Documenting baye-baye as kakanin in selected town in Iloilo

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of Baye-Baye makers and vendors in the different towns in Iloilo, regarding different ingredients, methods and it’s significance in the community. This study specifically aimed to determine the perceptions of different ingredients, methods, and if s significance in making baye-baye as baye-baye makers and vendors in their town. The qualitative research design was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to select 12 respondents who are baye-baye makers and vendors in Santa Barbara, Pavia and Miag-ao with at least 10 years of experience. The study’s instrument was a semi-structured interview in which participants were asked open-ended questions. The study also utilized Focus Group Discussions in delving into their respective answers. The results showed that the most challenging problems the respondents have faced in business are financial and economic challenges, climate change, and personal reasons. Makers/Vendors have been financially challenged to sustain their businesses as prices have increased. Extreme heat made the products spoil easily thus increasing their prices. Furthermore, it is physically demanding because most vendors are elderly and cannot produce as much baye-baye as they used to. Government intervention has also helped these vendors promote their products. Nevertheless the innovation of products, increased government intervention, and production promotion should be strengthened not just for the baye-baye products and also for other kakanins in the long run around the Iloilo province.