Analysis of the contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development in Luisiana, Laguna, Philippines

The study aimed to analyze the perceived degree of contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development in the municipality of Luisiana, Laguna. Specifically, it aimed to: 1) describe the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the pandan weaver-respondents, their behavioral characteristic and the community resource characteristics in relation to the pandan handicraft industry; 2) determine the production and management characteristics of the pandan weaver-respondents; 3) determine the perceived degree of contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development as measured in terms of social, economic and ecological dimensions at the household and community levels among weavers; 4) analyze the relationships among variables and production and management characteristics and its perceived degree of contribution to the community economic development at the household and community levels in the context of their social, economic and ecological conditions; 5) identify the factors that influence the production and management characteristics of the pandan handicraft industry; and 6) determine the factors related to the perceived degree of contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development in the dimensions of social, economic and ecological at the household and community levels. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were done using the survey research method with a sampling frame of 104 respondents from household members engaged in pandan weaving in the town of Luisiana. The significant factors of the perceived degree of contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development in the dimensions of social, economic and ecological at household and community levels were income from weaving, type of land ownership, skill, linkages, source of raw materials, involvement of mother, management system and attitude towards the pandan handicraft industry. Results of the study revealed that the contribution of the pandan handicraft industry to community economic development was low. This can be attributed to a confluence of factors such as poor production and management system, poor marketing system, inadequate knowledge and technical skills on the adoption of new technology, weak linkages with government agencies and private entities, and inadequate technical, institutional and financial support. Hence, further support is needed to provide a self-sustaining community and enhance the potentials and growth of the pandan handicraft industry.