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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES STRAND

UNDERCURRENTS AND PAVEMENT: AN EXPLORATION OF DAGOCDOC


TANDAG CITY`S SIDEWALK FISH VENDORS

A Qualitative Research Paper


to be Presented to
the Faculty of the Senior High School Department
Tandag National Science High School
Tandag City

In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for the Subject
Practical Research 1

John Louie L. Pico


Allyssa Joyce M. Suazo
Kian Danielle L. Quimson
Jovy B. Palotes
Angel Lee L. Arim
Jeffrey Lapening
Marife G. Laro
Gwen Christalyn H. Padilla
Jimmy A. Pahamutang
Adriel F. Aquiatan
Alex T. Esparagoza

MARY MAY B. GUBATON, MAELT (CAR)


Research Adviser

March 2024
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

In the Philippines, fish vending is a common source of living because the

country is surrounded by water, making fishing a big industry there. Many people rely

on fishing and selling fish to make a living. It’s a way for them to provide for their

families and community. Plus, with the abundance of fresh seafood available, it’s a

natural choice for many to work in the fish vending living. Although, Fish Vendors

faced common problems and struggles while navigating their daily lives including

absence of constant and secure vending area, they frequently encounter challenges

associated to their space appropriation. And one of the common problem they

commonly facing, is the competition. Where it is the critical driver of a performance

and innovation. It benefits everyone by enabling us to choose from an array of

excellent products at affordable prices. Competition also encourages the adoption of

innovation to make businesses evolve in the market place. (Palmes, 2020)

Everywhere, sidewalk fish vending is no exception, as many vendors have set

up their business and continue to thrive through the years. However, despite their

success, these vendors still face challenges that affect their profitability. Most of

these vendors started small, with little investment and gradually grew their business.

Some borrowed money from the bank to use as an investment to sell fish. Others

began their business on a simple pallet, while some with a lot of investment opted to

rent a tall in the public market. These differences in investment have an


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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impact on their profitability, but it is not the only factor that affects their success.

(Bermas et. al., 2023)

There are some hardship of these fish vendors where they are forbidden to

sell in Dagocdoc sidewalk crossroads. Wherein accordance of Local Government

Unit (LGU) of Tandag City compelling the following justifications; it can cause a

heavy traffic; and apparently, the selling of fish must be in designated public market

(Luha Public Market). By that prohibition, they are forced to undergo impoundment of

their fishes and items, especially if they are warned in second or third attempts.

In due proper negotiation and through this study, an adherence is possible

with the LGU of Tandag City. Enabling these fish vendors to be assisted and

neutralized to their respective proper placement. Not to backhand with ordinance for

both accountabilities and rights of these fish vendors. It provides a deeper

understanding of how communities adapt to their surroundings, manage resources,

and sustain their livelihoods. Vendors demands for the best sidewalk vending spots

in Dagocdoc sidewalk crossroads increasingly exceeds supply, making necessary a

system to allocate space in where essentially an open access common.


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TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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Theoretical Framework

This study accompanied an alignment of such related theories

regarding economic factor theory claiming to have broad perceptions. One of the

theories is the Economic Impact Theory.

The economic impact theory examines how various factors, such as

businesses, industries, and events, affect the overall economy. It originated from

Marxism, consisting of two related ideas, a theory of history, and an economic and

political program. (Britannica)

The correspondence of this theory is through vendor's contributing to the local

economy by creating job opportunities, both for themselves and potentially for others

if they expand their business. They generate income through the sale of fish, which

can support their own livelihoods and potentially benefit local suppliers, such as

fishermen.

Another theoretical alignment is the Permitting Regulations

Theory. Permitting regulations theory is all about how government rules and permits

affect economic activities. It looks at how regulations and permits can shape the way

businesses operate. These permits often ensure to meet health and safety

standards, maintain cleanliness, and follow specific guidelines.

Permitting regulations theory is directly related to sidewalk fish vendors

because they need to follow certain rules and obtain permits to operate legally. By
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Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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obtaining permits, sidewalk fish vendors show that they are committed to providing

safe and high-quality products to their customers.

The last theoretical alignment is the Competition and Market Saturation

Theory. It is an economic theory that examines the relationship between competition

and market dynamics. It suggests that as a market becomes saturated with

competitors, the intensity of competition increases, leading to potential changes in

pricing, product differentiation, and market strategies.

Imagine there are several fish vendors operating on the same sidewalk. As

more vendors enter the market, competition increases. This can lead to lower prices

as vendors try to attract customers. This theory helps us understand how

competition among sidewalk fish vendors can influence their pricing strategies and

the ways they try to stand out from the crowd.

