problem, the significance of the study, and the scope and delimitation of the

study.

Background of the Study

Coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19, is a contagious disease caused by a recently

discovered coronavirus. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11,

2020. To date, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes

COVID-19 disease, has affected 213 countries and territories around the world, with 153 million cases

and 3.2 million deaths (WHO, 2021). The first COVID-19 case occurred in the Philippines last January

30, 2020, and was placed under a state of public health emergency after a month. Shortly afterward, the

whole country was under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or a total lockdown for two months to

minimize every people’s movement. All local government units are allowed to impose their version of

ECQ which involves travel restrictions (air, sea, and land), suspension of nonessential work, prohibition

of mass gatherings, and closure of establishments except those providing or manufacturing necessities

(Buenaventura et al, 2020). According to the latest World Health Organization Date Table, the

Philippines ranked 18th for the most active COVID-19 cases worldwide. With the continued rampage of

the novel coronavirus plaguing the country, it has brought not only the risk of reduced and dropping

employment rates but also a reduction in the proficiency in financial matters of small enterprises.

Business and school activities were suspended indefinitely, and the people were promulgated to stay in

their homes, quarantined.

 Sari-sari stores, recognized as neighborhood sundry stores are convenience stores found in the

Philippines, with the word ‘sari-sari’ meaning ‘variety’ or ‘sundry’. These stores are family-run

convenience store found on almost every street corner in the Philippines. Playing a big part of the Filipino

community, it is a place where locals can catch up with their barangay (village) neighbors and children

to play with each other. Sari-sari stores standing as establishments of small enterprises in barangays

(village) that provide incentives and benefits are seedbeds of Filipino skills and talents, serving fiscal

and non-fiscal incentives that will help the people, even in the smallest ways, to survive and grow. These

stores play significant roles in the economic and social development of Philippines, respectively having

their quality and quantity of products and services and assessments significantly dependent on

management practices and significantly influencing the role of microbusiness in the economic and social

development of the Filipino community. But with the lack of study on the impact of the COVID-19

pandemic outbreak on micro-businesses, how could be the business continuity doing now?

The present study describes a qualitative study of the comparison of sari-sari stores in a barangay

in Legazpi City, Albay called Buraguis, before and during the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose

of this study is to explore and compare the business performance, systems, changes, and effects of

different sari-sari stores before and during the pandemic.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to assess the effects on Sari-Sari Stores before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

within Buraguis, Legazpi City, Albay. It particularly seeks to answer the questions:

1. What was the state of the Sari-Sari Stores before the pandemic in terms of:

A. Monthly revenue
B. Monthly profit
C. No. of customer/s
D. Supplies purchased
E. Loan system
F. Stability (especially in finance)

2. What is the state of the Sari-Sari Stores during the pandemic in terms of:

A. Monthly revenue
B. Monthly profit
C. No. of customer/s
D. Supplies purchased
E. Loan system

F. Stability (especially in finance)

Significance of the Study

Sari-sari stores, have always been the seedbeds that are supplying the people with their daily

needs to survive. This is why, any threat or obstacle to a business found in the majority of various areas

in the Philippines, such as Buraguis, Legazpi City, could be critical to those who rely on the necessities

which the business provides. With this, the study aims to bear the significant benefits to the following

beneficiaries: Sari-sari Store Owners. The results of this study may be able to aid owners for more

efficient and smarter ways to handle systems, performances, financial stability, changes and effects on

their business in the new state of the world. Customers and Buyers. The results of this study may be able

to help the barangay households to buy products in small quantities, and support the income of sari-sari

stores. Members of a Barangay or Community. The social cohesion in barangays or communities would

have access to social capital through their social networks. Future Researchers. The information

presented in this study may be able to provide as a basis for future researchers conducting similar studies.
Scope and Delimitation

In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, global markets are severely disrupted.

Businesses are forced to explore innovative solutions to overcome the growing negative implications of

this unprecedented crisis. Due to various quarantine measures imposed by governments around the world,

certain industries have been affected much more than others. As only businesses involved in the value

chain of essential commodities are operational, the rest of the industries need to evaluate how they will

respond to business unusual. The existing business continuity plans may not be sufficient to address the

fast-changing variables presented by COVID-19.

PwC has prepared a list of questions unique to your industry that you can consider to strategically

respond to these challenges in these areas.

Customers and revenue

Balance customer care with commercial priorities

- As consumers are spending time at home, have you considered the impact this will have on your

category mix (e.g. home, DIY) and distribution channels (e.g. online)?

- If you’re an ‘essential’ retailer, how will this affect your store network? Will you need to re-allocate

stock and staff resources between local shops, city centers, shopping malls, out-of-town, etc.?

