Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy i

Psychology Department
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARGNALIZED SOLO PARENTS DURING

COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
A Thesis
Presented to the
Department of Psychology
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements of the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
by
John A. Albao
Mark Lowel P. Alfaro
Jasmin A. Andrade
Michaela N. Baluyut
Aliza L. Batac
Javie Ann B. Bonus
April, 2022
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy ii
APPROVAL SHEET
This study entitled “Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

during Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study” prepared and submitted by
Albao, John A., Alfaro, Mark Lowel P., Andrade, Jasmin A., Baluyut, Michaela
N., Batac, Aliza L., Bonus, Javie Anne B., has been approved and accepted as
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Psychology.
ROSALIE G. LARIN
Research Adviser
PANEL OF EXAMINEES
Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination on January 18, 2022
SHERNA G. BANGALAN MA. RPsy

Panelist
JAYVIE VILLAZOR RPm, Ph.D (c)

Panelist
LIEZEL MOISES-ABREA RP, RPsy

Panelist
NELLY N. PILAO Ph.D

Dean
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy iii
38
ABSTRACT
This Descriptive Phenomenological study aims to explore lived

experiences of marginalized solo parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic and
challenges they encountered and how they recover from it. Purposive sampling
technique and non-discriminative snowball sampling technique were used to
select 10 participants. Findings of the study revealed that during the COVID-19
Pandemic participant’s challenges can be categorize into four major themes;
Health Risk, Financial Risk, Psychological Risk and Challenges of having
dependent children. While they exhibited strategies such as; Ego resilience, Faith-
based resilience and Social support to cope with the challenges.
Keyword: Marginalized, Solo parents, COVID 19 Pandemic, resiliency,
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy iv
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Table of Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION 1
Objective of the Problem 14
Significance of the Study 14
Definition of Terms 15
METHODOLOGY 18
Research Design 18
Selection 18
Data Measure 19
Ethical Considerations 19
Data Collection Procedure 20
Mode of Analysis 22
FINDINGS 24
DISCUSSION 43
Discussion, Reccomendation
And Implication of the Study 54

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy v
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References 56
APPENDICES 68
Appendix I: Certificate for Grammarian 69
Appendix II: Plagiarism Certificate 70
Appendix III: Informed Consent 71
Appendix IV: Letter for Participant 74
Appendix V: Robotfoto 75
Appendix VI: Certificate for Validated Guide Question 76
Appendix VII: Letter for Validator 77
Appendix VIII: Endorsement Letter from Adviser 79
Appendix IX: Approval Letter 80
Appendix X: Research Questions 81
Appendix XI: Transcribed Interview 83
Appendix XII: About the Author 128
Curriculum Vitae 134
List of Tables
Demographic profile 25
Summary of Findings 41
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy 1
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INTRODUCTION
Approximately there are 15 million solo parents in the Philippines, and 14 million
of them are women (World Health Organization, 2020). One of every four kids
experiences childhood in single-parent families’ cause by division, passing a
better half, and early pregnancy (Carroll, 2019). In recent years, studies reported
the increasing number of single-parent families in the 20th century (Coontz, 2017
as cited by Ojo, 2019). Researchers have found how this breaking down of a
family may be left all the responsibilities to the solo parents alone (Ali & Soomar,
2019). While laws assist solo parents in the Philippines, such as the Republic Act
8972, also called the Solo Parent Welfare Act of 2000 (Philippine Statistics
Authority, 2019); however, it is still insufficient to support the family and prevent
them from forfeiting money. Accordingly, living as a solo parent in a lower-pay
family is extreme and testing. Studies found that solo parents are well on the way
to experience the negative effects of stress (Cambell et al., 2015; Meier et al.,
2016; Rousou et al., 2019), fatigue (Meier et al., 2016), loneliness (Kotwal Pra &
Bhakar, 2017) and poverty (Van de Velde et al., 2014; Stack & Meredith, 2018;
Chiao Lu et al., 2020) while other solo parents face discrimination on their
nationality (Cox, 2021) and economic status (Serrano & Flammand, 2020).
According to Del Monte et al., (2014) many of the single parent
households were led by women, and their financial problems were exacerbated by
the fact that solo mothers worked alone and did not earn as much as single fathers.
The balancing of job and family responsibilities was one of the consequences of
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this financial stress. To compensate for lower wages, solo mothers frequently
worked overtime, losing their time for children. In an exploratory study conducted
by Ramos (2020) found that financial difficulties and loneliness are common
problems and experiences among single mothers. While faith, support from their
family and their job play an essential role in coping to their situation and helping
them to survive. In other study revealed that in terms of child rearing methods,
time management, money management, and self-image perception, solo parents
have a fair and balanced experience. Likewise in the study of Ramos (2020) and
Del Monte el al., (2014), financial management is the highest ranked experiences
where solo parents struggle the most (Abing, 2018). Moreover, the lack of a
father's engagement in the children restricts the care, time, income, and
adaptability accessible to these solo mothers. These outcomes proved that the
asymmetry associated with these gender roles and obligations is worsened by the
fact that solo parents do not have partners that provide additional value in the
form of unpaid domestic labour and financial responsibilities (Bain, 2020). On the
contrary, in other study revealed that male-solo parents have fear and anxiety in
raising their children too. They fear of the demands and responsibility in rearing
kids alone. And financial problem also became a huge concern in their household.
They believed that difficulties in terms of earning money and maintaining
financial stability have disturbed them. Apart from the financial issues, they also
showed the feeling of sadness and frustration by the stigma of a broken family,
which they viewed as a failure (Haudar & Rodriguez, 2016).

