Archipelago on Lockdown: An Assessment of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Philippines’ Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Across the Food Value Chain

Authors

Remund Jordan D. Labios, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow
Dinah Pura T. Depositario, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow
Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow
Renen Szillardo C. De Guzman, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), College of Economics and Management (CEM), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow
Dia Noelle F. Velasco, Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), College of Economics and Management (CEM) University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Follow

Publication Date

7-1-2021

Abstract

The paper examined the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the Philippines’ MSMEs across the food value chain and the strategies that food-based MSMEs employed to cope with disruptions. A food value chain framework was used to
analyze the food-based MSMEs, focusing on the input and service provision, production/farming, processing, transport and storage, retailing, and consumption. Results revealed the following: (1) different quarantine protocols across provincial and local boundaries contributed to the complexity of transporting inputs and products; (2) limited mobility of manpower contributed to the challenges of continuing business operations; (3) there was an observed increase in new financing programs and training efforts both from government and private institutions to support MSMEs; and (4) limited mobility spurred the demand for e-commerce and the use of digital technology to address supply chain constraints. Strategies that could improve system-wide adaptiveness and viability during disruptions across the food value chain were also recommended.

Recommended Citation

Labios, Remund Jordan D.; Depositario, Dinah Pura T.; Manipol, Nohreen Ethel P.; De Guzman, Renen Szillardo C.; and Velasco, Dia Noelle F. (2021) "Archipelago on Lockdown: An Assessment of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Philippines’ Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Across the Food Value Chain," Journal of Economics, Management and Agricultural Development: Vol. 7: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/jemad/vol7/iss1/3