Quality of Life and Beneficiary Satisfaction in the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation Program in Candijay: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract

A mixed-methods approach was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the BFAR TARGET Program among fisherfolk in Candijay, Bohol. The majority of beneficiaries were mature individuals (66.66%) aged 51 to 70, with 35.1% having completed primary education. Quantitative analysis, employing a paired t-test, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in quality of life (p<.001), as reflected by an increase in the average weighted mean (AWM) from 2.31 (Barely Sufficient) to 2.60 (Sufficient). This improvement was accompanied by economic gains, including a reduction in households earning below 5,000.00 pesos from 35.1% to 15.8%, and increased livelihood diversification through homestead gardening (57.9%) and fish processing (29.8%). Beneficiary satisfaction was high (GWM=3.10), particularly with local government unit (LGU) management (AWM=3.21). Pearson correlation analysis (r=128, p=3.42) indicated that satisfaction was primarily associated with the quality of service delivery rather than initial poverty status. Qualitative findings identified gaps related to environmental risks and insufficient investment, revealing that despite economic improvements, most beneficiaries remained below the poverty line, which requires 17,500 pesos per month. To enhance program sustainability, it is recommended that the LGU and BFAR establish direct-to-market linkages to increase net profits, provide disease-resistant seaweed strains to support the 23.5% of beneficiaries engaged in seaweed farming, and implement micro-savings training to strengthen financial resilience against unexpected expenses.