Exploring the Challenges and Business Practices of Family-Owned Water Refilling Station

This study examined the operational and managerial challenges faced by family-owned water refilling stations in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, using a qualitative phenomenological design. This study focuses on exploring and understanding human experiences as they are perceived by individuals. In-depth interviews with experienced owners and managers revealed recurring issues such as limited financial resources, equipment breakdowns, lacked of local technical support, manpower shortages, and unstable electricity. These challenges were further intensified by high utility costs, taxes, and competitive pricing pressures. To address these difficulties, business owners adopted practical strategies including cost-cutting, purchasing equipment on installment, acquiring basic technical skills, and implementing customer-focused practices such as timely delivery, incentives, and strict quality control. The study highlighted the importance of resilience, financial discipline, technical adaptability, and strong customer relationships in sustaining operations. It also emphasized the need for supportive local policies, access to training, and financial assistance. Despite these challenges, family-owned businesses demonstrated resilience by adopting practical and adaptive strategies. These included financial discipline through cost control and budgeting, utilization of installation-based equipment acquisition, development of basic technical skills for maintenance, and implementation of energy-centered approaches such as prompt delivery, quality assurance, and offering incentives played a significant role in maintaining customer loyalty and sustaining business operations. The findings contribute valuable insights into the realities of small family-owned businesses in resource-constrained environments and offer guidance for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and future researchers aiming to support local business sustainability. This research emphasizes the importance of local government support, access to training program of workers, and financial support to strengthen and innovate small family-owned businesses in rural areas in Eastern Samar.