AMODA GAYUD NGINI, MUPADAYON KITA: A

PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE LIVED

EXPERIENCES OF DISPLACED FARM LABORERS
DUE TO RICE FARM MECHANIZATION

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

2023
Volume: 6
Pages: 995-1011
Document ID: 2022PEMJ504
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7574692
Manuscript Accepted: 2023-23-1
Psych Educ,2023, 6: 995-1011, Document ID: PEMJ,504 doi:10.5281/zenodo.7574692, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Amoda Gayud Ngini, Mupadayon Kita: A Phenomenological Study of the Lived

Experiences of Displaced Farm Laborers Due to Rice Farm Mechanization

Kevin P. Banudan*, Nelyn L. Abrahan, Jr A. Mantog

For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.

Abstract
This study employed a phenomenological approach to investigate the lived experiences of displaced
farm laborers due to rice farm mechanization in San Rafael, Cateel Davao Oriental. This study
explored the challenges faced by farm laborers during the rice farm mechanization intervention, their
emotional responses towards farm mechanization, their ways of coping with those challenges, and
participants' insights that they can share with farm laborers who are also affected by rice farm
mechanization. In gathering the data, the researchers employed focus group discussion with four (4)
participants who qualified based on the criteria set for the study. The results showed that the
participants encountered the challenges of the loss of farm labor as a job opportunity and the need to
find another job. Moreover, it was also revealed that sentiments on not being needed anymore and
working one's cent on increasing agricultural technology advancement were their emotional
responses. It was further revealed that the creation of new opportunities and a sense of responsibility
was their support systems to cope with the problem. When it comes to participants' insights for other
affected farm laborers, they highlighted that resiliency is the prime key to overcoming the adversity
brought by rice farm mechanization. In conclusion, it was found that the intervention of rice
machinery was the common factor that swayed participants' lives.

Keywords: displaced farm laborers, rice farm mechanization, phenomenology, challenges, resiliency

