takakura method and vermi method (research paper)

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE COST AND BENEFITS OFUSING THE

TAKAKURA METHOD AND VERMI COMPOSTING IN BARANGAY KALUNASAN

AND TALAMBAN

_________________________________

A Business Research

Presented to the

Faculty of the Department of Accountancy

School of Business and Economics

University of San Carlos

Cebu City, Philippines

_______________________________

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the course Accounting Synthesis

AC527/ 1:30 PM 03:00 PM/ TTH

____________________________

By

CALAG, ROSA CARIDAD

ENGLIS, REYMAR

FELECIO, IRENE JOYCE

JACABAN, KERVIN

NATIVIDAD, JANINA

OPPUS, DIANA ROSE

PABELLO, MELODY ANNE

PASTOR, MARIA SAMANTHA

PECATO, JEAN KRISTINE

TABADA, CARLOS

VELAYO, FLORDELIS CARMEL MARIE

March 2014

Submitted to: CONCEPCION RASALAN RACAZA, CPA , MSA

ii

APPROVAL SHEET

This dissertation entitled A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE COSTS AND

BENEFITS OF USING THE TAKAKURA METHOD AND VERMI COMPOSTING IN

BARANGAY KALUNASAN AND TALAMBAN submitted byROSA CARIDAD CALAG,

REYMAR ENGLIS, IRENE JOYCE FELECIO, KERVIN JACABAN, JANINA

NATIVIDAD, DIANA ROSE OPPUS, MELODY ANNE PABELLO, MARIA SAMANTHA

PASTOR, JEAN KRISTINE PECATO, CARLOS TABADA AND FLORDELIS CARMEL

MARIE VELAYOinPartial fulfillment of the requirements for ACCOUNTING

SYNTHESIS (AC527), has been examined and accepted.

Research Committee

ENGR. FERDINAND ANG

Member of the Panel

DR. MARISSA BALDECIR ,CPA

Member of the Panel

ENGR. JOCELYN ROSIEFILA GONZALES, MAST-PHYSICS

Member of the Panel

MRS. CONCEPCION RAZALAN-RACAZA, CPA

Faculty Adviser

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research paper is the product of the researchers hard work and dedication to

its realization and success. The realization and the success of this will never be

realized without the researchers inspiration. Amidst the challenges that the

researchers faced, the people acknowledge below were the source of their strength

and perseverance.

First of all, the researchers would to acknowledge the role that God has played in

the realization of this paper. Without Him, the researchers would have no light to

guide them along the road.

Second, the researchers would like to thank their beloved parents and family

members. Their love, support, and understanding have allowed them to go beyond

their limits and to do what needs to be done for the sake of their future.

Third, the researchers would like to thank the government sector and the public

sector. Through their own endeavor, they have strived to improve the lives of the

citizens and to prepare the populace for the challenges that the future may bring.

The researchers also owe their researcher paper to them for they worked hand-in-

hand for the continued improvement of the Philippines. To Mr. CasianoCatapang,

Ms. ConsolacionPaa of CESET, and BEOs of Barangays Kalunasanand

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Talamban, the researchersgive their special thank you for imparting your

knowledge and expertise in this research endeavor.

Fourth, to the researcherspanelists: Mr. Ferdinand C. Ang and Dr. Marissa

Baldecir. Through them, the researchers have realized the importance of criticism

and that there is always room for continued improvement.

To Engr. Jocelyn Gonzales, the researcherswould like to extend their gratitude for

her selfless contribution to their research paper. She has allowed the researchers

to see more of their research.

And lastly, the researchers acknowledge our mentor, Mrs. Concepcion

RasalanRacaza. Without her, this research paper would have never been possible

without her continuous push for excellence through critic.

Societas.Verbi.Divini.

March XV, MMXIV

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ABSTRACT

The researchers have conducted a comparative study on the application of the

Takakura Method and Vermi Method in reducing food waste disposal into landfills. The

method used by the researchers in gathering data is through conducting inteviews and

surveys to the Barangay Environmental Officers of Barangay Talamban and Barangay

Kalunasan. With this, the researchers were able to gather quantitative and qualitative

information. The data gathered from the interviews and surveys were used to present a

financial analysis on the cost and profit generated from the production of organic

compost. The researchers also gathered qualitative information regarding the advantages

and disadvantages of applying the two methods. This is to know which method provides

greater income to the barangay and which method would be fitting to be used by the

households and other barangays in Cebu.

The researchers presented a Venn diagram that summarizes the advantages and

disadvantages of the two methods and a matrix that shows the costs and profit generated

by the two methods. The major result of the study in the quantitative aspect is that the

Takakura method generates a greater potential income but there is a need for the

barangay to increase its promotion on the Takakura compost for it only generates lesser

sales than the Vermi compost. In the qualitative aspect, the Takakura Method is preferred

by the barangays because it is hygienic and requires lesser space to work on.

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One significant implication of this study is to promote a composting method that

will reduce the number of wastes being thrown and at the same time is beneficial to be

used by barangays and households. Since waste leads to significant carbon emissions and

methane gas, this study is advantageous to help preserve mother nature.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i

APPROVAL SHEET ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii

ABSTRACT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF FIGURES x

LIST OF TABLES xi

CHAPTER PAGE

I. INTRODUCTION Rationale of the Study 1

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem 3

Significance of the Study 4

Scope and Limitations of the Study 5

Definition of Terms 6

II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Review of Related Literature

i. Wastes 9 ii. Food Wastes 9

iii. Food Waste Management 10 iv. Food Waste Management Practices 11 v. Composting 11

vi. Takakura Method of Composting 13

vii. Cebu City Implementation of Takakura Method 14

viii. Success Stories in Implementing 15 Takakura Method

ix. Vermi Composting Method 18 x. Cebu City Implementation of

VermiComposting

20

viii

xi. Success Stories in Implementing Vermi Method 20

Theoretical Framework 24

Conceptual Framework 25

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design 27

Research Environment 28

Research Respondents 30

Research Instruments 31

Research Procedures 32

Gathering of Data 32

Treatment of Data 33

IV. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND

INTERPRETATION OF DATA 35

Advantages and Disadvantages of Takakura

And Vermi Composting Method 35

Costs and Revenue of Takakura and Vermi

Composting Method 36

Operation and Maintenance of Takakura and

Vermi Composting Method 37

Effects of Takakura and Vermi Composting

to the Community 38

The Distribution Channel and Market of By-

Product created by Takakura Method 39

The Distribution Channel and Market of By-

Product Created by the Vermi Method 39

Preferred Composting Method 40

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS 41

Summary of Findings 41

Conclusion 42

Recommendation 42

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BIBLIOGRAPHY 43

APPENDICES

Appendix A - Computations

Appendix B Transmittal Letter Appendix C Survey Questionnaires Interview Questionnaires

Appendix D - Documentation

Appendix E Secretarys Report Appendix F Treasurers Report Appendix G Curriculum Vitae

x

LIST OF FIGURES

1 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 24

2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 25

3 IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPOSTING METHODS 26

4 LOCATION OF BARANGAY TALAMBAN 29

5 LOCATION OF BARANGAY KALUNASAN 29

xi

LIST OF TABLES

1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TAKAKURA AND

VERMI COMPOSTING METHOD 35

2 ASSESSMENT OF COST AND REVENUE OF TAKAKURA

AND VERMI COMPOSTING METHOD 36

3 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF TAKAKURA AND

VERMI COMPOSTING METHOD 37

4 EFFECTS OF TAKAKURA AND VERMI COMPOSTING TO THE

COMMUNITY 38

5 THE DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL AND MARKET OF

BY-PRODUCTOF TAKAKURA METHOD AND VERMI METHOD

IN BARANGAY TALAMBAN AND KALUNASAN 39

6 COMPOSTING METHOD PREFERENCE OF BARANGAY

KALUNASAN AND TALAMBAN 40

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Nowadays, garbage is becoming one of the biggest problems of the

society. Everyone throws away used papers, old newspapers, bottles, cans, plastic

bags, kitchen wastes (fruit and vegetables peelings, residues from fish, meat and

rice preparation, leftovers, and excess or unfinished food). With the rising

urbanization and rapid change in lifestyle, the amount of household waste or

municipal solid waste is also increasing, thus waste management problems arise

especially in Cebu City which is renowned as one of the most highly urbanized

cities in the Philippines.

