Post-Settlement Obstacles Faced by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries: An In-Depth Qualitative Analysis of Governance and Policy Implementation in Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon Province

Abstract

This qualitative two-case study examined post-settlement obstacles faced by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangay Cambuga, Mulanay, and Barangay Busokbusokan, San Narciso, Quezon Province, with emphasis on governance, policy implementation, livelihood sustainability, and socioeconomic outcomes. Guided primarily by the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, the study used an interpretivist and emic orientation. The participant structure reported in the dissertation included 20 ARBs (10 from each barangay), eight Department of Agrarian Reform employees, two officials from the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office, two Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee chairpersons, and two barangay chairpersons. Data were generated through semi-structured key informant interviews, Ginabayang Talakayan sessions, field observation, and document analysis, then examined through thematic analysis, cross-case comparison, triangulation, member checking, and an audit trail. Findings showed five major economic constraints: limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, fluctuating market prices, land-tenure insecurity, and limited market access. Land distribution was generally recognized as an important achievement, but post-settlement support was only partially effective because financial assistance was difficult to access, technical training was irregular, infrastructure remained insufficient, and coordination among implementing institutions was weak. These obstacles contributed to financial instability, social tension, health and well-being concerns, and limited community development. Cross-case analysis indicated that San Narciso experienced stronger structural and administrative constraints, whereas Mulanay showed more situational, land-boundary, ownership, and environmental concerns. The study concludes that land ownership alone is insufficient to produce sustainable rural livelihoods and recommends an integrated post-settlement support system combining accessible agricultural finance, rural infrastructure, market linkages, secure land tenure, continuous extension and training, stronger institutional coordination, and community-development support.