CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in economic growth, employment

generation, and the overall development of a country. Within this industry, adherence to

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is essential to ensure the safety, quality, and

consistency of products. GMP encompasses a set of guidelines and regulations that

outline the necessary processes, controls, and standards to be followed by manufacturing

establishments.

The significance of GMP cannot be overstated, particularly in sectors such as

food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where the health and well-being of

consumers are directly impacted. GMP regulations are designed to minimize risks

associated with product contamination, adulteration, mislabeling, and other quality-

related issues. By adhering to GMP, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to

producing safe and high-quality products, enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.

Roxas City, Capiz, known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines," is a coastal

city renowned for its abundant marine resources and thriving seafood industry. With its

strategic location along the Panay Gulf, Roxas City has become a hub for seafood

manufacturing establishments, restaurants, barbeque stalls, and beach resorts, attracting

both local and international tourists seeking the freshest and most delicious seafood

offerings.

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 The seafood manufacturing establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, play a vital

role in the local economy. These establishments engage in various processes, such as fish

and shellfish processing, freezing, canning, and packaging, to preserve and distribute a

wide range of seafood products. Given the importance of seafood safety and quality, the

implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) becomes crucial to ensure the

integrity and freshness of seafood products consumed by residents and visitors alike.

Alongside seafood manufacturing, Roxas City, Capiz, boasts a vibrant culinary

scene with numerous restaurants and barbeque stalls offering an array of seafood dishes.

These establishments showcase the region's rich culinary heritage and attract tourists who

seek to indulge in the flavors of the Seafood Capital. Assessing the adherence to GMP

practices in these foodservice establishments is of utmost importance to safeguard public

health, prevent foodborne illnesses, and maintain the city's reputation as a culinary

destination.

Furthermore, Baybay, Roxas City, is home to several beach resorts that provide

leisure and recreational activities for tourists. These resorts often feature dining facilities

where seafood dishes take center stage. Ensuring that the food prepared and served in

these establishments adheres to GMP guidelines is essential for maintaining customer

satisfaction, protecting their health, and upholding Roxas City's reputation as a premier

tourist destination.

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 The unique combination of seafood manufacturing establishments, restaurants,

barbeque stalls, and beach resorts in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz, creates a complex and

diverse landscape for assessing GMP practices. Each type of establishment presents

specific challenges and considerations in terms of product handling, processing, storage,

and service. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of GMP implementation in this

wide range of establishments is paramount to gaining a holistic understanding of the

challenges faced by manufacturers and foodservice providers in maintaining compliance

with industry standards.

The outcomes of this study will not only contribute to the improvement of GMP

practices in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz, but will also have broader implications for the

seafood industry, the local economy, and the overall tourism sector. By identifying areas

for improvement and proposing recommendations, this research aims to support the

development of strategies and initiatives that enhance the quality and safety of seafood

products, strengthen the local food industry, and attract more visitors to Roxas City,

Capiz.

Ultimately, through a thorough assessment of GMP practices in establishments

involved in seafood manufacturing, restaurants, barbeque stalls, and beach resorts in

Baybay, Roxas City, this study seeks to shed light on their compliance levels with

industry standards. The findings and recommendations will contribute to enhancing the

overall adherence to GMP guidelines in the seafood industry, promoting consumer safety,

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supporting local businesses, and further solidifying Roxas City's position as the Seafood

Capital of the Philippines.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to assess the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices

(GMP) in establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz, with the goal of evaluating their

compliance with industry standards and identifying areas for improvement. Specifically

this will seek to answer the following problems:

1. To what extent do seafood manufacturing establishments in Baybay, Roxas City,

Capiz comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines?

2. How effectively do foodservice establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz

adhere to GMP practices in handling, preparing, and serving seafood dishes?

3. What are the challenges and improvement opportunities for GMP implementation

in seafood manufacturing establishments, foodservice providers, and regulatory

bodies in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz?

4. How aware and confident are consumers in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz regarding

GMP practices in relation to seafood products?

