1

LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES TOWARD BETTERMENT: A

SEQUENTIAL EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF THE

PROJECT SAKT-O TO THE INCOME OF RESIDENTS IN BARANGAY

QUILIB, ROSARIO, BATANGAS

A Research Proposal

presented to the Faculty of the Senior High School Research Area

De La Salle Lipa

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In Partial Fulfillment

of the course requirements

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

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by

Babilonia, Gercy Mandela C.

Belostrino, Bea Denise J.

Borbon, Tanya Clarisse G.

Castillo, Kit Joshua B.

Dueñas, Ernest Joshua I.

Hohlmann, Hans Otto T.

Latag, Maria Dafnei Chloe

Miranda, Dominic Ephraim S.

Petalio, Byron Alvin A.

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ABSTRACT

This study will distinguish the factors that affect the income of the residents in

Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas and will ascertain if the livelihood programs that will

be implemented by the researchers will pose a significant impact towards the income of

the residents. Furthermore, the study will be using the Conceptual Framework to

determine the relationship of the livelihood program and the income of the residents. In

order to acquire a thorough understanding of the resident's income, the paper will

employ the Sequential Exploratory mixed-method Design. Survey questionnaires will be

utilized to identify the income of the residents. Correspondingly, the pre-test and

post-test questionnaire will be utilized to determine the relationship between the two

variables. Meanwhile, to obtain qualitative data, interviews will be conducted to assess

the impact of the livelihood programs on the income of the residents. The result of the

data will be implied in enhancing the implemented livelihood program for the residents

of the chosen community.

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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Over the past decades, the Philippines has experienced a rapidly rising

unemployment rate as the economy has encountered an economic recession. Due to

this, companies tend to retrench their workforce because of the rapidly increasing cost

and stagnant and falling revenue. According to CFI Education Inc. (n.d), unemployment

is a term referring to individuals who are employable and are seeking for a job, but are

unable to find one. Furthermore, there are two kinds of Filipinos considered to be

unemployed; they are either looking for a job or they do not have a job at all. In addition

to this, according to Urrutia (2017), in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey,

21.4 percent of the population declares themselves as unemployed. Due to the growing

population, the government cannot sustain enough jobs to cope with the rapidly

increasing demands of its citizens. As a result, unemployment has been rapidly

increasing that creates many adverse impacts on the lives of people. Moreover,

investors are reluctant to spend their funds in the country because the country is facing

an economic recession. Therefore, the researchers aim to respond to the problem of the

residents who are experiencing the issue of unemployment in the community.

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Unemployment occurs when a person is unable to find a job that suits him/her.

As unemployment in the Philippines worsens, many Filipinos struggle with how they will

sustain their needs in their everyday lives. This dilemma is very evident in the chosen

community for the study, which is Barangay Quilib. Due to its growing population, the

said community already has 60% unemployed residents. Thus, the more substantial

part of the occupants has just communicated their bits of knowledge concerning

joblessness that fundamentally influence their employment. As a result, the researchers

will conduct a study that may help the residents as it will give them an idea about

unemployment in the community and how they can solve the said problem.

Besides this, the study aims to answer the queries relevant to the impact of the

PROJECT SAKt-O on the income of the unemployed residents of Barangay Quilib.

Based on the survey conducted, some of the outstanding factors contributing to the

problem of unemployment is that there are few jobs for people in the community, which

is, by far, the number one problem of their barangay. Many residents do not meet the

educational requirement needed for them to find a job, which is contrary to the fact that

educational attainment is an important statistic because it can help increase statistics

like literacy, unemployment, and income. It means that cities with well-performed

educational attainment have better outcomes in the future. Moreover, many people lack

the skills to obtain a job due to the age limit to attain a formal degree and license.

Besides, the skill level of graduates has decreased over the years, and more emphasis

should be given to the skills that will help the student in the professional world in order

to comply with the needs of a particular job. Many companies offering jobs prefer
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younger employees since their work's physical demands are aligned to provide a

high-quality result. Lastly, the inability to find work in the area since many people live far

from the city where jobs are available.

Moreover, it will be accessible for the residents of Barangay Quilib, Rosario

Batangas to find a job, and is more convenient in finding more opportunities in some

places or countries. Besides, while there is a pandemic, many are uncertain and may

not find the desired job as soon as possible. Some companies may overcome a

shortage, and they had to remove some employees because of low-income salaries.

Because of this, the researchers aim to alleviate the unemployment rate by developing

and teaching skills in sewing and handicraft-making using "Sako" and "Katsa" materials.

Also, the goal of the group is to offer financial support to unemployed people from which

the residents can receive income by selling these goods. Meanwhile, the profit earned

by the participants through selling the products will be given some shares to those

group partner organizations and companies they collaborated with. The group also aims

to help the community by getting the residents’ jobs back and to teach them new skills.

Nonetheless, the group wants to provide sustainable real-world solutions to achieve

future stability and create new hope for the people and the community.

Knowing that the problem of unemployment is apparent nowadays, the economy

will continue to suffer because of the rapid increase of individuals who cannot find a job

that will help them gain income to pay taxes and acquire necessities. This same issue

significantly affects the residents of Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas. According to

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the Barangay Captain, 60% of the community's population is currently experiencing

unemployment. With that, the researchers gathered various data and information with

the help of interview and survey questionnaires given to the residents of Barangay

Quilib to be used as a basis to provide feasible solutions to the problem. Thus, the

group came up with a project proposal that can provide a livelihood to the residents of

the barangay, which can improve the status of their lives.