Wastes are divided into three categories: biodegradable, non-

biodegradable, and special wastes. The Cebu City populace generates 60 percent

or about 240 tons of biodegradable wastes every day. Majority of the wastes

produced by the household and markets are food wastes. Because of the abundant

number of food wastes, one method that was raised to reduce such is through

composting. The two prevalent composting methods used in Cebu are: Takakura

and Vermi.

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Takakura method is a composting method that can be used in urban/rural

areas. It is fast, easy, economical, hygienic and eliminates foul odors & methane

gas emissions. On the other hand, Vermi composting method is the breaking

down of organic material through the use of worms, bacteria, and

fungi. Engaging in this method will essentially speed up Mother Nature's process

of composting.

Takakura and Vermi Composting Methods reduce organic wastes

generation. These methods collectively gear towards the reduction of the remitted

waste of the said barangays by converting their organic waste into organic

compost. With the assistance of various entrepreneurs and Local Government

Units, composting could be profitable since compost products could be sold as

organic fertilizers for plants.

Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan are among Cebu Citys bustling

barangays. Among the 80 barangays in Cebu City, both are considered as one of

the most populous barangays. Based on the 2010 data of the Philippine Statistics

Authority, out of the 866,171 residents of Cebu, Barangay Talamban

accommodates 28,278 and Barangay Kalunasan 22,737 of them. These barangays

were chosen by the researchers since they have already adopted the Vermi and

Takakura Methods as means of composting given their massive population based

on research.

3

The researchers are concerned on the liveability of Cebu and the effects of

the increasing food wastes generation. This topic is selected in order to help the

different barangays particularly Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan so that they

would be able to assess further which composting method is more cost beneficial.

Through this, they will be able to qualify and quantify the use of such methods

and at the same time help the environment.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to compare the cost and benefits of implementing the

Takakura and Vermi Methods of Composting in Barangay Kalunasan and

Barangay Talamban in order to recommend the best method to be implemented to

other barangays. Furthermore, this study aimed:

1. To know the advantages and disadvantages of Takakura and Vermi

Composting method.

2. To assess the profitability of using the Takakura and Vermi Composting

Method through cost-revenue anaylsis.

3. To know which method is more convenient as to its operations and

maintenance

4. To identify the distribution channel of the by-products created by the

Takakura Method and Vermi Composting.

5. To identify which composting method is preferred by Barangay Talamban

and Kalunusan

4

Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to:

Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan

It will help them be more knowledgeable about the advantages of using the

Takakura and Vermi methods. It will provide them an analysis on the financial

aspect of the costs and profits incurred in undertaking the two compost methods

through the use of Venn diagram and a matrix of comparison. It will also make them

aware if the benefits generated from these methods will outweigh the costs of

undergoing its processes. Lastly, it will help them assess which composting

method is more cost beneficial for the Barangay.

The Government

This would be beneficial to the different government offices especially to the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Public

Services, and other environmental LGUs. Since waste leads to significant carbon

emissions, and landfill disposal often leads to the production of methane gas,

minimizing food wastes would help preserve Mother Nature. In every ton of

garbage disposed, the government pays P 700.00 to the private landfill in

Consolacion, Cebu, this study would help lessen the cost of the City government

in disposing the garbage produced by the citizens.

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The Society

This will enlighten the minds of the people in the importance of reducing and

managing waste properly. This will also help them know the pros and cons of

undergoing composting, and at the same time make the environment a better and

safer place to live in.

The Future Researchers

The findings of this study will provide them insights as to how they will

undertake their own respective field of study, specifically on environmental issues

and concerns.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focused on gathering data from Barangay Talamban and

Kalunasan. Other information called for were taken from websites, journals, e-

books, periodicals, dissertations and other related studies.

In the process of conducting the study, several constraints existed which to

some extent affected the results of this endeavor. These hindering factors were the

unreliability of some information gathered from the internet and some websites,

budgetary issues of the study given the limited sources of funds, time constraints

given only two weeks to conduct the study, , some government units are not

cooperative in entertaining the researchers, measurement of the volume of

garbage collected is not being recorded by the barangay and lastly, documents

pertaining to garbage collection and composting are also not readily available.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Biodegradable Wastes - wastes which can be broken down, in a reasonable

amount of time, into its base compounds by micro-organisms and other living

things, regardless of what those compounds may be. These can be commonly

found in municipal solid waste (sometimes called biodegradable municipal waste,

or BMW) as green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics

Composting - natural way of recycling organic matter. It is the process whereby

biodegradable organic matter is broken down by microorganisms in the presence

of oxygen.

Composts - product of composting. It could be used as a natural fertilizer.

Cost- the monetary amount equivalent to the expenses needed to carry out the

process of composting

Cost-Revenue Analysis- the direct comparison between the monetary amount

generated from sales and expenses needed to carry out the process of composting.

Distribution Channel- the means by which the products are sold through

intermediaries

Food waste food thrown away because it can no longer be eaten or consumed.

Food waste disposal the act of disposing food waste.

Market- medium that allows buyers and sellers of the by-products of Takakura

and Vermi Methods of composting to gain income

Profitability- revenue less costs in applying the two composting methods

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Revenue- is the monetary amount generated from the sales of the by-product of

the two composting method.

LGU- Local Government Unit

CCENRO- Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office

CESET- Cebu Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team

CUSW- Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water

Non-Biodegradable Wastes - wastes that cannot be broken down by other living

organisms. They are the type of wastes that does not decay over time like plastic,

tires, cans and styrofoam.

Organic Fertilizer - substance made from decayed solid biodegradable waste

useful in farming.

Takakura composting method innovative composting method introduced by

KITA (Kitakyushu International Techno Cooperative Association) which uses

micro-organisms that are cultivated from local materials to break down organic

waste. This method involves making a seed compost from fermented solutions

and a fermenting bed. Organic waste is mixed with the seed compost and left to

degrade in a ventilated container or basket.

Wastes - unwanted materials; the unusable remains, by-products or household

garbage like chemical wastes, garden waste and kitchen waste of the residents of

Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan.

Vermicomposting - the breaking down of organic material through the use of

worms, bacteria, and fungi. The worm used for composting is the African

nightcrawler.

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Vermicompost or Worm Cast- the end product of Vermi composting. It is a

nutrient rich organic substance that can be added to soil to increase its organic

matter content and available nutrients.

Waste Management - collection, transport, processing or disposal, managing and

monitoring of waste materials. The term usually relates to materials produced by

human activity, and the process is generally undertaken to reduce their effect on

health, the environment or aesthetics

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Chapter 2

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

In this chapter the researchers present former studies in the area of Solid Waste

Management. It shows data on the conversion of solid biodegradable wastes

particularly food wastes into organic composts. Furthermore, it presents an insight

on the food waste composting methods of barangay Kalunasan and Talamban.

Review of Related Literature

Wastes

Wastes are divided into three categories: biodegradable, non-

biodegradable, and special wastes. The city government of Cebu generates 60

percent or about 240 tons of biodegradable waste (Pareja, 2012). This is generally

composed of food waste. Its main contributors are the households and markets.

Food Waste

There are many definitions of food waste. Food waste is throwing away

food which could have been eaten by oneself or by others. It also refers to food

thrown away because it has been too long in the dining table making it unsafe for

consumption. Furthermore, it can also be part of food like vegetable leaves or

rotten fruits which can no longer be eaten. (Selina Juul) Simply saying, food

waste is food that should have been used for consumption but is thrown away for

several reasons like improper storage.

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There are several sources of food waste. Research particularly in the

United States has proven that food waste starts in the beginning of food

production such as during the planting season when crops are infested by pests

and damaged by bad weather before harvest. (http://en.wikipedia.org) Another

source of food waste is found in business establishments like malls and

department stores since canned foods stored for a long time will reach their expiry

dates and eventually become food waste. Food waste comes from restaurants and

fast food chains as well as from households because foods eaten but not fully

consumed become leftovers.

