BIBLIOGRAPHY BUMITLING, ANTONIA A. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY

BUMITLING, ANTONIA A. APRIL 2011. Process Documentation on the Social and
Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and Processing in the Municipality of Quirino,
Ilocos Sur.

Adviser: Jovita M. Sim, MSc
ABSTRACT

This study confined itself in documenting the social and economic dimensions of
sugarcane production and processing in the municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur. It was conducted
from November, 2010 to January, 2011 at Barangays Malideg, Lamag, Banoen and Patiacan.
Most (13.5%) of the respondents were either from barangay Malideg or from barangay Lamag.
The respondents were 19 sugarcane producers and processors.

The management employed by the respondents was traditional. Renewal and non–
renewal of sugarcane plants were employed by the farmers because of farm landscape or niche.
Most of the activities were done by family members, thus, labor cost is non–cash.

Majority of the respondents were processing in Bangbangkag, Malideg where processing
area for sugarcane in Quirino was first located. Moscuvado (tagapulot) was the main product
because it is used as sweetener, substitute for commercial sugar. The sales they obtained in the
production and processing of sugarcane has a significant contribution in acquiring the daily
needs of the farmers and their family, since all of the respondents have no sources of livelihood
other than farming. The average net income produced by sugarcane farmers with a land area of at

least 50 square meters and above was P21, 419 pesos a year with a return on expense of 2.4%
which means that in every peso spent, a return of P240 pesos is obtained.

The major problems encountered by the respondents in the production of sugarcane were
pests like rats. Limited technology and lack of materials used respectively were the major
problems in processing, while market price and outlets were the common problems in marketing.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1

Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1

Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2

Objective of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2

Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3

Scope and Delimitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4

The Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4

Sugarcane Industry in the Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4

Sugarcane Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5

New Varieties of Sugarcane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
METHODOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8

Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8

Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8

Data Gathering Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9

Data Gathered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9

Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9

RESULT AND DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10

Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10

Sugarcane Production Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12

Labor Utilization and
Cost in Sugarcane Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12

Tools or Farm Implements Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13

Processing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14

Products Processed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15

Marketing Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16

Income Derived from Sugarcane
Production and Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17

Social and Economic Dimensions of
Sugarcane Production and Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18

Problems Encountered in Production,
Processing and Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . .
22

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22

Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23

Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26

A. Communication Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26

B. Interview Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27

C. Photo Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
 

 
 
INTRODUCTION

Rationale
Sugarcane production is one of the sources of livelihood in some barangays in
Quirino, Ilocos Sur. Quirino, a fourth class municipality, is one of the twenty interior
towns of the province of Ilocos Sur. It is bounded on the east by Besao and Tadian, Mt.
Province, on the west by Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur, on the south by Cervantes, Ilocos
Sur, southwest by Sigay, Ilocos Sur, and on the north by Tubo, Abra and San Emilio,
Ilocos Sur. Sugarcane farmers in Quirino make different processed products out of
sugarcane. Commonly, they process it as tagapulot (moscuvado). They also make inti
(sugarcane syrup) and balikutsa (sugar cake which is whitened through stretching it
occasionally). The rejected sugarcane stalks are processed into sugarcane wine (basi) and
eventually as sugarcane vinegar.

Dizon stated in her 2009 report that the taste of basi differs depending on what
fermenting agent or starter culture a basi maker will mix on the juice. In Naguilian, La
Union, they use ‘Chinese cake’ (known as bubod) as a starter culture, while in Ilocos
Norte, Pangasinan, and some part of Ilocos Sur use samak (Macharanga grandifolia
Linn., M. tanarius Linn.) leaves, fruits, and bark. But in Quirino, where samak tree is
unavailable, they use pigeon pea leaves and branches. Furthermore, processors
sometimes put pineapple peelings as additive.

In extracting the juice of sugarcane, the method used is called ‘Dapil’. The one
year old stalks of sugarcane are crushed in an iron rollers attached to a long pole tied to a
carabao that moves around to operate the extractor or to move the rollers. The extracted
juices are accumulated in a ‘sinublan’ (large iron pan) where it is cooked. The bagasse
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
(fibrous part of the sugarcane which is left after extracting the juice) are dried and used as
firewood mixed with dried bamboo.
Moreover, the aim of this study was to document all the processes and practices
involved in sugarcane production and processing done in some barangays in Quirino,
Ilocos Sur. It is hoped that the results of this study wouldl help those sugarcane
processors in the decision making and eventually gave them idea to obtain more
profit in sugarcane production.