Introduction one of their aims is to develop and provide training for

Satisfying the world's demand for livestock and grain
product is one of the primary targets of the
government, and their way of doing so is by improving
and innovating the agricultural industry. And to have
an effective and efficient agricultural production
system, modern farm machinery must be in place and
implemented. As Lee (2018) claimed, machinery and
equipment help farmers produce more significant
amounts of higher-quality livestock and grain
products. At some point, however, mechanizing farm
production does have a reverse impact, particularly on-
demand for human labor.
The Manila Times Series (2020) highlighted that when
more Filipinos mechanize farms, it is anticipated that
some farm workers will lose their jobs as farm
equipment and machinery perform tasks that farm
laborers once performed. The good news, however, is
that while the mechanization of farms in the
Philippines will lead to some displacement of farm
workers, the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization
(AfMech) agency is laying the groundwork for the
development of a local farm machinery industry,
which can generate employment says, Rex Bingabing,
the Executive Director of PhilMech. In line with this,
Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and
Mechanization (PhilMech) also collaborated with the
Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHilRice), wherein
Banudan et al.
rice farmers that eventually leads to farm labor
opportunities.
Consequently, the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) of the United Nations stated that sustainable
farm mechanization could significantly contribute to
developing food systems and value chains that have an
efficient and effective function in rendering
postharvest, processing, and marketing activities.
Furthermore, indulging in sustainable mechanization
uplifts the value chains and food systems, which in
turn paves the way for the availability of farm labor
opportunities, particularly in agriculture. However,
numerous previous research findings have suggested
that adopting agricultural mechanization to replace
human labor causes a decrease in production labor due
to increased production efficiency, which reduces
farmers' production costs and increases their income
(Orawan et al., 2019). Though some researchers have
produced results that contradict the ideas mentioned,
they discovered that farmers' output costs increased
even as the rate of agricultural automation grew
(Chowdhury et al. (2018). In Thailand, the number of
hours spent by equipment on rice cultivation grew
from 75 hours per hectare in 1987 to 175 hours per
hectare in 2007, while farmers' output expenses
climbed from 17,500 baht per hectare in 1987 to
32,500 baht per hectare in 2007.
Numerous empirical studies infer high technology with
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Research Article
machinery and equipment. In some countries, one
farmer produces enough food to feed over 100 people.
Using power only from humans or horses would not
have nearly this amount. However, Orawan et al.
(2019) posit that agricultural mechanization entails
using various power sources and improved farm tools
and equipment. Further, although robotic farming is
designed to improve output, it has the reverse effect on
displaced agricultural workers (Kempis, 2019).
Similarly, new technologies will hasten the trend of
substituting or replacing farm labor. According to
Schulte and Howard (2019), technology will produce
less work, make workers obsolete, or eliminate
employment by replacing workers. This implies that
machinery and equipment reduce the hard labor
needed for farmers to do their job, hence, declining the
demand for human labor. With these challenges faced
by agricultural mechanization, it is interesting to
investigate the lived experiences of displaced farm
workers, particularly in the local setting. It is in this
light that the intervention of agricultural machinery
affects the lives of farm laborers. Hence, this
phenomenological study uncovered the lives and
experiences of displaced farm laborers due to rice farm
mechanization in San Rafael, Cateel Davao Oriental.
Research Questions
This phenomenological study investigated the lives of
displaced farm laborers due to the intervention of rice
farm mechanization in San Rafael, Cateel Davao
Oriental. Specifically, this study sought to answer the
following questions:
1. What challenges did you face during the rise of rice
farm mechanization?
2. What are your emotional responses toward farm
mechanization?
3. How did you cope with those challenges faced
during your displacement?
4. What insights can you share for those who are
affected by the rice farm mechanization?
Literature Review
Concepts of Agricultural Mechanization
Food remains the most important of all human survival
elements among the three necessities of life (food,
clothes, and shelter). Food is just the direct output of
primary agricultural production, and it is ranked first
among man's three fundamental requirements; hence,
agriculture may be referred to as a lifesaving field. To
achieve food security and self-sufficiency, all
Banudan et al.
agricultural production sector players must support
traditional farmers through accelerated input supplies
such as improved crop varieties/animal species,
improved farming systems, improved hand tools, etc.,
as well as procurement of appropriate agricultural
tractors and machinery at all levels.
Agricultural engineers are known to have been
involved in solving the aspect of support to solving
significant challenges in traditional and industrial
agriculture. They made substantial contributions to
transforming basic agricultural operations, meeting the
expanding human population's basic food needs, and
helping evolve productive and sustainable farming
systems and practices, which has become a significant
priority intervention area. From the analyses of various
agricultural systems, we can understand the usefulness
of different agricultural machines involved in the
conservation and preservation of land, water, and
biological resources for future generations. This
involvement is made possible through effective
agricultural mechanization (Bello, 2012).
The mechanization of agriculture is recognized as one
of the most outstanding engineering achievements of
the 20th century. Gener al ly, agr icul tural
mechanization involves the selection, operation,
utilization, and maintenance of mechanical devices
and systems in farming operations and production for
the utmost benefit of man. Among several definitions,
the following have been extracted to fully describe the
scope of agricultural mechanization as defined by
scholars and researchers: farm mechanization is the
development and introduction of mechanized
assi stance of all forms and at any level of
sophistication in agricultural production to improve
human efficiency, timeliness of operation and labor
involvement (Hurst, 2015).
Schulte (2018) defined agricultural mechanization as
the use of any machine to accomplish a task or
operation involved in agricultural production. In line
with this, Hurst (2015) expressed farm mechanization
as the application of engineering principles and
technology in agricultural production, storage, and
processing, where these activities and applications are
not limited to the boundaries of the farm units only.
Clarke (2016) also i nf err ed that the term
mechanization is generally used as an overall
description of the application of agricultural inputs to
the production, processing, and storage of farm
products.
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Objectives and Purpose of Mechanization
As summarized by Clarke (2016), the primary
objective of agricultural mechanization includes
minimizing production costs, optimizing product
quality, protecting the workplace and environment,
and Minimizing farm production flexibility. On the
same note, farm mechanization has been known to
help in the effective utilization of farm inputs in order
to achieve the following purposes: first, increase labor
productivity: a common situation related to the release
of labor for work in other sectors of the industry or to
facilitate the cultivation of a big area with the similar
labor force. Second, increase land productivity: The
purpose of mechanization is here to produce more
from the existing land. Machinery is considered
complementary input in the farm, required to achieve
higher farm productivity, for example, through the
introduction of pump sets, or faster turn-around-times
to achieve higher cropping intensity. In labor surplus
economies, net labor displacement or replacement
should be avoided. Lastly, decrease the cost of
production: Introduction of a machine may lower
production costs or offset increased costs of draft
animals or labor.
Goyal et al. (2014) state that farm mechanization in the
country is set to enter a new phase. It is felt that there
is a need to re-look at and re-engineer the process of
farm mechanization to include the small and marginal
effectively. Farm mechanization programs in the
country have been guided by the ICAR system with
the aim of optimum utilization of available farm power
resources and augmenting farm power availability.
Additionally, it is also highlighted that agricultural
mechanization is a significant input to agriculture for
conducting timely farm operations, cutting operating
costs, enhancing product quality, reducing drudgery in
farm activities, boosting land and labor productivity,
and promoting worker dignity. Such agricultural
practices are now being questioned and the farming
community and other rural populations are innovative
and economically viable opportunities for farmers,
agricultural workers, consumers, policymakers, and
other stakeholders in the entire agricultural production
system (Goyal, 2014).
Farm Size: Determining Factors of Mechanization
The size of a small or family farm is unrelated to its
size. However, according to the Philippine Statistics
Authority's (PSA), (2016) Census of Agriculture, the
Philippines has 5.56 million farms/holdings totaling
7.19 million hectares. This indicates that the average
size of a farm in the Philippines is 1.29 hectares, with
the majority comprising small-scale family farms.
Further, 38 percent of the 5.56 million farms are less
Banudan et al.
than half a hectare in size. The 2nd National Small and
Family Farmers/New and Beginning Farmers
Conference will bring stakeholders from a critical but
often overlooked part of our agriculture industry: small
and family farms.
A "real family farm reflects a way of life rather than