Statement of the Problem

This research proposal aims to identify the impact of the livelihood program on

the residents and to determine if the SAKt-O Livelihood Program will pose any

significant impact on the income of the residents of Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas.

The findings of the research will be implied in the strategies and instructions of the

researchers in conducting a livelihood program.

Furthermore, this research proposal entitled “Livelihood Opportunities Toward

Betterment: A Sequential-Exploratory Study on the Impact of the Project SAKt-O to the

Income of the Residents in Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas” seeks to answer the

following questions:

1. What encouraged the residents of Brgy. Quilib, Rosario Batangas to participate

in the livelihood program?

2. To what extent does the implementation of the livelihood program affects the

income of the residents in Barangay Quilib?

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3. Does the livelihood program have a significant impact on the income of the

residents of Brgy. Quilib, Rosario Batangas? How did it affect the income of the

residents before and after the implementation of the program?

Hypothesis

Ho: The SAK-tO Livelihood Program does not have a significant impact on the

income of the residents of Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas.

Significance of the Study

In any situation, the problem of unemployment is still prevalent in countries all

over the world. The results of the study will discuss the relationship between the

livelihood program and the income of the residents of Brgy. Quilib, Rosario Batangas.

The provision of jobs is significant since it addresses many underlying issues faced by

an individual, which also affects the society. It expounds on the study’s probable

impacts on the residents, students, future researchers, and most importantly, the

community which will be given the livelihood program named Project SAKt-O: Livelihood

Opportunities Towards Betterment proposed by the H12-03 Grade 12- HUMSS students

of De La Salle Lipa in relation to their CAPSTONE Initiatives. With that, it can be a way

to lessen cases of unemployment and sustain and improve the quality of life of the

residents. Thus, it can also minimize poverty, and help the economy grow and achieve

a sustainable future.
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For the residents, the study will be beneficial to them because it will give the

residents an idea about the impact of the Project SAK-tO livelihood program, thus

providing a basis for further actions relevant to the engagement in the said livelihood

program. Furthermore, the study will become a starting point for the participants to

create and open new businesses. The study will also be beneficial to the said

participants as it will inform them if the said project is effective and sufficient.

For the students, the study will help raise awareness on the impacts of the

“Project SAKt-O Livelihood Programs Towards Betterment” on the income of the

residents of Barangay Quilib Rosario Batangas. It may also give the students an idea on

how to help the community and improve the quality of living through the help of crafts.

Moreover, it can also add to the knowledge of the students about how they can provide

and improve the project, and those that are relevant to it. Furthermore, through this

research, the students may be more engaged with their fellow community members as

they improve their communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

For future researchers, the outcome of this study will be highly beneficial, for it

will serve as a guide and a starting point for them to be able to formulate new research.

It will serve as a reference to help future researchers identify some analysis in a

particular barangay. Furthermore, the study will help the researchers be aware of the

process involved in the crafts making industry and could serve as a future reference for

more studies in the future. Also, educators, students, and even the local leaders who
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will be seeking new livelihood programs will benefit in terms of having sufficient

knowledge about this study.

Scope and Limitations

A Sequential Exploratory study focusing on the impact of the Project SAKt-O:

Livelihood Opportunities Toward Betterment on the income of the residents in Barangay

Quilib will be done; it will look closely at how the said project will affect and help the

residents when it comes to their income, and how will the project solve the problem with

unemployment. On the other hand, the study is limited to the chosen barangay as it will

only be focusing on the income of the residents of the said community. To this end,

factors like the availability of the respondents and their interest as well as the time

allotment may confront the study. Also one of the issues that the study may be facing is

technical difficulties. As the country is facing challenges in terms of its national

healthcare, the researchers will opt to use digital platforms such as Google forms,

Google meet, etc. which may affect the communication between the Local Government

Unit and the researchers and also the gathering of the data and the continuation of the

said research.

The study will utilize a Mixed-Method Sequential-Exploratory Design. The design

will be used to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative data first, then focus on the

quantitative data, resulting in the interpretation of the data results. The sampling design

would be Stratified sampling, in which the population will be divided into strata, and then
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sample work would be randomly selected from the strata. The source of data will be

coming from interviews and surveys to determine the interpretation of why the residents

are unemployed. The instruments for the research will be pre-test and post-test

questionnaires, and to further the understanding of the gathered data the researchers

will use the paired t-test sampling design.

Operational Definition of Terms

Assets. This term refers to anything of value or a resource of value that can be

converted into cash. (Folger, 2020)

BPO (Business Processing Outsourcing). This term refers to ​a phenomenon that is

rapidly increasing in both incidence and importance. (Duan, Grover, & Balakrishnan,

n.d)

Capabilities.​ This term refers to the quality of being capable. (Merriam Webster, n.d.)

Disparity. This term refers to a noticeable and usually significant difference or

dissimilarity. (Merriam Webster, n.d.)

Diverse. Diverse differences among people with respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender,

physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, and other human

differences. (Castania, n.d.)

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Income. As used in the study, this term refers to money (or some equivalent value) that

an individual or business receives. (Kagan, 2020)

Inflation. As used in the study, this term is the rate at which the value of a currency is

falling and consequently the general level of prices for goods and services is rising.

