Sweetened Paragis, A Developmental Research PDF

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MacArthur Highway, Lucao District, Dagupan City 2400

Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Research in Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

Proponents: Graciela L. Inacay Lyka Jane Umagtam Jefanie Molina Perfecto Ferrer Jr. Micah Joy Gubatan Paula Eunice Ferrer Girlie Ella Arias Zarina Carcha Hazel May Salut

Michael B. Mag-usara Research Adviser

October, 2019

Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Introduction Grass is considered as herbage which is suitable or used for grazing animals but has never been used as a treatment for any kind of disease. Do you know that somewhere in your backyard, by the roadsides, or possibly on your neighbor’s vacant lot, you can find a type of grass that has been trending recently because of its health benefits? Recently, a grass called Paragis went viral because of its endless health benefits. People are blessed to have this in the Philippines and it can also be seen in tropical countries. Because of its controversial appearance to the public, people has started to appreciate its existence through various experiments and by turning it to medicine tablets, shampoo and tea products. This study focuses on the health benefits that Paragis can bring by extracting its juice and using it to produce a jam. Jam is made all over the archipelago, from bountiful fruit that grows in the backyards, weighing down branches or baskets of cheap product found in the market. Many varieties of fruit jams are made globally, including sweet fruit preserves, such as those made from strawberry or apricot, and savory preserves, such as those made from tomatoes or squash. Paragis is loaded with nutrients, especially with vitamins and minerals. Some research studies were conducted and they all prove how beneficial the Paragis is. A so-called ‘miracle weed’ said to have curative powers went viral on social media in 2017. The buzz about the health benefits of Paragis or Goose Grass widely spread all over the social media. The trend intensified when plenty of people testified about how amazing and effective this grass in treating common and severe illnesses. Many declared it to be anti-inflammatory, a natural antihistamine, a natural diuretic, antidiabetic, an effective anti-oxidant and have cytotoxic properties. What’s more incredible? People can find this plant almost everywhere! It’s a xerophytic weed that grows almost everywhere. It can thrive even in areas where there is only a little bit of soil. With its medicinal capabilities, its approach to the market will be probably difficult but a success.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

As young aspiring business-inclined students, the researchers want to use the resources rich in the environment. The researchers chose Paragis as the main ingredient of the product because of its widespread existence in the target location. Many people would snob this typical kind of grass because of the fact that it is just a grass. But, through this study, spreading the miraculous discovery of this weed would be possible.

B. Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework of the study uses input-process-output (IPO) model, whereas the input of the study that the researchers aim to determine is the demographic profiles of the respondents such as their age and gender through survey questionnaire conducted by the researchers. Secondly, the research problems will follow corresponding to their order. This will lead to the output of formulating and effectuating a seminar focusing to the awareness to the existence of paragis (goosegrass) and all of its medicinal properties. This action plan to be proposed based on the findings of this research can be beneficial to the community to further spread the miraculous properties of this abundant weed found in this country. Also, it can be useful in the field of medicine, business and environment.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

C. Research Paradigm

Figure 1.0 G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

The figure shows the IPO (Input-Process-Output) of the study. In input, the researchers include the demographic profiles of the respondents including their age and gender. In process, the researchers used survey questionnaire to gather the data from the respondents. After the data gathering, the researchers were able to tabulate the data. The researchers expect the specific outcome of their study such as the action plan to be rendered focusing on the awareness of the residents of Lucao, Dagupan City, Pangasinan about the medicinal properties of the herbal weed named paragis (goosegrass). Also, from the findings to be garnered from the process, an output of establishing the product jam made up of paragis is to be expected.

D. Statemennt of the Problem This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the approach of the paragis jam to the respondents and to the market of Lucao, Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Specifically it seeks to answer the following sub-problems. 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: 1.1 Age 1.2 Gender 2. Do the respondents eat jam? 2.1 Yes 2.2 No 3. How often do the respondents eat jam? 3,1 Once a week 3.2 2-3 times a week 3.3 Everyday 4. When do the respondents like to eat jam? 4.1 Breakfast 4.2 Lunch

