Human Capital Gaps and Livelihood Recovery: A TechnologyDriven Training Needs Assessment in Ibaan, Batangas, Philippines

This study was a comprehensive technology-based training needs assessment of 230 displaced households after the disastrous eruption of Taal Volcano, families were compelled to vacate their ancestral communities surrounding Taal Lake. Based on the descriptive-comparative research design, the study used quantitative survey methods, correlation analysis, chi-square test of independence, factor analysis and multiple regression modelling to reveal significant human capital gaps in demographic, economic, psychosocial and technological dimensions. Results indicated livelihoods have been severely affected by displacement, with 75.2% of people unemployed prior to evacuation, 83.9% of people indicating they did not plan to return to their previous locations and 59.6% of people reporting not having access to psychological support services. Statistically significant relationships were found between family size and income class (χ² = 34.27, p <0.01), place of origin and current livelihood engagement (Cramer’s V = 0.342, p <0.05), and educational attainment and readiness for technology adoption (r = 0.478, p = <0.01). The factor analysis revealed four latent dimensions of training needs: (1) Financial and Business Management Skills, (eigenvalue = 4.23); (2) TechnicalVocational Capabilities (eigenvalue = 3.87); (3) Digital and Technology Literacy (eigenvalue = 3.12); and (4) Psychosocial and Soft Skills (eigenvalue = 2.95). Regression modeling explained 62.4% of the variance in training preparedness (R2 = 0.624, F = 47.31, p <0.01) by monthly income, family size and availability of psychological support. The findings of the study have a significant impact on the strategic direction of the research, providing evidence-based recommendations for multi-year technology-enabled livelihood intervention app