Hospitality Sustainable Livelihood Extension Program: A Revisit

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the community extension program on the livelihood of the beneficiaries. The program included training in culinary arts, bread and pastry production, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. The study gathered data on the personal profile of the respondents, the effects of the program on their social and economic status, and the number of graduates who passed the National Certificate II (NCII) exam. The research design was mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve multiple validities and contribute to the published literature. The instrument used for data collection was a survey, with guided interviews to gather additional information. The respondents were the 118 trainees of the 2017 Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The study used frequency and percentage count to categorize the profile of the respondents. For the effect of the program on the socio and economic impact to the beneficiaries, a modified Likert Scale value was assigned to score the four categories. The item mean was used to analyze the socio-economic impact of the beneficiaries. A criterion scale was used by the researcher for the assessment of results, with a mean range of 3.25-4.00 indicating Strongly Agree, 2.50-3.24 indicating Agree, 1.75-2.49 indicating Disagree, and 1.00-1.74 indicating Strongly Disagree.

The study on the Sustainable Livelihood Program provides valuable insights into the profile of beneficiaries, their skills development, and the program's impact. The findings reveal that the majority of beneficiaries are in the age group of 26-30, with more female participants across all programs. Educational attainment shows a higher percentage of beneficiaries with an Elementary education. The program has a positive impact on beneficiaries, enabling them to acquire skills, increase household income, and improve economic situations. Beneficiaries strongly agree on the development of culinary, bread and pastry production, housekeeping, and food and beverage service skills. The program also shows strong positive impacts on financial aspects, scaling up, and employment opportunities. Recommendations include tailored training programs, support for female beneficiaries, geographic expansion, diversification of occupations, financial literacy integration, and continuous monitoring for program enhancement. The study aligns with the Sustainable Livelihood Program's goal to improve socio-economic well-being through self- and wage employment engagement. It emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions to address beneficiary needs effectively and sustainably. By implementing these recommendations, the program can further empower beneficiaries, enhance their skills and economic prospects, and contribute to sustainable development in the communities it serves.