THE MANPOWER STATUS OF BURI WEAVERS IN SAN JUAN, ILOCOS SUR

THE MANPOWER STATUS OF BURI WEAVERS IN SAN JUAN, ILOCOS SUR

A Research Paper

Presented toThe Faculty of the College of Business Administration and

AccountancyUniversity of Northern Philippines

Vigan City

In Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Carol Jane A. GuillermoMariane Mae S. MatuteJhanine P. ObreroMary Rose B. ViteMichelle V. Vite

BSBA 2-G

1

March 2015DEDICATION

To our friends, who were our constant companions

when we were away from home,

who never left us through thick and thin,

this work to you we proudly dedicate.

To our loving parents, who have been our source of inspiration

for their unending love and support,

we proclaim our sincerest gratitude

and also, this work we dedicate to you.

And for the Creator Who made everything possible

Divine guidance and wisdom to us He gave

what we exactly needed for the accomplishment of this project,

This paper, to you God, we humbly dedicate.

2

Carol MarianeJhanine

Mary RoseMichelle

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

I. THE PROBLEM

Introduction…………………………………………………………………….. 5

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………. 6

Scope of the Study……………………………………………………………... 7

Significance of the Study………………………………………………………. 7

Importance of the Study………………………………………………………... 7

Operational Definitions of Terms……………………………………………… 8

Assumptions……………………………………………………………………. 8

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………… 9

History of Buri…………………………………………………………………. 10

3

III. METHODOLOGY

Population of the Study………………………………………………………… 12

Research Instrument……………………………………………………………. 12

IV. PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION, AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Profile of the Respondents……………………………………………………… 13

Manpower Status of the Weavers………………………………………………. 14

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary……………………………………………………………………….. 17

Findings………………………………………………………………………… 17

Conclusions…………………………………………………………………….. 18

Recommendations……………………………………………………………. 18

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………….. 19

APPENDICES

A. Research Instrument…………………………………………………… 20

B. Documentation…………………………………………………………. 22

4

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

Business plays a vital role in people’s lives and country’s

economy. It concerns about producing or selling goods and

providing services using available resources, whereby the wants

5

and needs of the public is being sustained and usually put up for

the hope of earning money or profit. Business is important for it

provides the goods and services needed by the people, creates job

opportunities for employment, and helps the government raises its

revenues. For the business to run successfully one important

factor is manpower.

According to Berger, manpower refers to the total supply of

people available or currently working on a specific job or task.

Having adequate manpower is an important component in the success

of such business.

The kinds of business that need manpower are commerce,

industry, and even some business services. Manpower plays a

pivotal role in any business venture. However, there are some

instances wherein the importance of manpower in such business is

not achieved. According to Joseph, the factors that affect the

manpower are: (1) organizational structure; (2) location; (3)

expansion; (4) outsourcing; (5) business conditions; (6) employee

retention. Manpower shortages can result in production

shortfalls.

6

The municipality of San Juan is home to industries and

creative people. The availability of abundant resources

particularly “buri” enabled the people to produce woven items for

their personal use from the pulp of the tree. Buri palm is a

genus of six species of palms native to India, Malaysia, New

Guneia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are fan palms with

leaves with a long petiole terminating in a rounded fan of

numerous leaflets. Buri is abundant in San Juan and “buri”

weaving is traditional industry in the town. It is a source of

livelihood for most of residents especially women and out of

school youth. The people of San Juan were using “buri” for making

coin purses, pen holders, window blinds, attaché cases, table

accessories, desk organizers, placemats, folders, hats, boxes,

and other novelty items. It can be easily dyed and woven into

many shapes. Due to the up growing demand of “buri” products,

lack of weavers had become the problem.

With the observation made, the student researchers wished to

pursue a study that would help the manpower status of “buri”

weavers in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. They believe that manpower is an

important factor in such business. Therefore, this research would7

give them adequate information that would help them in

formulating solutions for the betterment more so expansion of

their business.