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. Where are the sugarcane production areas in Quirino, Ilocos Sur and what are
the production practices?
2. What are the processed products produced from sugarcane? What are the
processing practices?
3. Where are the market outlets?
4. How much cost incurred and income derived from the product?
5. What are the problems encountered in the production and processing of
sugarcane?
Objective of the Study

The study aimed to:
1. Identify the sugarcane production areas in Quirino, Ilocos Sur and the
production practices.
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
2. Determine the processed products out of sugarcane, and the processing
practices done.
3. Identify the market outlets of the processed products.
4. Determine the cost incurred and the income derived from the products.
5. Identify the problems encountered in the production and processing of
sugarcane.
Importance of the Study

This study was conducted to show the processes involved in the production and
processing of sugarcane and also the marketing and distribution of processed products.
The result would serve as a basis for decision making for households or entrepreneurs
who wants to go into this kind of business. It also seeks to provide information needed
for sugarcane growers to meet the demand and requirement of consumers. It
would also serve as basis for other researchers.

Scope and Delimitation
The study confined itself in documenting the social and economic dimensions of
sugarcane production and processing in the sugarcane producing areas in Quirino, Ilocos
Sur.






Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The Crop

Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass of the genus Saccharum (family Poacea, tribe
Andropogoneae). Originally, the genus was created by Linnaeus with 2 species, namely,
S. officinarum(cultivated species) and S. spontaneum (wild species). The noble cane or S.
officinarum is the species referred to when sugarcane is spoken of (PCARRD, 2001). It is
one of the most efficient photosynthesizer in the plant kingdom. It is a C-4 plant, able to
convert up to 2 percent of incident solar energy into biomass (Henderson, 2000).
The most common reproduction method is stem cutting. Each cutting must
contain at least one bud and the cuttings are sometimes hand-planted. In more
technologically advanced countries like the United States and Australia, billet planting is
common. Billets harvested from a mechanical harvester are planted by a machine which
opens and recloses the ground. Once planted, a stand can be harvested several times; after
each harvest, the cane sends up new stalks, called ratoons. Successive harvests give
decreasing yields, eventually justifying replanting. Two to ten harvests may be
possible between plantings (Anonymous, ND.).
Sugarcane Industry in the Philippines

Sugarcane was grown as a subsistence crop in the Philippines long before it was
exported. Nicholas Loney, a British businessman, was the first to recognize its potential
as an export crop. He brought in machinery for sugar production in the 1850s. By the
1860s, Negros Occidental was the leading sugar producing province in the Philippines. It
is on its way to becoming the “sugar bowl of the Philippines” (Henderson, 2000).
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
Early export started by the middle of the eighteenth century when there was more
then enough sugar produced to meet domestic demand. Sugar was exported to China
(1755), India and China (1788), England (1795), and the United States (1756). The
Philippines was the largest exporter of sugar in Asia from 1775 to 1779.
More sugar production was exported during the nineteenth century when large
tracts of land were devoted to the planting of sugarcane in Central Luzon, following the
end of the galleon trade between Mexico and Manila. Wealthy merchants were
encouraged to buy large tracts of land to produce export crops, including sugar, on a
commercial basis. It was also during the period when the focus of production of sugar
began to shift south to the Visayas, with Negros surpassing Luzon as the major source of
Philippine sugar (PCARRD, 2001).
In 2005, about 6 percent of the sugar produced was exported to the United States
under a trade quota system, with 4 percent going to other regions. The rest of the
produced was consumed locally (Anonymous, 2005).

Sugarcane Processing
In commercial sugar making, the cane first goes through a washer, then is cut into
small pieces by revolving knives. The cut pieces may then be shredded or moved to
crushers directly. The crushers consist of two large grooved rollers mounted horizontally,
one above the other. The crushed macerated cane then goes through three or more roller
mills which consist of grooved rollers with heavy hydraulic pressure maintained on the
upper roller. Water, equal to 20 percent, is added before the mixture is passed through
each set of rollers. Efficient mills extract at least 90 percent sugar in the cane.
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
In indigenous method called “dapil”, the sugar sap, without mixing water, is
boiled for eight hours to become sugar. Loads of pine wood or dried bamboo is used as
firewood. In the process, whitish residues called usab are spooned off every now and then
from the surface of the vat and placed in another container. These collected fluids are
locally used by farmers as pesticides. The extract is further boiled which is eventually
placed in coconut bowls which is left to cool off as sugar cakes called inti, or these may
be spread in a winnower (biga-o) and cut in sugar cakes preserved for every use.
Moreover, in making sugarcane wine (basi) the boiled sugarcane extract after three –
hour boiling is placed in jars (charay) for fermentation. A preservative/flavoring called
kalasang is mixed with boiled sugarcane extract (Dizon, 2009).


