Social and Economic Needs and Contributions of the Citrus Industry in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Abstract

Using mixed methods, this study profiled the key actors of the citrus industry and ascertained the industry’s social and economic needs and contributions in Nueva Vizcaya. Findings revealed that the citrus actors’ work classification is diverse. They comprised plantation owners, farmers and traders who have sufficient years of experience in the industry. The top-most distributed products consist of Satsuma, Ponkan and Szinkom oranges. They distribute the citrus products in the province and in other regions but very few of them export abroad. On social needs, most informants desire to sustain their literacy and training as it is a way to enhance their knowledge and competencies. The distribution of personal protective gears, medicine aids, hospitalization benefit and regular safety inspection make them more secure and safe. Accordingly, the industry has a socializing effect since it offers them and family members employment opportunities and creates in them greater social value in performing their functions. Along economic needs, the key players are optimistic about current public utilities but are still in need of internet service, sanitation for safety purposes, regular waste management, sanitation, environment-friendly and sustainable farming, withholding and filing of their taxes, purchase of health and safety materials, investment on juice processing, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as making accessible the trade centers, creating more spacious trade centers, more fruit stalls and processing centers as these could help sustain the industry. Most participants claimed that the industry has helped them economically in the form of stable incomes, additional source of income, a non-hazardous work environment and health benefits. The identified gaps were varied and multifarious. They emanated from the research participants’ work-related demographics and social and economic needs.