Therefore, these provided theories like Economic Impact Theory and also the

two more had offered insights into how the economy works and how it might respond

to changes in policy or other factors. We, the researchers, after reviewing the

theory's theoretical and empirical underpinnings, it is determined that, despite its

promise, the theory still needs additional analytical work and novel types of empirical

research before it can be acknowledged as a sufficient positive theory of regulation.


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Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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Conceptual Framework

The struggles of every sidewalk A phenomenological study of

Fis h vendors sidewalk fish vendors


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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Figure 1
Schematic Diagram of the Study

The schematic diagram illustrates variables standing in the study. The first box

shows that the independent variable is the struggles of every sidewalk fish vendor

while, the dependent variable is a phenomenological study of sidewalk fish vendors.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the lived experiences and challenges of

sidewalk fish vendors in Dagocdoc, Tandag City, it will seek to answer the following

questions:

1. What are the challenges faced by sidewalk fish vendors?

2. What are their ways in overcoming those challenges?

3. How do these challenges affect their daily living?

Scope and limitation of the Study

This study will focus to the challenges and experiences of Sidewalk fish

vendors while navigating daily problem and struggles. The interview will be

conducted in due proper, prioritizing the negotiation with the authorities. Throughout

the conduct of the interview, we assume a gathered data right exactly from the

participant. This research study will be conducted in Dagocdoc, Tandag City in the

month of March.
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Significance of the Study

After we gathered the results of this research study, we have to consider and

recognize the groups or individual that might benefit our study. The following are:

Local Government Unit (LGU). Through this study, since it corresponds

within the Tandag City Local Government Unit. It will serve as guide for them to

improve where the area they should be focusing in terms of ordinances, programs

and regulation rollout. Especially for these sidewalk fish vendors.

Community. Through this study, not only these fish vendors can benefit but

also the local customers for them to furthermore understand what actions they

should do and avoid towards these fish vendors if ever they would buy.

Vendors. Through this study, every vendor can benefit from this study by

gaining valuable insights and information that can help develop their strategies and

decision-making process. It can also cater them to understand to be able to avoid

certain ordinances they might attempt offenses in terms of vending.

Future Researchers. For the next set of researcher students. It can benefit

them with their study in finding reliable source if ever they will think the same or

related topic that we had.

Definition of Terms.

The researchers provide some definitions for better understanding of the

terms used in the study; the following words were defined conceptually:

Pavement. It refers to the agony or problems of every sidewalk fish vendor.


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES STRAND


Sidewalk. It refers to the area where fish vendors are selling.

Undercurrents. It refers to the hidden thoughts and feelings of these fish

vendors.

Fish vendors. It refers to the persons who perform services or offering

something for sale in a fish market.


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Department of Education
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Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a thematic of these literatures and studies in line with this

study. These supporting concepts are gathered and extracted from different sides of

the world, and though much particularly from the Philippines.

The Challenges Faced by Fish Vendors

In many nations, the fish industry is a significant industry that plays a crucial part in

the economy and offering many people a significant means of subsistence. This

composition examines the prospects and difficulties facing the seafood industry while

highlighting the sustainable methods are essential for long-term success. The fishing

industry presents a multitude of prospects for both business owners and local

communities. There is a sizable market for fish goods due to the rising demand for

seafood worldwide. Vendors of fish can take advantage of this demand and use it to

boost the economy and make money. Furthermore, the distribution of fish products

has been made easier by developments in transportation and technology, which

have expanded market reach and increased revenue potential for firms.

Notwithstanding the potential, the fishing industry faces a number of obstacles that

call for cautious maneuvering. Additionally, pricing instability, shifting consumer

preferences, and market competitiveness are common challenges faced by the

fishery industry. Due to these considerations, vendors must innovate and adapt in
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
TANDAG NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL
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order to fulfill changing customer demands and remain competitive. Furthermore,

bad infrastructure can create logistical issues that affect the timely and high-quality

distribution of fish products. Examples of these issues include inadequate storage

facilities and unreliable transportation networks. There are plenty of chances for

livelihoods and economic progress in the seafood industry. But it is critical to

address the issues it faces, especially those related to sustainability and ethical

behavior. Through the implementation of sustainable fishing practices, the provision

of adequate infrastructure, and the fulfillment of market demands, fisheries can

improve their financial success while aiding in the protection of maritime

environments. (Bermas et. al., 2023)

Fish Vendors in Policy Formulation and Implementation

Like in any other industry, fish dealers take part in a variety of the Arrangement. They

also have their own groups where they share their happiness, feelings, and

Issues and additional worries. They were essential to the organization, serving as

either a Participant or coordinator. The major city and regional hub in the Philippines’