New Varieties of Sugarcane
According to Sarian (2010), Philsurin has released three new high yielding
sugarcane varieties. PSR 00 – 34 is tall, self-dethrashing and has medium to fairly big
stalks. It is fast growing, resistant to smut and rust diseases, and has a cane yield of 118
tons per hectare. One ton of canes will produce an average of 2.11 50-kilo bags of sugar
or 248.98 bags of sugar each weighing 50 kilos. This variety is recommended for dry
areas. PSR 00-343 is tall with fairly thin to medium, cylindrical, brownish purple stalks.
It has the advantage of very good germination and heavy tillering, resulting in high
tonnage of 120 tons cane per hectare with each ton yielding 2.22 bags of 50 kilos, or a
yield of 266.4 bags of sugar. This is highly resistant to smut and rust and resistant to
yellow spot disease. PSR 00-161 has fairly thin to medium, cylindrical and solid stalks
that tend to recline at harvest time. It exhibits good germination, heavy tillering, fast
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
growth, self detrashing, and sparse flowering characteristics. It has higher sugar yield
over any of the check varieties in 7 out of 12 locations. Yielding 113 tons cane per
hectare, each ton yields 2.24 bags of sugar of 50 kilos each. It is very highly resistant to
rust and moderately resistant to yellow spot disease.





















Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted from November, 2010 to January, 2011 at Barangays
Malideg, Banoen, Lamag and, Patiacan in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur. These
barangays were the major producers of sugarcane in the said municipality.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents were the sugarcane growers and processors of the above
mentioned Barangays who were operating at least 50 square meters or more. There were
19 farmers who belonged to this category, thus they served as the respondents of the
study.

Table 1 shows the distribution of the respondents in terms of Barangay address.
Majority of the respondents were either residents of Malideg or Lamag. Others were from
Banoen and Patiacan. 
Table 1. Distribution of the respondents according to barangay
BARANGAY FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Malideg 6.00
31.50
Lamag 6.00
31.50
Banoen 4.00
21.00
Patiacan 3.00
16.00
TOTAL
19.00
100.00


Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 


 
Data Gathering Procedure
Data were gathered using survey questionnaires. A follow up interview was done
to validate the data. Some of the production and processing practices were documented
using digital camera.

Data Gathered
The data gathered were on the respondents’ personal profile, production and
processing practices, the kinds of product produced, economic data such as cost incurred
and income derived in production and processing, and problems encountered in the
production, processing, and marketing.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed using frequency analysis and other appropriate statistical
tools. Cost and return analysis was used in determining the productivity of the enterprise
in terms of returns to investment or expenses.




RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Respondents of the Study
Table 2 shows the general information about the 19 respondents in terms of age,
civil status, educational attainment, and number of years in operation.
Age. In terms of age, several (37%) fall under the age bracket of 41–50 followed
by 51–60 (32%). The findings imply that the production and processing of sugarcane is
managed by middle aged to senior farmers.
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

10 
 
Civil status. All the respondents were married.
Educational attainment. Majority (68%) of the respondents reached elementary
level while 32% reached high school. None of the respondents have attended any college
course or vocational courses. This implies that the respondents have attended formal
education but none have reached college level.
Number of years in operation. Forty seven percent of the respondents were
engaged in the production and processing of sugarcane for 1–10 years, followed by those
(26%) with 11–20 years. However, it could be noted that 11% were into the said business
for more than 30 years.
The result implies that sugarcane production is not a new enterprise in the area.
The enterprise had started more than 30 years ago. Thus, in terms of experience in
production, the farmers had already the skills and substantial experience, however, the
production and processing technology was still traditional or indigenous practice.