In order to help them, the student researchers formulated a

survey form. This survey form served as a tool in gathering

essential information. Thus, it was used in the study and was

verified and validated. As a matter of fact, they also emphasized

the importance of manpower in business. To support this idea,

according to Thibodeaux, manpower is important in terms of

productivity, safety, options and innovations, costumer relations

and finance, and accountability.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers would like to find out the manpower status

of “buri” weavers in San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following:

1. What is the profile of “buri” weavers in terms of the

following:

1.1 Personal Profile

1.1.1 Age

8

1.1.2 Status

1.1.3 Educational Attainment

2. Manpower status of weavers

Scope of the Study

The scope of this study focuses on determining the manpower

status of “buri” weavers in San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Significance of the Study

This research will undertake to provide contributors in

solving the problem which is the manpower status of “buri”

weavers in San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Results and findings of this endeavor would also find

benefits to the following groups:

Weavers. The results of this study would benefit the weavers

to help them lessen their workload and to meet the orders without

rushing.

Businessmen. This study will provide a better service to

satisfy the customer’s wants and needs for “buri” products. It

can also help businessmen to earn more profit which they can used

to widen up or expand their “buri” business.

9

Researchers. This study will enhance the research skills and

develop their capabilities in terms of venturing a business.

Importance of the Study

This study would be able to help the middlemen/sellers and

suppliers in sustaining the up growing demand of buri products

from San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Operational Definitions of Terms

The following terms are defined as they were used in the

study:

Buri (scientific name Corypha Elata). This is a type of fan palm

and like all corypha species will only flower during the end of

its matured life. After producing thousands or up to a million

flowers, which will turn into seeds, it will die.

Manpower. This refers to a power available from or supplied

by the physical effort of human being.

Assumptions

10

In the conduct of this study, the student researchers were

guided by the following assumptions:

1. The number of full-time and part-time weavers is measurable.

2. The subjects’ responses to the survey are true measure of

their status.

3. The instrument is valid and reliable.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Theoretical Framework

11

The following related literatures were viewed by the student

researchers to gain insights in the conceptualization and conduct

of the study.

Businesses help the economy grow through innovations of

various sorts. No market economy can thrive without business.

Business has been defined as an organization of the people with

varied skills, which uses the property or talents, to produce

goods and services, which can be sold to others for more than

their costs. Or it may be considered by those who seek to make a

profit. Business also includes any lawful activity carried on

continuously, which involves buying and selling, or

manufacturing, or the rendering of a service for money. Business,

like life, has limited resources and space. It also has

competition. Business practices can evolve, allowing practices

that benefit the business to survive and those that lose them

money to go away.

On Manpower

Manpower refers to the number of people working or available

for work or service. According to Thibodeaux, there are some

12

importance of manpower: (1) the more people are available to

work, the faster projects can be completed or the more projects a

company can take on; (2) a good level of manpower thus helps

prevent problems such as burnout and injury; (3) when the level

of manpower in a company is adequate, the business has more

options in how it operates; (4) Good manpower allows companies to

keep the production and delivery promises they make and can

establish and maintain good client relationships; (5) If there is

a large amount of manpower in a company, employees are better

able to band together and lobby for fair treatment, thus,

manpower is an essential tool for keeping companies accountable.

Aside from this, there are also advantages and disadvantages of

manpower.

The advantages of enough manpower are: (1) increases

productivity; (2) ensure the survival and growth of the

organization; (3) improve the quality and quantity of work; (4)

increase the number of clients as the employees deliver quality

work on schedule; (5) increase the profit of the organization due

to quality services. In contrast, the disadvantages of

13

insufficient manpower are: (1) low productivity; (2) inability to

meet the need of customers.

History of Buri

The Philippines is endowed with different abundant natural

resources. In such province like Ilocos Sur specifically in the

town of San Juan, there grows many kinds of crops. One of this is

the so-called “Century Plant” or “buri” because it only bears

fruit after 100 years. In terms of industrial and economic

importance, “buri” is one of the most important palm which is the

largest palm found in the Philippines. The “buri” leaf is the

most versatile material used in handicraft industry.

It was in 19th century when the people of San Juan came to

know about that “buri” or “silag” in their vernacular can be made

into useful items like mats and hats. These items are intended

only for their personal use and weaving is just their past time.

But as time passed by, they realized that this can be their

source of livelihood, and “buri” weaving can finance their daily

needs. Generations had passed, the development of “buri” crafts

came to existence, new items were produced and designs were

14

improved. The production of “buri” crafts tend to increase and

other designs and items were formed like bags, fashion hats,

fans, place mats, wine bags, packaging of soaps, table

accessories, pen holders, coin purses, and other novelty items.