merely a means of generating an economic
livelihood," according to Ikerd, author of “Small
Farms are Real Farms”. Family farming is the usual
operational farming style we have in the Philippines. It
is passed down through the generations of a family. In
most rural places, it is a crucial contribution to socio-
economic life.
Further, lots of farms/holdings with a land area of
more than 7 hectares were classified as big
farms/holdings. There were 1.6 million hectares in
total as stated by the Philippine Statistics Authority's
(2016) Census of Agriculture. In addition, the cost of
food is decreased as a result of large-scale farming.
Mergers and vertical cooperation have cut costs while
simultaneously increasing the variety of food goods
and resolving information issues. However, the
enhanced use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and water for
irrigation has accompanied the expansion of food
production. Land degradation, biodiversity loss,
excessive pesticide use, health concerns for humans
and other species, excessive carbon and criteria
pollutant emissions, animal waste disposal issues, and
other negative environmental consequences of large-
scale farming can all be found. Some further say that
large-scale farming has led to health concerns such as
obesity, as well as abused market power to the
disadvantage of farmers, customers, and farm
employees (Sexton, 2018).
However, small farms reliant on family labor are
losing ground as agricultural systems shift from labor-
intensive to capital-intensive, while large farms'
advantages are bolstered by farm machinery. To save
money on labor, small farms might contract with the
supplier to employ machine services rather than
renting or owning machinery. The supplier can benefit
from scale economies by contracting with many small
farms, as long as the transaction cost of machine
service supply is low enough. Small farms cannot save
as much labor as large farms if the labor is high
(Yamauchi, 2021). Small farms' inefficiency rises as
real wages increase, while large farms boost
productivity by efficiently employing large-scale
machinery, saving increasingly expensive labor, and
thereby attaining a scale economy.
Yamauchi (2016) uses farm family panel data from
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seven provinces gathered between 2007 and 2010 to
study the dynamically shifting patterns of land usage,
capital investments, and real wages. His regression
analyses are an impressive indicator that an increase in
real agricultural wages prompted the use of machinery
to replace labor, either through machine rentals or
machine service providers, particularly among
relatively big farms. In response to growing real
agricultural wages, the overall number of payments for
hired-in machinery or services, or both, has climbed
dramatically, particularly among relatively big farms.
When actual agricultural wages rise, they tend to
expand their business by renting more land.
Furthermore, for relatively big farms, the effect of
increasing farm size on crop productivity per hectare
becomes positive. As a result, the Indonesian case
study demonstrates that the efficiency of big farms
improves as actual agricultural wage rates rise.
Mechanization of production is a critical component of
modern agriculture, driving productivity gains and the
reallocation of labor away from agriculture and into
other sectors of the economy. Moreover, Caunedo and
Kala (2021) claim in their study that mechanization
stimulates the hiring of additional employees and
decreases farm labor performed by family members.
These changes are consistent with the existence of
agency costs in labor markets. Furthermore, research
suggests that automation subtly influences labor usage
due to job specialization by distinct types of labor
caused by agency costs. In line with this, when
automation increases, hiring work falls during land
preparation and harvesting.
Further, the influence of induced mechanization on
labor, other production inputs, and productivity Labor
savings are generally a direct work substitution
consequence of capital intensification. Labor pulling is
a common indirect impact of mechanization on
productivity. The aggregate impact of a capital subsidy
on labor is determined by the relative strength of these
channels. However, according to their findings,
farmers recruit roughly 8% fewer staff for production.
As a result, the substitution impact outweighs the
productivity effect.
Furthermore, Caunedo and Kala (2021) added that the
percentage of labor in output decreases as automation
increases. As a result, the marginal product of work
declines, causing labor to be reduced. Because hired
labor has a greater shadow cost than the farmer's own
time, the farmer decides to cut hired labor first.
However, if agricultural productivity, or the proportion
of farming, is relatively high, the demand for hired
labor will increase also. Therefore, it is advantageous
Banudan et al.
for farm workers if the large-scale farm will use
machinery because the demand for labor is high in
contrary to small-scale farms.
Numerous previous research findings have suggested
that adopting agricultural mechanization to replace
human labor causes a decrease in production labor due
to increased production efficiency, which reduces
farmers’ production costs and increases their income
(Singh, 2006 as cited by Orawan et al., 2019).
However, prior research has produced results that
contradict the above-mentioned idea. They discovered
that farmers’ output costs increased even as the rate of
agricultural automation grew (Chowdhury et al.,
2010). In Thailand, the number of hours spent by
equipment on rice cultivation grew from 75 hours per
hectare in 1987 to 175 hours per hectare in 2007, while
farmers’ output expenses climbed from 17,500 baht
per hectare in 1987 to 32,500 baht per hectare in 2007.
This is due to the constantly increasing cost of
agricultural machinery depreciation, affecting small
farmers with smaller planted areas more than large
farmers.
The Impact of Rice Farm Mechanization on Farm
Laborers
According to Caunedo and Kala (2021), as automation
increases, contracted labor reduces throughout both
land preparation and harvesting. In addition, the rising
use of farm machinery entails the use of less and less
human labor. While robotic farming is designed to
improve output, it has the reverse effect on displaced
agricultural workers (Kempis, 2019).
Similarly, new technologies will hasten the trend of
substituting or replacing farm labor. According to
Schulte and Howard (2019), technology will produce
less work, make workers obsolete, or eliminate
employment by replacing workers. It is commonly
considered that technological progress has the biggest
influence on manual work. Furthermore, according to
the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s 2021
report, local workers are uninterested in taking
available positions because they are outside of their
expertise, while others are competing with jobs in
restaurants and warehouses that offer things that
farmers cannot afford, such as a raise in starting salary,
a bonus just for applying, less labor-intensive
responsibilities, and air conditioning (Rosenblatt,
2021).
The Psychological Effect of Farm Machineries on
Displaced Farm Workers
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According to Hansen (2009), occupations are both an
economic and psychological necessity. When workers
lose their jobs, their self-worth and dignity suffer.
Losing one's job, according to experts, ranks with a
death in the family as a source of stress since it
produces an emptiness that is difficult to fill.
Employees who have been laid off usually express the
feeling that they no longer have a place in the world,
that they are useless, and that they are nothing.
Furthermore, even when the challenges associated
with job loss are not openly discussed, stress
symptoms cause more diseases, accidents, and drug
and alcohol issues.
Furthermore, Telahigue (2020) claimed that the
diminishing demand for contracted agricultural labor is
producing mental discomfort among farm employees,
leading to their frustration in obtaining other labor
jobs. Furthermore, farm workers are greatly affected
by modernization's intervention in rice farming
because they have grown up with and are comfortable
with this job, making them feel their assistance is
unwelcome. Furthermore, agricultural productivity
reduces the demand for labor in agriculture and frees
workers to work in other sectors of the economy
(Caunedo, 2021). Hansen (2009), for example,
demonstrated that much scattered personnel are forced
to leave their familiar surroundings. Looking for a new
career or profession, or enrolling in a retraining
program, is the same as starting again, which may be
terrifying and anxiety-inducing. Workers who have
been out of the classroom and the labor field for a
number of years may be apprehensive about their
ability to compete in the new world of work.
In addition, Clarke (2020) said that in order to help the
problem, all parties involved in strategy formulation,
as well as those who will be affected by it, should be
clear on the strategy's aim. Strategy is simply a road
map for going from one situation to another. As a
consequence, everyone must comprehend what the
new situation should be. In addition, the government
should provide financing, research and development
institutions, education and training programs, and
agricultural and industrial extension to individuals
affected by farm mechanization.
Coping Mechanisms of Displaced Farm Laborers
As per Wagoner (2016), when a person's job is lost,
they must find new ways to define themselves. The
psychological implications of job loss must be
addressed in addition to the obvious economic
consequences. Few displaced workers have obtained
better-paying jobs. Because the agricultural sector's
Banudan et al.
economic condition has deteriorated in recent years,
many farmers have been forced to retire, according to
Mazie and Bluestone (1986 as cited by Arwan 2019).
More individuals are expected to leave agriculture in
the following years.
In this light, Telahigue (2020) mentions that the
Forced Displacement, Migrant, and Rural Stability
(FARMS) aims for disadvantaged rural people to
overcome poverty by developing remunerative,
sustainable, and resilient livelihoods. It also helps
displaced persons become self-sufficient and
strengthens host communities' resilience. It also aids
rural returnees in reestablishing their livelihoods and
agricultural productivity by providing long-term
solutions to protracted displacement circumstances.
Methodology
Research Design
