ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effectiveness, outcomes, and sustainability of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) on Agriculture. Specifically, it sought to determine the level of effectiveness of PRDP infrastructure projects, the extent of outcomes, the level of sustainability, and the policy recommendations that may be proposed based on the findings. The study employed a quantitative-descriptive research design using a structured questionnaire administered to a total of 30 farmer beneficiaries. Data were analyzed using the median as the primary statistical tool to determine the level of responses. The study concludes that while Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) is effective in implementation and successful in generating positive economic outcomes, long-term sustainability remains a critical area for improvement. Based on the findings, the study recommends institutionalization of maintenance funding, strengthening of LGU capacity, enhancement of community participation, and integration of complementary support programs.
Keywords: PRDP, effectiveness, outcomes, sustainability, policy recommendations
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
For millennia, agriculture has served as the backbone of rural life and the primary guarantor of national food security. While early survival depended on rudimentary hunting and gathering, the human species truly began to flourish only with the advent of systematic sowing and harvesting.
In the Philippine context, the Department of Agriculture (DA) serves as the lead executive body tasked with fostering growth in the farming and fisheries sectors. By establishing policy frameworks, directing public investments, and providing essential support services, the DA aims to bolster both domestic and export-oriented enterprises.
Central to its mission is the elevation of rural incomes and the creation of sustainable employment for farmers and fisherfolk. The agency’s vision centers on a modernized, technologically advanced, and internationally competitive rural economy, anchored in the principles of social justice, private sector involvement, and environmental sustainability.
Since 2014, and continuing through 2028, the DA has spearheaded various initiatives designed to empower rural communities, ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable food while securing a dignified livelihood for those in the agricultural sector.
A primary vehicle for these goals is the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP)—a multi-year, nationwide initiative launched to combat systemic issues such as low productivity, deficient infrastructure, and climate vulnerability. The PRDP utilizes a community-driven, value-chain approach to modernize the sector, strengthen market linkages, and encourage active participation among Local Government Units (LGUs) and stakeholders.
The Province of Iloilo, with an economy deeply rooted in rice, sugarcane, and fisheries, provides a critical landscape for assessing the impact of such interventions. Given the significant public funding allocated to the PRDP, it is essential to evaluate the program's effectiveness and long-term sustainability at the local level.
This study sought to offer evidence-based insights that will assist policymakers and practitioners in refining rural development strategies, ensuring that public investments yield enduring benefits for the community and the nation at large.
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