- Some shoppers will be cautious about their spending and commitments. Are you able to cope with the

changing mix in sales with consumers deferring big ticket spend, and prioritizing other areas (such as

health and wellbeing, home electronics, etc.)? Can you offer flexible credit plans?
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE

This research study is about “A Comparative Analysis: Sari-Sari Stores Before and During

COVID-19 Pandemic in Buraguis, Legazpi City, Albay”. Recent studies focus mainly on Sari-Sari Stores

(Sundry Stores) and comparison on a number of matters from different topics before and during the novel

pandemic. While there has been much research on those topics, few research has been taken to

consideration about the effects of COVID-19 pandemic to sari-sari stores (Sundry Stores). This chapter

presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-depth search done by the researchers.

The impacts of COVID-19 are evident in all sectors of society. Poor and vulnerable individuals

have experienced massive blow, especially in the financial aspect due to the constraints brought by the

pandemic. Small business owners such as sari-sari store owners whose incomes are only generated from

a portion of their sales are experiencing the negative impacts of the pandemic.

A sari-sari store is a small neighbourhood retail shop that caters to members of that community.

The store usually carries basic goods such as canned food, instant noodles, coffee, soda, and other things

that Filipinos get on a daily basis. They also sell candy, chips, and beer, but can have literally anything

commodity the community needs. The best thing about the sari-sari store is the ability of people to buy

things tingi or per piece. Sari-sari stores are the only place where you can buy a piece of candy or a stick

of cigarette instead of having to buy a pack of each. More Filipinos are fascinated to the sari-sari store

community, which is part of the retail industry, since it is one of the fastest and easiest business venture

they can get into, thus continuously improve the economy (Lacamiento, 2013). Most affluent

communities may have mini-grocery stores in their areas, but sari-sari store is a constant feature of

residential neighbourhoods in the Philippines both in rural and urban areas, proliferating even in the

poorest squatter communities (Kirhat, 2007). No single socioeconomic institution in the country today
boasts greater numerical presence in the Philippine community than the sari-sari store. Sari-sari stores

dot the neighbourhood landscape so profusely that sometimes only a single house separates one from

another (Silverio, 1982).

About 93 percent of all sari-sari stores nationwide are located in residential areas and are typically

operated from a portion of the owner’s house (Bonnin, 2004). In Buraguis, a barangay in Legazpi, Albay,

there are people who engage in owning a “sari-sari store” which has become a common business for its

very household good at affordable-proportioned quantities. Anything you might have missed in your

regular trip to the department stores from basic food items to other necessities like deodorant, matches,

powder and even mobile phone load is most conveniently purchased from the sari-sari store nearby at

affordably portioned quantities, sometimes even on credit (Kirhat, 2007). Sari-sari stores operation starts

early in the morning and closing late at night just to keep customers satisfied, that’s why the store is

always associated with the word “convenience” for consumers (Canivel, 2017).

When people around the world started to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020,

the World Bank launched COVID-19 surveys to monitor the social and economic impacts of the

pandemic on communities. In the Philippines, the community survey conducted in collaboration with the

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provided important insights on how best to

deliver pandemic response and recovery programs aimed at supporting the poorest and most vulnerable

rural communities. Respondents included community volunteers and barangay (village) officials from

some of the poorest communities identified through the country’s existing national community-driven

development project.

In August 2020, the first round of the community survey had 180 respondents representing 101

barangays. The second round in April 2021 had 200 respondents from 135 barangays across the three

main group of islands — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Using a standard questionnaire developed to
capture the community’s socio-economic conditions, respondents were asked to share their views on the

situation in their communities. These results reflect the general observations of community leaders based

on their perception and knowledge of their respective communities.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter incorporates the sample, instruments, data collection techniques, and data analysis strategy.

Research Design

This study follows a qualitative approach by using open-ended surveys for the phenomenology

design. This design examines the viewpoints by describing and analyzing the person's experience who

has encountered a phenomenon in order to discover the core of that occurrence and to have a thorough

understanding of the phenomenon. The researchers will then go back over the surveys and check for

patterns when they've completed the interviews. With this, it provides insight into the individual actions

and identifies the factors that may have influenced the experience of the phenomenon Its goal is to get

the most accurate data possible, which hasn't been done previously. Researchers may make personal

notes on what they have learned from their subjects. Thus, this enhances the data's credibility by allowing

researchers to come up with unbiased narratives. It achieves its goal through the use of unstructured

surveys, particularly open-ended surveys, so that the respondent’s answers are not limited and have a

free flow conversation between the interviewer and the candidate. This study focuses mainly in barangay

58 of Legazpi City, particularly sari-sari store owners. The researchers chose the research design mainly

because of the opportunities that it can develop as well as it is well suited for the study. The research

design helps to determine how the pandemic affected the micro-enterprise sectors. This helps the

researchers to compare and contrast the status of the sectors before and during the phenomenon and its

cash flow. The researchers will use survey methods to gather data which are questionnaires and

interviews. With this, a graphic rating scale method will be used in order to know how the respondents

agree or disagree to the questions provided. The said survey will be distributed to the sari-sari store
owners in person. With the help of the research design, it can identify the experiences of the micro-

enterprise on how they are adapting to the new normal.

