Development Initiatives in Armed Conflict Affected Areas in Negros Occidental

A combination of descriptive research and phenomenology attempted to Assess the extent of effectiveness of the social and economic development initiatives undertaken and implemented in areas characterized by armed conflict. Participated by a sample size of 399 residents of communities influenced by Tabara-Paduano Group Revolutionary Proletarian Army Alex Boncayao Brigade, which are found in Northern, Central, and Southern Negros as well as 20 implementers. Social Development initiatives include health, housing, education, and peace and security; whereas economic development initiatives are the livelihood, economic infra support, and basic utilities. When residents are taken as a whole and grouped according to variables, the social and economic development initiatives are assessed as average in terms of the extent of effectiveness and implementers agree, too. When the scores generated by variables are compared, there is found to be no significant difference. The result implies that age, sex, and educational attainment cannot affect the way residents assess these initiatives. Moreover, when the assessment of both initiatives by the implementers are compared, there is no significant difference in the scores when they are grouped according to level. Thus, it is not a significant factor in assessing the effectiveness of social and economic development initiatives. However, there is a significant difference in the scores of implementers when grouped according to an agency, implies that the agency which implementers represent can cause them to assess initiatives differently. The result of the study was the basis for formulating a strategic action plan to sustain development initiatives in the community.