The major methodological framework utilized in this
research was the qualitative approach. According to
Wyse (2018), the exploratory inquiry is the primary
focus of qualitative research. It is utilized to obtain a
better grasp of the underlying reasoning, beliefs, and
motives. This means that qualitative researchers study
things in their natural setting, attempting to make
sense of our interpreted phenomena in terms of the
meanings people bring to them (Denzin & Lincoln,
2016). This study is phenomenological because it
focuses on the lived experiences of farm laborers
displaced by rice farm machinery. As Harappa (2021)
noted, a powerful qualitative research tool is
phenomenological in approach. The research design
can reveal hidden actions, feelings, and intentions that
are not often articulated. Furthermore, Christensen,
Johnson, and Turner (2010) stated that the primary
objective of a phenomenological study is to explain the
meaning, structure, and essence of the lived
experiences of a person or a group of people around a
specific phenomenon. This study focuses on
investigating the lived experiences of a group of farm
laborers displaced by rice farm machinery.
Research Participants
This study was conducted in San Rafael, Cateel Davao
Oriental. The researchers chose the said locality due to
its exposure to the problem, and rice farm laborers are
the typical work of the residents. The participants of
this study were displaced farm laborers due to rice
farm mechanization with ten years of experience in the
field. The researchers included four (4) participants in
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this study. The researcher believed that this group of
people can give the needed data for the study. Graham
and Bryan (2022) pointed out that focus group
discussions can consist of three to 12 participants as
researchers.
Data Sources
The sampling method utilized in this study was the
purposive sampling technique. It is designed to select
organizationally displaced farm workers due to rice
farm mechanization as participants. FormPlus Blog
(2021) points out that the purposive sampling method
depends on the researcher's judgment and knowledge
of the best-fit participants for the systematic
investigation. Similarly, people's volunteerism is the
criterion for participants in this study. Four (4)
participants aged 30-34 with ten (10) years of
experience in the field volunteered to participate in this
study. Further, their responses from the focus group
discussion were the main source of data. The
researchers allowed the participants to validate the
data's results to verify the accuracy of the emerging
major themes.
Data Collection
The participants were chosen purposively and were
fully informed about the background of the study by
explaining the purpose and the research problem.
Then, the researchers asked for their consent to be the
participants in the study after they agreed to
participate. Afterward, the researchers set the schedule
and venue for the interview.
At the time of the focus group discussion, researchers
highly observed the COVID-19 health protocols and
informed the participants again about the purpose and
their rights as participants. The focus group discussion
was audio recorded, which lasted 1 hour and 02
minutes. One of the researchers served as a moderator,
and the other was a note-taker.
Since they volunteered themselves, it simply infers
that they are willing to share their experiences. The
inquirers informed the participants that the result of the
study is the only thing they can get or benefit from, not
cash or any incentives. With this, thorough observation
of their biographies and experiences is crucial to verify
that they were affected by rice farm mechanization.
Data Analysis
This research employed thematic analysis to analyze
the data gathered. This type of data analysis is
considered appropriate for the present study. Hence,
Banudan et al.
the researchers observed Miles and Huberman's
framework for thematic analysis. The framework has
three main components: data reduction, data display,
and drawing and verifying conclusions (Leshem,
2015). These components involved coding, memoing,
and developing themes from the transcript.
Before data analysis took place, the inquirers first
transferred all of the recorded data to the computer.
After moving, the transcribing followed. These
transcripts are printed with wide margins on both sides
and enough spaces between sentences for coding and
memoing purposes. The table was created into two
columns. The first column was the original version of
the transcript and the second column was the translated
version. However, before the two processes were
undertaken, the researcher double-checked the printed
transcript by reviewing the raw transcript and audio
record. After this, the final transcript was then
submitted to the hired expert thematic analyst for data
analysis and interpretation.
Trustworthiness of the Study
In a qualitative study, the degree of confidence in data,
interpretation, and procedures employed to assure the
quality of research is referred to as the study's
trustworthiness or rigor (Wadembere, 2012). The
researchers outlined the protocols and methods
required for a study to be worthy of the readers'
attention. The study adopts the criteria outlined by
Lincoln and Guba (1985 as cited by Connely, 2016),
which many qualitative researchers accept. These
criteria include credibility, dependability,
confirmability, and transferability.
Credibility. According to Guba and Lincoln (1989), a
study's credibility is determined when coresearchers or
readers are presented with a problem, and the result is
determined. They may identify it because of their
experience. The "fit" between respondents' opinions
and the researcher's depiction is called credibility
(Tobin & Begley, 2004, as cited by Connelly, 2016).
Prolonged engagement, persistent observation, audit
trail, and researcher triangulation are among the
strategies proposed by Lincoln and Guba (2005) to
address credibility.
To attain the criteria mentioned above, four days
before the interview, the researchers first had a
conversational interaction with the identified
participants and talked about their current status and
work-life as displaced laborers to establish good
relations. Afterward, the researchers discussed their
intention by asking their permission to be part of the
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study as volunteers. After they accepted voluntary
participation, the debriefing followed. They were
oriented regarding what the interview was about. The
schedule for the focus group discussion was also
discussed, agreeing on the participants' most
convenient time. Moreover, before the interview, the
researchers introduced to the participants the informed
consent form they had to sign to assure their voluntary
participation and confidentiality, show the researchers'
sincerity, and discuss the research title and its purpose.
Then, the participants were informed that the interview
would be audio recorded for transcription, which,
eventually, would be used for thematic analysis. After
the introduction was settled, the interview commenced.
Researchers properly observed rigor during the focus
group discussion to avoid drawing personal
conclusions. One of the researchers served as a
moderator, and the other was a note-taker to observe
the participants' behavioral and emotional responses.
The researchers made sure that the participants were
comfortable with the questions. Also, iterative
questioning was employed using probes to derive
detailed and relevant data and promote a positive
environment for participants. Researchers rephrased
questions to extract related data based on displaced
farm laborers' experiences from the participants'
concerns. However, if the researcher discovers that the
data is false, they may decide to discard it
(Wadembere, 2012). On the other hand, the
researchers informed the participants that they had the
right to discard questions and were allowed a break if
they felt tired.
Furthermore, after the focus group discussion, another
meeting was scheduled to give the respondents the raw
transcripts of their responses for confirmation and
correction. The researchers in this study employed the
focus group discussion method for collecting data to
elicit views from different perspectives. The
researchers also assured the participants that the
gathered data would be confidential. All relevant
appendices were included for data verification to
ensure the study's authenticity and allow readers to
examine the extent to which the described categories
genuinely include the actual events.
Dependability. To achieve dependability, researchers
ensure that the research process is logical, traceable,
and documented (Tobin & Begley 2004, as cited by
Connelly, 2016). This implies that readers are better
equipped to appraise the research's trustworthiness
when they can analyze it. The application of focus
group discussion was highly realized, which enabled
researchers to attain the study's objective and was
Banudan et al.
consistent with the interpretation of the results.
Discussed the background of the techniques employed
and the methodologies used in the study. By doing
this, readers and other researchers can also conduct
research related to the study and garner a consistent
result. With this, the readers can have a broad
understanding of what the study is about and why it is
necessary for this concern, having a detailed
description will give the readers a vivid picture of how
the research was done and how it arrived at a plausible
and cohesive conclusion. In addition, an audit trail was
also employed in this portion of the study. This
technique can track how data is processed, analyzed,
and synthesized (Wolf, 2003). To realize the audit
trail, pictures, notes, and documents of audio
recordings from the focus group discussion were
presented, enabling inquirers to evaluate the accuracy
of the collected data.
Confirmability. According to Guba and Lincoln
(1989, as cited by Connelly 2016), confirmability is
established when credibility, transferability, and
dependability are all achieved. Confirmability assesses
the study, ensuring that the researcher's interpretations
and findings are clearly drawn from the data, and it
necessitates the researcher to demonstrate how
conclusions and interpretations were arrived at. To
ensure confirmability, the researchers observed the
following: they first acknowledged their own research
beliefs and assumptions that may influence the study's
findings. To avoid this, qualitative researchers seeking
truth and answers must be objective in technique
