Readiness on Modernization of the Virac Public Market in Catanduanes: A Case Study

Authors

  • Rosemarie M. Lao University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19269530

Keywords:

Governance and Management Systems, Market-Driven Modernization Framework, Modernization Readiness, Public Market Modernization

Abstract

Public markets play a vital role in local trade and community livelihoods; however, the aging infrastructure of the Virac Public Market and increasing competition from modern retail establishments necessitate an evaluation of its readiness for modernization. This study assessed the readiness of the Virac Public Market in Catanduanes for modernization by examining its governance and management systems, level of readiness across key dimensions, and the hindering factors and progress toward modernization. The study employed a mixed-methods case study design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Participants included market vendors, market personnel, and local market authorities. Governance and management systems were assessed through documentary reviews of the Annual Investment Program; Market Code; Municipal Revenue Code; General Fund Budget; and Annual Financial Reports, focusing on market administration, policies, rules and regulations, and revenue collection mechanisms. Modernization readiness in terms of infrastructure, technology, workforce capability, and financial resources was measured through survey questionnaires administered to 190 respondents selected through quota sampling. Meanwhile, 26 key informants selected through purposive sampling participated in key informant interviews and focus group discussions to identify the hindering factors and progress toward modernization. Findings revealed that the governance and management systems of the Virac Public Market are generally functional; however, improvements in efficiency and system integration are needed. The market also demonstrates readiness for modernization, with gaps in infrastructure, technological integration, workforce capability, and financial management. Based on these findings, the study proposed the S.I.G.L.A.S. Market-Driven Modernization Framework to strengthen governance, digitalize revenue systems, improve infrastructure, enhance workforce development, and ensure sustainable financial management for long-term market modernization.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Armenakis, A. A., & Harris, S. G. (2009). Reflections: Our Journey in Organizational Change Research and Practice. Journal of Change Management, 9(2), 127–142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14697010902879079

Barney, J. B. (2012). Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Sustained Competitive Advantage: The Relevance of Resource-based Theory. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 48(2), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-493X.2012.03265.x

Bentley, A. (2016). Modern public markets: The evolution of community marketplaces in the United States. Urban Land Institute. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/mrxk3f7c

Bentley, K. J. (2016). Modern Public Market to Revitalize a Small Community. The George Washington University. Retrieved from: https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/concern/gw_etds/9k41zf21s

Cabilatazan, R. A. (2021). Conner Public Market: Status of Operation and Prospects, International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations, ISSN 2348-7585 (Online), Research Publish Journals. Researchpublish.com. https://tinyurl.com/2vuj8naf

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/76s8ce33

Darmawan, D., Nugroho, A., & Wibowo, H. (2015). Revitalization of traditional markets: A strategy to improve competitiveness. Journal of Business and Economics Research, 13(2), 75–84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19030/jber.v13i2.9201

Darmawan, E., Werdiningsih, H., Harani, A. R., & Falah, Y. N. (2015). Public perception on modern design of traditional markets in Semarang city. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), 4(9), 852-855. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/2k8tppjv

De Castro, K. (2021). Bicol Mail. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/pwyn5raa

Fitria, D., Megayanti, T., & Surasetja, I. (2018). A Modern Vibe: The-redesign of Traditional Market. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 288, No. 1, p. 012043). IOP Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/288/1/012043

Gulo, H., & Zebua, D. I. (2025). Analysis of the Influence of Traditional Market and Modern Market Image on Consumer Loyalty (Case Study at Pd Ya'ahowu, Gunungsitoli City). Economic Education Analysis Journal, 14(2), 181-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/eeaj.v14i2.25051

Gutterman, Alan. (2020). Management Systems. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29536.81921

Harsono, B., Lestari, S., & Wijaya, P. (2024). The role of market segmentation and competitive positioning in increasing brand awareness in the Indonesian retail industry. Ilomata International Journal of Management, 5(4), 1390–1412. https://doi.org/10.61194/ijjm.v5i4.1293

Hernandez, A., Lano, D., Torres, J., Magbago, J., & Melo, M. (2025). Customer preferences and level of competitiveness of Calapan city public market vendors. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.2.0401

Isolana, J. B. (2021). Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as an alternative model to public infrastructure development and service delivery: The case of PPP-public markets in the Philippines. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 11(3), 147–162. https://doi.org/10.5296/jpag.v11i3.18213

Khairunnisa, M., & Tjung, L. J. (2019, April). The Development plan of ‘Rusun’integrated modern market (case study: Grogol Market). In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 508, No. 1, p. 012033). IOP Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/508/1/012033

Manegdeg, F. G., Espina, M. A., Dalisay, J. D. E., & Pascual, A. P.

