Contextualizing Skills Training Effectiveness: A Profile-Based Evaluation of the ASK Livelihood Project in Barangay Talipapa, Philippines

Persistent socio-economic inequalities continue to hinder inclusive development in the Philippines, particularly among urban poor communities. The Alalay sa Kabuhayan (ASK) Project in Barangay Talipapa was implemented to address these disparities by equipping marginalized adults with livelihood skills to enhance employability and self-sufficiency. This study aimed to examine how participant profiles influenced the delivery and learning outcomes of the ASK Project. Utilizing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, quantitative data were gathered through pretest-posttest surveys and training evaluation questionnaires from 120 participants, while qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected participants and observations during training sessions. Quantitative analysis revealed that participant age, educational attainment, and income levels significantly affected their engagement and perception of training relevance and delivery (p < .05). Qualitative thematic analysis identified major themes, including empowerment through skill acquisition, perceived relevance to daily livelihood needs, and suggestions for longer, more interactive sessions with improved instructional materials. Integration of quantitative and qualitative strands demonstrated that while training delivery was generally effective, variations in learning outcomes were linked to demographic factors, emphasizing the need for tailored training approaches. Overall, participants reported cognitive gains in livelihood knowledge, attitudinal shifts towards self-reliance, and behavioral intentions to apply skills learned for income generation. The study concluded that customizing modules to diverse learner profiles, enhancing facilitation strategies, providing continuous post-training support, and institutionalizing feedback mechanisms can optimize the impact and sustainability of community-based livelihood programs. These findings contribute to strengthening adult education practices and advancing inclusive local development efforts.