selection and stick to the research questions. Also, this
research offered a thorough explanation and discussion
of why a certain methodology was chosen and why it
is considered acceptable for the study. Moreover, the
audit trail was performed so that this paper is free from
any influence of bias or partiality that may have been
unconsciously displayed. Also, the participants
validated and checked the raw data, and the
interpretations emerged to assure the accuracy and
authenticity of the study.
Secondly, by comprehensively explaining the
limitations and delimitations of this research in
Chapter 1, the researchers were transparent with the
study's limitations. They directly discussed the study's
delimitations, knowing that this research, which would
be used for generating solutions to the identified
problem, also has weaknesses. This could be
considered a pivotal stop in crafting this study as there
is no perfect research, and acknowledging the
limitations of the research helped to attain honesty and
transparency with the readers.
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Thirdly, a discussion of the relevant research
methodology being used was crucially observed so
that the participants, research expert auditor, and
readers would have an opportunity to test this study's
integrity. Through doing this, other researchers and
readers can scrutinize if the generated findings or
interpretations derived from the participants'
perceptions, experiences, and insights were credible
and unbiased, not from the researcher's perspective.
Further, providing a detailed methodological
description certifies to the readers that the study is
evidence-based and data-driven.
Transferability. The generalizability of an
investigation is referred to as transferability. This only
applies to case-to-case transfer in qualitative research.
The researcher cannot know which sites might want to
use the findings. This indicates that the data results
must be applicable regardless of the reader's context,
scenario, or environment. In this section, observing
transferability by providing detailed information about
the research topic, highlighting related literature in
chapter two, discussing the method employed that can
be seen in the third chapter, revealing the data analysis
in the fourth chapter, and discussing the results with
supporting literature in the fifth chapter of this study.
Further, this is done by showing the recording and
minutes during the focus group discussion for the
readers and future researchers to have a vivid
understanding of the conducted study.
Moreover, this research could be a basis for
establishing a new research topic. Essentially, the
limitations and delimitations of this study were
discussed in a precise manner to inform readers and
other researchers that the content of this study may not
be appropriate in all scopes of possible research,
except if it is related to the lives of displaced farm
laborers who lost their jobs due to rice farm
mechanization. Also, providing a clear and detailed
explanation of how the gathered data acquired such
results and findings enables readers and future
researchers to understand and evaluate the results and
if they are transferable in their context, research, and
any circumstances.
Results
This section reveals the findings of the study gathered
through focus group discussions with displaced farm
laborers due to the intervention of rice farming
mechanization in San Rafael, Cateel Davao Oriental.
The presentation of the results is based on the
problems stated in chapter 1 as follows; (1) challenges
Banudan et al.
faced by farm laborers during the intervention of rice
farm mechanization; (2) their emotional responses
towards farm mechanization, (3) their ways of coping
with those challenges; and (4) insights of participants
that they can share with farm laborers who are also
affected by the rice farm mechanization.
The focus group discussion lasted around 1 hour and
02 minutes and was audio-recorded for transcripts. The
final transcripts were printed with a large margin for
data coding, and the content was also approved by the
participants, which was then analyzed through
thematic analysis. Thus, employing pseudonyms is
also utilized for the confidentiality of the volunteered
subject. A thorough review and saturation of the
gathered data were done by categorizing selected
phrases and identifying core ideas for formulating
major themes.
Profile of the Participants
The selection of the participants of this study was
based on the criterion of farm laborers displaced by
rice farming machinery. These participants are
residents of San Rafael, Cateel Davao Oriental, and
have been living in said place since birth. The
participants of the study are aged 30 to 34 years old
and were once a group of farm laborers with ten (10)
years of experience who lost their jobs due to the
intervention of rice farm mechanization. Since they
volunteered themselves, it signifies that they are
willing to share their experiences. For confidentiality,
the researchers used pseudonyms to hide the identity
of the participants, and they were named Pedro, Juan,
Santiago, and Mateo. Before selecting the four (4)
participants, a thorough observation of their biography
and their experiences was done to verify that they were
farm workers displaced by the intervention of rice
farm mechanization in the said locality.
Table 1. Profile of the Participants
Challenges Faced by Farm Laborers During the
Intervention of Rice Farm Mechanization
The participants exuded 14 core ideas as their
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perspective on the intervention of rice farm
mechanization and these were categorized into two (2)
major themes: loss of labor as a job opportunity and
the need to find another job.
Loss of Farm Labor as Job Opportunity. The
participants viewed rice farm mechanization as a huge
problem making them struggle and is the prime reason
why they lost their job. With this, no one needs their
assistance, and some possible work opportunities are
declining, resulting in a loss of income. P1 implies
that:
"Our source of income is slowly declining such as
plowing and harrowing, instead we do the manual
work, and they use a machine like Farmall.”
On the same hand, P4 added that:
"There is really a huge gap, because, before the
intervention of harvesters in our locality, the income of
farm laborers is stable. For example, during
harvesting season. Before, our income in a day is 500
now it's only 350 pesos.”
Table 2. Major Themes and Core Ideas of Challenges
Faced by Farm Workers due to Rice Farming
Mechanization
Banudan et al.
Figure 1. Thematic Map shows the interaction of the
subthemes to the main theme.
P3 also uttered:
"No one needs our assistance then what will happen to
us? We could just earn money when someone needs
labor for harvesting their copra. With the occurrence
of the harvester, it seems like we're in quarantine
because we lost our work so we always stay at home.”
Further, they elucidated that their family was affected
tremendously. Due to the rise of farm mechanization,
they ended up in debt and loans and had difficulty
supporting their children's studies. P4 infers that:
"We have loans, it's because our income isn't sufficient
for our family needs. With this circumstance, we badly
need financial support especially since my wife is
pregnant and will give birth next month, then, I have
children who are still studying that need financial
support also, fact that face-to-face classes are now
happening. That's why we opt to engage in lending
money due to this intervention of machinery for
agriculture that displaced us laborer wherein, being a
worker in rice field provide us sufficient income.”
The aforementioned statement from P4 were agreed by
P1 and P3, they stated that:
"Well, we engage in loans because we lost our work
especially now with the sudden face-to-face classes of
students. Where would we be able to get the money for
the bag? How about for a notebook, how would you be
able to get that, particularly when you didn't have
enough income.”
"Of course, you'll tend to borrow money, due to the
difficult circumstances nowadays, particularly in my
case, I have payable, my motorbike which has a
monthly payment worth of 3,500 pesos, which we need
a motorbike to send my kids to school. I have also an
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infant that needs formula milk, vitamins, and Emotional Response to Machinery Replacing
medicines. It's really frustrating, we don't have a Workers
regular job, and work in carpentry and copra are just
occasional, whereas these days its harvesting season The participants revealed nine core ideas as their
that usually paves us work opportunity to earn emotional response to the rise of rice farm
mechanization, which aggregated into two major
sufficient income.”
themes namely: sentiment on not being needed
anymore and worker’s one cent on increasing Ag-tech
Participants generally cited rice farm mechanization as
advancement.
the main reason they lowered their standards and
placed them in an unfortunate situation. The ten years
Sentiment on not being needed anymore. Farm
of being a farm laborer shuttered in just a nap of a
laborers' emotional response towards rice farm
finger upon the arrival of the farm machinery.
mechanization and their sentiment on not being needed
The Need to Find Another Job. The participants anymore.
described rice farm machinery as a hindrance that
With the intervention of rice farm mechanization,
forced them to find other work opportunities, which
participants were forced to adjust as their livelihood
happened to be difficult due to limited labor
had been affected, which led them to frustration. P3
opportunities because of their low educational
states that:
attainment and competition with the other labor
workers. P1 implicates that:
“It is really frustrating, we don't have a regular job,
and work in carpentry and copra are just occasional,
“And now, work opportunity is out of the blue, and it's
whereas, these days, it's harvesting season. Somehow
not easy for us to find a job like office work because
it could give us an opportunity to earn sufficiently.”
we are just at an elementary level. Also, my place is
near the riverside, prone to flash floods every wet
Table 3. Major Themes and Core Ideas of the
season, and we have to move in with my relatives to Emotional Response to Machinery Replacing Workers
stay. This situation is depressing, making you
unfocused to find work, and you have payables to pay,
yet your income isn't sufficient. That's why these
mentioned machinery brought challenges in our lives,
rice laborers in particular."

