Rural Development Framework of an NGO

Abstract

The study was undertaken to test the viability of the rural development framework of Gratia Plena Social Action Centre (SAC-GP) using the systems model of evaluation research. SAC-GP is an NGO working in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Income level, employment level, diversification of livelihood activities, social cohesion, Christian values, perceptions of life conditions and services were tested as viability indicators. The rural development framework components of SAC-GP (areas of concern) identified included: strengthening Christian values, people empowerment, livelihood project establishment, health and nutrition programme and environmental preservation. The overall viability tests revealed that SAC-GP rural development framework was highly viable, implying that improvements have been made on socio-economic conditions of damayan groups within the last five years. The study recommends that NGOs such as SAC-GP be provided more funds for continuous technical and or credit assistance and other human resource development activities to allow creation of self-employment opportunities and increased diversification of livelihood activities for the rural poor.