Livelihood assets of a faith-based community development project in the Philippines

The purpose of this study was to examine the livelihood assets of a faith-based community development project in the Gawad Kalinga (GK) village in Barangay Hugo Perez, Trece Martires City, Cavite, Philippines. The study used qualitative research method using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tool to examine the community’s profile, accessible livelihood assets, internal and external environments, and significant concerns affecting community development and empowerment. The results showed that the community has a wide range of resources to help them make a living, including financial, social, personal, physical, human, natural, moral, and spiritual resources. However, these assets were hindered by problems with societal and economic conditions, lack of job opportunities, high prices for water and energy, low participation in certain sectors, and the need for greater value development and leadership support. The research also found that community development in a faith-based context relies not only on having the right resources but also in using them effectively by working with stakeholders, securing institutional support, and engaging in values-grounded participation. The study responded to these findings by proposing the Values-Grounded Collaborative Empowerment Framework (VGCEF), which integrates theory and practice by linking community context, livelihood assets, transformative structures and processes, and empowerment strategies to promote inclusive and sustainable community development. This study had contributed to better understanding of how faith-based communities may contribute to local capacities and empowerment through participatory, adaptive and value-based actions.