P3 conformed to this idea by saying:

"Find another work or livelihood. Labor works are not
regular work, not a daily source of income. It's like
basketball sometimes we could shoot and mostly we
couldn't.”

P2 added:
“When planting the rice, we are hired. But it’s not
enough opportunity because there’s a lot of laborers
here in our place.”
In this matter, P4 expounded on the idea and said:
“Yes, you can still gain income but it’s just enough
sometimes not for daily needs.”

In summary, participants perceived rice farm machine

escalation as negatively impacting their lives even
though, in some aspects, agricultural machinery
improves the efficiency and effectiveness of
agriculture. The resulting innovation in the farming
industry inevitably influenced the demand for labor.

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Figure 2. Thematic Map shows the interaction of the
subthemes to the main theme.
P2 also said that:
“Because harvester could do the work, you couldn’t
find a job and then you will be forced to do the hard
labor, like hauling the sack of rice. Even though it’s
hard, you don’t have any choice.”
P3 also added that:
“We have to because we have to finance our family.
We can do nothing about this intervention, we’re only
a laborer. And we can do nothing about it.”
The participants are highly affected by the interference
of modernization in rice farming, resulting in them
feeling lost. P4 states that:
“We grew up with that kind of work so we really are
familiar with it, but because of the machines, we lost
our livelihood. It's normal that we are affected
because we are used to this kind of work”
In summary, the rising number of rice farm machinery
negatively affects participants emotionally. With the
intrusion of modern agriculture into rice farming, the
participants felt frustrated and lost as their primary
source of income drastically deteriorated. These
circumstances force them to adjust and displace them
from the work they are familiar with.
Worker’s one cent on increasing Ag-tech
advancement. Participants' emotional response
towards the rice farm mechanization and their feeling
about the increasing Ag-tech advancement.
Participants are asking for help from the government
in limiting the usage of machinery in order to give
them some labor work. P3 elucidated:
“Well, the government should regulate the usage of
these machinery. For example, Farmall tractors
should be used for those large rice fields let's say
10-20 hectares because it is not easy to cultivate on
time using manual cultivation only.”
P4 added:
“Yeah, you are right. Those small-scale rice fields
should not be cultivated by machines for us to have at
least work opportunities.”
P2 also states that:
“Yes, it should be that way… it would be better if the
government would terminate that… Yeah, it is
inevitable, the number of machinery is increasing.
Banudan et al.
That is why we must find ways to cope and be
resilient.”
Participants, in general, were having trouble finding a
good source of income. That is why they were asking
for assistance from the government to at least give
them job opportunities and regulate machinery usage
in rice farming.
Coping Mechanisms of Displaced Farm Workers as
a Response Due to Rice Farm Mechanization
The participants revealed two core ideas as their
coping mechanisms as a response to challenges faced
due to rice farming mechanization, with one major
theme which is coping mechanisms.
Coping mechanisms. The participants’ coping
mechanism towards the occurrence of modernization
in rice farming in response to the challenges they
encounter. Rice farm mechanization brought
displacement to farm workers.
The participants engaged in banana production,
farming, and business venture to create new
opportunities. P4 states that:
“So, we find other works that are not related to rice
fields. Like me, I planted bananas, and with the
intervention of a harvester and Farmall, I lost my work
in rice fields such as harvesting matured rice and
plowing.”
Table 4. Major Theme and Core Ideas of Coping
Mechanisms by Farm Workers as a Response to
Challenges Faced Due to Rice Farming Mechanization
P3 added this idea by saying:
“Yes, my wife and I are into online selling, especially
during this pandemic, online shopping is a trend. Just
a sideline to earn income. Posting on Facebook to sell
her products and take orders, too. This quiet helps us
earn extra income.”
Furthermore, the participant's family who is dependent
on their support keeps them motivated to be
resourceful, resilient, and diligent. P4 states that:
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“Of course, we have to be resilient because we have a
family to raise.”
P2 supported this idea by saying:
“Like at these times, the presence of mechanization is
rising like the intervention of combined harvester, so
there is a need for them to find other works. (P3
agreed) you have to strive hard for your family. Just
like driving a tricycle for public transportation.”
P4 also adds that:
“Well, in my case we sell barbeques and retailing of
gasoline. The start-up capital for these came from our
loan in CARD INC.”
P2 confirmed his response by claiming that:
“Yes, my wife, too, deals in the e-load business. We
have lots of customers nowadays because the students
are in an online classes. It is a big help to us. We were
able to buy some basic needs at home.”
In summary, rice farm mechanization tremendously
brought the crisis to farm laborers. In response to the
challenges, they are forced to adjust and alter their
lifestyle to cope with the problem. The participants
create new opportunities by engaging in banana
production, farming, and business venture.
Insights Shared by Participants for Other Affected
Laborers
Participants conveyed five core ideas as their insights
for those others affected by the challenges brought by
rice farm mechanization, and they categorized it into
one central theme: resiliency.
Resiliency. The participants narrated their insights for
those others farm workers affected by the challenges
brought by rice farm mechanization by sharing their
own experiences on how they cope with the problems.
Their first-hand experience taught them to be resilient
by proactively adapting to change. (P4) stated that:
“For those affected out there, they should find
alternative work that can support their family. Just like
having a small business that is marketable in your
place (P1 agreed).”
P1 also highlights how important it is to be updated on
what is happening around, saying:
"There' s another machine that I've seen in Sitio Bag-
idanan, this machine is used to automatically plant the
uprooted seedlings. That's why we need to be aware
Banudan et al.
for us to be ready.”
Lastly, P2 and P3 confirmed their idea by stating that:
"And now? If that project will function, it's an
additional predicament for laborers. Because the
labor for planting will diminish if that machine will be
used. It really affects our livelihood.”
“It’s another huge factor for our hardship on having
work.”
Table 5. Major Theme and Core Ideas of the Insights
Shared by Participants for Other Affected Laborers
Moreover, the participants' innovativeness motivates
them to find another job and get involved in a business
venture to sustain their family needs and wants. P1
implied that:
“The thing that we can advise to them, well, they
should be diligent in every way, to gain income, find
some other labors.”
P2 agreed to this idea and said:
"Like at these times, the presence of mechanization is
rising like the intervention of combined harvesters, so
it is important for them to find other works. (P3
agreed) you have to strive hard for your family. Just
like driving a tricycle for public transportation.”
P4 also believed that:
“Find alternative work that can support their family.
Just like having a small business that is marketable in
your place (P1 agreed).”
In conclusion, the participants recommend
innovativeness and proactiveness in adapting to
change. These are beneficial to combat the negative
impact of farm mechanization in general.
Discussion
The increasing presence of rice farm machinery was
unanimously described by the participants. They
strongly claimed that rice farm machinery's
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intervention influenced their labor opportunities on the
farm to a negative extent. They consider 'rice farm
mechanization' as a prime factor that swayed down the
demand for human labor. This supports what Caunedo
and Keller (2020) mentioned that a long tradition in
developing economies contends that increasing
agricultural productivity, which reduces the demand
for labor in agriculture and frees workers to work in
other sectors of the economy, is a necessary condition
for economic development. Mechanization of
agricultural activities was among the first labor-saving
automation technologies to be adopted.
The induced innovation in the agricultural industry
brought a huge impact that challenge the participants
to face the sad reality of life. In this light, the
unanimous appraisal of participants to the rise of rice
farm mechanization is parallel to the idea of Resilience
Theory, which highlighted the ability of a dynamic
system to successfully adjust to disruptions that
