Local Entrepreneurial Custom in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

This study investigates the entrepreneurial customs of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, with the primary objective ‎of proposing localized entrepreneurial programs aimed at enhancing individuals’ capabilities for business ‎engagement. Specifically, it seeks to describe and analyze the personal and socio-economic profiles of ‎individuals in relation to key entrepreneurial dimensions such as the desirability of becoming self-‎employed, entrepreneurial motivation and intention, and entrepreneurial attitudes. A mixed-methods ‎approach was adopted, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to ensure ‎comprehensive analysis. A total of 265 respondents—including community leaders, household ‎stakeholders, and microenterprise owners—from eight (8) districts of Naujan were selected using purposive ‎sampling. Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire and supplemented by field ‎observations. Findings indicate that Naujan has adequate natural and socio-economic resources with strong ‎potential for entrepreneurial development. Respondents generally exhibited favorable entrepreneurial ‎customs, particularly a strong desire to become self-employed and moderate levels of entrepreneurial ‎motivation and intention. However, entrepreneurial attitudes were observed to be limited, with low risk ‎tolerance and minimal innovation-oriented behaviors. The study further revealed that family welfare and ‎the pursuit of financial security are the dominant motivating factors for entrepreneurial engagement in the ‎community, while lack of knowledge and limited access to business-related information were identified as ‎minor constraints. Importantly, statistical analysis showed no significant difference among respondents in ‎their assessments of entrepreneurial customs. It recommends the development of capacity-building ‎programs focused on entrepreneurial mindset enhancement, financial literacy, and mentoring, aligned with ‎the community’s values and resource context‎.