The Economic and Social Effects of Flagship Project on Rubber Development in Makilala, North Cotabato

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The rubber development flagship project is rooted from a notion of giving free rubber seedlings to Makilala farmers who wished to convert idle lands into a productive one. Community leaders are expected to be more creative in crafting reformative interventions to address the perennial issue to mitigate poverty. This study presents the economic and social effects of the agricultural enhancement program as a flagship project in rubber development under the Makilala rural and urban development initiative in North Cotabato, Philippines.

METHODS

The descriptive-correlational analysis was used to test the significance of the relationship of beneficiaries' gross monthly income from rubber farming to family monthly income, household expenses, and family savings, also, to family dwelling, social status as "rubber farmer," and quality of life. Due to security, time, and budget constraints, the researcher follows a pre-qualification system and convenient sampling, which means beneficiaries who have already started rubber tapping and those within the market area were conveniently sampled and answered the self-made questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study reveals that additional monthly income between P3000 to P5000 derived from rubber farming improves the economic status and social life of the beneficiaries. It also found out that the flagship program can create local employment in Makilala. Most of them have a rubber experience between 1-10 years and utilized around 1-5 hectares for the flagship project with at least 1000 rubber trees grown. The beneficiaries were aware as to the selection process of the flagship program. Rubber seedlings and Training/Workshop were the inputs received by them. They were satisfied as to delivery, timeliness, appropriateness, and quality of all inputs received. Hence, there is a significant relationship between the income earned from rubber farming and the socioeconomic status of the beneficiaries.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for further cohort research study as part of the monitoring and evaluation plan of the project. There is a need to implement governmental interventions to ensure the high and stable price of rubber cup lump in the regional market. Provide intensive training in producing high-quality rubber cup lump, especially with the integration of technological rubber farming practices. Hence, over the 30 years' productive lifespan, inclusive returns are expected more to be felt inthe next five years depending on the rubber market price and quality produced.