(Fernando, 2020)

Likert Scale. This term refers to ​an unidimensional scale that researchers use to collect

respondents’ attitudes and opinions. (Question Pro, 2020)

Livelihood. A livelihood includes people, their capabilities, and their arrangements for

making a living. (Zakour, 2020)

Livelihood Program. ​Aims to break the cycle of poverty and meet emergency needs of

food. It also helps secure the resources needed to generate income, as well as to

provide sustainable livelihoods for the current and future generations and to enhance

their well-being. (Watan Foundation, 2018)

National Institution. This term means a national department or national government

component. (Law Insider, n.d.)

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Post-Test. This term ​is an assessment model designed to examine the change in

overall critical thinking skills or dispositions in a group of test takers. (Insight

Assessment, 2020)

Pre-Test. This is used to ​test on a (statistically) small sample of respondents before a

full-scale study, in order to identify any problems such as unclear wording or the

questionnaire taking too long to administer. (Insight Association, n.d.)

Recyclable Materials. This term means a material which would otherwise become

municipal waste, which can be collected, separated or processed, and returned to the

economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products. (Law Insider, n.d.)

Reliability. This term refers to the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring

procedure yields the same results on repeated trials. (Merriam Webster, n.d.)

Research. ​a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation

of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in

accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific professional fields and

academic disciplines. (Humpshire, n.d)

Unemployment. This term refers to when a person who is actively searching for

employment is unable to find work. (Barnier, 2020)

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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter will present literature reviews related to ​livelihood programs,

income, recyclable materials, and craftsmanship​. Literature and studies presented in

this chapter contains information, concepts, theories and findings that are contributory

and fitting for the selection and development of the theoretical framework of the study.

Livelihood Programs

Livelihood programs have been one of the essential and key parts of projects

provided by government or non-government agencies to assist those who are in the

lower socioeconomic status. One of the factors why they provide such programs is due

to the rapidly growing unemployment rate caused by the low confidence of foreign

investors which creates jobs in countries such as the Philippines. In the argument of

Ellis (1998), he defines livelihood diversification as the process by which rural

households construct a diverse portfolio of activities and social support capabilities in

their struggle for survival and to improve their standards of living through the

accumulation of assets. While some jobs offer a limited scope of an individuals’

workspace, livelihood programs, on the other hand, provide different job options for

participants to choose from or engage in various programs to improve their standards of

living. Livelihood services such as caravan job fairs provide numerous employment

prospects as there are more jobs and more positions prepared by organizations,
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government agencies, and businesses that provide social support in their struggle for

survival. In agreement with Ellis' argument, Carney (1998), states that a livelihood

consists of the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources), and

activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with

and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or improve its capabilities and

assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base. It is

indeed a great contribution for an individual to have a wide range of experiences to

continuously hone their skills. With that, the more experiences an individual may

encounter, the greater the possibilities that a person may acquire the abilities needed

to be qualified in a certain field both now and in the future.

Here in the Philippines, there are different livelihood programs handed over by

government and non-government agencies to various communities. With diverse culture

and resources, Filipinos always tend to find job opportunities that can help in sustaining

their daily needs even though it means leaving their artistic side as they often choose

more instant and advanced crafts and technologies since it gives higher income.

However, in the past decade, due to the economic downfall, Filipinos bring up the

do-it-yourself culture as most of them experience unemployment and poverty. According

to Kaimuiru J.C.W (2015), the Philippines’ handicraft industry has the support of

national institutions that are formed to assist the various producers. Through this

guidance, Philippine handicrafts are identified and accepted globally among the

high-end markets. While the national and local government plays a great role in

preserving and continuously supporting local handicrafts, the past century tourists
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locally or internationally alike tend to look at and appreciate the uniqueness and beauty

of the local products. Also, according to Article XII Section 9 of The 1987 Constitution,

the Filipino First Policy heavily favors Filipino businessmen over foreign investors

concerning the grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering the national

economy and patrimony. Correspondingly, the Philippines provided other livelihood

programs such as cooking, agriculture, including fishing, and farming, as well as textile

industries to support and sustain life.

Livelihood programs have a great impact on the lives of people most especially

for their daily needs. It becomes their basis to cope with and sustain their day to day

living. According to Ballesteros (2017), higher-income has provided the finances to

support the college education of children and improve their values. While jobs offer to

sustain one's living, livelihood programs, on the other hand, provide additional income to

those families who are supporting their children in schools, most especially for their

tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, and other expenses needed in supporting the need for

their education. In relation to this, digital livelihood influences the livelihood of workers

as it often offers much higher income and benefits being received such as SSS,

Philhealth, Pag-Ibig, etc. In the past decade, digital livelihood became more prominent

as the world faces a new chapter of globalization. Jobs like Business Processing

Outsourcing (BPO) and online selling became a trend of today as people opt for an

easier route to employment as these jobs tend to be home-based rather than

office-based. Chew Kuek et al. (2015) estimated that the market for digital work was

US$4.4bn in 2016 and that it is growing rapidly. Furthermore, this digital or home-based
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work tends to be not very specific in their educational background as a requirement for

them to be employed. Moreover, this type of work provides enough income to sustain

one’s life and it will help in the future since they have extra savings for them to build and

open new businesses to create other extra income.