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

4.3 Dinner 4.4 Snacks 5. Do the respondents prefer their bread to be filled with jam? 5.1 Yes 5.2 No 6. What bread / sandwich do the respondents prefer? 6.1 Bakery-prepared 6.2 Home-prepared 7. What spread do the respondents prefer for their sandwich? 7.1 Jam 7.2 Cheese Spread 7.3 Butter / Margarine 7.4 Peanut Butter 7.5 Chocolate Spread 7.6 Mayonnaise 7.7 Others 8. How much do the respondents spend for sandwich spread? 8.1 Below Php20 8.2 Php21-40 8.3 Php41-60 8.4 Php61-80 8.5 Php81-100 8.6 Php100 above 9. What jam do the respondents prefer to consume? 9.1 Strawberry 9.2 Tomato 9.3 Ube 9.4 Banana

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

9.5 Pineapple 9.6 Mango 9.7 Others 10. At what extent do the respondents consider the following factors in buying a jam? 10.1

Quality

10.2

Taste

10.3

Price

10.4

Presentation

10.5

Brand Name

11. Are the respondents aware of the medicinal grass named paragis (goosegrass)? 11.1 Yes 11.2 No 12. Are the respondents aware that a medicinal deug tablet is made up of paragis? 12.1 Yes 12.2 No 13. Will the respondents consider consuming a jam made up of paragis? 13.1 Yes 13.2 No E. Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives Vision 

Striving to bring health and wellness, helping to make an illness-free society.



To be a successful business entity and a reference of quality and best product, growing sustainably and delivering value to all the customers.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market



To position ourselves among the most admired local marketers and distributors of jam products and to meet the various needs of the consumer every day by marketing and selling food of a consistently high quality.

Mission 

To develop, produce and market excellent jam product that enables people to taste the very best in life.

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To proactively bring to market a natural, organic and local foods and products.

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To create value for the consumers of our products.

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To serve the nutritional needs of local communities.

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To grow responsibly by fostering and focusing on our platform of corporate social responsibility.

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To expand the size and reach of our core operating model.

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To continually expand the volume and diversity of our product base

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To properly manage costs.

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To improve the lives of consumers by supplying nutritional product.

Goals  Management Goals 

Initiate a plan of action to create a better working atmosphere.



Reduce costs and increase profits.

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Through new formats and procedures, increase profitability.

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Strengthen present customer base and expand customer base to outside.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

 Productivity / Efficiency Goals 

Outline Quality Control Procedures

Objectives Paragis jam aims to serve convenient, fast, fresh, healthy and medicinal version of jam that is unique in the industry in order to make the weed known and be beneficial all throughout Pangasinan and the region. The business also wants to serve and at the same time, give the potential customers a taste of home by infusing Filipino flavours that appeal to their palate, also having other branches in other locations in the future. This study aims to determine whether Paragis jam is a healthier version (ingredients to be used are all organic) that will be able to satisfy the customers’ palate. The following sub-objectives are listed below: 

Profitability- To maintain profitability means making sure that revenue stays ahead of the costs of this business. This also includes focus on controlling costs in both production and operations while maintaining the profit margin on products sold.



Productivity- To provide all of the resources that the business needs such as employee training, equipment maintenance and new equipment purchases to remain as productive as possible.

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Customer Service- Good customer service helps the business to retain clients and repeat revenue. Keeping our customers happy is the primary objective of our business organization.

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Growth- It is planned based on historical data and future projections. It requires the careful use of organization’s resources such as finances and personnel.



Maintain Financing- To maintain ability to finance operations such as preparation for long-term projects and addressing short-term needs such as payroll and accounts payable.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market



Advertisements and Promotions - To endorse the business through popular online websites that appeal to the primary market, such as Facebook and Twitter, and through the physical distribution of flyers.

F. Significance of the Study The results of the study will be of great benefit to the following: Future Researchers. The study would help the student researchers to be aware and knowledgeable about the benefits of paragis grass. It will help them to be a better analyst and it can be a help as a future reference for more studies in the future. Medical Institutions. The result of the study will help the medical institution to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of paragis grass as a treatment for different illnesses. Community. This study will provide information regarding on the health benefits provided by the paragis grass

G. Scopes and Delimitations This research entitled “Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Research in Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market” was conducted to determine the effectivity of the paragis as an alternative jam. Researchers prepared and collected different instruments that are needed in this research. Paragis was taken from the backyard of the researchers. The paragis was used as

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

the main ingredient for the jam. Researchers conducted the research at Lucao District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The research was conducted August 24, 2019.