Participants

The participants of this study are the sari-sari store owners located on the Brgy. Buraguis, Legazpi

City area. There is a total population of 23 sari-sari stores and only 8 are those who accepted and

volunteered to answer the given survey. In this study the researchers made use of non-probability

sampling. It is exploratory, subjective, and non-random. Due to time and cost considerations, this is a

more convenient and practical method for surveys that need in-depth information that the researchers

need to deploy. Convenience sampling is the method used for this type. Without any additional

requirements, the study will be conducted using the first accessible primary data source. Since there is

no official list of all sari-sari stores in Buraguis, the selected participants are selected based on their

availability and willingness to participate. With this, respondents are easier to recruit and have

accessibility in gathering data in a faster way.

Micro-enterprise sectors are the participants in this study, particularly sari-sari store owners in

Barangay 58. Buraguis in Legazpi City. 8 total participants coming from different puroks that are on the

roadside agreed to be part of this study and were chosen through the use of convenience sampling. The

researchers go personally and hand out surveys. Thus, the participants can decline to participate. Then

the researchers interviewed the participants for more data and clarification. The respondents can answer

and return the survey based on their available time. The rationale of choosing this method is that the

respondents don’t have limited time in filling out the survey and researchers can explain, better

understand, and explore research subjects' opinions, behavior, experiences on the spot.
Materials

An open-ended survey will be used as the research instrument in this study that was created in

Microsoft Word, a software in one of the researcher’s laptop (Lenovo Yoga 520). Thus, it is printed out

using Epson L120 in 8.5 by 13 as a hardcopy. Participants will receive the survey personally so that the

researchers can interview them and document the sari-sari store using the iPhone XR. All surveys will

be put in one place using a long white envelope along with the ball pens for easy access.

Procedure

The researchers recruited participants in January 2022 by convenience sampling. The respondents

may be anyone who is part of managing the sari-sari store, who is conveniently available and can

accomplish the survey. Then once they agree to be part of the study, the researchers will then explain the

purpose of the survey to those who participate orally while still maintaining social distancing. Moreover,

the respondents were given a survey alongside a ballpen to answer. The respondents have two options:

the researchers will wait for the survey to be finished or the researchers will come back tomorrow. The

interview will occur if they choose the first option. Researchers may ask additional questions and

information for clarity. Gathering personal information in the survey is optional and taking pictures of

the sari-sari store will only occur if given permission. After conducting the surveys, participants were

thanked for taking part in the study.

 Chapter 4

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter includes the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data that have been gathered from

the questionnaires distributed to the respondents. This chapter also contains the presentation of data in a

graphical and tabular figure along with their corresponding interpretations.

Status Before During

Availability

Customer

Item Purchased

Item sold

Profit

Loss

Figure 1. State of Sari-Sari Stores Before and During the Pandemic

Part 1. Sari-sari Stores Before the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before the pandemic hit the province of Albay, respondents of this study stated that closing of

their sari-sari store is at 7:30 p.m. up to 8:30 p.m., which is earlier than during the pandemic. The

average revenue every month before the pandemic of the respondents in this study ranges from ₱9,000

to ₱150,000 thus, is much higher than during the pandemic since there is an increase of ₱5,000 in

revenue. The average profit of the respondents in this study ranges from ₱5,000 to ₱35,000 that

escalated up to ₱3,000 more than during the pandemic. Customers of sari-sari stores before the
pandemic ranges from 50 to 5,000 customers per day. Furthermore, purchasing of supplies happens

every day or 2 to 3 times a week. It is widely known that sari-sari stores also provide loans to people

with added interest. According to the respondents in the study, it is predominately happening.