threaten the system's operation, viability, or
development. This has a connotation of good or usual
developmental adjustments despite obvious threats or
hardship in the field and conceptualizes the capacity of
a dynamic system to positively adapt to disturbances
that threaten functional systems (Masten, 2014). The
participants viewed farm mechanization as detrimental
on their side. However, despite it, they were still able
to rise and stay in line to continue life.
Challenges Faced by Farm Laborers During the
Intervention of Rice Farm Mechanization
The participants exuded a unanimous perspective on
the intervention of rice farm mechanization. The major
themes are being discussed, as well as supporting
literature.
Loss of Farm Labor as a Job Opportunity. The
participants pictured rice farm mechanization as a
major issue that causes them to struggle and is the
primary reason, they lost their job. As a consequence,
no one needs their services, and certain potential job
options are diminishing, resulting in a loss of income.
In line with this, Caunedo and Kala (2021) implicate
that hired labor falls during both land preparation and
harvesting when automation is increasing.
Furthermore, the increased usage of farm machinery
necessitates the employment of less and less human
labor. While robotic farming is intended to increase
production, the opposite is true for displaced
agricultural employees (Kempis, 2019). This simply
shows that farm laborers lost their job due to the
presence of modern machinery which later affects their
families resorting to debt and private loans.
Banudan et al.
At the same time, these changes impacted rice
farmworkers, who do not own farms and rely on hired
labor. New technology will accelerate the trend of
substituting or replacing farm labor. The participant’s
idea is also consistent with Schulte and Howard (2019)
stating that technology will create less work, render
workers obsolete, or terminate employment by
replacing workers. It is often assumed that technical
advancements have the greatest impact on manual
labor. Participants in general mentioned rice farm
mechanization as the primary reason they dropped
their work, putting them on an unfavorable pedestal.
The Need to Find Another Job. The participants
viewed rice farm machines as an impediment that
caused them to seek alternative employment, which
proved challenging owing to restricted labor
possibilities due to low levels of educational
attainment and rivalry with remaining labor. As
support to this, the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture reported that local workers are
uninterested in taking the available positions because it
is out of their expertise others are competing with jobs
in restaurants and warehouses that offer things that
farmers can't afford like a bump in starting salary, a
bonus just for applying, less labor-intensive
responsibilities and air conditioning (Rosenblatt,
2021). Indeed, numerous pieces of literature support
significant themes on rice farming mechanization from
the view of a displaced farm laborer. Loss of farm
labor as a job opportunity can be found in some
established research, and some researchers also see the
need to find another job as one of the everyday
situations of displaced farm workers. At the same time,
these changes impacted rice farmworkers, who do not
own farms and rely on hired labor.
Emotional Response to Machinery Replacing
Workers
The participant's emotional response to the rise of rice
farm mechanization in farming. The two major themes
are being discussed with the supporting literature.
Sentiment on not being Needed Anymore. Farm
laborers' emotional reactions to rice farm
mechanization and their feelings about no longer being
required. Participants are compelled to change as a
result of rice farm mechanization since their livelihood
has been affected, leading to discontent. Hansen
(2009) states that jobs are both an economic and
psychological requirement. Workers' self-worth and
dignity are diminished when they lose their
employment. According to psychologists, losing one's
work ranks alongside a death in the family as a source
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of stress since it creates an emptiness that is difficult to as automation increases. However, if agricultural
replace. Dislocated employees frequently express the productivity, or the proportion of farming, is relatively
impression that they no longer have a place in the high, the demand for hired labor will increase also.
world, that they are useless, and that they are nothing. Therefore, it is advantageous to farm workers if the
Moreover, even when difficulties connected to job loss large-scale farm will use machinery because the
are not openly mentioned, stress symptoms worsen demand for labor is high in contrary to small-scale
more illnesses, more accidents, and more drug and farms.
alcohol problems. Additionally, Telahigue (2020)
stated that the declining demand for hired farm labor In summary, the major themes that had been discussed
caused farm workers emotional distress which are indeed consistent and established by some works
eventually led them to be frustrated in finding other of literature. Sentiment on not being needed anymore
labor works. Furthermore, the participants are greatly is found in some research as the usual sentiment when
affected by modernization's intervention in rice farm laborers lose their job. Worker's one cent
farming since they have grown up with and are increasing Ag-tech advancement is also found as one
comfortable with this job, causing them to feel their of the demands by the affected and displaced farm
assistance is unwanted, due to agricultural laborers.
productivity, it reduces the demand for labor in
agriculture and releases workers to other sectors of the Coping Mechanisms of Farm Workers to Rice
economy (Caunedo, 2021). Hansen (2009) also Farm Mechanization
confirmed that many dispersed employees are
compelled to abandon their familiar surroundings. The participants coping mechanisms improved as a
Looking for a new job or profession, or enrolling in a response to challenges faced due to rice farming
retraining program, is the same as starting again, and mechanization. The major theme is being discussed
starting over may be frightening and anxiety-inducing. with the supporting literature.
Workers who have been out of the classroom and out
of the labor force for several years may be concerned Coping Mechanisms. In reaction to the obstacles they
that they will be unable to compete in the new world face, the participants developed coping mechanisms in
of work. response to the emergence of modernization in rice
farming. Rice farm mechanization displaced
Worker' s One Cent Increasing Ag-tech agricultural labor. The participants engaged in banana
Advancement. Participants narrated their stands cultivation, farming, and commercial ventures to
highlighting the role of government in the utilization generate new options. In support of this, Wagoner
and advancement of technology in particular with farm (2016) inferred that when a person's employment is
machi nery. They advised ag-technol ogy lost, he or she must discover other methods to define
implementation to be tightly regulated and strategized himself or herself. In addition to the apparent
for the benefits of involving parties, farm workers as economic consequences of job loss, the psychological
an example. This finding is consistent with the idea of consequences must also be addressed. Few displaced
Clarke (2000) which implied that all parties engaged in workers have really found employment that pays more.
strategy formation, as well as those who will be Mazie and Bluestone, (1986 as cited by Telahigue
impacted by it, should be clear on the strategy's goal. 2020) also conformed to this idea. Saying that because
Strategy is essentially a blueprint for moving from one the agriculture sector's economic situation deteriorated
circumstance to another. As a result, it is critical that in recent years, many farmers have been forced to
everyone understands what the new scenario should retire. Over the next several years, more people are
be. In addition to this, the government should also projected to quit agriculture.
provide supporting institutions linked with agricultural
sectors that offer credits, research and development A growing number of federal, state, and local
institutions, education and training programs, and government initiatives are assisting these farmers and
agricultural and industrial extension to assess those their families in reclaiming as much equality and
affected by farm mechanization. dignity as possible and finding alternative sources of
income such as financial assistance to provide income
Participants also demanded that large-scale farms may until they can obtain work in the nonfarm sector and
be cultivated by farm machinery, but small-scale rice skills assessment and job search assistance to help
fields should not be to leave some labor jobs for them prepare for and find appropriate work.
workers. This relates to the claim of Caunedo and Kala Additionally, Telahigue (2020) also stated that Facility
(2021) that the percentage of labor in output decreases for Refugees, Migrant, Forced Displacement and Rural