Food Waste Management

Food Waste Management is the process of properly disposing food waste

and making food waste useful. It is important because it allows us to save money,

help the environment, and lastly it enables community engagement. (Leanpath) A

factor that must be considered in food waste management is having reliable

information. To conduct a food waste management program in a community, one

must be able to determine the quantity of resources being used like the amount of

food waste and the cost and availability of materials in converting food waste into

something useful (Decision Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Managementvol.

ii).

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Food Waste Management Practices

Out of the total solid waste produce, 60% (Pareja, 2012) of it is composed

of organic waste and the main forms of organic waste are household food waste,

agricultural waste, human and animal waste.Food waste composes of pre-

consumer food waste and post-consumer food waste. There is a need for food

waste management because of environmental concerns. Generating and disposing

a large amount of food waste to landfills often leads to a production of methane

gas, a greenhouse gas which is over 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By

recycling or composting, you divert the waste from the landfill or elsewhere in the

solid waste stream and ensure ongoing value when the item is converted into

something useful, such as a soil amendment with composting. (Premakumura

(2010/2012)

Composting

Chapter three, article one, section 17 letter g of Republic Act 9003 also

known as Ecological Waste Management mandates that the composting

component shall include a program and implementation schedule which shows the

methods by which the LGU shall, in combination with the source reduction and

recycling components, reduce a sufficient amount of solid waste disposed of

within its jurisdiction to comply with the diversion requirements of Sec. 20

hereof. The LGU component shall include the types of materials which will be

composted under the programs; the methods for determining the categories of

solid wastes to be diverted from disposal at a disposal facility through

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composting; and new facilities, and expansion of existing facilities needed to

implement the composting component. The LGU composting component shall

describe methods for developing the markets for composted materials, including,

but not limited to, an evaluation of the feasibility of procurement preferences for

the purchase of composted products. Each LGU may determine and grant a price

preference to encourage the purchase of composted products. (Lawphil.net 2001)

A typical household throws away an estimated 474 pounds of food waste

each year. There has been ways suggested by the government on how to reduce

this amount of food waste that is being produced by the household each year. One

way is by composting.

Composting is the nature way of recycling organic matter. It is the process

whereby biodegradable organic matter is broken down by microorganisms in the

presence of oxygen.

Composting food scraps is one of the most important aspects of composting. Food

waste items includes vegetable and fruit waste, meal leftovers, coffee grounds, tea

bags, stale bread, grains, and general refrigerator spoilage are an everyday

occurrence in most households.

(http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com/foodscraps.html, 2008)

As most of the waste generated in the households is organic waste such as

food scraps (Engineering Without Borders, 2011), it is considered that

composting was the best method to apply to manage the waste problem. First of

all, composting is a natural recycling system that breaks organic matter down into

valuable nutrition to the soils (NSW Government, 2011). The benefit of

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composting is that it can reform soil structure, texture and aeration and improve

the soils capacity to hold water. Furthermore, utilizing composting as a fertilizer

develops good root formation in soils (Compost Guide n.d.)

The common composting methods are: Pot Composting, Plastic Bag

Composting, Tower Tyre Composting, Compost Pits, Windrow (Batas)

Composting, Wire Hoop Composting, Heap Composting and Bottomless Bin

Composting. Composting has many benefits (advantages) such as: it saves money

on fertilizer for plants, acts as an excellent soil conditioner and adds on to soil

volume, and saves water by retaining moisture in the soil. Some of its

disadvantages are: it is slow in becoming compost, attracts insects and may have

foul odour and occupies space.

Takakura Method of Composting

It is a composting technique that utilizes Native Micro Organisms for

biodegradable decomposition. It was discovered by Koji Takakura in Kitakyushu,

Japan. Native Micro Organisms can be found in soil near any kind of plant, dried

leaves and dead trees. It could also be found in the products sold by malls. Some

of the products that contain these organisms are: Lacto Pafi, Yakult, Yogart,

Kimchi, Tuba. (utanbisaya.com ,2012)

In the Takakura composting method, organic waste is broken down by

micro-organisms that are cultivated from local materials. This method is an easy

and inexpensive way to do composting. The method involves making a seed

compost from fermented solutions and a fermenting bed. Organic waste is mixed

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with the seed compost and left to degrade in a ventilated container or basket.

Surabaya in Indonesia was the first City outside Japan to use it. In the Philippines,

Bago City in Negros was the first City to practice it followed by Cebu. (Ramli N.

Home Composting. 2010)

The advantage of the Takakura Method of Composting is that it is fast,

easy, and economical. It is also hygienic and it does not give bad odor. And lastly

it reduces organic waste generation which in turn reduces global warming. (SIBU

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ,2010)

Cebu City Implementation of Takakura Method

Every day Cebu City generates 400 to 500 tons of garbage, 60 percent

(240 to 300 tons) of which are biodegradable with each person in the city

generating at least 500 grams daily ( Pareja, 2012), and 250-300 grams of this is

biodegradable. The Takakura composting method was adopted by the Cebu City

Government in the year 2010, in a bid to address the citys garbage problem,

which is among the factors blamed for the floods that struck the cities of Mandaue

and Cebu. This method is one of the components of the citys solid waste

management plan. It uses live microorganisms for the degradation of household

waste such as leftover foods, fruits and vegetables. Compared with vermi-

composting, which uses earthworms, it requires smaller space: 100 square meters

per one ton of garbage. With the program, people can earn income from

composting, as it turns biodegradable garbage into organic fertilizer, which can be

sold 50 pesos per kilo. (Basilan and Parco, 2011).

15

According to another SunStar article dated February 26, 2011, the Cebu

City government has decided to adopt the Takakura method of composting.

Additionally, the article has quoted Rey Parces, the executive director of the

Cebu City Solid Waste Management Board, We hope to reduce the citys solid

waste by 10 percent this year using the Takakura composting method. The

implementation of such method will be one of the components of the citys solid

waste management plan. It had been targeted that the program will reduce waste

generation by 20 percent in three years.

In implementing the program, the City government has partnered with

Japan Fund for Global Environment and the Kitakyushu International Techno-

cooperative Association for the technical and financial aspect of the program.

Parces has also stated that the construction of a Material Recovery Facility

(MRF) is needed in implementing the Takakura composting method. Casiano

Catapang, of Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water, stated that the program is

feasible as long as segregation is done at the household level.

Success Stories in Implementing Takakura Method

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) is promoting the

replication of the solid waste management model, especially composting practices

of Surabaya, Indonesia, which achieved a substantial reduction in waste

generation, in cities in the Philippines.IGES supported a project in Bago City,

Negros Occidental, in 2008. The project was initiated based on a request from

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Bago City who participated in a workshop in Surabaya in 2007 and acquired

information about the citys solid waste management practices.

Bago City is known as the Home of historical and natural treasure,

owing to its contribution in the colourful history of the province and country, and

its beautiful scenery and abundance in flora and fauna making it a good

ecotourism destination. Bago is one of the two cities in the Fourth District of

Negros Occidental, Western Visayas with population of 147,721 and projected to

be at 161,756 for the year 2009. The City was once one of the dirtiest in the

region, with a high incident of poverty, malnutrition and health problem due to its

failure in solid waste management. To address these problems, the Kasimanwa

Namon sa Bago Himuon Naton ang Kalimpyoon or KABAHIN KA Program, a

comprehensive approach in solid waste management based on community

participation and at source waste segregation, was launched in February 2005.

50% of the waste in the city was reduced, from 40 tons a day to 20 tons (Institute

for Global Environmental Strategies. 2009)

The hygienic condition of people has improved, which is proved by the

decrease in incidents of dengue. However, methods employed under KABAHIN

KA program such as pit, heap and vermi have proved to be tedious, unsanitary

and impractical in areas with limited backyard space for the pit and heap method,

costly, and technical for the vermi composting. Hence, to improve these methods,

Bago City adopted Takakura Home Method. (Solid Waste

17

Management as a Social Enterprise: A Community based 3R Approaches in

Bago City. May 2009)

The composting project in Bago started in April 2008. First, a hands-on

composting training session on the Takakura Method was organised for workers

at the Eco-Centre, where vermi composting had been practiced using earthworms.

