A Taste of Success: Examining the Impact of Local Delicacies on Economic Growth and Governance Outcomes in Carigara, Leyte

This study evaluated the impact of local delicacies on economic growth and governance in Carigara, Leyte, a municipality renowned for its traditional culinary products such as binagol, moron, and pastillas de leche. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study examined the contribution of local delicacy enterprises to household income, employment generation, and business growth, as well as the influence of local government unit (LGU) support on enterprise performance. Quantitative data were collected from 100 local delicacy producers (N = 100), complemented by qualitative insights from key stakeholders. Findings revealed that local delicacy enterprises contributed an average of 48.5% to household income, demonstrating their significant role in local economic development. The enterprises also generated employment opportunities and stimulated business expansion within the municipality. Correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive and statistically significant relationship between LGU support and household income (r = 0.58, p < .001), LGU support and employment generation (r = 0.62, p < .001), and LGU support and business growth (r = 0.55, p = .001). Among the business performance indicators, employment generation exhibited the strongest association with LGU support. These findings suggest that enhanced government assistance in production, marketing, training, and promotion contributes positively to the economic performance of local delicacy enterprises. Despite these positive outcomes, respondents identified challenges related to limited infrastructure, market access, and inconsistencies in policy implementation. The study concludes that local delicacies serve as important drivers of economic growth and local development in Carigara, Leyte. Strengthened LGU interventions, improved support mechanisms, and greater stakeholder collaboration are necessary to maximize the economic and cultural value of local delicacy enterprises. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable local economic development and participatory governance in rural Philippine municipalities.