Income

Unemployment is one reason a person faces poverty, which means that they do

not earn as much as their wages and income have been necessary as it is what the

working person gets in return for the job he has done to support his/her needs. It plays a

vital role as it becomes the root of one’s own cost to have a decent life. Otherwise, it is

attributed to reasons including overpopulation and oversupply of the labor force in

specific industries, and the inability to take on available jobs. According to Kagan

(2020), income is money (or some equivalent value) that an individual or business

receives, usually exchanging for providing a good or service or through investing

capital. With that, the Philippines’ income distribution is notable both for very high

poverty incidence and necessary expenditure for its plodding progress in reducing the

rate of poverty. Gradually, it affects every Filipino family’s annual income, especially the

less fortunate families who suffer from unemployment. Furthermore, dealing with the

loss of income can exacerbate stress. The extent of unemployment forms negative

consequences that may affect the loss of income and tax to mitigate those

consequences.
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Moreover, there are some underlying causes of unemployment in the Philippines.

First of which is Structural Unemployment. The workforce possesses skills for jobs that

were previously high in demand. With the shift in demand for jobs, supply for the jobs

that were previously high in demand outstrips the need for these jobs. As a result, many

people become unemployed until market equilibrium is reached, where supply equals

demand. Moreover, the jobs that are now high in need may require skills that the

unemployed do not possess. Unless they invest in re-training, which is time-consuming,

they will find it challenging to find a place for themselves in these jobs because firms

prefer employees with the necessary skills and experience. Second is overpopulation;

the Philippines has a high population growth rate at an average of 1.7% for the past few

years, consistently higher than the world’s population growth rate at an average of

1.2%. The high population growth rate, which translates to a steady supply of

graduates, outstrips the rate at which jobs are created, leaving these graduates finding

themselves unemployed.

On the other hand, there are some significant effects of unemployment, such as

Financial Problems. Due to the loss of income, unemployed individuals will not earn

money to meet financial obligations. As a result of the financial crisis and the reduced

overall purchasing capacity of a country, the unemployed individuals are unable to

maintain the minimum standard of living. Also, unemployment has been connected to

the impaired family functioning as it affects the parent’s interactions with their children

and spouses. Unemployed parents spend more time with their children, but the quality

of these interactions suffers compared to those of employed parents. Also,

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unemployment affects a person psychologically too. Numerous studies have revealed a

relationship between unemployment and a lack of self-esteem and confidence, leading

to depression.

Furthermore, these underlying causes and effects may affect the daily lives of

unemployed individuals to easily recognize the factors that trigger the unemployment

rate in the Philippines. To sum it up, income has an essential element that may affect

our daily lives, especially in our socioeconomic status.

Unemployment is among the significant problems in less developed and

developing countries. Also, unemployment can result in debts and poverty, and the

government has to take care of these. Hence, spending would also increase at the

same time. In cases where unemployment is present and very high, the government

must provide a budget deficit that indicates expenses revenue and the country’s

financial health. Inflation has been a widely and unfavorably known topic discussed in

the literature of economics that is essential for both developing or industrialized

countries. As a unique experience of a nation and a local problem, inflation refers to the

sustained economy-wide increase in the average prices of commodities, merchandise,

and services that resulted from the drop of a country’s currency value.

According to Cordero (2020), The number of jobless Filipinos dropped further in

October to 3.3 million from 7.2M last April as the economy slowly bounces back on the

back of the businesses’ gradual reopening after months of lockdowns to contain the
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spread of COVID-19. Aside from this, as measured by the consumer price index,

inflation reflects the annual percentage change in the average consumer’s cost in

acquiring a basket of goods and services that may be fixed or changed at specified

intervals, such as yearly. Thus, the inflation process and its effect on stock prices

connect with the number of stock returns from the investment (Saleem, Zafar, and

Rafique, 2013). Variability in the inflation rate could decline stock price growth because

such irregularities could create a wrong impression on long-term investment. Investors

will try to withdraw and sell their financial interest due to a small return on their

investment. The reason is that the returns to shareholders are increased due to inflation

since product prices rise faster than interest (Udoka et al., 2013).

Moreover, Ong (2014) added that there is inflation; central banks control it

through the increasing interest rate. It could force the investor to transfer their funds to a

short and less risky investment. As a result, stock prices will go down because of the

low demand for stocks in the market. An advantageous effect of inflation on stocks is

commonly believed. Hardin, Jiang, and Wu (2012) stated that if investors are

unsuccessful in adjusting nominal growth rates with nominal discount rates, stock prices

will be undervalued (overvalued) when inflation is comparatively high (low). The relation

of inflation to the stock price is still unclear, which makes studying the performance of

these two variables vital for researchers (Saleem et al., 2013).

Also, inflation has various effects on an economy, which can be simultaneously

positive and negative. Positive effects include ensuring that central banks can adjust
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real interest rates (intended to mitigate recessions) and encouraging investment in

non-monetary capital projects. While on the other hand, the adverse effects of inflation

include an increase in the opportunity cost of holding money, uncertainty over future

inflation, which may discourage investment and savings. And if inflation is rapid enough,

shortages of goods as consumers begin hoarding out of concern that prices will

increase in the future. Furthermore, the Philippines’ inflation rate has a significant

impact on the residents’ social status to have an income, which they can use as their

resources to live a sustainable life.

