To contribute to the realization of the national goal of poverty reduction and inclusive development, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) implements the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Kabuhayan Program. DILP specifically seeks to assist vulnerable workers such as the self-employed, landless farmers, unpaid family workers, displaced workers, parents of child laborers and low-wage seasonal workers. Selected beneficiaries are provided with livelihood opportunities, as well as training support, to help them augment their incomes and consequently reduce their vulnerability.

Although regular monitoring is done in terms of output, not much is known as to whether the DILP has achieved its intended outcomes. This study therefore seeks to make an important contribution to DOLE’s understanding of how livelihood projects are shaped, sustained or constrained. A solid grasp of these factors would later assist DOLE in determining which outcomes to measure in order to evaluate the responsiveness and sustainability of livelihood projects. To achieve its objectives, the research employs a mixed method approach comprising of qualitive interviews with program implementers and survey of DILP beneficiaries. The findings show that the program has created positive effects, particularly on the beneficiaries’ self-esteem. However, factors such as rigidities in government processes and fragmented government support are constraining livelihood expansion. Hence, effects on incomes are minimal as evidenced by the beneficiaries’ desire for additional job or hours of work aside from their existing livelihood projects. It is therefore recommended to revisit the process and documentary requirements, that may actually be burdensome to the target beneficiaries. Moreover, livelihood projects, that are complementary with the long-term development plans, must be pursued to ensure
consistency in the priorities of the national and local governments. Lastly, given the limited personnel complement of DOLE, the beneficiaries themselves may be tapped to assist in project monitoring efforts and initiatives aimed at expanding market access for DILP-assisted projects.

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Title: BRINGING SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD FRAMEWORK TO LIFE: A STUDY ON THE POSSIBLE DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABILITY OF THE DOLE INTEGRATED LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM (DILP)
Researcher: Maria Isabel D. Artajo || Franchesca Rose S. Castillo || Malorie Joy O. Mones