This ex-post evaluation of the ABK3 LEAP project — a multi-sector initiative aimed at reducing child labor in the Philippine sugarcane industry — offers critical insights into the sustainability of its system-strengthening efforts. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through Project ACE and implemented by World Vision, the study explored how well project outcomes have endured post-closure, particularly in two regions: Negros Occidental and Bukidnon. The findings reveal both notable successes and persistent challenges.
While the project contributed to a substantial decline in child labor (from 94% to 16% during implementation), improved community awareness, and strengthened local structures, sustainability has been threatened by leadership turnover, limited funding, and weakened monitoring systems. The evaluation recommends developing a more robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework, with specific indicators for tracking policy implementation, financial sustainability, private sector accountability, and referral mechanisms. These lessons not only inform the ongoing efforts of Project ACE but also offer valuable guidance for future interventions addressing the worst forms of child labor, including emerging threats such as online sexual exploitation.
