An Exploratory Study on Consumer Xenocentrism in Abaca Local Market in Camalig, Albay

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Socio-Economic and Political Landscape (SPL)

School Name

Mary's Child Science Oriented School

Track or Strand

Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Loria, Alyanne, J.

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Philippe Jones Lhullier Conference Room, 14th floor, Henry Sy Building

Abstract/Executive Summary

Abaca is one of the country’s significant natural resources, valued for its strength and durability, as well as its cultural, environmental, and economic significance. This significance led to the rise of abaca businesses in the local market, especially in Camalig, Albay, a municipality known for the high production of abaca products. However, the rise of imported products has posed challenges to these businesses. This study explored the influence of consumer xenocentrism—the tendency of consumers to prefer foreign-made products over domestic goods—on the purchasing behavior of consumers aged 20 years and above in Camalig. It examined the challenges encountered by abaca businesses, their coping mechanisms, and the strategies to mitigate xenocentric preferences. Using a mixed-method approach, quantitative data were collected from 381 consumers through a survey questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with ten abaca sellers. Quantitative results revealed that respondents generally disagreed with admiring foreign-made products and rejecting locally produced abaca products; having no significant difference between the two variables, but showing a high positive correlation. In contrast, qualitative findings showed that abaca sellers experience implicit consumer xenocentrism since they feel that consumers favor imported alternatives more. This means that while consumers express positive attitudes toward local abaca products, discrepancies exist between stated perceptions and actual purchasing behavior. To address this issue, it requires strengthened coping strategies, product visibility, and collaboration with the government to reinforce the competitiveness of locally produced abaca goods in the market.

Keywords

abaca; consumer xenocentrism; preferences; challenges; competitiveness

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 23rd, 1:30 PM Jun 23rd, 3:00 PM

An Exploratory Study on Consumer Xenocentrism in Abaca Local Market in Camalig, Albay

Abaca is one of the country’s significant natural resources, valued for its strength and durability, as well as its cultural, environmental, and economic significance. This significance led to the rise of abaca businesses in the local market, especially in Camalig, Albay, a municipality known for the high production of abaca products. However, the rise of imported products has posed challenges to these businesses. This study explored the influence of consumer xenocentrism—the tendency of consumers to prefer foreign-made products over domestic goods—on the purchasing behavior of consumers aged 20 years and above in Camalig. It examined the challenges encountered by abaca businesses, their coping mechanisms, and the strategies to mitigate xenocentric preferences. Using a mixed-method approach, quantitative data were collected from 381 consumers through a survey questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with ten abaca sellers. Quantitative results revealed that respondents generally disagreed with admiring foreign-made products and rejecting locally produced abaca products; having no significant difference between the two variables, but showing a high positive correlation. In contrast, qualitative findings showed that abaca sellers experience implicit consumer xenocentrism since they feel that consumers favor imported alternatives more. This means that while consumers express positive attitudes toward local abaca products, discrepancies exist between stated perceptions and actual purchasing behavior. To address this issue, it requires strengthened coping strategies, product visibility, and collaboration with the government to reinforce the competitiveness of locally produced abaca goods in the market.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_SPL/12