An assessment of LGU-NGO-PO partnership in establishment of the Kalibo save the mangrove (Kasama) project in barangay

Abstract

Fifteen (15) KASAMA members of the original beneficiaries of the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Project were interviewed for this study. The existence of poverty as a result of environmental degradation pushed the three main stakeholders, namely, the LGU of Kalibo, the USWAG Development Foundation, Inc., and the KASAMA Association to reforest 10 hectares of mangrove in the 1990s. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the project through livelihood development, people’s participation, and sustainable development. It also seeks to describe the factors that led to the partnership as well as the different issues and concerns of the stakeholders in managing the project. A survey and key informant interviews were conducted to gather the necessary data. Results show that there was no genuine organizing involved in the project implementation. Respondents and informants share their insights on project implementation and recommendations for its improvement