Eastern Visayas region is Tacloban. It serves as Leyte’s capital as well. It is well-

known for its historical sites and wide range of goods found around the city. Food is

widely available at the market, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Selling

fish is a common practice in any type of wet market. Fish vendors would have more

influence as an organization if they took part in the creation and execution of market

policies. It has an effect on revenue, services provided to clients, meeting vendor

and customer needs, and ensuring that fish sold is in good condition. Participation

consists of showing up to meetings, offering advice on topics pertaining to the


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market, and following the rules as a means of discipline. It is well known that the

local government acknowledges fish merchants and views them as integral

components of the system. Fish dealers are able to band together to defend their

industry and show its significant economic importance because to their means of

subsistence. However, the organization’s goal is to guarantee participation in public

governance, not to create an army or provide armed security. (Abia et. Al., 2019)

Policy Instruments of Street Vendor Relocation

One viable and in-demand informal sector job among the urban immigrant

community is being a street vendor. Nonetheless, the majority of them are adamant

that starting out as a street seller necessitates having a large amount of money and

mental toughness. They have to deal with a variety of governmental demands,

including bureaucracy, bullies, or regular cleaning from linked parties, in addition to

being ready to wager that they won’t sell for months. In large cities, the daily

phenomena of managing street sellers persists; in most cases, we come across

news reports or see images of such incidents. Street vendors frequently assume this

significant danger as part of their informal industry work. The phrase “control”

invariably includes an exhortation to keep street sellers away from their regular

selling locations. The public order of the populace and the discomfort of traffic-

related road activities are the primary causes. This is typical. Because a lot of street

sellers annoy these areas by setting up shop on the sidewalk or the side of the road.

This also holds true for Bulak District’s street vendor issue. The Bulak region is

coastal. The kinds of street sellers lining the route close to the Marine fish traders

process fish and operate Kenjeran Amusement Park and Batu-Batu Beach in Bulak
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District. Their main products include fish that has been smoked, fresh, or dried; they

also have dozens of dongkupang, fish feed, fish crafts, processed crackers, and

coffee shop stalls. There are currently about 85 street vendors in existence. In the

morning, traders frequently smoke fish and

In the afternoon, exchange food. Only in the morning, while the fish is still fresh, do

fresh fish vendors sell. (Nurany, 2021)

The Plight of Women Fish vendor

Women make up a sizable portion of the fish vendor population; they support

the local economy by purchasing fish from fishermen and reselling it in markets.

Women fish merchants in Tamil Nadu confront many obstacles despite playing a

crucial role in the fishing business, such as discrimination, low pay, no social

protection, and unfavorable working circumstances. Their families' well-being and

means of subsistence are severely impacted by these difficulties. The predicament of

female fish dealers has not received much attention, despite the government’s

implementation of numerous programs and laws aimed at fostering the fishing

sector. They have been marginalized and excluded from the group as a result of the

disregard for their needs and concerns. Advantages of progress. Research that

clarifies the circumstances surrounding women fish vendors and suggests potential

solutions to deal with their difficulties is thus necessary. (Rajeswari, 2023)

Hygiene Practices for Handling Fish

With 6.1% of Zanzibar’s GDP coming from tourism and agriculture, fishing is one of

the primary sources of revenue. GDP. In addition, 86,000 full-time fishermen are
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Department of Education
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engaged by the fish industry, while the sector indirectly employs nearly 12% of

Zanzibar’s workforce. Worldwide, a great deal of research has been done to

examine how knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors affect food safety and how the

three dependent variables connect to food contamination and the threats to the

public’s health that come with it. But not much research has been done in Zanzibar

in this area, particularly with regard to fish-based diets. High levels of bacterial

contamination in marine fish feeds, particularly in recreational areas, are present

even if fish stakeholder actors have a good understanding of hygiene and diseases

related to fish. Therefore, it seems unlikely that having a high level of awareness

about food handling hygiene has a favorable effect on habits. Considering that 95%

of Zanzibar’s population frequently eats marine fish, it is not necessary to overstate

the need for in-depth research in this field. The purpose of this research project was

to examine some of the elements that contribute to the pollution of marine fish in

Zanzibar. The findings will aid in the implementation of appropriate mitigation

strategies. (Abubakar et. Al., 2020)


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Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter carries the discussion of the research methods that were enwrapped in

the study. It composed of research design, research locale, subject of the study and

collections of sample.

