Implementation of Project ConVERGE and Productivity of Abaca Farmers

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (Project ConVERGE) and the productivity of abaca farmers in Camiguin Province. A quantitative survey design, supplemented by casual interviews, was employed. Through total enumeration, the study involved 103 abaca farmers who owned more than one hectare of abaca production area, belonged to assisted Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations, and had engaged in abaca farming for at least five years in Mambajao, Catarman, and Sagay. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey post hoc comparisons, and ranking. Project ConVERGE was implemented to a moderate extent (TAWM = 2.82, SD = 1.03). Strong implementation was evident in storage and processing facilities, planting materials, technical guidance, fiber-quality support, and buyer linkages. Gaps remained in local funding, farm-to-market roads, credit access, financial-management assistance, and information on subsidies. Significant differences in implementation were found when respondents were grouped according to age (p = .013) and average monthly income (p = .016), but not according to sex (p = .717) or the number of trainings attended (p = .324). Productivity indicators generally improved from 2021 to 2025, particularly fiber yield, harvesting performance, fiber quality, and income. The most pressing concerns were limited time to participate in activities outside Camiguin, inadequate financial support, and changing project directives. The findings indicate that Project ConVERGE contributed to the revitalization of abaca farming, although stronger financial inclusion, infrastructure support, monitoring, and locally accessible capacity-building activities are needed to sustain its gains.