FEASIBILITY STUDY OF WA-FALL FOR YOU IN NASUGBU EAST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

ABSTRACT

Wa-fall for You is a partnership organization in Barangay Lumbangan, Nasugbu, Batangas, aiming to benefit people, plants, and gain profits through innovative and sustainable practices. The business focuses on providing quality products, exceptional customer service, and promoting environmental sustainability. It targets 1,304 students at Nasugbu East Senior High School, ensuring customer satisfaction through reliable findings and cost-plus pricing. Utilizing social media for promotion, the business projects a startup cost of Php 250,000.00 with a projected ROI rate of 6.44%, 15.22%, and 22.83% for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively. Emphasizing employee welfare and strategic planning, the business aims to adapt to the fast-changing marketplace and contribute to societal improvement amid economic challenges in the Philippine agricultural sector. Supporting local farmers becomes crucial in revitalizing the agricultural industry amidst economic difficulties, fostering a positive impact on production and sales of goods.   

Keywords: Business, Promotion, Agricultural, Innovative, Partnership

Introduction 

The Filipino small-scale farmers have faced numerous challenges. According to the World Bank Organization, small-scale farmers remain as the poorest citizens in the country with 30% of poverty incidence, doubling the 18.1% national poverty incidence. Lack of market access is one of the reasons why farmers are still the poorest citizens in the country. In the Philippines, a small number of large buyers control a very concentrated portion of the market. Owing to the lack of resources, such as logistics, small-scale farmers are unable to compete with larger buyers, which restricts them to have an access to the market. Poor infrastructure such as lack of roads, bridges, and transit network makes it difficult for farmers to reach marketplaces to sell their harvest. (PhilSEED, 2023) 

Food and beverages are anything that can be eaten, such as fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and alcohol that people purchase. This term is usually employed in the hospitality industry to refer to the products and services provided at lodging facilities, dining establishments, cafés, and other food-related businesses. The Philippines provides a distinctive food and beverage experience with a wide range of traditional cuisines and modern fusion cuisines. The food and beverage business in the Philippines continues to grow and makes a significant economic contribution. This covers companies of all sizes, from small markets to huge corporate groups. The businesses provide a range of occupations, including marketing, retail, and positions for cooks and servers. The food and beverage industry is expected to have an important part in the upcoming development and growth of the Philippines. However, establishing a food and beverage business in the country requires taking into consideration a number of factors, including laws, market intelligence, and consumer preferences. (Rayev, 2023). 

Culinary boundaries are continuously being pushed in the Philippines, where new ingredients and fusion combinations are embraced. Filipinos are usually eager to explore new things that have advantages for their health. Filipinos value food and drinks that offer both flavor and convenience since they are health-conscious and always on the go. Filipinos love to eat, and the food and beverage industry in the Philippines is a thriving, dynamic industry. Every small business has the chance to succeed, regardless of its focus—healthy food, milk tea, plantbased goods, creative beverages, sustainability, or flavor exploration. Every business will be in a position of success if it keeps up with the latest trends and customizes its offerings for the Filipino market. (Kathryn, 2023)

In the last ten years, the market for waffles has expanded due to the rise of MRT and LRT food carts and an increase of young professionals. Waffles became in demand in the Philippine market that gave rise to different waffle food cart brands such as Famous Belgian Waffles, Happy Waffle, Waffle & Shakes, It’s Waffle Tym. (TC Franchising, 2021) 

Waffle recipes usually call for milk, eggs, oil, and salt. When considering the nutritional components, milk and eggs are both high in calcium, protein, and other necessary minerals. Vitamins A, D, E, K, B5, B6, B12, and minerals including calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and copper are all abundant in eggs, in particular. They help one eat less while aiding in weight loss because they are a high-protein snack that is highly filling. (NetMeds, 2020) 

Moreover, according to the news report written by Rosales (2023), Filipinos lowered their orders for sweet delicacies in favor of savory dishes as fast-food mainstays dominated the list of most purchased products on GrabFood in the Philippines last year. The most popular food in 2023, according to Grab's Philippine Food and Grocery Trends, was burgers, which were followed by fried chicken and chicken sandwiches. Moreover, based on the news report published by Allied Market Research, the burger segment is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period, dominating the Philippine Quick Service Restaurants market. 

