Assessment of the government’s tool on alleviating poverty: impact of Self- Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program on the socio-economic status of its beneficiaries.

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Self Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program from the perspective of the beneficiaries. Specifically, this research aimed to know the effects of the program on the welfare of the beneficiaries specifically in terms of capacity building, social adequacy and economic sufficiency. To gather the needed data, survey questionnaire was used. Basic frequency tests were used to know the significant differences between the variables. The researcher initially studied and analyzed the characteristics of the beneficiaries then compared the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries before and after the program. The results showed that the program is still ineffective in alleviating poverty in the places studied; although there was development in terms of income and individual capacities of the members, their social competence is very minimal, and therefore their overall well-being did not develop remarkably. This study identifies the issues and concerns on the program, which can help the government in managing and restructuring the program to offer better services to the poor and help in alleviating poverty.