ABSTRACT
The descriptive-evaluative research was conducted to determine the mandate, implementation, and outcomes of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program, a joint project of SM Foundation and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jordan, Guimaras. Fifty-six (56) respondents were given sets of a researcher-made questionnaire to collect the data. The data were examined qualitatively also quantitatively. Quantitative analysis utilized frequency count and percentage. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The result of the study revealed that the program’s mandate was anchored on Corporate Social Responsibility of SM Group of Companies. Findings also revealed that the beneficiaries actively participated in the program. In terms of outcomes, the program was able to enhance the beneficiaries’ sense of well-being, as the result revealed their overall satisfaction of the program. There were problems and challenges identified, during the implementation. Proposed recommendations for policy development were formulated to improve and sustain the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program.
Keywords: Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program, Mandate, Implementation, Outcomes, Public-Private Partnerships
INTRODUCTION
The Public-Private Partnership was a collaboration with confidentiality. It was an enduring arrangement between a private and government companies to supply goods and services to the public. The delivery of goods and services as well as projects was only the main purpose of private company which traditionally provided by the public sector.
These collaborations help citizens for the production but also economically growth and personality development, attract more businesses, and create more jobs. PPPs are advantageous to the government because the establishment can remain as the owner of the assets that depends on the structure of the deal that the private sector who controls of the assets of the establishment. It is important because it can generate better return of investment in a number of ways.
It is governed by Republic Act No. 11966, also known as the PPP Code of the Philippines, which was signed into law on December 5, 2023, and came into effect on December 23, 2023. The PPP Governing Board, acting as the PPP Code IRR Committee, was mandated to promulgate the IRR within 90 days from the effectivity of the law, or by March 23, 2024.
Under the doctrine of corporate social responsibility (CSR), businesses in the country have engaged in initiatives that have become increasingly important to contribute to sustainable development and address socio- economic issues in the communities where they operate. The SM Group of Companies, the biggest empire in the Philippines, has implemented various CSR programs through its social development arm, the SM Foundation.
One such initiative of the shoe mart staring point which is the only Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Program, which aims to provide livelihood opportunities and skills training to marginalized communities. The program focuses on farmers’ its focus areas of Farmers' Training Program and Household Mentors Training Program for Women.
The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Program's vision is to uplift the lives of underprivileged Filipinos by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to empower beneficiaries through capacity-building initiatives, enabling them to establish and manage successful micro-enterprises or pursue employment opportunities.
The Municipality of Jordan in Guimaras Province has engaged the SM Foundation. Launching of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program in 2019 with 200 farmers as initial beneficiaries. Through the years of implementation not much has been heard about benefits and outcomes of the program.
The researcher, who was previously connected with the SM Group of Companies and who is a student of public administration, felt the need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the program with the end view of adding more knowledge on the exciting concept of public-private partnership.
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