Research Design

We used a qualitative design using a phenomenological approach. This

approach is all about understanding how people experience things without making

assumptions or interpretations. It’s about describing those experiences as accurately

as possible from the individual’s perspective, without adding any extra meaning or
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theories. It engage methods of data collection by conducting interviews, taking notes,

recording actions through observations. The gathered information was primarily used

focusing on The daily lives of a sidewalk fish vendors. In this research design, We

asked the sidewalk fish vendors about their daily lives experiences in vending.

Research Locale

This study will be conducted on the month of march 2024 in Purok Pag-asa,

Dagocdoc, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur, since our research study is all about

Dagocdoc, Tandag City’s sidewalk fish vendors and our participants lives in the said

location. The red landmark are the exact place where sidewalk fish vendors are

located. However, the conduct of interview may be varied depending on participant’s

preferred venue.
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Figure 2

Map of Baranggay Dagocdoc

Research Participants

The participants of the study are the fish vendors of Dagocdoc, Tandag City.

Among them, we will choose 5 participants as we will base our participants in 3

specific criteria to relate the details of this study and support its effectiveness. (1)

The participants must be a fish vendor that are currently and regularly vending in

Dagocdog, Tandag City. (2) The fish vendors must be 30 years old of age and above.

(3) The fish vendors must be raising a child/children that is currently learning in

school. This type of sampling is known as purposively intended sampling where the

participants must meet the said criteria.

Research Instrument Used

In order for us to collect answers to the statement of the problem, we will be

using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview guide is consisting of common

questions about the daily lived Experiences and challenges faced by sidewalk fish

vendors. Questions will be validated by the experts. It will be asked during the

conduct of one-on-one interview with the participants.

Validation of the Instrument

Interview guide validation is significant for our instrument as it will totally made

by us. The expert validators in qualitative researches particularly in


Republic of the Philippines
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phenomenological approach will validate it as to their content and face validity. The

panelists will also served as validators. There are recommendations, suggestions,

and corrections that we will use in our revision part. This validation will undergo an

expertise from first and final corrections.

Sampling Procedure

In this study, we will use sampling procedure technique. Through this

technique in a form of non-probability; judgemental or purposive sampling since the

participant selection is based on the criteria that the researchers has provided. It is

intentionally selection technique of participants by predetermined researchers.

Data Gathering Procedure

In order to document the needed data for the research, we utilized the

following procedures:

Permission.

In order for us to conduct interview for this study, we will request a permission

through formal consent, typically from the Principal of Tandag National Science High

School, the Barangay captain of Dagocdoc, Tandag City. After acquiring consents,

We will directly request a consent, informing the participants about the purpose of

our research, and how their information will be use. If the participants meets our
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Tabon-tabon, Quezon, Tandag City

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criteria, we will ask for their consent or permission for an interview about their

challenges and experiences being a sidewalk fish vendors.

Informed Written Consent. We the researchers, will inquire a formal

agreement to the participants to participate in the study. The participants are going to

sign a consent form articulating an agreement in participating the study. Informative

written consent will be given.

In-depth Interview. The interview with the participants will be a one-on-one

interview. We will choose location that is an accordance on the convenience of the

participant. Good conversational approach will be used during interview to get

thorough information around the topic. We will address terms of confidentiality and

purpose of the study. The participants are allowed to ask questions.

Recording and Transcription. We the researchers, will be filming as well as

recording the participant’s responses using a mobile phone recording application.

During the transcription, participant’s ideas will be emphasized.

Fieldwork. We will visit the participant’s residence. Afterwards, we will

conduct and interview.

Data Analysis

We will apply colaizzi’s method in analyzing the data that will be gathered in

the study. It is often used in the interpretation of qualitative researches, particularly,

in phenomenological approach. This method are intentionally will be used since it is

an aid to identify significant information and arrange them into themes and

categories. The seven steps of this method are strictly going to be followed: We will
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write

down all the subject descriptions, get the important statements, formulate meanings

from their statements, construct theme from it, develop comprehensive description,

identify the fundamental structure of the findings, and return to the participants for

validation, respectively.

Ethical Considerations

This study will be impartially designed to guarantee an accountable approach

from the stages of data gathering through analysis. The study takes a methodical

approach while keeping the participants’ safety in mind. By all means, a letter of

approval and an interview guide questionnaire will be provided both before and after

data collection. When recording video, audio, and taking pictures, the participants’

comfort will be taken into account. Additionally, participants are free to leave the

study whenever they want if they so choose.

Ensuring that the data provided cannot be used to identify anyone other than

the researchers. During the interview, it is necessary to get rid of any insulting,

discriminatory, or otherwise inappropriate language. The confidentiality and

anonymity of the participant will be protected. False information of any kind must be

avoided.

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