Zamboanga's Collaborative Spirit: A Cultural-Historical Inquiry into Micro-Enterprise Governance.

Noel Tarrazona

doi:10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.240

Authors

Noel Tarrazona Western Mindanao State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63931/ijchr.v7iSI2.240

Keywords:

Zamboanga City, Collaborative governance, Cultural-historical inquiry, Micro-Enterprise Governance, Qualitative Research

Abstract

In Zamboanga City, where unique cultures and tapestry come together, how do startups excel not just because of the perseverance of one person, but also because of a distinct, hidden force for collaboration and shared history? Descriptive research, the study used two methods for gathering data. One method was the use of an interview schedule with enterprise focal persons from six (6) government agencies and the ZCCIFI involved in enterprise development. Another method used was the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with eight (8) micro-entrepreneurs in the same city. Major challenges of entrepreneurs include personal attitude, resources and market competitiveness. To address these, a responsive and collaborative governance framework was developed to support the sustainability of micro-enterprises. The themes that emerged from the analysis of the nuances from the participants narratives are Theme (1) Challenges That Prevent Micro-Enterprise Growth and Development, theme (2) Collaboration of Government and ZCCIFI To Support Enterprises, theme (3) Internal and External Drivers of Enterprise Growth and Development, theme (4) External Drivers, and theme (5) Interventions from the ZCCFI. The study will contribute to the understanding of Entrepreneurship and its development in a unique historical setting in the country particularly on the lead government agencies like DTI, DOLE, DOST, and the Private stakeholders to advance this industry in Zamboanga City and beyond.

References

[1] Abbasi, S. (2014). Focus group discussions: A guide for qualitative research. Sage Publications.

[2] Ansell, C., & Gash, A. (2008). Collaborative governance in theory and practice. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 18(4), 543–571. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mum032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mum032

[3] Bancoro, K. M. (2023). Financial literacy and risk management training for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. Journal of Business and Economics Review, XX(Y), ZZ–AA. https://doi.org/10.55927/ijabm.v2i3.4369 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijabm.v2i3.4369

[4] Brown, K. (2015). Collaborative governance: A guide for public managers. Routledge.

[5] Collins Dictionary. (2018). Passive attitude. Retrieved from https://ltsc.umd.edu/exceptionpolicy

[6] L G, N., & N, P. (2023). A study on problems and prospects of rural women entrepreneurs in Bengaluru Rural District. The Review of Contemporary Scientific and Academic Studies. https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.3.11.2023.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55454/rcsas.3.11.2023.002

[7] de Mesa, J. A., Santiago, M. B., & Cruz, J. P. (2022). Challenges and opportunities for rural women and youth entrepreneurs in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Rural Development.

[8] Department of Trade and Industry. (2016). DTI annual report 2016. Available from https://www.dti.gov.ph/resources/e-library/publications/annual-report/

[9] Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga. (2015). DTI-Zamboanga case study report 2015. Available from https://www.dti.gov.ph/sdm_downloads/dti-ar-2015/

[10] García, J., Martínez, L., & Pérez, R. (2019). Government support and entrepreneurship in developing countries—Journal of Small Business Management.

[11] Herbst, L., & Coldwell, J. (2004). Qualitative research methods: A practical guide. Oxford University Press.

[12] Hung, C. L. (2007). Government stability and micro-business performance in Africa.

[13] Hyman, E. L. (2012). Entrepreneurial aspirations of the marginalized rural areas in less developed countries: Barriers and opportunities. Development in Practice, 22(5–6), 720–732.

[14] Nandi, R., & Nedumaran, S. (2021). Understanding the aspirations of farming communities in developing countries: A systematic literature review. European Journal of Development Research, 33, 809–832. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-021-00413-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-021-00413-0

[15] Johnston, E. W., Hicks, D., & Gilbert, L. (2012). The collaborative governance continuum: A framework for improving public participation. Public Administration Review, 72(2), 296–306.

[16] Kittur Parveen, S., & Devi, R. C. (2014). Entrepreneurial challenges and training initiatives for women and young farmers in rural India. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 4(2), 1–10.

[17] Ko, W. H., Yu, J. H., & Chou, C. C. (2017). Innovation and entrepreneurship: The role of collaborative networks. Journal of Business Research, 77, 223–231.

[18] Koski, C. (2016). Citizen participation in public policy: An international perspective. Edward Elgar Publishing.

[19] Latisia, M. (2019). The role of government proactiveness in fostering small industry growth. Journal of Economic Development.

[20] Ljunghold, L. (2014). Collaborative management in the public sector. Palgrave Macmillan.

[21] Mario, P., Santos, R., & Lim, A. (2025). The impact of cooperatives, business financing, and technical assistance on business venture growth and competitiveness. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Studies.

[22] McKinsey Global Institute. (2010). Lions on the move: The progress and potential of African economies.

[23] Miano, C. L., Dela Cruz, E. M., & Reyes, F. G. (2025). Shared processing facilities and employee turnover in micro-enterprises. Philippine Journal of Small Business Development, XX(Y), ZZ–AA.

[24] Montecañas, R. (2020). Government assistance and strategic positioning for startups in the Philippines. Philippine Review of Business and Economics.

[25] Oyekunle, E. O., & Fillis, I. (2016). A systematic review of government interventions and micro, small and medium-sized enterprise development. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 28(4), 513–540. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESB.2016.079203

[26] ProfToday. (2017). Qualitative descriptive research.

[27] Random House. (2014). Random House Webster’s unabridged dictionary. Random House.

[28] Ray, A. (2015). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Excel Books.

[29] Robert, R., & Denhardt, J. (2009). Public administration: An action orientation. Wadsworth Publishing.

[30] Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in Nursing & Health, 23(4), 334–340. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-240X(200008)23:4<334::AID-NUR9>3.0.CO;2-G

[31] Sandelowski, M. (2010). What is in a name? Qualitative description revisited. Research in Nursing & Health, 33(1), 94–96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20362

[32] Slideshare. (2012). Secondary data collection. Retrieved from https://ltsc.umd.edu/exceptionpolicy

[33] Smith, L., Wark, C., & Watson, J. (2001). Collaborative governance and conflict. Public Management Review, 3(2), 221–240.

[34] Stone, D. (1999). The art of conflict resolution. Harvard University Press.

[35] Suen, L. K., Huang, H. M., & Lee, H. H. (2014). A comprehensive guide to purposive sampling. Journal of Nursing Research, 22(4), 215–220.

[36] Tecson, J. M., & Garcia-Vigonte, M. (2022). Government agencies’ assistance and business venture capacity building. Asian Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship.

[37] Yusuf, A. (2010). Diagnostic tools for practical business support: A practitioner’s perspective. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 17(2), 173–190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001011041283

[38] Zamboanga City Mayor’s Office. (2018). State of the City Address 2018.