After comparing the processing period and output, it was confirmed that the

Takakura Method was more efficient, and now, most of the organic waste.

Next, Bago City distributed 100 household compost baskets to selected

model barangays (communities), and after confirming the results, distributed

more to other barangays. Initially, sturdy plastic containers with many openings

that were manually made were distributed, but they were replaced by specially

ordered, locally made ceramic pots which were cheaper and looked better in

appearance. (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. 2009)

Following the implementation of the project in Bago, similar practices

have spread to other cities including Bacolod, Talisay (Negros Occidental), Cebu,

Talisay (Cebu), Cavite and Puerto Princesa. Among them, notably, an NGO

called Pagtambayaong in Cebu has distributed hundreds of household compost

baskets to low-income groups and migrants which help them keep the living

environment clean and produce vegetables using the produced compost.

(Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. 2009)

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Vermi Composting Method

Vermicasting, also called vermicomposting, is the processing of organic

wastes through earthworms or red worms specifically Eisenia foetida also

known as red wrigglers, manure worms, red hybrid or tiger worms (Soni

Cochran. 2010). The worms casting are rich in nitrate, phosphorus, potassium,

calcium and magnesium and the compost is therefore of high quality. It has also

been showed that vermicomposting helps aeration as well as speeds up the

composting process and increases particle reduction (Misra and Roy 2010).

It is a natural, odourless, aerobic process, much different from traditional

composting. These worms ingest waste then excrete casts dark, odourless,

nutrient- and organically rich, soil mud granules that make an excellent soil

conditioner. These worms casts are a ready-to-use fertilizer that can be used at a

higher rate of application than compost, since nutrients are released at rates that

growing plants prefer.( Hala Chaoui. 2010)

Vermiculture is preferably carried out in small or medium scale and it may

be placed in shallow beds or bins outdoors or inside the house (Resource

Conservation Manitoba 2010). Worms need favourable conditions just like

microorganisms and the composting material therefore needs to be managed

carefully.

In vermicomposting, it takes into casts 2232 days, depending on density

of waste and earthworm maturity. Worms should not be crowded so ideal density

19

of is 150 earthworms per liter of waste.Earthworms should be allowed to migrate

from finished vermicast to fresh waste

The only significant amount of money required in vermi composting

would be the worms. Prices for the worms can vary a lot. Initially, worms can

seem quite expensive around 500.00-600.00 PHP but once a Vermicompost box

has been set up and established, it is possible to take worms from the box and use

them to set up another box because they can breed so quickly. (Gaschk, Tamai,

Vu, Wisniewski, 2011)

This composting method is a very good example of sustainability in

action. As plants grow they take up nutrients from the soil, and as they decompose

those nutrients are returned to the soil to be used by other plants. However, if the

plants are taken from the soil (to be used in cooking for example) the nutrients

will not be returned, unless compost is used. Vermicompost takes organic waste

and converts it into compost, with the help of microorganisms and worms to

speed up the process. The quality of the soil is improved and better plants are able

to be produced. Vermicompost is good in terms of sustainability as it creates a

cycle for nutrients to be used and then returned. A very small amount of extra

resources are needed and no extra energy is used.

Vermicompost would have a positive influence on the community. It

would encourage the people to separate their wastes and may get them to think

more about controlling their waste. If they are already practicing some method of

composting, they may find this new method much more efficient. (Gaschk,

Tamai, Vu, Wisniewski, 2011)

20

In implementing the Vermicomposting method, Capital Costs, On-Site or

Off-site Processing, Location and Space, Climate, Human Pathogens, Feedstock

Loading Rates, and Earthworm Population Growth and Availability are to be

considered. (Edwards, Arancon, and Sherman, 2011)

Cebu City Implementation of Vermi Composting

In 2007, the the Cebu City Government has tapped the San Miguel

Corporation (SMC). SMC facilitated the implementation of the training on

vermicomposting technology for Cebu City government and barangay personnel.

SMC saw vermicomposting as a promotional activity for the company.

Participants of the training then became trainers who were later asked to echo

their learning in their respective barangays. Thus, the vermin composting program

in Cebu City took off. (Journal of Environmental Science and Management. 2012)

Success Stories in implementing Vermi Composting

Community One Resources Development (CORD) is a non-profit

organization focused on community development. One of the projects they did

was the Self-Help Project and one of the programs is the implementation of

Vermi Composting method in Bimonton, Aurora (Pascua 2011) in partnership

with Heifer International Philippines, a US-based humanitarian organization

(heiferphils.org). In the early stages of the program, participants didnt know

what vermicomposting was all about. Almost all of the community residents were

busy farming and nobody appreciated the benefits of rearing worms for

21

fertilizer production. They depended on chemical fertilizers and were not aware of

the possible negatives of chemicals in farming. The Sustainable Environment for

Better Living of Families thru Holistic and Encompassing Livelihood Programs

(SELF-HELP Project) consisted of 40 original families from the village of

Bimonton, which is in Mallig, Isabela, Philippines. This self-help group (SHG)

attended trainings on capability enhancement, skills development, livelihood

establishment and values transformation.

The program was introduced to several people and gained successful

results. An example is Mr.Rogelio Abes Jr. Rolly. Through selling vermicast,

an organic fertilizer and with the use of african nightcrawler earthworms, he

gained 53204.90 pesos gross income a month. This income is a big change from

the P89.42 a day he and his wife used to make as seasonal farm laborers.(Pascua

Jr.. 2011) After attending the training, Rolly immediately applied what he

learned about vermicomposting. The vermicast he produced the first six months

was only enough for his backyard garden, but in 2010 he was able to produce at

least 100 bags per month. CORD and Isabela State University helped him with

marketing strategies and promotion in order to broaden the reach of his growing

enterprise. In the same year, the Department Agriculture and other government

agencies recognized and supported his vermicomposting project. The Bureau of

Soils tested his vermicast and graded it as very good quality. With the help of

Rollys group, networks were developed in the academe, cooperatives, and

government and private institutions to expand the vermicomposting project.

(Pascua. 2010)

22

Theoretical Framework

With rising urbanization and change in lifestyle and food habits, the

amount of waste has been rapidly increasing and its composition changing. This

garbage is generated mainly from residential and commercial complexes.

According to the Solid Waste Segregation Ordinance C.O. 2031, Hierarchy of

Solid Waste Management in managing solid wastes, generators must consider

the following options in this order of priority: source reduction, reuse, recycle,

composting and disposal.

Over the last few years, the consumer market has grown rapidly leading to

products being packed in cans, aluminium foils, plastics, and other such non-

biodegradable items that cause incalculable harm to the environment. Nowadays,

shops have begun packing items in reusable or biodegradable bags. Certain

biodegradable items can also be composted and reused. In fact proper handling of

the biodegradable waste will considerably lessen the burden of solid waste that

each city has to tackle. Organic wastes usually take one to two weeks to

degenerate.

Solid waste management is considered to be one of the most serious

environmental issues in Cebu City. The city government of Cebu generates 60

percent or about 240-300 tons of biodegradable waste; the main contributors of

which are the households and markets. The increase of these biodegradable

wastes is found difficult to manage both by the barangays and municipal

government. Through composting, biodegradable wastes can be reduced.

23

Based on a website, Home Composting Made Easy, composting is the

natural way of recycling organic matter. Bhavan Prakash wrote that composting

helps to recycle kitchen and garden waste and reduce the volume of waste going

to landfills and incinerators, convert organic matter into a valuable resource for

the plants or community garden, acts as soil conditioner, fertilizer, natural

pesticide, and adds to humus in the soil. Healthier soils make for healthier plants

much when used to cover soil and deter the growth of weeds and even make some

money, if there is a market for compost in an area.