Table 2. Respondents’ personal profile
PARTICULARS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age



30 and below
1
5

31 -40
1
5

41 – 50
7
37

51 – 60
6
32
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

11 
 

61 – 70
3
16

71 & above
1
5
TOTAL
19
100
Civil status



Married
19
100
TOTAL
19
100
Educational attainment



Elementary
13
68

High school
6
32
TOTAL
19
100
Number of years in operation



1 – 10
9
47

11 – 20 years
5
26

21 – 30 years
3
16

31 & above
2
11
TOTAL
19
100
Sugarcane Production Method

Table 3 presents the methods employed by the respondents in the production.
Sugarcane production was done manually by the farmers. Two production methods were
employed depending on the farm landscape or micro niche. Farm areas which are near
the river were suited for renewals because of the abundance of water. On the other hand,
farm areas which are elevated were suitable for non–renewals because area were
unirrigated. The table shows that 68% of the respondents were renewing the sugarcane
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

12 
 
plants while 32% were not. The renewal of sugarcane plants means higher yield and
higher production cost while the non–renewals had a lower cost of production but also
lower yield.

Labor Utilization and Cost in Sugarcane Production
Table 4 shows the labor utilization and cost incurred by the farmers. Hiring of
labor in the production is done only during harvesting where activities or work is so
intense. Others hire during land preparation and planting. Three or 16% of the
respondents said that family labor was utilized in harvesting the sugarcane, while 84%
hired laborers. Since activities on cultural management/crop maintenance require less
labor, then most activities were done by family members. Some farmers do not practice
weeding of sugarcane crops. Moreover, most of the costs incurred were non–cash.

Table 3. Sugarcane production method
METHOD EMPLOYED
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Renew
13
68
Do not renew
6
32
TOTAL 19
100

Table 4. Labor utilization and cost
ACTIVITIES
SOURCE OF LABOR
LABOR COST
Pesos per day
FAMILY
HIRED
F
%
F
%
Land preparation
12
63
1
5
280 – 300
Planting
12
63
1
5
180 – 200
Irrigation
19
100
-
-
-
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

13 
 
Weeding
6
32
-
-
-
Harvesting
3
16
16
84
-
*Multiple response
Tools/Farm Implements Used

In Table 5, majority (79%) of the respondents used indigenous tools in land
preparation such as plow. Farmers who used plow in land preparation have smaller area
cultivated. On the other hand, 21% of the respondents who have wider land areas rented
tractors to ease the work. In irrigation, 68% used watering can, 21% used water pump and
11% used Japanese hose.

Majority (84%) of the respondents rented large iron pan and extractor in
processing. Only 16% owned an extractor with iron pan. Sixty three percent owned jars
that were used in making sugarcane wine and vinegar, and 37% were renting.

The result shows that tools/farm implements used were traditional such as the
plow and watering can for irrigation. This factor would depend on the type of farm
landscape and micro niche and the size of the farm.




Table 5. Tools / implements used by the respondents
TOOLS / IMPLEMENTS
OWNED
RENTED
F
%
F
%
Land preparation




Plow
15
79
-
-
Tractor
-
-
4
21
Irrigation



Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

14 
 
Japanese hose
2
11
-
-
Water pump
4
21
-
-
Watering can
13
68
-
-
Processing



Extractor
3
16
16
84
Large iron pan
3
16
16
84
Jars
12
63
7
37
*Multiple response
Processing Area

Processing areas are where extractors were located. Table 6 presents the
processing areas in Quirino, Ilocos Sur and the number of farmers processing in such
area.
Three of the nine processing areas were located at Barangay Malideg, (2 in
Bangbangkag and 1 in sitio Iteb). Forty seven percent of the respondents were processing
in Bangbangkag and 5% in sitio Iteb. One processing area was located in Patiacan where
16% of the respondents process their products. In Barangay Lamag, there were five
processing areas (3 iron extractors in Naspe, Inaop, and Napose, 1 iron extractor operated
by wind mill in Bangko, and 1 wooden extractor in Lakbongan). Sixteen percent of the
respondents were processing in Bangko, (11%) in Napose, and 5% in Naspi.
Table 6. Location of processing area
BARANGAY/SITIO FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Malideg


Bangbangkag
9
47
Iteb
1
5
Patiacan
3
16
Lamag


Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

15 
 
Napose
5
26
Naspi
3
16
Bangko
3
16
Inaop
4
21
Lakbongan
1
5
*Multiple response
Products Processed

Table 7 shows the products processed by the farmers and the corresponding
prices. All the respondents were producing molasses (tagapulot) for household
consumption and for sale. Twelve or 63% were producing sugarcane wine, 41% for
vinegar, 16% were making sugarcake (balikutsa) and 11% were making sugarcane syrup
(inti). The findings imply that the main product of sugarcane farmers in Quirino was
moscuvado (tagapulot). This is because tagapulot is used as sweetener, substitute for
commercial sugar.
The price of moscuvado (tagapulot) ranged between 60 – 70 pesos per ganta
(approximately 2.5 kg/ganta), 50 – 60 pesos per liter for sugarcane wine and vinegar,
sugarcane syrup (inti) at 35 – 40 pesos per liter and sugarcake at 15 pesos per ¼ kg.