Hypotheses

Basing on the statement of the problem the probability or acceptability of the

hypotheses stated below.

1. The probability of seafood manufacturing establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz

demonstrating a satisfactory level of compliance with GMP guidelines is high. The

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acceptability of seafood manufacturing establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz

meeting the required standards of GMP implementation is high.

2. The probability of foodservice establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz

demonstrating a strong adherence to GMP practices in seafood handling, preparation, and

service is high. The acceptability of foodservice establishments in Baybay, Roxas City,

Capiz complying with GMP guidelines for seafood is high.

3. The probability of seafood manufacturing establishments, foodservice providers, and

regulatory bodies in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz encountering challenges in GMP

implementation is high. The acceptability of identifying improvement opportunities and

strategies to enhance GMP implementation in the seafood industry of Baybay, Roxas

City, Capiz is high.

4. The probability of consumers in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz showing a satisfactory

level of awareness and confidence in GMP practices for seafood products is high.

The acceptability of consumer perception and confidence in the safety and quality of

seafood products in relation to GMP implementation is high.

Theoretical Framework

This study will be grounded in two main concepts: Good Manufacturing Practices

(GMP) and the seafood industry. These concepts provide the foundation for

understanding and evaluating the implementation of GMP in establishments involved in

seafood manufacturing, foodservice, and regulatory processes. Additionally, relevant

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theories and models from the field of quality management and consumer behavior further

contribute to the theoretical framework.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP):

GMP is a set of guidelines and practices that ensure the safety, quality, and

consistency of products in various industries, including the food and beverage sector. The

theoretical framework includes an understanding of the key principles and components of

GMP, such as process control, hygiene practices, quality management systems, and

regulatory compliance. The framework incorporates established frameworks and

standards for GMP, such as those outlined by international organizations like the World

Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Seafood Industry:

The seafood industry is the specific context of this thesis, focusing on

establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. The theoretical framework considers the

unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities within the seafood industry,

including seafood manufacturing establishments, foodservice providers (restaurants,

barbeque stalls, beach resorts), and regulatory bodies. This framework draws upon

industry-specific theories and models that explain factors influencing the quality, safety,

and consumer perception of seafood products.

Quality Management Theories:

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 The theoretical framework incorporates quality management theories and models,

such as Total Quality Management (TQM) and Lean Six Sigma. These theories provide

insights into the principles and practices that can be applied to improve operational

efficiency, quality control, and continuous improvement in seafood manufacturing and

foodservice establishments. The framework highlights the importance of establishing

effective quality management systems, process optimization, and performance

measurement to ensure GMP compliance.

Consumer Behavior Theories:

Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for assessing the perception and

acceptance of GMP practices in seafood establishments. The theoretical framework

draws upon consumer behavior theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the

Health Belief Model, to examine the factors influencing consumer awareness,

knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing decisions related to seafood products. This

framework considers variables such as consumer trust, perceived quality, and food safety

perceptions.

By integrating these theoretical elements, the framework provides a

comprehensive lens through which to analyze and evaluate the implementation of GMP

in seafood manufacturing establishments, foodservice providers, and regulatory bodies in

Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. It considers the principles and components of GMP, the

unique characteristics of the seafood industry, quality management theories, and

consumer behavior theories. This framework guides the research process, data collection,

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and analysis, enabling a comprehensive assessment of GMP practices and their impact on

the seafood industry in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework illustrates the relationships among these variables. It

posits that GMP guidelines and standards serve as the foundation for assessing and

implementing GMP practices in establishments.