According to http://agverra.com/blog/composting-methods/, there are six

common types of composting methods and these are the Takakura Method, Vermi

composting method, Plain Vanilla Composting, 3-Bin Composting, Trench

Composting and Windrow Composting. Programs to enhance community-based

SWM are Massive Information-Education Campaign, Establishments of MRFs in

the barangays with financial and technical support, Promotion of Takakura and

Vermi Composting, Formation of Brgy. Solid Waste Management Committees,

Public-Private Partnership, Adoption of new environmentally compliant

technologies, Formulation of additional management schemes, such as the

management & disposal of household hazardous wastes, Integrating SWM laws &

policies with other environmental laws through the formulation of the

Environment Code (RA 9003).(http://kitaq-

compost.net/sites/default/files/KitaQDocuments/CebuDec12Seminar/5%20Presen

tation.pdf)

24

FIGURE I.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Waste

Biodegradable

Kitchen Wastes

Compostable

Non-biodegradable

Special

Waste

Management

Source

Reduction

Reuse Recycle Composting Disposal

Common types of

composting methods

Takakura Method

Vermi composting

Plain Vanilla

Composting

3-Bin Composting

Trench

Composting

Windrow

Composting

Applied composting

methods to enhance

community-based Solid

Waste Management in

Cebu City

25

INPUT

26

Local

Government

City

Government

Supply of

materials for

composting

Collection of

Garbage

Household

Material

Recovery

Facility

Labour

Force

Composting

Materials

Biodegradable

Waste

Barangay

Unit

Request of

Takakura and

Vermicomposting

Method materials

REPUBLIC ACT 9003

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Market

Implementation of the Takakura and Vermi Composting Composts

Figure 3. Implementation of Composting

Methods

Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the research design that the researchers used. This chapter

also explains the research instrument and the research respondents of the study.

Research Design

The researchers chose to carry out a descriptive research design in quantifying

the costs and benefits of converting food wastes into organic fertilizers. The

purpose of the descriptive method of research is to gather information about the

present existing condition of a particular area. (Creswell, 1994). This method

allows a flexible approach, thus, when new issues arise during the duration of

the study, further investigation may be conducted. Qualitative research is a

systematic and subjective approach to describe life experiences and give them

meaning. In contrast, quantitative research is a formal systematic approach

which incorporates numerical data to obtain information about the world.

Qualitative research was used to formulate survey questions that guided the

researchers in their analytical process. Quantitative research was used to

incorporate current market prices of the materials used in the conversion process

while doing the study. Quantitative research was also used in determining the

profitability of using the Vermi and Takakura method of composting.

28

Research Environment

This section of the study presents the location upon which the research was done.

The main location of the study was in Barangay Kalunasan and Barangay

Talamban, Cebu City. Barangay Kalunasan is the southern business district of

Cebu City and Barangay Talamban, one of Cebu Citys bustling Barangays. The

locations were chosen because those were the barangays who are practicing the

Vermi and Takakura method of composting. The said Barangays had already been

implementing the Vermi and Takakura method for the past four years.

The researchers also went to the barangays and different Local Government Units

of Cebu City to gather more information about the implementation and adoption

of Vermi and Takakura method of composting namely the Cebu City

Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), Cebu Uniting for

Sustainable Water (CUSW), Office of Councilor Nida Cabrera at Cebu City Hall,

Barangay Luz, Kamputhaw, Inayawan, and Apas.

29

Figure 4: Map of Barangay Talamban

Source: https://maps.google.com.ph

Figure 5: Map of Barangay Kalunasan

30

Research Respondents

In order to obtain information on the organizational and practical aspects of the

food waste management in Barangay Kalunasan and Talamban, the Barangay

Environmental Officers of Barangay Talamban and Kalunusan were interviewed

and asked to answer the survey. They were chosen for they are in-charge in

conducting the Vermi and Takakura composting method. They also asked them

about their application of Vermi and Takakura method as a way to compost their

food wastes. The researchers also asked them about the assessed costs and benefits

of applying the said method. They also asked about their insights on the

advantages and disadvantages of the composting methods used.

The sample size was based on the number of Barangay Environmental Officers for

the two barangays. Basically, there are five BEOs in each barangay. The BEOs

were chosen as the respondents since they have more knowledge on the composting

made by their barangay.

From the 10 estimated respondents, only 90% were made as respondents of the

study. From the 10 BEOs in barangay Talamban and Kalunasan, only 8 BEOs (4

from Kalunasan and 4 from Talamban) were made as respondents of the study. The

remaining BEOs were not present during the interview/survey. The 9th respondent

came from the office of the CUSW. The estimated sample size of 10 BEOs was

determined using Slovins sample size formula. The researchers also interviewed

the different personalities having knowledge on the Takakura and Vermi

Composting Method in Cebu City particularly the offices of: Cebu City

31

Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), Cebu Uniting for

Sustainable Water (CUSW), and Councilor Nida Cabrera at Cebu City Hall.

Slovins formula is written as: n= N/ (1+Ne2)

Where:

n= sample size

N= 10 (Total number of BEOs)

e (Error tolerance) = 6 %

Solution:

n= 10 / (1+10 (.06)2)

n= 9.65 or 10

Research Instruments

The researchers conducted one-on-one interviews with the barangay

officials of Barangay Kalunasan and Talamban having knowledge on the

Takakura and Vermi Composting Method. They also interviewed the Barangay

Environmental Officers of the Materials Recovery Division of both barangays.

The interview focused on the frequency of garbage collection, rules on the

control and disposal of waste, their conversion of biodegradable waste

particularly food waste into organic fertilizers, compost methods used, cost and

benefits in employing these methods, process in applying the said methods,

preference among the compost methods used, advantages and disadvantages of

those methods and the reduction of wastes upon implementing the compost

methods.

32

The researchers also conducted surveys to the Barangay Environmental

Officers of Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan as to the comparison on the

operations, maintenance, costs, profits, influence to the community and the

effects of the Takakura and Vermi Composting Method to the community. The

survey could be answered by checking the appropriate method that best fits to

the corresponding questions.

Different Environmental Departments like the CENRO, CESET, Office of

Councilor Nida Cabrera and CUSW were also interviewed by the researchers.

Research Procedures

Data was collected through interviews. Interviews were conducted formally and

informally using open-ended guide questions followed by relevant probing

queries. Before conducting the interviews, the researchers prepared and

formulated an interview guide which was based on the theoretical and conceptual

background. The researchers used books, journals, websites, articles and other

secondary sources useful in the course of the study.

Additional documents on food waste management in the Barangay were also

collected and reviewed and were used as secondary data.

Gathering of Data

Primary Sources

Data was collected through surveys and interviews. This information was

the basis for the data that was taken into account. Barangay environmental

33

officers were interviewed as to their practice on implementing the Vermi and

Takakura method of composting and the costs and benefits for such

implementation. Barangay Environmental officers and different government

employees were interviewed based on an interview guide prepared by the

researchers. Interviews were done on a one-on-one basis. They were also asked

as to their preference when using these composting methods.

The Barangay Environment Officers were introduced to self-administered

questionnaires. Guidance was given to the respondents while answering the

questionnaires.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources involve generalization, analysis, synthesis,

interpretation, or evaluation of the original information. Secondary sources that

were used in the course of the study are: books, newspapers, journals and

websites.

Treatment of Data Gathered

The results from the primary sources were organized according to its

importance in the study. The researchers computed the number of respondents

who prefer the Takakura and Vermi method in terms of its costs and revenue,

operations, maintenance, and its effects to the community. Other answers that

could not be quantified such as interview answers were analyzed and noted.

34

Furthermore, using the formula stated below, the researchers computed the

profitability and costs of applying the Takakura and Vermi Methods of

Composting.

INITIAL COST

Initial Cost (Takakura Method)

=Heap Cost x Number of Recommended Heaps (Capacity

dependent)

Initial Cost (Vermicomposting Method)

=Cost of African Nightcrawlers (Kg) x Number of Pits

POTENTIAL PROFIT

Potential Sales

=Compost Output (Kg) x Selling Price per Kilogram

Potential Profit

=Potential Sales Initial Cost

OPPORTUNITY COST/SAVINGS

Traditional Method Cost

=Amount of Garbage (Kg) x Dumping Fee

Opportunity Cost/Savings

=Traditional Method Cost Potential Profit (Alternative Method)

Given this formula, researchers was able to determine the income generated if

food wastes will be converted into organic fertilizers using the Vermin and

Takakura Method.

CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

In this chapter ,the researchers analyzed the data collected which is carried

out in two phases, a quantitative analysis of data based on the results of the

questionnaire and qualitative interpretation based from interviews conducted.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Takakura and Vermi Composting Method

Table 1 shows the advantages and disadvantages of Takakura and Vermi method

based on the interviews and survey.

Table 1

Advantages and Disadvantages of Takakura and Vermi Composting Method

Takakura Vermi

Advantages

-has simple cleaning procedures

-more profitable

-odorless

-less laborious

-easier to perform

-has short time to make a

compost

-requires less tools and

equipments

-lower initial and ongoing

costs

-has more buyers

-easy to adopt and practice

-easy to teach for training

-shorter time to decompose

(3 to 5 months)

Disadvantages

-uses many raw materials

-laborious

-requires many equipment

-has higher initial costs

-difficult to adopt and practice

-difficult to teach for training

-longer time to decompose (6-10

months)

-difficult cleaning

procedures

-creates unpleasant odors

-can cause hygienic

problems if not done

properly

36

Although the disadvantages for Takakura is numerous, the respondents are still in

favor of using the Takakura Method in composting food waste because of its

quality, profitability, odorless which would avoid inconvenience to the

community.

Table 2 shows the cost and revenue in using the Takakura and Vermi Method of

Composting.

Vermi composting requires only lower initial cost as compared to Takakura

composting mainly because of the materials required in implementing the said

method. The potential income and savings of the takakura method is higher

compared to vermi because its selling price is five times higher than the Vermi

method.

Table 2

Assessment of Cost and Revenue of Takakura and Vermi Composting Method

TAKAKURA VERMI

COST Initial cost PHP 3,290.00 PHP 3,500.00

REVENUE

Potential Income PHP 316,085.00 PHP 171,700.00

Potential Savings PHP 456,905.23 PHP 30,879.35

37

Table 3 shows which method is more convenient as to its operations and

maintenance based on the survey conducted.

Table 3

Operations and Maintenance of Takakura and Vermi Composting Method

n=9

OPERATIONS

TAKAKURA VERMI TOTAL

Easier to perform 4 5 9

Requires less

equipment,materials, or tools

0 9 9

Shorter time to compost 2 7 9

Better quality of output 8 1 9

TOTAL TOTAL AVERAGE 3.5 5.5 9

MAINTENANCE

Simple to sustain 8 1 9

Hygienic 4 5

9

TOTAL TOTAL AVERAGE 6 3 9

38

Vermi Composting is more convenient as to its operations since it requires

less materials, equipment or tools. It is also easier to perform and can be

composted in a short period of time which is about 3 to 5 months compared to the

Takakura method which would take 6 to 10 months. With respect to its

maintenance, the results gathered shows that Takakura Composting has simpler

cleaning procedures or is easier to clean and maintain for it wont cause any

leakage which would cause bad odors.

Table 4

Effects of Takakura and Vermi Composting to the Community

n=9

ATTRIBUTES

TAKAKURA VERMI

YES NO YES NO

Minimized Waste 8 1 9 0

Community Participation 3 6 3 6

TOTAL AVERAGE 5.5 3.5 6 3

Table 4 shows that both methods have contributed with the minimization

of waste in the community. The vermi method has greater community partcipation

as compared to the takakura method since it is less laborious. With this, the

community would be able to actively participate without taking too much of their

time.

39

Table 5 shows how Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan sells their by-products

and to whom these products are sold.

Table 5

The Distribution Channel and Market of By-product of Takakura Method

and Vermi Method in Barangay Talamban and Kalunasan

Barangay

Takakura Vermi

Distribution

Channel

Market Distribution

Channel

Market

Talamban None. Only

sells at its

Material

Recovery

Facility

Sells directly

to walk-in

buyers

None. Only

sells at its

Material

Recovery

Facility

Sells directly

to walk-in

buyers

Kalunasan None. Given to

citizens for

free

None. Only

sells at its

Material

Recovery

Facility

Sells directly

to walk-in

buyers

Since both barangays do not have proper distribution channel, its demand is not

that high. But if there is a proper distribution channel, it would create higher

profits.

40

Table 6 shows that the Takakura composting is preferred over Vermi composting.

Furthermore, majority of the respondents suggest the application of Takakura

composting.

Table 6

Composting Method Preference of both barangays

TAKAKURA VERMI TOTAL

Preferred

Method

8 1 9

Recommendable

to other

barangays

7 2 9

Since both barangays prefer and recommend the Takakura Method, it is best to

apply this composting method to the other barangays as a way to minimize

wastes. It is more preferred because it would create higher profit, hygienic and

economical.

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

Based on the surveys conducted, the researchers came up with the following

results: the Vermi Method is more convenient in terms of operations. While the

Takakura method is easier to maintain because it requires less effort in terms of its

cleaning procedures.

When it comes to the costs and benefits, the Takakura Method would

entail higher initial and ongoing costs. Even though it has higher costs,it is more

profitable than the Vermi method of composting. The two methods aid in waste

minimization.. Lastly, as to the impact or influence in the community, there is

minimal community participation in both methods.

Moreover, Takakura Method is preferable because it is more

advantageous compared to the Vermi Composting Method. Although the current

market price of the ingredients to be used in the composting, are higher compared

to the Vermi Composting Method the revenue of selling its by products is enough

to cover the costs in its application

42

Conclusion

Vermi Method of Composting is less costly and is sold cheaper but the

Takakura Method of composting is more beneficial as to its overall

implementation since it generates better quality composts, provides higher

returns, and is more preferred by the barangays. Takakura Method of composting

is the best method to be implemented in the barangay level.

Recommendation

The barangay should properly document the process of undergoing the

Takakura and Vermi Composting Method and the volume of garbage both

biodegradable and non-biodegradable in order to quantify the amount needed in

composting and the budget to be allocated as per volume. There should also be an

intensive promotion of using composting methods. The barangay officials should

continue to encourage the residents to cooperate in composting through proper

orientation and seminars and implement it through household levels. An

appropriate distribution channel on their by-products should be developed by the

barangays. Constant communication and timely distribution of budgets among the

different organizations should be observed.

Future researchers should give focus and spend more time in conducting

studies regarding environmental issues in the society. They should better analyze

and fill in the gaps in data gathering in a wider population specifically on the

respective households.

43

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Books

H. Panda (2011). Manufacture of Biofertilizer and Organic Farming. Asia

Pacific Business Press Inc.

Whitman, Ann (2001). Organic Gardening for Dummies. For Dummies,

Asia Pacific Business Press Inc.

E-Books

A Short Guide to Food Waste Management Practices. Lean Path.

Retrieved from: http://www.leanpath.com/docs/Waste_Guide_o.pdf

D.G.J. Premakumura (2010/2012). Best Practices and Innovations in

Community-Based Solid Waste Management in Cebu. Retrieved from:

http://pub.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/upload/4336/attach/Dickella_Pr

emakumara_final[Best_Practices].pdf

How to Manage Household Waste. Unesco. Retrieved from:

http://www.unesco.org/education/educprog/ste/pdf_files/asiamaterials/

unit8.pdf

Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Management in the

Mediterranean Region, Medicites. Retrieved from:

http://www.medcities.org/docs/3%20Urban%20Waste%20generation

%20and%20classification.pdf

Home Composting: Step-by Step guide to Takakura Composting.

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. Retrieved from:

44

http://starstorage.blob.core.windows.net/archives/2010/1/5/lifefocus/ho

me_composting.pdf

Dickella Prekamura Final (Best Practices)

http://pub.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/upload/4336/attach/Dickella_Pr

emakumara_final[Best_Practices].pdf

Journals

Gan Huei Ying*and Mahamad Hakimi Ibrahim (June-August 2013). Local

Knowledge In Waste Management: A Study Of Takakura Home Method.

Journal of Environmental Science, Computer Science and Engineering &

Technology (Vol. 2 No. 3)

News Article

Borromeo, R. U. (March 24, 2011). Cabrera tags "dirtiest" Cebu City

barangays. The Freeman.

Basilan, R. Parco, B. (February 16, 2011). City spreads compost method.

