LAUSR

Abstract Various programs were put in place by the government and NGOs in the Philippines to aid the coconut industry reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. To study the impact of these programs on the welfare of farmer-beneficiaries, the researchers conducted focus group discussions among the selected coconut farmers in four barangays of Burauen, Leyte. Key informant interviews were also carried out with the officials of the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Department of Agriculture, which focused their programs into the following components: Coconut Planting/Replanting, Coconut Debris Management, Coconut Fertilization, and Intercropping. Results show that the programs have no significant effects on the livelihoods of the farmer-beneficiaries. There is a need for proper coordination, effective information dissemination, and frequent monitoring in order to fully meet program objectives. Overall, the results suggest that full cooperation and transparency from all levels of the government is imperative to allow for a smoother and faster program implementation from the regional to the local level.