Table 7. Sugarcane processed products and prices
PRODUCTS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
PRICES
Moscuvado (tagapulot)
19
100
P60.00 – 70.00/ganta
Sugarcane wine (Basi)
12
63
P50.00 – 60.00/liter
Sugarcane vinegar
8
42
P50.00 – 60.00/liter
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
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Sugarcane syrup (inti)
2
11
P35.00 – 40.00/liter
Sugarcake (balikutsa)
3
16
P15.00 / ¼ kg

Marketing Practices

The marketing practices in terms of market outlet, classification of buyers, and
mode of payment are presented in Table 8.
Market
outlet. Almost all (95%) of the respondents sell products to walk in
buyers. Only one of the respondents bring his products to sell in the public market.

Classification of buyers. The Table shows that all the respondents sold their
products to individual buyers such as households in the area and neighboring barangays,
and to visitors in the barangay.

Mode of payment. Majority (89%) of the respondents sold their products on cash
basis. Two or 11% exchanged their products to other goods like edible seeds such as
mongo seeds and pigeon peas, and rice especially glutinous rice (malagkit). This explains
why some farmers said that there is no specific amount of profit or no profit at
all in sugarcane production.



Table 8. Marketing practices of the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Market outlet


Walk in buyers
18
95
Public market
1
5
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TOTAL
19
100
Classification of buyers


Individual/households
19
100
TOTAL
19
100
Mode of payment


Cash
17
89
Barter
2
11
TOTAL
19
100

Income Derived from Sugarcane Production
and Processing

The average income derived from sugarcane production and processing is
presented in the cost and return analysis in Table 9. Costs were classified into fixed and
variable costs. Variable costs included cash and non–cash costs. Cash costs were
expenses from wages of labor, and non–cash were the value (opportunity cost) of
planting materials (salog) and the value (opportunity cost) of family labor utilized in the
production. The fixed cost was the depreciation cost of the farm tools/implements,
computed using straight – line method. The average annual gross income is P30, 334.31
pesos. Net income is P21, 419.00. The return on expense is 2.4% which means that in
every peso spent, a return of 240 is obtained. The return on above cash cost P27, 734
pesos. This means that the returns generated from cash spent is P27, 734 pesos. The
returns on non cash cost which is P25, 584 pesos is the returns generated from non cash
spent such as family labor and costs of planting materials.
Table 9. Average annual cost and return analysis of sugarcane producers and processors

in Quirino, Ilocos Sur. (3, 000 – 8, 000 sq. meters)
PARTICULAR AMOUNT
(P)
I. Sales
39, 250
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II. Variable costs
Cash variable cost
Hired labor
2, 600
Non cash variable cost
Family labor
2, 750
Planting materials
2, 000
Sub total
7, 350
III. Fixed costs
Depreciation costs
1, 566
Sub total
1, 566
IV. Total costs
8 ,916
V. Gross income
30, 334
VI. Net income
21, 419
VII. Returns on expenses
240
VIII. Returns on cash expense
824
IX. Returns on above cash cost
27, 734
X. Returns on above non cash cost
25, 584
XI. Returns on above variable cost
22, 984

