Assessing anti-poverty programs in Catanduanes, Luzon, Philippines: Effectiveness, community participation, and pathways to sustainable development

Abstract

This mixed-method study assesses major national and local anti-poverty programs operating in Catanduanes. Conditional cash transfers improved short-term food security and school attendance, but targeting accuracy, weak livelihood integration, climate disruptions, and limited community-governance participation constrained longer-term outcomes. Households enrolled in convergent programs showed stronger income adequacy and livelihood resilience. The study recommends program convergence, climate-smart livelihoods, adaptive social protection, and university-community monitoring.