Due to the rising unemployment rate, the government has provided programs

that could help the unemployed residents, one of which is a livelihood program.

Livelihoods are means that people use to support themselves to survive and to prosper.

It is an outcome of how and why people organize to transform the environment to meet

their needs through technology, labor, power, knowledge, and social relations (Patel,

Bisht, Singh, Raghuwanshi, 2016).

Also, livelihoods are shaped by the broader economic and political systems they

operate (Vincent, 2001). With that, many provided programs and organizations from the

government are beneficial to such people dealing with unemployment to control their

natural resources, build reliable and fair access to food, and empower the extreme poor

by increasing the skills, knowledge, and resources available. Meanwhile, these

programs target those people who are marginalized, vulnerable, stigmatized, and

unprivileged for them to live. Such organizations in the Philippines include NGOs or
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non-governmental organizations that specifically deal with the needs of people. It is a

non-profitable organization that plays a critical part in developing society, improving

communities, and promoting citizen participation.

Moreover, NGOs can facilitate communication between the government and the

people who can voluntarily promote social values. Another provided organization of the

government that can help provide such projects and programs is DSWD (Department of

Social and Welfare Development). The DSWD livelihood program is open to all eligible

poor Filipino Households. DSWD emphasizes that livelihood opportunities are a

powerful tool to fight poverty and inequality by helping them develop employable skills,

secure gainful employment, and earn sufficient financial resources. Some provided

programs from the government that ought to create a program offered to people are

commonly known as TESDA. It gives quality assurance in terms of knowledge, skills,

attitudes, and values competencies. In other words, Livelihood Programs will endeavor

to fill the enormous gap in some circumstances like unemployment that will venture to

undertake.

Recyclable Materials

According to Aeckerman (1997), waste management is an integrated part of

sustainable development. As the population continues to grow and the economy

expands, there is a need to ensure the waste generated is properly managed to

preserve the existing environment for future generations. Recycling benefits the
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community and environment by conserving natural resources such as timber, water,

and minerals. It is the processing of used materials into new products to prevent waste

of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce

energy usage, reduce air pollution and water pollution by reducing the need for

"conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to

virgin production. Moreover, It is the key component of modern waste reduction as well

as the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy. The solid

wastes may be recycled into useful products. In line with the discussion, Opportunity to

recycle shall refer to the act of providing a place for collecting source-separated

recyclable material, located either at a disposal site or at another location more

convenient to the population being served, and collection at least once a month of

source-separated recyclable material from collection service customers and to providing

a public education and promotion program that gives notice to each person of the

opportunity recycle and encourage source separation of recyclable material.

(www.lawphil.net, Section 3 Paragraph U of RA 9003)

Equally significant, according to the Worldbank Organization, the objective of the

Sustainable Livelihood Program is to reduce poverty and inequality by generating

employment among poor households and by moving highly vulnerable households into

sustainable livelihoods and towards economic stability. With the help of recycling, there

are products that can be used as a livelihood and could provide income to some

residents for their daily needs. Furthermore, A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope

with facing adversity and recover from them, retain or develop its skills and properties,
 23

while not weakening the foundation of the natural resource base. The natural resource

base sustainability refers to the ability of a system to maintain productivity when subject

to disturbing forces, whether “stress” (small predictable disturbance with a cumulative

effect) or shock ( a large infrequent and unpredictable disturbance with immediate

impact). In addition to this, the World Vision Organization says that when families have

sustainable sources of income, they gain the capability to support the most basic needs

of their children. This organization has an approach which is an economic development

intervention that equips parents and guardians with the necessary knowledge, skills,

and livelihood opportunities so they can provide for their families and build sustainable

communities for the next generation.

A livelihood is a means of making a living. It includes the capabilities, savings,

profits, and activities of the citizens needed to secure the necessities of life. A livelihood

is sustainable as it helps individuals to deal with and heal from shocks and stress (For

example, natural disasters, and economic or social upheavals), improve their well-being

and that of generations to come without damaging the natural environment or the supply

line. Sustainable livelihoods are among the most significant ways of addressing rural

poverty, leading the poor to a productive life of dignity, self-worth, and transformation.

Food and livelihood security for smallholder farmers is threatened by environmental

factors, limited market access, and population growth. Each impact helps to build a solid

foundation for promoting climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and

ecosystem services. Having a sustainable livelihood program in the community takes

years just for it to have an impact on the area. Typically, a project is implemented in the
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same area for 3-5 years to achieve impact and sustainable development. According to

Oxfam (2015), a non-government organization created a project wherein it can help

sustain the livelihood in Mindanao. In line with the discussion, the overall objective is to

widen livelihood options in small-scale agriculture for rural women and men to achieve

food security and sustainable incomes. The project aimed at improving income through

higher revenues from agricultural production. The evaluation identified that the project

increased the probability of farmers selling agricultural products in the markets, as well

as improving the quantity and increasing the variety of crops sold. These changes,

however, did not translate into higher revenues, income, or wealth.

