Rewarding Compliance: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Incentive-Based Systems in Promoting Comprehensive Land Use Plan Adherence Among Local Government Units in Aurora, Isabela, Philippines
Author: Eleanor Borja Uboan
Country: Philippines
Volume & Issue: Volume 1, Issue 2, July 2026 - September 2026
Page No.: 33-43
DOI.: https://doi.org/10.63941/eupij.2026.1.2.05
Publication Date: September 4, 2026
Abstract:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a rewards system in promoting compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) among local government units (LGUs) in the Municipality of Aurora, Province of Isabela, Philippines. Anchored on Vroom's (1964) Behavioral Theory, Putnam's (1995) Social Capital Theory, and the Brundtland Commission's (1987) Sustainable Development Framework, the research employed a descriptive-correlational design with regression analysis, involving 378 household heads selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered through a validated, reliability-tested structured questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.913 for the rewards system; α = 0.920 for CLUP compliance). Findings revealed that the overall rewards system was perceived as effective (M = 3.23, SD = 0.67), with monetary incentives registering the highest mean (M = 3.33). CLUP compliance was rated compliant overall (M = 3.22, SD = 0.68), with urban planning and development practices showing the strongest adherence (M = 3.26). Pearson correlation confirmed significant positive relationships between all rewards system components and CLUP compliance, most notably access to resources (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified monetary incentives (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and access to resources (β = 0.591, p < 0.001) as the most significant predictors of CLUP compliance, collectively accounting for 64.4% of its variance (R² = 0.644). The study concludes that a well-structured, multi-component rewards system significantly enhances CLUP compliance, and recommends integrating performance-based financial incentives, resource provisioning, and inclusive stakeholder participation into land use governance frameworks.
Keywords:
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP); Rewards system; Monetary incentives; Land use governance; Local government units; Sustainable urban development