Burger is renowned as unhealthy snacks but, replacing its patty into a plant-based meat can turn it into a healthy snack. Based on the article published under KU News (2022), banana blossom is an edible flower that is used as a meat substitute because of its meat-like texture. In order for customers to enjoy their meal through texture, a meat-like product made from banana blossoms is processed to have a porl texture. Its nutritional qualities include lowering blood glucose levels and nourishing skin, milk, and blood. It is available with affordable price. Banana blossom is a plantbased diet which is good for vegans and the elderly, it has 11.27% fiber and 17.12% protein and offers all the necessary nutrients for good health. 

According to the study of Abidin and Razli (2020), banana blossom can be used as an alternative to meat. In fact, there is already a patty banana blossom, a tasty frozen food product made of banana blossom. Patty banana blossom is used to make new product which is banana blossom burgers. Plant-based eaters and health-conscious people find it simple to consume banana blossom burgers. Also, it persuades individual to consume high fiber foods made from banana blossom. 

Moreover, cassava is relatively a new snack that suits with the changing customer preference. Cassava is a root vegetable. It is the underground portion of cassava shrub. It is also a tuber crops and its shape is similar with the sweet potato. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is a drought-resistant resilient crop that needs little fertilizer. Cassava is a high-calorie vegetable that is high in essential vitamins and minerals as well as carbohydrates. Niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin C are all present in good amounts in cassava. Its leaves are also edible and can have up to 25% protein if they are cooked or sun-dried. Moreover, scientists also believed that eating cassava can improve one's gut health as it contains resistance starch that helps to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. (Dresden, 2023)          

It is supported by Ilyse Schaprino, a registered dietitian as cited by Baum (2021). She said that the cassava is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is great for supporting immune health as well as natural collagen production. The cooked root vegetable has 29 milligrams of vitamin C per cup, or around 39% of the daily necessary amount. "Cassava contains a significant amount of ascorbic acid, and the link between vitamin C and improved immune health has been well-established," explains Schapiro. Furthermore, cucumber juice is a drink that go well with unique snacks. Cucumber is also one of the healthiest fruits with several health advantages. Cucumber keeps blood pressure stable, manages hydration, and sugar, which calms the skin and aids in digestion. It additionally aids in weight loss by cutting down on fat. In addition, cucumbers include fiber, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. It also contains hydrating and antibacterial properties. and vitamins K, C, and A qualities, cleanse the body, stop cancer, and provide numerous other bone illness. Cucumbers are crucial economically since they contain excellent nutritional, therapeutic, and health-promoting qualities. (Mallick, 2022)

According to Tamar Samuels, a registered dietitian, national boardcertified health and wellness coach, and co-founder of Culina Health, states that cucumbers are a good source of vitamin K and contain decent amounts (4 to 5% of the estimated daily value) of copper and vitamin C. Cucumbers also contain various phytochemical plant compounds, such as antioxidants and several flavonoids. Additionally, cucumbers provide trace amounts (approximately 3 to 4% of the daily value) of electrolytes like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Additionally, as stated by Vanessa Risetto, registered dietitian nutritionist and also a co-founder of Culina Health, compared to regular water, cucumber juice offers a wide range of additional nutrients. Cucumber juice can greatly enhance hydration, maintain essential vitamin and mineral levels, and provide antioxidants. This makes it beneficial for everyone, but particularly advantageous for individuals with higher hydration requirements, such as athletes or frequent exercisers (Yang, 2020).

Materials and Methods

The study focuses on the establishment of 'Wa-fall for You' in Nasugbu East Senior High School community at Barangay Lumbangan, Nasugbu, Batangas. The primary market of the proposed business are the students in Nasugbu East Senior School. The proponent had chosen the specified area since the proponent resides and plans to establish the business in the Nasugbu East Senior High School. The proponent utilized 297 learners as respondents of the study. Raosoft calculator was used in determining the number of samples and stratified random sampling to spread an equal distribution of samples per strata. Out of the total sample size, 282 valid responses were considered due to the validity and reliability of the data gathered. 

The study adopted a descriptive research design. Descriptive research systematically describes a population, situation or phenomenon. With the use of data gathering, it attempts to determine what is and identify potential answers, suggestions or solutions to present problems or issues. This allows them to characterize the situation more fully as possible. This study utilized the descriptive method of research. Since the study is conducted to determine the attainability of Wa-fall for You in Nasugbu East Senior High School, the researchers tended to generate questionnaires as the main instrument to gather information from the respondents. The questionnaires were designed to ascertain the product demand through knowing the willingness and potential market to avail the product. 

The survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents to assess the feasibility of the 'Wa-fall for You' business and to gather the appropriate data for the report. The proponent used printed survey questionnaire within the specific area to collect valuable insights. 

Questionnaires were utilized in collection of primary data. Statistical tools were used to process the data collected using the questionnaire. The questionnaires contained structured questions, which in the form of a Likert scale of 1-4. The questionnaires were administered to Senior High School students. Before processing the responses, the completed questionnaires will be checked for completeness and consistency. The data obtained were tallied, organized, and its frequencies, percentages and weighted means calculated and presented in form of tables. This was done by use of descriptive statistics. The data will be coded to enable the responses to be grouped into various categories. The findings will be presented using tables, percentages, and tabulations. Tables will be used to summarize responses for further analysis and facilitate comparison. 

Results and Discussion

a. Respondents’ Profile 

Table 1 Breakdown of Students Weekly Allowance

Table 1 presents the breakdown of students' weekly allowance. Majority of students has an allowance ranging from Php 420.00 to Php 739.00 which consists of 155 students or 54.96%. In allowance range of Php 100.00 to Php 419.00, there are 82 students or 29.08%. However, the allowance range of Php 740.00 to Php 1,059.00 has 39 students or 13.83%. The last allowance range is Php 1,060.00 to Php 1,379.00 with 6 students or 2.13%, which makes to be the lowest above all the selection. Overall, most of the students have an allowance range of below Php 420.00 to Php 739.00.   

b. Product Introduction   

Table 2 Willingness to Purchase the Product Service

Table 2 indicates the willingness of students to purchase the product service. Based on the collected data from the survey questionnaire, 282 of respondents has the willingness to avail the products of the proposed business, which represents the 94.95% of the total population of Nasugbu East Senior High School.  

Table 3 Breakdown of Students’ Weekly Snack Budget

Table 3 presents the breakdown of students’ weekly snack budget. The majority of the students, comprising 55.31% or the 156 students have a weekly snack budget ranging from Php 30.00 to Php 229.00. Following this, 83 students, accounting for 29.43%, allocate between Php 230.00 to Php 429.00 for snacks. Meanwhile, 38 students (13.48%) budget their snack from Php 430.00 to Php 629.00.  Notably, the range from Php 630.00 to Php 829.00 has 5 responses (1.78%) making it the least common budget range. Overall, the majority of students prioritize a snack allowance between Php 30.00 to Php 229.00 weekly.  

Table 4 Willingness to Purchase per Item

Based on the table above, for the first product line which is the retail products, Cucumber Juice has the highest willingness to purchase with 19.29% of respondents indicating they would buy it, followed by the Buffle at 16.80%, the Kamote Cubes (Cheese) at 16.64%, and Kamote Cubes at 13.08%. Assessing the second product line, value meals, Buffle, Kamote Cubes (Cheese), and Cucumber Juice have the highest willingness to buy, with 7.11% of respondents saying they would buy it. These are followed by Buffle and Kamote Cubes (Cheese) at 6.46%, Buffle and Cucumber Juice (5.22%), Kamote Cubes and Cucumber Juice (4.72%), Kamote Cubes (Cheese) and Cucumber Juice (4.14%), Buffle, Kamote Cubes, and Cucumber Juice (3.81%), and Buffle and Kamote Cubes at 2.73%. The total percentage reported for each product line represents the overall willingness to purchase for that entire product line. The total willingness to purchase for the first product line is 65.81%, which suggests that this product line is the most popular among customers surveyed. 

Table 5 Breakdown of Students’ Purchasing Potential

Table 5 shows breakdown of students' purchasing potential. The most dominant breakdown is the potential range of Php. 15.00 to Php. 168.00 with a quantity of 168 students (59.57%). Additionally, potential range of Php. 115.00 to Php. 214.00 is the second dominant breakdown with a quantity of 75 students (26.60%). Moreover, the third highest breakdown is the potential range of Php. 215.00 to Php. 314.00 with a quantity of 24 students (8.51%). Similarly, bPhp. 315.00 to Php. 414.00 with a quantity of 10 students (5.32%) have lowest potential ranges out of 282 respondents. Therefore, it concludes that most of the students have potentially purchased snacks costing Php. 114.00 below. 