Craftsmanship

To be able to contribute to the success of the livelihood program to be

implemented, one must know craftsmanship (handwork), specifically sewing, to properly

execute the skills needed for the creation of the desired product. Anawalt (2007),

defined sewing as the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a

needle and thread. Sewing is a fundamental process underlining a variety of textiles arts

and crafts, including embroidery, tapestry, quilting, appliqué and patchwork. The main

goal of sewing is to create a piece of art which helps to express oneself which can

influence a lot of people. And knowing that anyone can appreciate handmade materials,

then, this can be used as a good source of money. With that, since the skill in sewing is

needed for the success of the program, the participants must be willing to learn in order
 25

for them to make the desired product that can help them have an income for their

everyday use. Furthermore, the creation of the product does not end with sewing itself,

but to make it more appealing to customers, they are given the chance to include

designs with the help of craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship covers the skill in making things wherein it requires great attention

to detail and creating them with passion and care. In the study of Schofield-Tomschlin

and Littrell (2001), the craft process was shown to provide identity, therapy, creativity,

enjoyment, self-actualization, self-directed learning, and opportunities for teaching for

the craft makers. These characteristics help many individuals in the industry of crafts to

improve their self-expression which contributes greatly to their mental health. With this,

the participants in the program may add decorations to the products such as they can

include a design which signifies their culture, by using various recyclable materials, by

adding different colors, and by exploring their imaginations allowing them to fully

express themselves in order to produce quality output.

Thus, these learnings about sewing and craftsmanship are not only beneficial in

a way that it can help an individual to be creative but also, it can contribute mainly to the

improvement of their lives. The livelihood program proposed by the students focuses on

minimizing the effects of unemployment in the community. In that way, it can help the

residents to have a job that can be a source of entertainment and money which can

somehow support their financial needs and provide basic necessities.

 26

Synthesis

Overall, the specified studies and literature are indeed helpful and

complementary to the purpose of this paper between the impact of livelihood program

and income to be implied in the proposed project of the group, which is the Project

SAKt-O Handicrafts. Considering all of the literature indicated in this study, livelihood

programs can be considered as a diverse portfolio and a source for social support with

the help of the laws created by the government to support the livelihood of its citizens

and promote the culture based on the craftsmanship skills of its people. While the world

enters a new phase of globalization, digital livelihood has provided higher income to the

finances to support children’s education, improve their values, and open new

businesses to create extra income. On the other hand, income plays a vital role as it

becomes the root of one’s own cost to have a decent life. It is also attributed to reasons

including overpopulation and oversupply of the labor force in specific industries, and the

inability to take on available jobs. As the population continues to grow and the economy

expands, there is a need to ensure the waste generated is appropriately managed to

preserve the existing environment for future generations. Opportunity to recycle shall

refer to the act of providing a place for collecting source-separated recyclable material,

located either at a disposal site or at another location more convenient to the population

being served. Collecting at least once a month of source-separated recyclable material

from collection service customers and providing a public education and promotion

program that gives notice to each person of the opportunity to recycle and encourages

source separation of recyclable material. It provides identity, therapy, creativity,

 27

enjoyment, self-actualization, self-directed learning, and teaching opportunities for the

craft makers through craftsmanship. With this, the research paper will be useful as it will

form the basis for current and future studies. The world is facing a national health

problem that affects the livelihoods of the country’s population.

 28

Chapter 3

THEORETICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

This research proposal intends to determine the relationship between the

livelihood program and the income of the residents by adapting the conceptual

framework (see figure 1). The diagram presents that every component of the circle is

interconnected with one another to prove its possible effects on the chosen community.

In relation to this, the “Basura Mo Kabuhayan Ko” project thriving in Siquijor was

launched on January 4, 2019, by a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who

oriented and trained at least 45 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino

Program (4Ps’) on recycling/upcycling projects. According to Calibo (2019), the

 29

association has been active in local government activities with various upcycled and

recycled products. It was awarded Best Practice in Plastic Upcycling during the Araw ng

Bayan last year. It also participated in the recent Trabaho Negosyo job and business

fair. Their initial products of bracelets, fans, wire organizers, key holders, and other

souvenir items made from waste materials were showcased. Thus, the project aims to

segregate and reuse materials effectively instead of wasting the valuable materials used

to prevent damage to the environment.

The PROJECT SAKt-O, on the other hand, is expected to be of great help in

having an impact on the livelihood and income of the residents in Barangay Quilib. By

acknowledging the connection between the variables (i.e., livelihood program and

income), these can be the foundation of the residents for their social and financial

support. Indeed, the objective of the livelihood program is to help the residents develop

their skills in craftsmanship and sewing, which is necessary for the formation of the

desired output. In addition to this, using different recyclable materials that will be used in

creating the product will be environmentally-friendly to society. It can be their source of

income since the project aims to provide financial assistance for the necessities of the

residents. Moreover, after the residents establish their craftsmanship skills, they can

form a business that generates large profits to sustain everyday needs. Overall, this

conceptual framework emphasizes and directly applies a significant relationship

between the livelihood program and income, which influences the quality of their lives.
 30

Figure 2. Operational Framework

To further justify the research, the CAPSTONE Program will be the basis of this

study. It includes interviews and surveys that will be conducted in order to know the

needs of the community. Furthermore, related literature about the income and livelihood

program will support the grounds of why the study is conducted. During its process, the

framework of the study is conceptualized in order to show the relation between the

interpretation and data analysis, as the gathered data, the researchers will be using

tools such as pre-test and post-test questionnaires together with the Likert scale as it

will show if there is a significant impact. With this, the impact of the residents’ income

and livelihood will be identified.

