Community Engagement Initiatives and Perceived Implementation Effectiveness of The Linusas Laburak Cooperative: A Mixed Method Study

Higher education institutions have increasingly recognized community engagement as a fundamental pillar of their mission. This study aimed to evaluate the community engagement initiatives implemented by the College of Business and Management and the Graduate School toward the perceived implementation effectiveness of the Linusas-Liburak Cooperative (LILAC) in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. The study employed a mixed-methods approach using an embedded research design. For the quantitative phase, 12 respondents participated, while six elected officers of the cooperative were selected as participants in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) through consensus sampling. The researchers utilized validated questionnaires on Community Engagement Initiatives and Perceived Implementation Effectiveness, alongside a structured interview guide for the qualitative component. Data were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation to determine the level of implementation, Pearson Correlation to examine the relationship between variables, and Multiple Regression Analysis to assess the influence of community engagement initiatives on implementation effectiveness. Findings revealed a very high overall effectiveness of the community engagement programs, particularly in the areas of capacity building, governance structure, business strategies, and environmental and social impact. Likewise, the Board of Directors demonstrated effective approach in leadership, decision-making, community relations, and sustainability in managing the cooperative after attending the training. Statistical results showed a significant positive relationship and a strong positive effect between community engagement initiatives and implementation effectiveness. Qualitative findings further reinforced that these initiatives enhanced leadership confidence, accountability, strategic flexibility, and community responsiveness within the cooperative. Thus, higher education-led community engagement plays a vital role in strengthening cooperative capacity and promoting sustainable development. Future research may explore the long-term impact of such initiatives on cooperative sustainability and competitiveness by employing a larger sample size and a longitudinal research approach.