In 2003, with the technical assistance of Department of

Trade and Industry (DTI), the “buri” strips were dyed with

different colors. It was on 2004 when former President Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyo pro launched “One Town One Product” (OTOP) which

made “buri” as the official product of San Juan registered under

OTOP. Through trade fairs and exhibitions, the finished products

are brought in Heritage Village in Vigan City, Manila, La Union,

Ilocos Norte, Boracay, and even reach abroad through indirect

exporting.

15

Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

Population of the Study

The “buri” weavers in San Juan, Ilocos Sur were the subjects

of the study. There are twenty (20) weavers involved in the

study.

Research Instrument

The data-gathering instrument was survey questionnaire form

which focused on manpower status of “buri” weavers. The weavers

were asked about the number of years they were engaged in weaving

16

and their age bracket. The same instrument was used to determine

the full-time and part-time weavers, the characteristics needed

in weaving, how they learnt weaving, activities in weaving they

are involved in, the trainings they attended, and if they want to

undergo trainings or workshops.

Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

Profile of the Respondents

17

Table 1 shows the profile of the weavers according to their

age, status, and educational attainment.

Table 1

Respondents Age Status EducationalAttainment

1 54 Married High School Undergrad.

2 55 Married Elementary Graduate

3 60 Widowed College Undergraduate

4 16 Single High School Student

5 44 Married High School Graduate

6 20 Single College Student7 49 Married College Graduate8 57 Single Elementary

Graduate9 54 Single Elementary

Graduate10 87 Married Elementary

Undergrad.11 50 Single College Graduate12 47 Married College Graduate13 51 Married College

Undergraduate14 60 Widowed Elementary

Graduate15 52 Single Elementary

Graduate16 62 Single Elementary

Graduate17 32 Single College Graduate18 50 Married Elementary

Graduate19 45 Married Elementary

18

Graduate20 57 Widowed High School

Graduate

Table 1 shows the profile of the students according to their

age, status, and educational attainment. In terms of their

status, there are eight (8) Single, nine (9) Married, and three

(3) Widowed. In terms of their educational attainment, there are

eight (8) weavers who are elementary graduate, one (1) elementary

undergraduate, one (1) high school undergraduate, two (2) high

school graduate, one (1) high school student, two (2) college

undergraduate, four (4) college graduate, and one (1) college

student.

Manpower Status of Weavers

Table 2 shows the manpower status of the weavers according

to their working status, trainings attended, how they learnt

weaving, and the activities in weaving they are involved in.

Table 2

Respondents

Part-timeWeaver

Full-timeWeaver

Weaversattendedtraining

s

Weaversdon’t wantto undergotrainings

How didthey learntweaving?

What activitiesin weaving theyare involved

in?1 Family

Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Trade Fairs, Designing

2 Family Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

3 Family Occupation & Own

Weaving

4 Family Occupation &

Weaving

5 Family Weaving

19

Occupation & Own

6 Family Occupation& Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Middlemen, Trade Fairs, Designing

7 Own Weaving8 Family

Occupation & Own

Weaving

9 Own Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

10 Own Dyeing, Weaving11 Family

Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving

12 Family Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Lining, Middlemen,Trade Fairs, Designing

13 Family Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

14 Own Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

15 Family Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

16 Family Occupation & Own

Dyeing, Weaving, Designing

17 Family Occupation

Dyeing, Weaving, Middlemen, Trade Fairs, Designing

18 Own Dyeing, Weaving19 After

MarriageDyeing, Weaving, Designing

20 Family Occupation

Dyeing, Weaving, Trade Fairs, Designing

20

Figure 1

Working Status of Weavers

Part-time WeaversFull-time Weavers

The graph shows the percentage of part-time and full-time

weavers. 45% of weavers are part-time and 55% of them are full-

time.

Figure 2

21

Trainings Attended by Weavers

Weavers attended trainingsWeavers don't want to undergo trainings

The graph shows the percentage of weavers who attended trainings.

There are 30% of weavers who attended trainings and 70% of them don’t

want to undergo trainings.