 31

Chapter 4

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study will employ Sequential Exploratory, a mixed-method design, to

determine why Barangay Quilib has 60% unemployed residents. According to Berman

(2017), the exploratory sequential mixed methods design is characterized by an initial

qualitative phase of data collection and analysis, followed by a phase of quantitative

data collection and analysis, with a final step of integration or linking two separate

strands of data. Sequential Exploratory best fits the study as the design aims to broadly

determine and understand the rationale of a particular problem or phenomenon and

how it affects the community.

In utilizing Sequential Exploratory design in the study, the researchers will first

collect the qualitative data, which will be coming from answers from the interviews,

followed by the quantitative data, which will be coming from the answers to the survey

questionnaires. After gathering and analyzing the collected data, the researchers will

tabulate and interpret it using a spreadsheet. The study will help the researchers know

the residents' mentality as to what encourages them to participate in the said program; if

they have enough income to support themselves and their families' daily needs and

identify the impact of livelihood programs on the residents' income. The research

process in the study is given in Figure 3.

 32

Figure 3. The research process in this study uses the Sequential Exploratory

mixed-method design.

Sampling Design

The target participants of the research proposal will be 40 individuals per batch

since it will be conducted through a webinar with the provided speakers, so that the

residents in Barangay Quilib, Rosario Batangas will be able to collaborate with them in

making SAKt-O Handicrafts. In line with these, the sampling procedure to be utilized is

random sampling. This type of sampling can be very useful in situations in which the

total population is divided into smaller groups or strata to complete the sampling

process. ​Random sampling is the best method of selecting the sample from the

population of ​interest​. The advantage is that the sample represents the target

population and eliminates sampling bias. ​In addition to that, it ensures that each

subgroup within the population receives proper presentation within the sample.

Considering the total population of the community, the residents will be randomly

grouped based on their capacity and skills. This sampling will be beneficial to the
 33

residents since it will be easy for them to make a concrete project effectively even

though it is conducted through a webinar. As a result, random sampling provides better

coverage of the population since the researchers have control over the subgroups to

ensure all of them are capable of making the project. Moreover, it provides greater

precision that requires a smaller sample that needs a smaller amount of money.

Furthermore, the target of the group is giving the residents a sustainable livelihood

which will become their starting point in their future businesses and might be a way for

them to have a sufficient income. With that, the percentage of the unemployed in the

barangay will be lessened and many will be given a chance to provide a necessity and

needs for their families. Nonetheless, the group desires that the webinar will ensue

success and likewise will be beneficial for the residents.

Respondents of the Study

In conducting the study, there will be a sum of forty (40) respondents who are

urged to partake. With that, there will be two classifications consisting of twenty (20)

females and twenty (20) males whose ages are ranging from 18 to 60 years old.

Additionally, the researchers will use a stratified sampling wherein the population is

divided into four (4) groups comprising ten (10) individuals each. The first group

includes unemployed male individuals while the second group contains unemployed

female individuals. Moreover, the third group involves individuals who have experienced

or those who have joined different livelihood programs, and lastly, the fourth group

consists of people who have the skills necessary for the study. Knowing that the
 34

problem of unemployment is prevalent in the barangay, the participants must participate

willingly since they are the main beneficiary of the research proposal. Therefore, these

respondents are chosen because the goal of the study is to answer the needs of the

people in the community of Barangay Quilib.

Locale of the Study

Barangay Quilib is one of the forty-eight barangays in the town of Rosario in the

province of Batangas. Tracing back the history, the name Quilib derives from the words

"Kilo" and "Liblib," which means "Barrio." It is a diminutive barangay in the Philippines,

consisting of 237.03 hectares, of which 60% of the total hectare is used for residential

purposes, 40% for agriculture, and 30% for industrial purposes, and is divided into

seven districts. In addition, its neighboring barangays are Cawongan which is in the

North of Quilib, San Roque which is in the South, Quilo-Quilo in Padre Garcia in the

West, and Sta. Cruz in the East of Barangay Quilib. Moreover, demographically

speaking, the total population of Quilib is 5,878, which represents 3.5% of the total

population of Rosario. The Barangay is governed by Captain Edwin Manguiat and the

other Barangay officials. ​The common prevalent source of income of the people is

having their own enterprises such as sari-sari stores, eateries, grocery shops, animal

farms, etc. Thus, providing the community with a stable income for those who are

unemployed.
 35

Research Tools and Instrument

The study will utilize a researcher-made questionnaires for the quantitative

research tool while interview questionnaires will be used as the qualitative research tool

to determine the factors that encouraged the residents to participate in the livelihood

program as well as to identify the impact of it to the income of the residents in Barangay

Quilib before and after the implementation of the program. In conducting the interview,

the researchers will be utilizing the use of technology, particularly Google forms, due to

the restrictions in mobility brought about by the pandemic that the country is currently

experiencing. The questionnaires will be open-ended that consist of ten (10) questions

which will allow the respondents to further explain and reason out in their own words

based on the experiences and challenges when it comes to the livelihood program. The

survey questionnaire, on the other hand, will consist of ten (10) items covering the

demographic status in life of the participants, particularly their age, name, and gender.