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Presently, solo parents are now facing another challenge. Since the
outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines on January 2020, many
people have lost their jobs, businesses have closed down and school stopped due
to the increasing number of Covid cases.
On October 06, 2020, the Department of Education announced the
reopening of online class 2020-2021. This new educational system underscore the
role of parents in the implementation of various distance learning modalities. In a
study conducted in Mindanao, they investigated the involvement of parents in
remote learning of children during COVID -19 Pandemic. Their study found that
parents experienced the rapid change in their time, work, household chores and
their children’s remote learning. They also expressed the positive consequence of
remote learning, they have become more involved in their children’s education.
They build connection to their kids not only physically but also in emotional
aspect. However, we must overlook the reality that these parents also struggled
with their children's schooling. Many parents did not have a proper training to
assist their kids, other expressed that they struggled in managing their time work-
from-home while teaching their children (Cahapay, 2021). In another
investigation, parents were bothered in a lack of social relation with friends,
relatives and worried about their health during COVID-19 Pandemic. They also
exhibited financial insecurity, fear of infection, and uncertainty (Janssen et al.,
2020).
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Furthermore, government programs had been established, for example, the
Republic Act 8972, also known as the “Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000, in
which was to provide comprehensive programs of services that covers the fathers
and mothers who raises their children alone. On December 13, 2021, the
government have expanded the solo parent’s welfare bill where it includes
automatic PhilHealth coverage with a provision of P1, 000 cash monthly subsidy.
The said bill furthers livelihood opportunities for solo parents; legal advice and
assistance, parent efficacy services, stress debriefing, counselling services, etc.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
A highly contagious respiratory illness detected in Wuhan, China was
noted to rapidly widespread with confirmed cases across the globe was named
Corona-virus disease 2019. The World Health Organization declared the Corona
virus pandemic on March 2020, which became a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern (WHO, 2020). Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as
Covid-19, has created a global crisis that has had a large impact on how people
view the world and conduct daily lives. COVID-19 is a disease originated and
caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It causes modest symptoms in the majority of
people, but it can cause serious illness in some. Furthermore, it may also take
longer for patients to develop symptoms, and they may be contagious for
extended periods of time. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020)
According to Akter R. (2020), the impacts of crises are never gender-
neutral, and COVID-19 is no exception. The pandemic brings health hazards and
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increases the vulnerability of the public people especially to those individuals
who disobey health protocols such as wearing a face mask, physical distancing,
and use of alcohol. People started to distance themselves from people and started
to isolate themselves most especially among the high risk’s individuals.
Distancing, avoiding, and isolating individuals reduces the risk of acquiring the
disease but it may stigmatize people who are suspected or may be infected (Duan
& Zhu, 2020). The World Health Organization has been monitoring the outbreak
around the clock, and countries are concerned about the disease's rapid expansion
and severity, as well as the alarming levels of inactivity and the COVID-19 was
classified as a pandemic as a result of the situation. Because of the major
pandemic, some countries are experiencing capacity issues, scarcity of resources,
and willpower. It is a crisis that affect all the sectors, every industry and all
individuals (Tedros, 2020). Apart from the health consequences, the pandemic has
had the most severe social and economic consequences for people. There has been
a loss of job and livelihood, and individuals are experiencing worry as a result of
the loss of social relations. (Shang et al., 2021)
In the event of a major pandemic, all sectors of the economy—agriculture,
industry, and services—will be disrupted, potentially resulting in shortages, rapid
price hikes for staple items, and economic hardship for people, businesses, and
governments. Despite the tremendous advancements in the healthcare industry,
infectious disease spread is increasing as a result of globalization, increasing
travel and commerce, urbanization, crowded cities, changes in human behavior,

