Community-Based Participatory Research on the Use of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic Bags in Serving Hot Food Among Pares Vendors and Consumers in Barangay Pembo, Taguig City

Abstract

The continued use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, commonly known as labo, for serving hot food presents interconnected concerns involving food safety, environmental sustainability, consumer behavior, and the livelihood of small food vendors. This study focuses on pares vendors and consumers in Barangay Pembo, Taguig City, and adopts a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to develop community-responsive strategies for reducing reliance on LDPE packaging. Rather than treating community members solely as research respondents, the proposed CBPR design positions pares vendors, consumers, barangay officials, health workers, and researchers as collaborative partners throughout the research process. The study will use participatory consultations, co-development and validation of research instruments, quantitative surveys, stakeholder interviews, community dialogue, and collaborative interpretation of findings. Existing findings indicate that economic practicality, convenience, habitual practices, and social acceptability influence the continued use of labo, highlighting the need for interventions that are both health-conscious and economically feasible. Through a participatory action cycle of community assessment, collaborative planning, intervention implementation, reflection, and evaluation, stakeholders will co-design feasible strategies such as food-safety education, alternative packaging initiatives, vendor training, community monitoring, and incentive-based programs. The study aims to strengthen community ownership, support evidence-based decision-making, and develop sustainable practices that protect food safety and environmental health while recognizing the realities of local vendors and consumers.