Part 2. Sari-sari Stores During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the pandemic in the province of Albay, respondents of this study stated that closing of

their sari-sari store is at 8:00 p.m. but majority is at 9:00 p.m. The average revenue every month during

the pandemic of the respondents in this study ranges from ₱4,000 to ₱120,000 and has a drop of ₱5,000

in revenue. The average profit of the respondents in this study ranges from ₱2,000 to ₱70,000, which

is lower than before the pandemic. Customers of the respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic

increases in majority. Purchasing of supplies happens 1 to 3 days per week or 2 days per month. Loans

in sari-sari stores during the pandemic decreases, as sari-sari stores opted to save it for their financial

requirements.
Part 3. Sari-sari Stores Before vs. During COVID-19 Pandemic

Figure 2. Sari-sari Stores Before vs. During COVID-19 Pandemic

Legend:

1 = disagree / highly unsatisfactory

2 = slightly disagree / unsatisfactory

3 = neutral

4 = slightly agree / satisfactory

5 = agree/highly satisfactory

The blocks represent the number of respondents.

 The respondents who own a sari-sari store were asked a set of 5 questions. These questions

represent these 5: (1) effect on income, (2) current business performance, (3) income gap before and

during COVID-19 pandemic, (4) coping level, and (5) loss level. The respondents were asked to rate it

according to this scale: from 1 = disagree / highly unsatisfactory to 5 = agree/highly satisfactory. With

the data gathered through surveys, the researchers are able to generate a graph explaining the past and

current state of sari-sari stores inside Brgy. Buraguis, Legazpi City. Only 8 respondents voluntarily

agreed to take the survey. The graph on the first question representing the “effect on income” shows

that, 1 respondent rated 1 and 2, and 6 respondents rated 5. In this part of the graph the researchers can

infer that the effect of the pandemic is immense towards the sari-sari store income, most of the sari-sari

stores who rated 5 are the much inferior and small ones, the 1 who rated 1 and the other 1 who rated 2;

these are sari-sari stores which are well-off or earns more than ₱100,000 per month. The first part of

the graph shows the difference of the effects of the pandemic towards different levels and state of a

sari-sari store.

The second part of the graph which explains the “current business performance” of sari-sari

stores inside the claw of the pandemic shows that 7 respondents rated 3 or neutral, and 1 respondent

rated 4 or satisfactory. With the data exhibited in the graph, the researchers infer that majority of the

sari-sari store shows low level of performance in this current state of living. The business performance

of sari-sari stores and the conditions of the pandemic shows indirect relationship, as the state of

pandemic increases its dangers the performance level of sari-sari store decreases.

The third part of the graph which explains “the income gap before and during the COVID-19

pandemic” shows 1 respondent rating 1 or highly unsatisfactory, 4 respondents rating 3 or neutral, 2

respondents rating 4 or satisfactory, and 1 respondent rating 5 or highly satisfactory. With the data

gathered, the researchers can infer that majority of the sari-sari stores exhibits neutral response towards
the income gap created by the pandemic either it increases or decreases, the second the highest rating

which 2 respondents rating satisfactory towards their income gap shows that there is a slight decrease

or increase on the income gap or their maybe sudden fluctuations but is manageable.

The fourth part of the graph which explains the “coping level” of the sari-sari stores located at

Brgy. Buraguis, Legazpi City with regards to the change in their business caused by the pandemic

shows 1 respondent rating 1 or highly unsatisfactory, 2 respondents rating 2 or unsatisfactory, 4

respondents rating 3 or neutral, and 1 respondent rating 4 or satisfactory. With the data exhibited in the

graph, majority of the sari-sari stores somehow manages and as time pass by learns how to cope with

the changes created by the pandemic, there are respondents showing hardships in finding and creating

better coping mechanisms and this is the second highest rating in this part of the graph, and only a few

shows satisfactory and ease regarding coping with the changes made by the pandemic.

The fifth part of the graph which explains the “loss level” when it comes to sari-sari store

income when compared to the pre-pandemic era. It shows 2 respondents rating 1 or highly

unsatisfactory, 4 respondents rating 3 or neutral, and 1 respondent rating 5 or highly satisfactory. With

the data exhibited in the graph, majority stated neutrality when it comes to loss level, which means it

doesn’t provide immense effect to the business or the sari-sari store for the loss accumulated, or if there

are loss acquired then it isn’t a great amount to create damaging effect to the business.
Conclusion

Based on the analysis according to the data collected from the surveys, Brgy. Buraguis, Legazpi

City sari-sari stores from the pre-pandemic days and throughout the pandemic was able to subdue

enough or bring under control the changes and impacts towards their business, it is exhibited from the

analyzed data that the majority of the five questions: effect on income, current business performance,

income gap before and during COVID-19 pandemic, coping level, and loss level. It shows neutrality;

thus, pertaining to achieved stability despite the changes from their income, customer number per days

and other factors affecting the sari-sari store business.