Evaluating the Impact of the Community-Based Youth Engagement Program on Empowering Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in Barangay Tablon: Enhancing Education, Skills, Leadership, and Economic Empowerment for Sustainable Development

Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) in Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro face significant socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. Youth empowerment initiatives are crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the Community-Based Youth Engagement Program (CBEYP) seeks to address these challenges by improving education, skills development, and entrepreneurial capabilities. This study evaluates the impact of the CBEYP in empowering OSYs through vocational skills, social media engagement, leadership development, and cooperative participation, focusing on how the program influences their employability, confidence, and personal aspirations. The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing in-depth interviews with 18 participants who completed the CBEYP. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns in participants' experiences, particularly in the areas of skills development, business aspirations, and personal empowerment. Findings show that the program significantly enhanced participants' vocational skills, especially in bread and pastry production, while fostering entrepreneurial ambitions through social media engagement. Participants reported increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of responsibility toward their communities. Many expressed a desire to continue their education or pursue small business ventures. The study concludes that the CBEYP has played a pivotal role in empowering OSYs by providing them with practical skills and boosting their confidence. The integration of social media for business promotion and advocacy has proven to be an effective strategy, and the findings offer valuable insights for improving similar programs in other marginalized communities. Future recommendations include expanding vocational training, enhancing social media advocacy training, providing more support for further education, and facilitating the establishment of cooperatives to ensure sustainable program development.