Social and Economic Dimensions
Though it is not the major source of livelihood in Quirino, Ilocos Sur, sugarcane
production and processing has a significant contribution to the dwellers. Many farmers in
barangay Malideg, Lamag, Banoen and Patiacan were engaged in such business. Farmers
in Malideg and Banoen were utilizing “bangkag” for their production. These areas were
not utilized for rice production (as it is the main product in Quirino) because they were
not irrigated. Moreover, farmers in Lamag and Patiacan utilized sloping areas as
plantation for they were used in kaingin system. These areas are marginal and were not
utilized for high value crop production.
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As the prices of commercial sugarcane products increases, farmers prefer
producing products like sugar for their own consumption to save the money obtained for
other livelihood activities such as rice production, piggery. Hired laborers and sugarcane
farmers could save much from using these products. Instead of spending cash from
buying the commercial sugarcane products, they could just rely on their produce and save
the money for other goods needed by the household.
Also, considering the chemical contents of products, own produce is much safer
because farmers do not mix any chemicals such as phosphoric acid, calcium hydroxide,
and sulfur dioxide to their produce. According to Ament (2009), refined sugar, white or
brown, literally has zero nutritional value – no minerals, no vitamins, no fiber, no
enzymes, no fats – nothing of value for the body. Instead it provides toxic substance to
the body. Some of the health problems related with sugar that Ament stated in his article
is diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer (cancer cells feed on sugar), cataracts, dermatitis,
gallstones, kidney stones, obesity, osteoporosis, and many others. In addition, acetic acid
is mixed with commercial vinegar while the vinegars produced by the farmers in Quirino
were fermented naturally or no chemical was mixed which made them safer for
consumption.
Moreover, moscuvado is important to the dwellers of Quirino, Ilocos Sur
because they are fond of having coffee and cooking sweet foods/snacks such as
“inpidas”, “tinudok”, “tambo – tambo”, and others. The aroma and taste of moscuvado is
better than the refined sugar, thus, consumers prefer using it.
The result implies that several benefits could be derived from this livelihood
activity. The utilization of own produce is much better than purchasing commercially
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produced like white sugar and commercial vinegar which is processed using chemical
additives.
Savings from not purchasing commercial goods is an economic benefit-producing
safe food products for the family and the community.

Problems Encountered in Production, Processing, and Marketing
Production
problems. The most common problem encountered by sugarcane
farmers in the production of sugarcane plants were pests like rats. All the respondents
agreed on this matter. These rats destroyed sugarcane stalks which resulted to poor
quality of sugarcane products and lesser volume of produce. Another identified by
farmers were animals like cow, carabao and horse problem which eat and destroy
sugarcane plants. This was one of the reasons why some sugarcane farmers in barangay
Malideg and Banoen stopped planting sugarcane and preferred planting tobacco. These
animals do not eat tobacco leaves, thus, higher profit is expected. Table 10 also shows
that 37% of the respondents cited natural calamities as one of the problems encountered.
Processing problems. Majority (63%) of the respondents mentioned that lack of
technology was the most common problem in processing. Processing is still done the
traditional or indigenous method. The products vary in quality because farmers depend
only on what they saw others had done and on their own experiences. Eleven or 58% of
the respondents added lack of materials to use as problem and 42% cited the lack of
financial assistance for the improvement of materials used in the processing and
improvement on the quality of products produced.
Marketing
problems. The Table also presents the marketing problems of the
respondents. The problems identified by the respondents include low market price (58%),
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
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no specific market outlet (32%), and limited buyers (16%). In addition, some people,
especially relatives of the farmers asked for the products for free. This resulted to less and
almost no profit gained for the farmers. This was also another reason why some had
stopped planting sugarcane. There was no buyer of raw sugarcane or sugarcane stalks
because there was no sugar plant in the place, unlike in other provinces like Tarlac where
they have the Hacienda Luisita Azucarera as buyer.

Table 10. Problems encountered by the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Production

Pests
19
100
Other animals
11
58
Natural Calamities
7
37
Processing


Limited technology
12
63
Lack of materials used
11
58
Lack of financial assistance
8
42
Marketing


Low market price
11
58
No specific market outlet
6
32
Limited buyers
3
16
*Multiple response




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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary

The study confined itself in documenting the social and economic dimensions of
sugarcane production and processing in barangays Malideg, Lamag, Banoen, and
Patiacan in the municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur. Most (31.5%) of the respondents
were from barangays Malideg and Lamag. It was conducted from November, 2010 to
January, 2011. The respondents were 19 sugarcane producers and processors.

The respondents’ ages were widely distributed. Many (37%) of the respondents
belonged to the age bracket 41–50 years. All were married. As to educational attainment,
majority (68%) reached elementary level while 32% reached high school. Most (47%) of
the respondents were engaged in production and processing of sugarcane for about 1–10
years.

Two production methods were employed by the respondents. Sixty eight percent
were renewing the sugarcane plants while 32% were not. Since most of the activities in
cultural management were done by family members, most labor cost is non–cash. Hiring
of labor in production is done during harvesting where activities are so intense, thus,
majority (84%) of the respondents hired laborers. Five percent of the respondents hire 1
or 2 laborers in land preparation and planting. Except for the extractor and large iron pan,
most of the tools used in production and processing were owned by the farmers. Eighty
four percent of the respondents rented an extractor with iron pan.