Figure 3

0

5

10

15

20 How did they learn weaving?

OwnAfter MarriageTraining

The graph shows that:

22

o 14 out of 20 of them learned weaving because it’s theirfamily occupation;

o 1 out of 20 of them learned weaving after weaving;o none of them learned weaving through training from LGU;o 16 out of 20 of them learned weaving o their own, using

their skills and experience.Figure 4

DyeingWeavingLining

MiddlemenMarketingDesigning

0 5 10 15 20 25

Activities In Weaving They Are Involved In Dyeing

WeavingLiningMiddlemenMarketingDesigning

The graph shows that 15 out of the 20 respondents are

involved in dyeing “buri” strips; all of them are involved in

weaving different styles of “buri” products; 1 out of 20

respondents are involved in lining; 3 out of 20 respondents are

in charge in selling and dealing with the customers; 5 out 20

respondents are joining trade fairs; and, 12 out of 20

respondents are involved in designing “buri” crafts.

Chapter V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

23

This study focused on the manpower status of “buri” weavers

in San Juan, Ilocos Sur in order to sustain the growing demand of

“buri” products.

The Survey Questionnaire form was used in this study. An 8-

item questionnaire was used to determine the percentage of part-

time and full-time weaver, how they learned weaving, how long

they have been weaving, the characteristics needed in weaving,

those who had attended training and those who are willing to

undergo workshop.

Findings

The findings of this study are summarized as follows:

1. According to the respondents, the characteristics they must

possess are patience and being artistic. Weavers also need

to manage their time most especially to those part-time

weavers.

2. The respondents learned weaving through their experience by

watching their parents or relatives making “buri” crafts and

also because this is their family occupation.

24

3. Fifty five percent (55%) of the weavers are full-time

because it is their primary source of income.

4. The top three activities in weaving they are involved in

are dyeing, weaving, and designing.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers conclude

that there is a need for additional weavers and proper manpower

planning to sustain the up growing demand of “buri” products in

San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Recommendations

Based on the conclusion of the study, the following

recommendations are proposed:

1. The LGU should give benefits to the weavers.

2. The pioneer weavers should encourage youth to join

trainings/workshops in weaving.

3. The researchers recommend that “buri” weavers in different

barangays should develop more their skills since some of

them are only engaged in weaving.

25

REFERENCES

A. BOOKS

Garcia, R. et. al., 1994. Business Organization and Management:R. M. Garcia Publishing House, pp. 6.

B. WEBLIOGRAPHY

Thibodeaux, W. (Demand Media) “The Importance of CompanyManpower”, Retrieved on February 28, 2015http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-company-manpower-

23763.html

26

Joseph, C. (Demand Media) “Factors Affecting Manpower”, Retrievedon March 1, 2015 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/factors-affecting-manpower-3943.html

Amitabh Shukla (2009) Business: “The role of Manpower inBusiness”, Retrieved on February 28, 2015http://www.paggu.com/business/the-role-of-manpower-in-business/

APPENDIX ARESEARCH INSTRUMENT

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

27

Name (Optional):

_____________________________________________________

Address:

_________________________________________________________

____

Age: ________

Education:

_________________________________________________________

__

Status: _________

II. WORK INFORMATION

1. Are you a part-time weaver?

__Yes __No

2. How have you learnt weaving?

__ Family Occupation

__After marriage

__Training

__Own

Others:________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________

3. How old are you when you started weaving?

___________________________________

28

4. How long have you been working?

___________________________________

5. What do you think are the characteristics needed of a

weaver in this kind of work?

____________________________________

____________________________________

6. Which activities in weaving are you involved in?

___ Dyeing “buri” strips

___ Weaving

___ Lining

___ Middleman

___ Marketing/exhibition/trade fairs

___ Designing

7. Did you attend any training-workshop related to weaving? If yes, kindly specify.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ 8. If none, do you want to undergo trainings and

workshops?

__________________________________________________________________

29

__________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX B

DOCUMENTATION

30

31

Mariane taking the interview to Mr. Esrom Asuncion,President, Weavers Association, about the current status

Mary Rose and Carol while taking the interview to theweaver in Brgy. Bannuar during the conduct of the

32

The researchers together with the weaver in Brgy. Bannuar shows some of the finished products.

The two middlemen display the finished “buri”products during the Kannawidan Trade Fair.