In addition to this, rating and likert scale such as likely, most likely, agree, disagree,

effective and not effective will be used to answer questions about their source of

income, income rate that they are receiving, satisfaction about the livelihood program,

and even to the income that they are receiving every day for the researchers to

determine the relationship between the livelihood program and the income to the

residents. Moreover, excel spreadsheets will be used for the scoring system after the

researcher collected the data from the respondents. With that, these instruments will

provide a venue for respondents to answer these questions sincerely and honestly to

further justify the results and impact of the study.

 36

Data Gathering Procedure

Before gathering the data needed for the study, the researchers will provide a

letter seeking permission, through email, to the barangay chairman for their approval.

Upon approval, the researchers will be tasked to secure the permission of Barangay

Quilib, Rosario Batangas to acquire the list of randomly selected participants. Afterward,

a letter of consent will be sent to the respondents through email and the researchers will

send the link of the Google form for the data gathering. ​In case the respondents don't

have access to their email, one researcher from the community will collaborate with the

barangay officials in reminding the schedule of giving the questionnaires through

personal, and social media platforms such as the Facebook page of the barangay or

text message. The group will be using surveys and questionnaires via Google forms to

determine the interpretation of the impact of the livelihood programs on the income of

the residents. There will be pre-test and post-test questionnaires, in order to determine

the level of impact of the livelihood programs on the residents of Barangay Quilib,

Rosario Batangas.

For the data collection proper, the researchers will be gathering the responses

through Google forms. After the data collection, The researchers will identify the

possible themes from the given responses in the open-ended questionnaire. While for

the survey questionnaire, the researchers will be using the Likert Scale in determining

the source of income. The pre-test and post-test questionnaires will serve as baseline

data for the researcher in comparing the impact of the livelihood program before and
 37

after the implementation. The data gathered from the questionnaires will be tabulated

for analysis and interpretation. The scores from pre-test and post-test will be recorded

and various computations will be done based on the statistical treatment.

Procedure on Data Analysis and Interpretation

A Mixed-Method Sequential-Explanatory Design will be utilized in conducting the

research as it would focus on the qualitative data that will be gathered while the

quantitative data will serve as a support in proving the data that will be gathered. On the

other hand, a post- test and pre- test will be done in order to identify the impacts and

implications of PROJECT SAKt-O to the income of the residents. In addition, the

pre-test will be comprised of questions about the livelihood available and the income

generated by the residents of the said barangay, which is to be given before the

implementation of the livelihood programs; this is to know the minimum earnings of the

residents before the implementation of the said project, while the post-test will be

focusing on the impacts of the income to the residents and giving the researchers an

idea on what encouraged the residents to participate in the said project.

Furthermore,the Likert scale will help the researchers to further prove the gathered data

in terms of the income and livelihood of the residents when the said project was

implemented. After conducting the interviews and providing the questionnaire for the

residents, the researchers will encode the data gathered by analyzing the pre-test and

post-test questionnaires. In the data analysis and interpretation, the first step will be to

collate the ratings in the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Since the findings of the
 38

post-test are established, the researchers will determine if the null hypothesis will be

accepted or rejected. The analysis will be completed with the aid of the findings. The

comments and responses during the interview will be recorded, coded, and thematically

interpreted. The coded data will, then, be the evidence of the group's execution. With

this, the use of statistical instruments such as pre- test and post- test questionnaires

and the aid of the Likert scale, which will help ascertain the mean and standard

deviation of the collected data, can help further conclude the effect of the said livelihood

program on the income of the residents. Furthermore, the gathered data will be

categorized into five components (Most likely, Agree, Dis-agree, Effective, Not

Effective). These categories will be recorded using microsoft and Google spreadsheet

for safe, secure, accessible, and reliable coded data. Moreover in using the paired

sample z-test this will differentiate the two sets of data gathered.

The following are the formulas to be used in analyzing the data:

mean: μ = E (x) = Σx * P (x)

standard deviation: σ = √[Σx2 * P (x) − μ2

z test:
 39

After the results of the post and pretest data are encoded, the results will be

compared and and interpreted, thus determining whether to accept or reject the null

hypothesis.

Ethical Considerations

Ethics in research are considered to be a moral principle followed by researchers

in order to acknowledge one’s intellectual property. Before conducting the study, the

researchers are reminded to be aware of the following ethical considerations to ensure

that proper respect and courtesy is extended to the respondents. Thus, during the

evaluation, the researchers define its ethical considerations as the following:

1. Informed Consent - The participants must agree to participate and know that

the information to be gathered will all be documented as part of the consent.

Also, they must be fully informed of their roles and the risks involved in the

research study in order to be aware of the possible consequences and any other

factors that might influence their willingness to participate.

2. Ensuring Safety and Security of the respondents (confidentiality, legality,

social responsibility) - In conducting the study, the researchers ensures the

safety and security of the respondents as it will look for the confidentiality of the

participants, the laws provided by the country to protect its citizens on any
 40

cyber-related cases, and on how the group will be socially responsible for its

participants.

3. Voluntary Participation (openness, right to withdraw, objectivity) - In conducting

the research, the researchers will not force any respondents to participate unless

they are willing to join, and they have the right to withdraw or retract any of their

statements due to circumstantial happenings that may affect the safety and

security of the respondents. Also, the participants are free to share their ideas in

order to avoid biases in conducting the study.

 41

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