Compliance Level of Fish Market Vendors to Sanitation Guidelines in Baguio City Public Market, Philippines

The Baguio City Public Market, a vital hub for trade and commerce, plays a significant role in providing fresh produce, including fish, to the local community and tourists. Thus, this study assessed sanitation compliance among fish market vendors. The goal was to determine their level of compliance with sanitation guidelines and identify factors influencing compliance. A quantitative research design was employed utilizing a questionnaire based on national (PD 856) and local (Baguio City Ordinance No. 65, Series of 2023) sanitation standards. A quantitative study was conducted with all 111 fish vendors in the market. Results revealed that the vendors are mostly experienced, high-school-educated women aged 36-55, earning modest incomes, primarily located in "Block 4." Their sanitation compliance is consistently very high (WM=3.88). Most demographics don't affect compliance, but experience influences storage facility adherence, and market section impacts both storage and waste management. Less experienced vendors and the Rillera Relocation section show lower compliance in specific areas. Interventions should maintain high standards, improve infrastructure (e.g., processing space, drainage), enhance training, and leverage experienced vendors for peer mentoring. Relatively, this study recommends that market management should be tailored to vendors' profiles, including gender-sensitive training and prioritizing "Block 4." Sustaining high sanitation requires recognition, incentives, and continuous monitoring. Targeted training, peer mentorship by experienced vendors, and focused interventions are crucial for less compliant sections like Rillera Relocation. Infrastructure upgrades, such as wider processing areas and improved drainage, are necessary. Regular refresher training and a "Sanitation Champions" program will further enhance compliance, with feedback mechanisms ensuring evolving needs are met.