Most (47%) of the respondents were processing in Bangbangkag, Malideg. All the
respondents were producing sugarcane (tagapulot) while 63% for sugarcane wine (basi).
Ninety five percent of the respondents sell their products at home to walk in buyers such
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
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as individual households in the area and visitors. Majority (89%) sells their products on
cash basis; some (11%) exchanged their products to other goods like edible seed (mongo,
pigeon pea seeds) and glutinous rice (malagkit).

Considering the prices and chemical contents such as phosphoric acid, calcium
hydroxide, sulfur dioxides, and acetic acid, of commercial products, own produce is more
economical and safer for consumption.

Pests such as rats were the most common production problem encountered by the
farmers. Others include: other animals like cows and horses, and, natural calamities.
Limited technology and lack of materials used, respectively, were the most common
problem in processing, while low market price and limited or no market outlets were the
common problems in marketing.

Conclusions

The following conclusions were drawn based on the findings of the study.

1. Barangay Malideg, Lamag, Banoen, and Patiacan were the sugarcane
production areas in Quirino, Ilocos Sur. Sugarcane production is done in marginal areas,
not suited for high value cash crops.

2. The main product of sugarcane farmers in Quirino were moscuvado
(tagapulot). Other products were sugarcane wine (basi), sugarcane vinegar, sugarcake
(balikutsa), and sugarcane syrup (inti). Indigenous or traditional method of processing is
employed.

3. The only buyers of sugarcane products are household consumers in the area and
visitors or local tourists.
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4. Majority of the cost incurred in production and processing were non cash cost.
Average net income derived was P21, 419 pesos.

5. Pest such as rats is the major problem in sugarcane production. Limited and
lack of technology and seasonality of raw materials used were other problems identified.
The low market price and limited outlets were the major problems in marketing.

Recommendations

1. The municipal government should look for agencies that could render technical
assistance to sugarcane farmers for them to improve the production performance and the
quality of their products. Moreover, the government should support such livelihood as a
way of promoting production of safe foods, assist in market link and promote the product
to invite buyers as a way to encourage production.

2. The farmers should develop packaging materials for their products for them to
attract more buyers and place a higher value to their produce. A market outlet for
sugarcane products should be designated in the municipal public market.







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LITERATURE CITED
AMENT, M. 2009. The most toxic food you can eat. Retrieved March 20, 2011 from
http://healingvibes.com/healing
articles/the-most-toxic-food-you-can-eat/
ANONYMOUS. 2005. Philippines joins sugar export market. Retrieved August 5, 2010

from ap-foodtechnology.com/Industry-drivers
ANONYMOUS. ND. Sugarcane. Retrieved July 12, 2010 from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

sugar cane -108k
DIZON, G.P. 2009. Sugarcane wine making in Mainit. Retrieved July 12, 2010 from

http://lang

ayfestival.blogspot.com/2009/10/sugarcane-wine-making in Mainit
HENDERSON, C. 2000. Sugar cane, sugar cane, wherefore art thou? Retrieved July 22,

2010 from www.apmforum.com/columns/orientseas17.htm.
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (PCAFNRRD). 2001. The

Philippine Recommends for Sugarcane Production. Pp. 1, 5, 6, 8, 10
SARIAN, Z.B. 2010. Time to invest in sugarcane. Retrieved August 5, 2010 from
www.mb.com.ph/articles/238654/time-invest-sugarcane




















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APPENDICES


APPENDIX A
Communication Letter
November, 2010


Sir/Madam,

Warm
greetings!


I am a graduating student of Benguet State Unversity taking up Bachelor of
Science in Agribusiness major in Enterprise Management. As part of the course
requirement, I am presently conducting an undergraduate research study entitled
“PROCESS DOCUMENTATION ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS
OF SUGARCANE PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
QUIRINO, ILOCOS SUR”.


In connection with this, may I ask you to fill up or answer the questionnaire made
for this purpose? Rest assured that all the information you will provide will be treated
with outmost confidentiality. Your favorable approval is highly appreciated.


Thank you for your kindness and cooperation. May God bless you!