Sunstar Cebu.

Internet sources

How to Compost Food Scraps. Retrieved from:

http://www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com/foodscraps.html

Turning Waste to Organic Fertilizer/ Soil: TAkakura Method of

Composting. Retrieved from:

http://utanbisaya.com/2012/07/11/a-random-discovery-takakura-method-

of-composting/

45

Part 1: How to compost at home using container pots. Retrieved from:

http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/2010/07/21/part-1-how-to-compost-

at-home-using-container-pots/

Going Underground: Compost Pit or Trench Composting. Retrieved from:

http://green-home-landscape-source.com/compost-pit.html

Disadvantages of Plastic Bags. Augustine, R.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5072695_disadvantages-plastic-bags.html

Municipal Solid Waste. Wikipedia Retrieved from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_waste

Types of Solid Waste. Retrieved from:

http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/solwaste/types.htm

Takakura Home Method Composting (THM). Sibu Municipal Council.

(November 30, 2012) Retrieved from:

http://gardenemerald.blogspot.com/2010/12/takakura-home-composting-

part-1.html

Recommended Pits/Heaps (7 Days)

Initial Cost

Daily Dumping Fee

Number of Days

Annual Dumping Fee

Potential Income from Alternative Method

Annual Dumping Fee Cost

Number of Market Waste Sacks collected

Kilograms/Sack

Net Biodegradable Waste, Daily(Kgs)

7

50

350.00

Takakura Method

875.00Php

Comparison

(Takakura Method v.s Vermicomposting)

Vermicomposting

Net Biodegradable Waste, Daily(Kgs)

Yield Ratio

350.00

0.10

7

3,290.00Php

Material Cost 470.00Php

7

50

350.00Php

Gross Receipts

Less: Initial Cost (3,290.00)Php

Potential Daily Sales

Calendar Days

Potential Compost, Daily (Kgs )

Average Selling Price (per Kg)

Potential Daily Sales

35.00

25.00Php

Daily Biodegradable Waste (Tons ) 0.551155498

700.00Php

385.81Php

365

Potential Income

Dumping Fee/Ton

Opportunity Cost/Savings

316,085.00Php

140,820.23Php

316,085.00Php

(140,820.23)Php

456,905.23Php

500

875.00Php

365

319,375.00Php

0.08

40

12.00Php

480.00Php

500.00Php

7

3,500.00Php

APPENDIX A

171,700.00Php

(140,820.65)Php

30,879.35Php

Average Daily Market Waste of a Barangay

Initial Cost Requirement

Output Generation

Potential Income

Potential Savings

0.551155498

700.00Php

385.81Php

365

140,820.65Php

171,700.00Php

480.00Php

365

175,200.00Php

(3,500.00)Php

46

Unit Cost

40.00Php

50.00Php

15.00Php

42.50Php

10.00Php

50.00Php

50.00Php

45.00Php

10.00Php

Recommended Heaps (7 Days)

Initial Cost

TAKAKURA METHOD(Consolidated)

TO MAKE A HEAP:

Net CostIngredients Requirement

Rice Husk

Net Biodegradable Waste, Daily(Kgs) 350.00

Rice Bran

Lacto Pafi Drink

Mushroom

Yakult

Tuba

Humus

22.50Php

100.00Php

470.00Php COMPOST COST

Water

Activated Yeast

42.50Php

100.00Php

50.00Php

Initial Compost Cost Requirement

Average Daily Market Waste of a Barangay

Number of Market Waste Sacks collected 7

Kilograms/Sack 50

50.00Php

10

1

1

0.5

Output Generation


Yield Ratio 0.10

Heap Cost 470.00Php

7

3,290.00Php

Calendar Days 365

Potential Compost, Daily (Kgs ) 35.00

Average Selling Price (per Kg) 25.00Php

Potential Daily Sales 875.00Php

Potential Income

Daily Compost Generated 875.00Php

316,085.00Php Potential Income

Gross Receipts 319,375.00Php

Less:

Initial Compost Cost (3,290.00)Php

40.00Php

50.00Php

15.00Php

1

1

1

1

10

47

Daily biodegradable waste (Kgs)

Daily Dumping Fee

Number of Days

Annual Dumping Fee

Potential Income from Takakura Method


Assumptions:

1.) The Yield ratio is 1 kilo of biodegradable waste will yield 1/3 of compost.

2.) The ingredients mentioned and the accompany costs are provided by CUSW.

3.) The amount of garbage thrown by Cebu City is 500 tons per day. 56.67 percent of which is biodegradable.

4.) It is assumed that for 7 kilos of waste, 6 kilos of Takakura mother seed compost is recommended.

5.) One heap will be able to process 200 kilograms of waste daily.

6.) The suggested ratio is 1 kilo of compost is to 1 kilo of waste. This is when the process is already ongoing.

7.) Recommended Mother Seed Compost is to make 7 heaps enough for 7 days.

48

Potential Savings

350.00

Kilograms/Ton 907.185

98,574.16Php

316,085.00Php

(98,574.16)Php

Opportunity Cost/Savings 414,659.16Php


Dumping Fee/Ton 700.00Php

270.07Php

365

Daily biodegradable waste (Kgs)

Daily Dumping Fee

Number of Days

Annual Dumping Fee

Potential Income from Vermicomposting Method


49

African Nightcrawlers (1 kg) 500.00Php

BASIC MATERIAL LIST

Ingredients Cost

VERMICOMPOSTING METHOD(Consolidated)

Net Biodegradable Waste, Daily(Kgs) 3,500.00

TOTAL 20,000.00Php

Initial Cost

African Nightcrawlers 500.00Php

Number of Composting Pits 7

Potential Compost, Daily (Kgs ) 28.00

Barangay Talamban's Daily Market Waste

Number of Market Waste Sacks collected 7

Kilograms/Sack 50


Output Generation


Yield percentage 0.08

Gross Receipts 122,640.00Php

Average Selling Price (per Kg) 12.00Php

Potential Daily Sales 336.00Php

Potential Income

Daily Sales Generated 336.00Php

Calendar Days 365

Less:

Initial Compost Cost (3,500.00)Php

Potential Income 119,140.00Php

Potential Savings

200.00

Kilograms/Ton 907.185


119,140.00Php

(56,328.09)Php

Opportunity Cost/Savings 62,811.91Php

Dumping Fee/Ton 700.00Php

154.32Php

365

56,328.09Php

50

In computing the potential profit of the composting methods of the two

barangays, it was presumed that the composts generated by the two composting

methods are sold during the year.

Based on the computed projected profit of the two composting methods,

the potential income generated by the takakura method is greater than the

potential income generated by the vermi method of composting. Even though the

takakura method has a greater initial cost, the barangay placed a higher mark up

on the cost to be able to recover the cost spent in undertaking the composting

method.

The researchers also computed the cost forgone if the two barangays

would conduct the two composting methods. Based on the interview conducted

with the BEOs of Barangay Talamban and Barangay Kalunasan the researchers

learned that the government would spend PHP 700 per ton of garbage thrown to

the private landfill in Concolacion. This computation of the projected profit could

help the government in assessing the benefits of applying composting to the

barangays of Cebu.

51

APPENDIX B

TRANSMITTAL LETTER

February 18, 2014

Mr. Randy Navarro

Assistant Department Head

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office

Cebu City Government

2nd

Floor Department of Public Services (DPS) Building

Ramos St., Cebu City

Dear Mr. Navarro:

I am Carlos Q. Tabada, a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting (BS-

MA) from the University of San Carlos.

One of our thesis subjects, AC-527, entitled Management Synthesis, requires us

to conduct a study on a selected topic. In this case, our topic is about the cost and

benefits of the Takakura Method and Vermicomposting method of composting.

We would like to ask for your technical assistance in conducting our said study.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,

Carlos Q. Tabada

52

APPENDIX C: INTERVIEW AND SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

QUESTIONNAIRE of LGU EMPLOYEES

VERMICOMPOSTING METHOD

1.) When did the implementation of the Vermicomposting Method begin?

What barangay was the pilot barangay for the implementation?

2.) Who introduced vermi composting in Cebu?