The conceptual framework provides a comprehensive perspective for

understanding the assessment and implementation of GMP in establishments in Baybay,

Roxas City, Capiz. It guides the research process, data collection, and analysis, allowing

for a comprehensive evaluation of GMP practices and their implications for the seafood

industry in the area.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES DEPENDENT VARIABLES

Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP)

 Process Control
 Hygiene and practices
Socio Demographic  Quality Management System
 Regulatory Compliance
Age

Gender
Assessment &
Location
Implementation
Educational Attainment
 Level of compliance
Monthly Income  Adherence to GMP
8  Consumer awareness in
Length of Service
GMP
 Challenges and
improvement opportunities
Schematic 1: A schematic diagram showing the significant relationship Good
Manufacturing Practices and Assessment & Implementation to the
respondents.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study, "Assessment of Good Manufacturing Practices of

Establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz," lies in its contributions to various

stakeholders and the broader community. The study holds importance in several aspects:

Food Safety Enhancement: The assessment of good manufacturing practices in

establishments, particularly in the seafood industry, contributes to improving food safety

standards. By identifying areas of non-compliance or weaknesses in GMP

implementation, the study can help establishments enhance their practices and ensure the

production of safe and high-quality seafood products. This, in turn, protects consumers

from potential health risks associated with improper manufacturing practices.

Quality Assurance and Consistency: Through the evaluation of GMP compliance, the

study assists establishments in ensuring consistent quality in their products. Adhering to

GMP guidelines helps maintain uniformity in manufacturing processes, leading to

reliable and standardized products. By emphasizing the importance of GMP, the study

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promotes the delivery of seafood products that meet consumer expectations for taste,

texture, and overall quality.

Industry Competitiveness and Growth: The seafood industry plays a significant role in

Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz, known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. By assessing

GMP practices, the study supports the industry's competitiveness and growth.

Establishments that demonstrate strong compliance with GMP guidelines can gain a

competitive advantage by showcasing their commitment to product safety and quality.

Moreover, the identification of improvement opportunities can guide establishments in

enhancing their operations, thereby contributing to the overall development of the local

seafood industry.

Consumer Confidence and Trust: The study's findings regarding consumer awareness

and confidence in GMP practices are crucial for building trust among consumers.

Increased knowledge and awareness of GMP practices empower consumers to make

informed decisions when purchasing seafood products. Assuring consumers of proper

GMP implementation fosters confidence in the safety and quality of the seafood available

in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. Ultimately, this can enhance consumer satisfaction,

loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth, benefiting both establishments and the local

economy.

Policy and Regulatory Implications: The research outcomes provide valuable insights

for regulatory bodies and policymakers involved in ensuring food safety and industry

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regulation. By identifying challenges faced by establishments and suggesting

improvement opportunities, the study informs the development and implementation of

effective policies and regulations. This can lead to enhanced oversight, better support

mechanisms, and more targeted interventions to facilitate GMP compliance, protect

public health, and support the sustainable growth of the seafood industry.

In summary, the assessment of good manufacturing practices in establishments in

Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz holds significance in enhancing food safety, promoting

quality assurance, fostering industry competitiveness, building consumer confidence, and

guiding policy and regulatory efforts. The study's findings can contribute to the

improvement of GMP practices, benefitting establishments, consumers, and the broader

community by ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality seafood products.

Scope and Limitations

The scope of the study, "Assessment of Good Manufacturing Practices of

Establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz," encompasses the assessment and

evaluation of GMP practices in establishments within the specific geographical area of

Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. The study focuses on establishments involved in the

manufacturing of seafood products, foodservice providers handling and serving seafood

dishes, and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing GMP compliance. The

assessment will consider various aspects of GMP, including process control, hygiene

practices, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the

study aims to explore consumer awareness and confidence in GMP practices related to

seafood products.

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Generalizability: The findings of the study may be specific to the context of Baybay,

Roxas City, Capiz, and may not be directly generalizable to other regions or cities.

Factors such as local seafood industry characteristics, consumer preferences, and

regulatory practices specific to this area may influence the results.

Sample Size: The study's findings may be limited by the available sample size of

establishments, regulatory bodies, and consumers. The inclusion of a representative

sample will be crucial to ensure the validity and reliability of the assessment. However,

due to practical constraints, the sample size may be limited, which could affect the

generalizability of the results.