Sincerely yours,

ANTONIA A. BUMITLING




Noted by:






JOVITA M. SIM









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APPENDIX B
Interview Schedule

Name: _____________________________ Age: ______ Civil Status: _______________
Barangay Address: ________________________________________________________
What sugarcane livelihood? Please check the box.
Sugarcane Producer Sugarcane Grower and Processor

Sugarcane Processor
A. Production
1. Do you own the land? ( ) Yes ( ) No If no, how much cost do you incur in using
the land? ______________ (rent per year).
2. Total farm area ____________
3. Total area devoted for sugarcane production ______________________________
4. What are the production practices and the labor costs you incurred in every cropping year
for sugarcane? Please check the practices done and fill up the table.
Activities/practices
Manhours / Mandays
Labor cost per MH/MD

Family
Hired
Machine
Family
Hired
Machine
1. Land






preparation:
( ) weeding






( ) plowing






( ) others






2. Planting






3. Irrigation






4. Fertilizer






application
5. Weeding






6. Harvesting:






( ) Top cutting





(Ponglaw)
( ) Stem cutting






(Tabas)
( ) others






7. other activities,






specify
a.






b.






c.






d.








5. Tools and Equipments used (Please state by filling the table below)
Item
Quantity
Year Bought
Unit cost
Life span
1. Land




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preparation
tools /
equipments:
( )




tractor
( ) plow




( )




others, Specify
a.




b.




2. Planting




tools /
equipments:
( )




planting
machine
( )




others, specify
a.




b.




3.Irrigation




implements:
( )




Japanese Hose
( ) water



pump
( )




others, specify
a.




b.




4. Processing




tools and
equipments:
( ) Large iron




pan
( ) others,




specify
a.




b.




c.










B. Processing
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1. Where is your processing area? _______________________________________

2. What sugarcane products do you process?
Product
Quantity per time
Price per unit
a.


b.


c.


d.


e.


f.


g.


h.


i.


j.





C. Marketing
1. Who are the buyers?
Products
Mar3ket Outlet
Classification of Buyers
a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

j.

k.


2. What are the problems you encountered in the production?
Problems




Reasons:
_____
Natural
calamities

( ) Typhoons

__________________________________________

( ) Drought


__________________________________________

( )others, specify

__________________________________________
_____________________ __________________________________________
_____ Lack of irrigation
__________________________________________
_____ Lack of technology

__________________________________________
_____ others, specify

__________________________________________
_____________________ __________________________________________

3. What are your suggestions in solving these problems?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
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______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

4. What are the problems you encountered in the processing?
Problems




Reasons:
_____ Lack of technology

____________________________________________
_____ Lack of materials used ____________________________________________
_____ Availability of financing ____________________________________________
_____ Others, specify _______
__________________________________________
_________________________

5. What solutions do you suggest for theses problems?
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________

6. What are the problems you encountered in marketing?
Problems





Reasons:
_____ Low market price

__________________________________________
_____ Lack of financial assistance __________________________________________
_____ Limited buyers
__________________________________________
_____ Competition among farmers __________________________________________
_____ Distance to market center __________________________________________
_____ Others, specify
__________________________________________
__________________________


7. What are your suggestions in solving these problems?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________







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APPENDIX C
Photo Documentation

Planting Materials called “Salog” (Sugarcane tops). These are soaked
first in water for several days until roots will sprout before planting.


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Sugarcane planted in a “bangkag” located in Malideg, Quirino, Ilocos Sur

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Sugarcane plantation in Lamag, Quirino, Ilocos Sur.

Harvesting of sugarcane
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Sugarcane plantation. Canes were already harvested. Canes were not
replanted, thus, ratoons (new stalks) were left for the next harvest.

Iron extractor operated by a carabao
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An iron extractor located in Napose, Lamag, Quirino, Ilocos Sur operated by
a Carabao.

“Anawang” – where the extracted juices of sugarcane were cooked.
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An iron extractor operated/run by wind mill. Located at Bangko, Lamag,
Quirino, Ilocos Sur

“Java” variety of sugarcane
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Farmers in Quirino call this variety of sugarcane as “Hawaiian”.


Extracted sugarcane juice.
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Sugarcane juice placed in a “sinublan” (large iron pan) ready to be cooked.



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Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

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Moscuvado ready for drying
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

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Dried moscuvado sugar
 
Process Documentation on the Social and Economic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and
Processing in the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur / Antonia A. Bumitling 2011 

Document Outline

  • Process Documentation on the Social andEconomic Dimensions of Sugarcane Production and Processing in the Municipality of Quirino,Ilocos Sur
    • BIBLIOGRAPHY
    • ABSTRACT
    • TABLE OF CONTENTS
    • INTRODUCTION
    • REVIEW OF LITERATURE
    • METHODOLOGY
    • SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
    • LITERATURE CITED
    • APPENDICES