Table 6 Breakdown of Students’ Purchasing Potential in Peso

Total Average Spending Potential (Total / Total Population) = 124.00 Weekly Average Spending Potential based on Canteen Data = 69.00

Table 6 shows that the maximum of the students will spend 15 to 114 with an average of Php 64.5 in peso per week with 59.57% of the total willing households with 168 total responses. However, based on the weekly sales data from the school canteen of Nasugbu East Senior High School, the average budget for snacks of the students is Php 69.00, as compared to the results of the study the average weekly budget for snack is Php 64.5, which is lower than the canteen data.   

Table 7 Students’ Perception on Affordability of the Product

Likert Scale:                 

1 – 1.74 Strongly Disagree                 

1.75 – 2.49 Disagree                 

2.50 – 3.24 Agree                 

3.25 – 4.00 Strongly Agree

Based on the results of the survey, the first and second products, namely Buffle and Kamote Cubes, received a mean rating of 3.51, interpreted as strongly agree. This suggests that students find the prices of these products affordable. Similarly, the third product, Kamote Cubes (Cheese), received a mean rating of 3.54, also interpreted as strongly agree. This indicates that the price of Kamote Cubes (Cheese) is affordable. Cucumber Juice, the fourth item, garnered a mean rating of 3.35, interpreted as strongly agree which means the price of Kamote Cubes (Cheese) is acceptable. The value meals, such as Buffle and Kamote Cubes (fifth item) and Buffle and Kamote Cubes (Cheese) (sixth item), received mean ratings of 3.34 and 3.37 respectively, interpreted as strongly agree which signifies the affordability of the products. The seventh item, Buffle and Cucumber Juice, received a mean rating of 3.35 which interpreted as strongly agree. This basically means that the price of Buffle and Cucumber Juice is affordable. In addition, Kamote Cubes and Cucumber Juice (eighth item) and Kamote Cubes (Cheese) and Cucumber Juice (ninth item) received mean ratings of 3.47 and 3.50 respectively, interpreted as strongly agree which means the students can afford the following products. The tenth and eleventh items, which are Buffle, Kamote Cubes, and Cucumber Juice, and Buffle, Kamote Cubes (Cheese), and Cucumber Juice respectively, received mean ratings of 3.41 and 3.40, both interpreted as strongly agree, suggesting the prices are acceptable. Overall, the survey suggests that students find the products offered by Wa-fall for You within their budgetary reach. 

Table 8 Students’ Perception on Effective Promotional Strategy

Based on the gathered data about the student's perception on effective promotional strategy, the highest preferred promotional strategy which has the quantity of 206 with a percentage of 73.05% is online advertisement. followed by tarpaulin with 47 responses which is equivalent to 16.67%. However, pamphlets only have 29 responses which makes up the 10.28% which appeared to be the least favored option as an effective promotional strategy. Overall, most of the students much preferred online advertising as a promotional strategy.

Conclusion    

The survey results from Nasugbu East Senior High School indicate a student population with moderate weekly allowances below Php 420.00 to Php 739.00, showing a preference for budget-friendly snack choices within the range of Php 30.00 to Php 229.00. The high willingness to purchase products, particularly the favored retail items like Cucumber Juice, Buffle, and Kamote Cubes (Cheese), suggests a promising market reception and potential success for the business. Additionally, the majority of students have the potential to purchase snacks below Php 114.00, indicating affordability. Despite a discrepancy with canteen records, the students' purchasing potential surpasses average spending, and their perception of the products' prices as acceptable aligns well with the business's offerings. Moreover, the strong preference for online advertising underscores the importance of digital marketing channels in effectively reaching and engaging with the student demographic, highlighting a strategic opportunity for promotional success.

Recommendation   

To ensure success in attracting and retaining customers from Nasugbu East Senior High School, businesses like Wa-fall for You should align product pricing with students' allowance ranges, enhancing affordability and accessibility. By focusing on product quality, customer service, and effective marketing strategies, the high willingness to purchase can be converted into actual sales. Offering a diverse range of affordable snack options within the Php 30.00 to Php 229.00 price range can cater to the majority of students, while promoting favored products through targeted marketing campaigns can capitalize on high willingness to purchase. Adjusting pricing strategies to reflect actual spending patterns observed in the canteen data and emphasizing affordability in marketing efforts can further enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, allocating resources towards online advertising channels can effectively reach and engage with the student demographic, maximizing market potential and driving sales for Wa-fall for You.