(2019). Public Market Energy Intensity and a Design of an Energy Efficient, Effective, Healthy and Vibrant Public Market Infrastructure. MUHON: A Journal of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and the Designed Environment, Issue 6, pp. 43-54. https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/muhon/article/view/6702

Mendes, Filho, L.; Mayer, VF; Correa, CHW. (2022). Dimensions that influence tourists’ perception of Smart Tourist Destinations. Brazilian Journal of Tourism Research, [sl], v. 16, p. e-2332. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/2d2ubj4j

Nordin, N., Hashim, H., & Zakaria, Z. (2020). Factors influencing market modernization: Lessons from developing countries. International Journal of Business and Society, 21(2), 753–768. Retrieved from: http://www.ijbs.unimas.my/repository/pdf/Vol21-no2-paper10.pdf

Padayao-Rumbaoa, P. V. 2024. “Digital Economy: Awareness and Readiness of Micro-Businesses in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.” IIARI Journal, Vol. 4 No. 1, June 2024. https://tinyurl.com/mr3jd3pt

Philippine Information Agency (2024). BSP’s Paleng-QR Ph program partners with LGUs to promote financial inclusivity. Retrived from: https://tinyurl.com/mtpj5eyr

Prastyawan, A., & Isbandono, P. (2018). The role of local governments in traditional market revitalization. IOP Conference Series: Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 953, 012164. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/953/1/012164

Quimba, F. M. A., Albert, J. R. G., Calizo, S. C. Jr., & Carlos, J. C. T.

2021. “How Ready Are We? Measuring the Philippines’ Readiness for Digital Trade Integration with the Asia-Pacific.” Discussion Paper No. 2021-17, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). https://tinyurl.com/2xu3yar7

Rhodes, R. A. (2000). Governance and public administration. Debating governance, 54, 90. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/019829557X.003.0005

Rostow, W. W. (2013). The stages of economic growth. In Sociological Worlds (pp. 130-134). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203724118

Roxas, F. R. (2024). Vendors’ Perspectives of the Modernization of the Baguio City Public Market: A Descriptive Qualitative Research. Philippine Academy Of Management E-journal, 63. Retrived from: https://tinyurl.com/593yef73

Rukmana, D. (2024). Quota Sampling. In Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (pp. 5805-5807). Cham: Springer International Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2393

Silva, M.; Soaes, J. R.; & Santos, X. (2025). Supply markets: critical literature review. Studies in Social Sciences Review. 6. e14414. 10.54018/sssrv6n1-009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54018/sssrv6n1-009

Tajik, O., Golzar, J., & Noor, S. (2025). Purposive sampling. International Journal of Education and Learning Studies, 2, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijels.2025.490681.1029

Thaha, R., & Galib, W. K. (2022). Analysis of modernization theory in the perspective of Rostow's economic growth theory. Journal of Judikaltura, 1(1), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.61963/jkt.v1i1.24

Villaflor, J. (2021). The New Belison Public Market as the Modern Agora in the Province of Antique. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/36e28ura

Weiner, Bryan J. (2009). A theory of organizational readiness for change. , 4(1), 67–0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-67

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications. Retrieved from: https://tinyurl.com/d4xd869v

Downloads

Published

2026-03-28

How to Cite

Lao, R. (2026). Readiness on Modernization of the Virac Public Market in Catanduanes: A Case Study. International Journal of Education, Research, and Innovation Perspectives, 2(3), 2159-2182. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19269530

Similar Articles

11-20 of 120

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.