Stakeholder Satisfaction and Program Effectiveness of Project Free Relevant and Excellent Education (FREE): A Comprehensive Evaluation of Makati City's Educational Support Initiative

This study evaluates the effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction of Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education), an educational support program implemented by the Local Government Unit of Makati City, Philippines. Using a comprehensive survey methodology, data were collected from 11,184 program beneficiaries across various educational levels from Pre-Kinder to Senior High School. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative satisfaction ratings and qualitative feedback analysis. Results indicate exceptionally high satisfaction levels with a mean satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5.0, with 89.2% of respondents rating their satisfaction as 5 (very satisfied). The program demonstrates significant positive impact on family financial burden reduction, with beneficiaries reporting substantial savings on school supplies, uniforms, and educational materials. Key areas for improvement identified include sizing accuracy for shoes and uniforms, quality enhancement of certain items, and potential expansion of program offerings. The study reveals that long-term beneficiaries (those receiving benefits for over five years) show consistently higher satisfaction rates compared to newer participants. These findings suggest that Project FREE effectively addresses educational accessibility challenges while maintaining high stakeholder satisfaction, positioning it as a model for similar educational support initiatives in other local government units.