BASELINE COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT FOR TOURISM ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN UPPER TABUK: A PRE-INTERVENTION STUDY

Abstract

This pre-intervention study established a baseline assessment of entrepreneurial competencies and knowledge among MSME owners and potential entrepreneurs in the Upper Tabuk Barangays to inform a targeted tourism development program. The study revealed a complex profile: the sector is dominated by middle-aged women (95%+) with moderate education and significant financial constraints (majority income Php 10,000−Php 20,000). While the overall Personal Entrepreneurial Competency (PEC) level is moderate, crucial strategic skills like Target Setting and Perseverance are critically weak.

Analysis of entrepreneurial knowledge confirmed systemic skill deficits across all key business functions. The most acute weaknesses were found in Financial Management (inability to budget or manage cash flow), Technology Adoption, and Strategic Planning (specifically Market Research and differentiation). These internal deficiencies directly align with the respondents’ top challenges: difficulty in differentiating products (71.4%) and inefficient production (66.7%), compounded by the external hurdle of obtaining permits/licenses (69.0%).

The findings dictate an urgent need for an intervention that prioritizes highly practical, skills-based training. Entrepreneurs overwhelmingly requested support in Digital Marketing and E-commerce (66.7%), Cash flow management (64.3%), and Loan application and processing (64.3%). The core recommendation is to focus the program on building digital capacity, financial stability, and operational efficiency to empower the local, female-led MSMEs to move beyond moderate competency, secure formalization, and achieve sustainable growth in the tourism sector.