Self-Reporting Bias: The assessment of GMP practices may rely on self-reported data

provided by the establishments and foodservice providers. This introduces the possibility

of bias and may impact the accuracy of the reported compliance levels. Efforts will be

made to mitigate this limitation through validation procedures and cross-referencing with

other data sources, if available.

Time Constraints: The study's timeframe may be limited, impacting the depth and

breadth of the assessment. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of GMP

practices in every establishment may be challenging within a specific time frame. The

study will aim to balance the need for thoroughness with practical considerations.

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Consumer Perceptions: Assessing consumer awareness and confidence in GMP

practices relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias or

misinterpretation. Additionally, consumer perceptions may be influenced by various

factors beyond GMP practices alone, such as brand reputation, price, and personal

preferences.

External Factors: The study may encounter external factors beyond its control, such as

changes in regulations or industry practices during the research period. These factors

could impact the study's findings and limit the ability to capture the most up-to-date GMP

practices and consumer perceptions.

The study aims to provide valuable insights into the assessment of GMP practices

in establishments in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. The findings will contribute to the

understanding of GMP compliance, highlight improvement opportunities, and guide

efforts to enhance food safety, quality assurance, and consumer confidence in the seafood

industry within the study's scope.

Definition of Terms

In order that the researchers and readers would have common frame of

understanding of the objectives of the study, important terms were defined conceptually

and operationally.

Assessment: The process of evaluating or measuring the extent to which establishments

in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz comply with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

guidelines. It involves examining various aspects of manufacturing practices, hygiene

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protocols, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance to determine the level

of adherence to GMP standards.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): A set of guidelines and standards established

by regulatory bodies and industry organizations to ensure the production of safe, high-

quality, and consistent products. GMP encompasses procedures, controls, and practices

related to manufacturing, packaging, labeling, storage, and distribution, with an emphasis

on process control, cleanliness, documentation, and quality management.

Establishments: Refers to the businesses or facilities involved in the manufacturing of

seafood products, including seafood manufacturing establishments, foodservice providers

handling and serving seafood dishes, and other relevant establishments within the seafood

industry in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz.

Compliance: The act of conforming to or meeting the requirements, guidelines, or

standards set forth by regulatory bodies or industry organizations. In this study,

compliance refers to the extent to which establishments adhere to the Good

Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines in their manufacturing processes, hygiene

practices, quality management systems, and regulatory obligations.

Hygiene Practices: The set of practices, procedures, and protocols aimed at ensuring

cleanliness, sanitation, and hygienic conditions in the manufacturing and handling of

seafood products. It includes measures such as personal hygiene, cleaning and

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sanitization of equipment and facilities, pest control, waste management, and the

prevention of cross-contamination.

Quality Management Systems: The framework, processes, and procedures put in place

by establishments to ensure consistent quality in their products and operations. Quality

management systems encompass activities such as quality control, quality assurance,

documentation, and continuous improvement to meet customer expectations, industry

standards, and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Bodies: Organizations or government agencies responsible for establishing

and enforcing regulations, guidelines, and standards related to the manufacturing,

handling, and distribution of seafood products. Regulatory bodies oversee compliance

with GMP guidelines, conduct inspections, provide guidance, and enforce penalties or

corrective actions when necessary.

Consumer Awareness: The level of knowledge, understanding, and familiarity among

consumers in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz regarding the Good Manufacturing Practices

(GMP) and their importance in ensuring the safety and quality of seafood products.

Consumer awareness includes knowledge of GMP guidelines, recognition of GMP

compliance symbols or certifications, and understanding the significance of GMP

practices in making informed purchasing decisions.

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Consumer Confidence: The trust, assurance, and belief that consumers have in the

safety, quality, and reliability of seafood products produced and served by establishments

in Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz. Consumer confidence is influenced by factors such as

GMP compliance, reputation of establishments, past experiences, and perceived product

value.

These definitions provide a clear understanding of the key terms used in the

thesis, setting a common foundation for the study and its findings .

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