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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Barangay Operation Livelihood Development (BOLD) Program in Pangasinan

(Philippines), Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development (Central Luzon State University)

Dissertation Abstract:

 

The study assessed the effectiveness of the Barangay Operation Livelihood Development Program (BOLD) in Pangasinan, Philippines. It investigated the trainees' sociodemographic characteristics, training related factors, and their relationships with the effectiveness of the program. It also ascertained the problems encountered by the trainees and non-formal education (NFE) coordinators during the skills training, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Respondents were 256 graduates of food preservation and handicraft in 1990 and 1991, and NFE coordinators from 16 selected districts. A structured interview schedule was the main data gathering tool. complemented by field observations and records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square analysis, using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software.

Results showed that the trainees were mostly women, married with 9. 11 years of formal schooling, and an average income of P35,561.04 (USjumi =P26). To augment family income and to learn technical skills were the primary reasons for joining the program.

The skills learned by respondents were rated to be relevant (x=3.63 ), the budget was rated inadequate (x=2.30), while instructional materials were rated slightly inadequate (x=2.52). The Department of Education, Culture, and Sports implementors and local officials gave very little support. In food preservation, the skill rated as "learned much" was candy-making, while in handicraft, it was basketry, pottery, and bamboo crafts. Only 32.81 percent were engaged in income generating projects (IGP). Work attitudes developed during the skills training were industry, patience, and cooperation. Trainees engaged in lGP used extensively the indigenous raw materials from the community. Overall, the program was perceived to be moderately effective.

Sex, education, and family income had significant relationship with the effectiveness of the BOLD program. Female respondents with lower education and low income tended to engage more in IGP than those with higher education and family income.

ANOVA results showed that the handicraft training was perceived more relevant than food preservation. More trainees in handicraft who were using the skills obtained higher income. Significant differences in income, relevance of skills learned, and overall perceived BOLD effectiveness among districts were noted. Across divisions, they differed significantly in income and relevance of skills learned but not in perceived BOLD effectiveness. The BOLD program was perceived effective regardless of districts and divisions.

Lack of tools and equipment, inadequate instructional materials, incompetent teachers, and lack of funds were cited by the trainees as problems encountered during the training. On the other hand, the NFE coordinator cited difficulty in convening and organizing classes, inadequate tools and materials, and lack of support of DECS implementors and local officials.

The strength of the BOLD program as perceived by the trainees and the NFE coordinators was the provision offree skil ls training needed to earn a living. The weaknesses mentioned were related to finances in nature.

To improve the implementat ion of the BOLD program, some of the suggestions were to increase the budget so that adequate tools and equipment will be provided, and to give financial assistance to trainees as start up capital for their IGPs.