This study evaluates the socioeconomic impact of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented in 2021 within the community of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, and Surigao Del Norte. The primary objective is to assess the program's effectiveness in enhancing the economic conditions and overall well-being of its beneficiaries. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study involved 100 beneficiaries of the SLP-Livelihood Assistance Grant Program, each of whom received a grant of P15, 000 in 2021. Data collection encompassed both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, and subsequent analysis employed statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Spearman Rho Correlation. The findings reveal that the SLP has yielded substantial positive impacts on the lives of participants, notably enhancing income levels, employment rates, and overall quality of life. These improvements underscore the program's efficacy in fostering economic empowerment and social well-being within the community. However, the study also identifies areas where further attention and intervention are required. Specifically, challenges persist in promoting environmental sustainability and facilitating asset acquisition among beneficiaries. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations to optimize the program's impact. These recommendations include integrating training on environmentally sustainable practices into the program, facilitating access to asset acquisition mechanisms such as grants and microfinance, tailoring interventions to address the specific needs of beneficiaries based on their income levels, establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, and promoting a holistic program design that encompasses not only economic empowerment but also social and environmental well-being. Addressing these identified challenges and implementing the proposed recommendations, the positive impact of the SLP can be amplified, contributing to sustainable community development and a marked improvement in the quality of life for beneficiaries in Del Carmen.
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