DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET POTENTIAL OF SAGO (METROXYLON SAGU ROTTB) COOKIES: INPUT FOR SUSTAINABLE LOCAL LIVELIHOOD

Customers' acceptability for product quality is essential in today’s market environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the market potential of sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb) cookies as a basis for sustainable local livelihood activity. The descriptive research design was used, involving 220 respondents. The survey was conducted at the Iloilo Convention Center in the Philippines during the 2023 National Science and Technology Week. The findings revealed that most respondents were young adult females and engaged in skills and semi-skilled work. The sensory qualities that most respondents liked in the cookies were: appearance, flavor, texture, aroma, and overall acceptability. In terms of market potential, the respondents perceived a very positive reaction to the quality, and they likely recommend cookies to others. The findings support the Stimulus-Response Theory (SRT), that if consumers have a positive reaction to a product, they tend to patronize it. Hence, local sago cookies have market potential. The conduct of a livelihood program in the community on the preparation and marketing of sago cookies is likely beneficial to the community. The findings of this investigation will be disseminated to the stakeholders through college research and extension in-house reviews and public assemblies.