3.) What is the process for the implementation Vermicomposting Method at

the barangay level and/or the household level?

4.) Are there barangays who implement the stated composting method in the

household level? If yes, what are the names of those barangays and how

many households took part in the implementation?

5.) What department is in charge for overseeing the implementation?

6.) Who is responsible for the distribution of the materials for the

implementation of the Vermicomposting Method?

7.) What are the costs for such materials?

8.) How much is the budget given by the City government to the selected

barangays in implementing the Vermi composting method?

9.) How much is the usual selling price of the by-products ?

10.) Does the government have a specific distribution channel when

selling the by-products of this compositng method?

11.) Has there been any reduction in the amount of waste disposed by

the implementing barangays? In what amount?

53

12.) According to those who have implemented the Vermi and

Takakura method of composting, which composting method do they prefer

and why?

QUESTIONNAIRE- TAKAKURA METHOD

1.) When did the implementation of the Takakura Method begin? What

barangay was the pilot barangay for the implementation?

2.) Who introduced the Takakura method in Cebu?

3.) What is the process for the implementation Takakura Method at the

barangay level and/or the household level?

4.) Are there barangays who implement the stated composting method in

the household level? If yes, what are the names of those barangays and

how many households took part in the implementation?

5.) What department is in charge for overseeing the implementation?

6.) Who is responsible for the distribution of the materials for the

implementation of the Takakura Method?

7.) What are the costs for such materials?

8.) How much is the usual selling price of the by-products?

9.) Does the government have a specific distribution channel when selling

the by-products of this compositng method?

10.) How much is the budget given by the City government to the

selected barangays in implementing the Takakura composting method?

11.) Has there been any reduction in the amount of waste disposed by

the implementing barangays? In what amount?

54

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE BARANGAY

1. How many households do you have in your barangay? (Demographic

profile)

2. How does your barangay collect garbage?

3. Percentage of biodegradable wastes collected

4. Among the biodegradable wastes collected, what percentage compose

food wastes?

5. What are the types of composting methods which you implement in your

barangay?

6. Who introduced the Takakura and Vermi method to your barangay?

7. How many years have you been applying the Takakura and Vermi

method?

8. What are the advantages of using the Takakura and Vermi method of

composting?

9. What are the disadvantages of using the Takakura and Vermi method of

composting?

10. When compared with each other what method is preferred by the

Barangay?

11. What is the volume of garbage that was collected before undergoing

Takakura and Vermi Composting?

12. Reduction of biodegradable wastes upon implementing the Takakura and

Vermi method

55

13. How many of these households implement the Takakura and Vermi

method of composting?

14. How do you make composts using the Takakura and Vermi method?

15. What are the costs of undergoing the Takakura and Vermi Method?

16. What are the by-products of the Takakura and Vermi Method?

17. How will these by-products be used?

18. To whom do you sell these by-products?

19. How much is the selling price of these by-products?

20. Is there a distribution channel when selling these composts?

21. Where do you get the materials to be used in the Takakura and Vermi


22. How many kilos of composts of Takakura and Vermi does one kilo of

garbage make?

23. Is there an ordinance about the implementation of the Takakura and Vermi


24. Will you recommend the Takakura and Vermi method of composting to

other barangays?

56

University of San Carlos

School of Business and Economics

This questionnaire serves as an instrument to the research paper A Comparative Study

on the the Costs and Benefits of Using the Takakura Method and Vermi Composting in

Barangay Kalunasan and Talamban. The information gathered from this questionnaire

is solely for research purposes.

1. Operation

Takakura Method Vermi composting Method

Which is easier to

perform?

Which requires many

tools and/or

equipments/materials?

Which takes a longer time

to compose?

Which would generate the

better quality of output?

Which method do you

prefer?

2. Maintenance

Takakura Method Vermicompost Method

Which has simpler

cleaning procedures?

3. Cost/Profit

Takakura Method Vermicompost Method

Which has higher

initial costs?

Which has higher

ongoing costs?

Which composting

method would allow

you to earn higher

profits?

Which composting

method would allow

you to find more

buyers of its by-

product?

57

4. Influence to the community

Takakura Method Vermi composting Method of

Composting

Which is easier to

implement?

Which is easier to adopt

and practice?

Which composting method

would cause hygienic

problems if not done

properly?

Which training is more

difficult?

Which composting method

would create more

unpleasant odours?

Would you recommend the

implementation of this

method to other barangays?

5. Effects to the Community

Takakura Method Vermi composting

Method of Composting

YES NO YES

NO

Is the waste minimized?

Did everyone in the

community participate in

this practice?

Is this method still being

practiced up to this date by

the households?

Name of respondent: _________________________________

Position in the Government: ___________________________

Barangay/office: ____________________________________

Signature: ________________________

58

APPENDIX D

DOCUMENTATION

Vermi Composting Bed in CESET

59

Interview with Ms. Consolacion Paa of CESET

With the staff of CESET

60

With the staff of CESET

With one of the BOE; taken at Brgy. Apas

61

Brief background of the Takakura Method that was shown to us during our Talamban

Visit

62

Vermi Composting Bed in Talamban

63

Vermi Composting Bed in Talamban

64

Vermi Compost Takakura Compost

65

Takakura Method in Talamban

Picture taken with Mr. Rene Rosales

66

Picture taken with Mr. Randy Navarro of CENRO

67

Interview with Mr. Casiano Catapang

68

Picture taken during our interview with Mr. Casiano Catapang of Cebu Uniting for

Sustainable Water Foundation Inc.

APPENDIX E

69

SECRETARYS REPORT

During the second week of June, the researchers instructor made them

research on references that talk about food wastes. The references may come

from books, journals, websites and other sources of reading materials. Among the

gathered topics, they selected three topics to further research on.

The first topic that the researchers had was on the applicability of

Takakura Method of Composting in Barangay San Antonio. Due to time

constraints and inexistent documents in the barangay, they changed the study to

the cost and benefits of using Takakura Method of composting in Barangay

Kamputhaw. When the researchers did their scoping in the barangay, they came

to know that Barangay Kamputhaw did not have any documents regarding the

implementation of the said method and the said barangay already stopped

implementing the said method. Barangay Kamputhaw referred Barangay Lahug to

the researchers. When the group went to Barangay Lahug, the researchers found

out that the Barangay also stopped using the method because of the elections.

Although they said they are planning to implement again the said method, there is

still no assurance that they will do so.

The researchers came to a conclusion that they cannot proceed with any of

the topics that have been made so the researchers decided to conduct a thorough

scoping in other barangays. Upon doing so, they discovered about vermi

composting. It is another composting method besides the Takakura Method that is

prevalently used by the other barangays, like, Talamban and Kalunasan. Because

70

of this discovery, the researchers decided to make a comparative study of

Takakaura Method and Vermi Composting in Barangay Kalunasan and Talamban.

In order for the researchers to meet the deadline, they gathered the

information needed separately. The researchers had separate places to go to. In

every place/barangay that they visit, the researchers interviewed the Barangay

Environmental Officers and the Barangay Captain. The researchers also visited

some local government units, like CESET, CUSW and CCENRO. The

researchers interviewed the head of these local government units and gathered

more information about the two composting method. The Barangay

Environmental Officers also answered survey questionnaires about the study. The

heads of the local government units and BEOs are our respective respondents for

our study.

As the researchers gathered the data needed for the study, they come up

with some conclusions and recommendations in relation to the study conducted.

One conclusion made was that, the two barangays, which were the objects of the

study is different in terms of what composting method is more cost-effective and

beneficial. Barangay Talamban prefers the Vermi Composting since it entails less

labor and it has lesser equipment and materials to use as compared to Takakura

Method. Although both methods produce the same output, Barangay Talamban

still prefers Vermi since it does not need a very long time to process and to

produce its end product. Another conclusion made was, based from the local

government units interviewed, they prefer the Takakura Method since it gains

more profit than Vermi composts because of the high market value of the

71

Takakura Method. The researchers recommend using the Takakura Method since

it is odorless and does not consume a big space. This method is advisable to be

used by households and other barangays who do not use a specific method of

composting. Another recommendation made was, that