Authors : Paul John V. Gabay; Angel S. Arucan; Ruth Eunice Y. Tulagan

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5n8y522t

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mpe8839d

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10394714

Abstract : This study identified the financial sustainability of small sari-sari stores in the Philippines during COVID-19. 46 sari-sari stores with business permits have participated in the study. The results revealed that micro and small enterprises in the Philippines, like sari-sari stores, were adversely affected by COVID-19. In terms of the findings, financial challenges, strategies, and assistance and support were the top financial sustainability issues encountered by these small sari-sari stores, which were mainly attributed to the financial strategies being employed to attain financial sustainability. Majority of these sari-sari stores have not implemented specific measures to address the pandemic's financial impact. The rest of them have employed another way to earn income, sold COVID-19- related products, added capital, lessened the profit, saved, increased goods to sell, followed safety protocol, tried online selling, limiting the debt, and temporary closure while continuously improving financial stability and enabling sari-sari stores to better withstand future crises.

Keywords : COVID-19 Pandemic, Financial Sustainability, Sari-Sari Stores, Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs).