Communication resources and stakeholder participation in the Lamut Watershed Sub-Project (LWSP)in Ifugao, Philippines

This study examined the communication process that take place among stakeholders in the Lamut Watershed Sub-Project (LWSP) in Ifugao, Philippines and its relationship to stakeholder participation. A sample of 203 from 413 registered FRAMEI members composed the respondents of the study. They were subjected to an interview schedule. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson R correlation Analysis to determine the relationship between variables. Generally, stakeholder participation in the LWSP is low. Age, number of CBFM parcels awarded to family, and number of related trainings attended significantly influenced participation in community site development of the LWSP. Average monthly income, number of years as CBFM holder, number of parcels awarded to family, and number of related trainings attended significantly influenced participation in livelihood/income generation, while number of related trainings attended significantly influenced participation in the infrastructure support components of the LWSP. Stakeholders' communication resources significantly influenced their participation in all components of the project. Based from the results of the study, the following are recommended: conduct of extensive information, education, and communication activities, and advocacy campaigns using both oral and written communication media; establish a communication unit in the LWSP managed by qualified and committed team that will plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate LWSP projects; conduct trainings using effective communication strategies and approaches such as IEC, advocacy and participatory development models as frameworks; frequent communication through regular meetings and other related interactive activities; and conduct of values formation/re-orientation to develop commitment among members.