H. Product Overview Paragis Jam is a typical preserve of an abundant type of grass in the Philippines. It exhibits the prominence of the main ingredient used: Paragis. Paragis was used in the product by extracting the juice from it through the process of boiling. Paragis is loaded with nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. Research study conducted by Dr. Lydia Marero of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Philippines revealed that one hundred grams or one cup of paragis tea contains 3.1 g protein, 0.6 g fiber, 96 mg calcium, 29 mg phosphorus, 1.7 mg iron, 2, 820 mg beta-carotene, 0.07 mg thiamin, 0.14 mg riboflavin, 1.1 mg niacin and 53 mg ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Paragis brought the jam a dark greenish color with accompaniment of the brown sugar. On the other hand, this 200 gram jam was tightly sealed in a sterilized jar to avoid molds that can cause spoilage.

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

Figure 2.0 Visual Illustration of the Product Above is the sample picture of the product for a clearer view of its physical properties.

Figure 3.0 Product Logo I. Target Market

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

For this product, the chosen target market is the consumers of Lucao District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan ranging from the ages of 15 years old and above. People who fall under this range are considered as independent and capable of buying this product. In a census conducted by PhilAtlas in 2015, the recorded population of Lucao District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan was 10, 252. The age group with the highest population ranges from the ages of 15 to 19 with a total of 1, 120 individuals. With this great number of residents, an approximately 70% was estimated for the qualified number of individuals who falls under the age range of 15 years old and above. This brings a total of approximately 7,176 individuals.

Figure 4.0 Target Location Map This target location was chosen because of its relation to the given location of the producers and because of the fact that it is the most convenient place for the creators to sell the product. With this target location, the beginning of this product proposal and its effectuation would be a stepping stone for success. With the estimated number of possible consumers, an

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

estimated rate of 1% will be hypothetically declared as the possible consumption rate of this product for the beginning months. This brings an estimated 240 number of jars to be consumed per month. This is quite progressive for this business knowingly it is the first entry of this product to the market. This product proposal of Paragis Jam is the first entry of this newly-discovered medicinal grass into a sweet jam to the market. Various experiments and studies are currently globally ongoing to appreciate and value its nutritional properties. Paragis teas and juices are being made and commercially on sale in the market. This supports the fact of how healthy this product could be. Consumers need this product because of the health benefits that they can get from this healthcentered jam. Paragis’ antioxidants prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. Ovarian cyst can be treated by Paragis tea. Paragis increases the amount of water in the body and expels the salt as urine because of its diuretic property. Arthritis can be prevented by applying the heated leaves of Paragis with scraped coconut on the affected area. Paragis has antidiabetic properties. It also stops wound bleeding by applying the mixture on the affected area. It has laxative properties that fight parasites in the body. Its boiled leaves and stem helps balance and lower the risk of hypertension. Drinking boiled roots of Paragis lowers the fever and helps to cure gastroenteritis. In general, Paragis has so many nutritional properties that can be helpful in any circumstances. This will help the consumers to live healthier and be more productive in their everyday life.

J. Competitors Analysis The nearest existing competitors of this product are the producers of ube and strawberry jams of Baguio. They are very famous for their sweet and mouth-watering jam that satisfies their consumers’ sweet cravings. The fact that they are too far away from the researchers’ target location which is the Lucao District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, these competitors threaten the business just a little bit. The existence of the resellers of these products can be considered as competitors but their inconsistent visibility in the market serves as an opportunity for the

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal Preserves to a Wider Market

researchers to enter the market and win the consumers’ loyalty. Other sandwich spread products such as Cheez Whiz, Nutella chocolate spread, Peanut Butter, Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise, and Star Margarine are also considered as competitors and their vast prominence in the market provides a tight competition.

The pie graph below shows the paragis jam’s market share and of the competitors, as well.

Par agi sJam 14. 29%

CheezWhi z 14. 29% Lady’ sChoi ce Mayonnai se 14. 29%

PeanutBut t er 14. 29%

Nut el l a 14. 29%

St ar Mar gar i ne 14. 29%

Bagui o’ sJam 14. 29%

Figure 5.0 Market Share Baguio’s jam producers use their main resources that are undeniably abundant and unique in their location. Their jams are really good causing them to maintain business stability and making the consumers to buy consistently. But, paragis jam’s uniqueness and its contemporary medicinal impression towards the public will help the business to progress. Strawberry and ube

G. Arias, Z. Carcha, P. E. Ferrer, P. Ferrer, M.Gubatan, G. Inacay, J. Molina, M, Salut, L. Umagtam

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Sweetened Paragis: A Developmental Researchin Promoting Herbal...