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Stability (FARMS) purpose is to help disadvantaged
rural people transcend poverty by establishing
remunerative, sustainable, and resilient livelihoods.
Also, it contributes to displaced people's self-
sufficiency and increases host communities' resilience.
It also contributes to the provision of long-term
solutions to protracted displacement situations and
assists rural returns in reestablishing their livelihoods
and agricultural output.
In addition, the participants' family encourages them to
be resourceful, resilient, and diligent in order to find
another source of income to support their needs. Of all
the assets employment provides, income is likely the
one benefit that draws people to work. It is a means to
provide both the needs and wants for their selves and
for their families. Therefore, one of the first
disadvantages to come to mind when we hear of job
loss is the reduction of income. The economic impact
of job loss on so many people has changed the way
people think about employment, spending, and saving.
Indeed, the main themes found in the coping
m echani sm s by farm workers to rice farm
mechanization are well-discussed in the literature. The
coping mechanisms performed by participants are
found by researchers to be an effective way to recover
from the problem.
Insights Shared by Participants for Other Affected
Laborers
The participants shared their perspectives on rice farm
mechanization with other farm employees who were
affected. Their reactions were unanimous, indicating
that the presence of rice farm machines was
detrimental to them. They argue, however, that being
resilient is the most important factor in conquering it.
The major theme below is discussed along with the
supporting literature.
Resiliency. The participants shared their thoughts
about other farm workers who have been affected by
the intrusion of rice farm machinery by recounting
their own experiences and how they have coped. Their
own experience taught them to be resilient by adapting
to change proactively. Further, they believed that
being proactive in adapting the change and being
innovative in seeking great opportunities, and
hardworking in life will help you to face and combat
adversity, this statement is highly supported by the
notion of resiliency theory which argues that it is not
the nature of adversity that is most important, but how
we deal with it. Hence, on facing adversity,
misfortune, or frustration, resilience helps us bounce
Banudan et al.
back. It helps us survive, recover, and even thrive in
the face and wake of misfortune, but that's not all there
is to it (Moore, 2022). In the same vein, Masten
(2014), also imply that resili ency theory
conceptualizes the capacity of a dynamic system to
positively adapt to disturbances that threaten
functional systems.
In summary, the central theme for the third research
question is to be resilient, which means to be able to
bounce back from any adversities.
Conclusion
Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded
that rice farm mechanization swayed the lives of the
displaced farm workers by losing farm labor
opportunities causing suffering in family livelihood.
Their experiences taught them to cope with the
struggles and become resilient.
Conducting this study, "Amoda gayud ngini,
mupadayon kita: A Phenomenological Study of the
Lived Experiences of Displaced Farm Laborers due to
Rice Farm Mechanization in San Rafael, Cateel Davao
Oriental" taught us not only to be hands-on in
academic but also to be relatable with the lived
experience and struggles of farm laborers who were
displaced by rice farm machinery. Many of us see
them only as jobless farm laborers. We don't see the
core status of their lives because we are blinded and
overwhelmed with the concept of "modernization for a
better nation." We tend to overlook those people
affected by this modernization.
Most of the time, we viewed modernization as
progress and advancement that gives us the capability
to live at ease. Being able to use advanced
technological products is so beneficial for us as it
gives us the comfort of doing things easier. However,
after doing this study, we realized that modernization
can also be a subjective term that is only beneficial to
the privileged individual. Farmers and those farm
laborers who are truly dependent on agricultural work
for earning money are highly affected by this
modernization as almost all the work is done with
machinery, disregarding human laborers, which
basically means a loss of their sole income that
significantly affects their standard of living.
The study made us reflect on the notion that
modernization is not an exemption from having the
"double blade" characteristic. It does have its pros and
its cons. And as the world views it positively, we are
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Research Article
lucky to study it and view it differently. We realized
that it had been so hard for those individuals,
especially farm laborers, to cope with this
modernization as most depend on on-farm work to
earn money to provide for their family's needs. A loss
of income for individuals who belong to the lower
classes makes their life harder and can even send them
to hunger. It was a heartbreaking scene to witness their
struggles personally. As members of this community,
we are also subjected to participate in helping to
address this problem, "No Man is an Island," as they
say, for us to achieve the pinnacle of success, we have
to work hand in hand as one community. As
researchers and a child of a farmer and a farm laborer,
we persevered in pursuing and publishing this study
because we believe this is our little way to tell their
story, which is worth being heard and amplified.
Moreover, it conveys that every drop of their sweat is
admired and appreciated. We are hoping that this
research will bring learning to others and serve as an
avenue to afflict the comfortable and those people in
power.
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Affiliations and Corresponding Information
Kevin P. Banudan
Davao Oriental State University - Philippines
Nelyn L. Abrahan
Davao Oriental State University - Philippines
JR A. Mantog
Davao Oriental State University - Philippines
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