Community Needs Assessment (CNA): Basis for community development in select communities in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Abstract

Community Needs Assessment (CNA) is an approach to evaluate the community’s needs systematically. This study presents the findings of the CNA, which were conducted primarily to assess the community needs as the basis for community development interventions in selected communities in the municipality of Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines. Key informants consisting of barangay officials and workers were purposively selected for the study. Data collection involved Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) using guide questions, Community Needs Assessments, and Training Needs Assessment tools. A descriptive research method was employed to analyze the data. Results of the study showed that most of the respondents were engaged in farming. Identified challenges include financial literacy, land ownership issues, and waste disposal compliance. Health concerns, reliance on public hospitals, and fears of hazards like typhoons and landslides are prevalent. The training needs assessment highlighted demands for various skills programs such as agricultural production, climate change awareness, disaster preparedness, computer literacy, financial literacy, and leadership training. This study recommends developing a training program that considers the identified needs.