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emerging pathogens, and incorrect antibiotic usage (Aaron et al., 2021). The
Scoronavirus pandemic just like the 1918 influenza pandemic resulted to a serious
and long-term economic consequence. Various health protocols were
implemented globally. Worldwide lockdown is one of the tactics used by several
countries throughout the world to prevent the spread of viruses from one location
to another and from one country to another. According to Department Of Health
(2020), The Philippines' first case of COVID-19 distinguished on January 2020,
because of this, the country had been placed under enhanced community
quarantine, prohibiting mobility and business activities on March 2020. While
these measures slowed the development of COVID-19, they had huge
consequences for family incomes, jobs, education, food security, and enterprises.
RESILIENCE
Resiliency plays a vital role in helping individuals to recover in their life. It is the
process wherein negotiating and adapting after an adverse negative event occurs
(Flemming & Ledogar, 2008; Windle, 2011). The APA (2020) defined resilience
as a process of adaptation or personal growth that follows an adversity, trauma,
tragedy, threat or a significant source of stress.
The result of the study of Hendrickson and colleagues (2017) captured
diverse trajectories in widow’s resilience. The study reveals some common
elements in widow's resilience journeys. First, women's experiences after their
spouses died were shaped by their efforts to move forward in their lives and traits
such as confidence, strength, and independence. Second, widows frequently

7
expressed a desire to take action, such as furthering their education or professions
or engaging in social activities. Lastly, social support, involvement, and
connections all had a role in these widow's adaptive reactions. Furthermore,
according to the findings of the qualitative study made by Greeff (2009), the most
significant resilience components are family member's support for one another, as
well as support from relatives and friends. Additionally, the most significant
resilience component, according to the replies to the open-ended question, is
emotional and practical support from family members within the family unit
(intrafamilial support). The majority of families (75%) said that the assistance
they got from immediate family members helped them adjust and operate better as
a family.
A qualitative analysis conducted in Germany (Walther et al., 2021)
showed resilience in adult refugees. The study findings presented the strategies
and process in the capacity for successful adaptation; acceptance of circumstances
and challenges allowed refugees to focus on building their life in Germany and
focusing on their present and future life entailed that they accepted their past
experiences and losses. It also showed that by connecting to culture, religion and
faith inspired them to overcome the feeling of emptiness and gave their sense of
direction. Lastly, seeking mental health care and counseling helped refugees to
deal with stress and negative past experience. While social support, feeling the
sense of belongingness, familial support, and their children are factors facilitating
successful adaption. Likewise, the study of Ghodsi et al. (2019) investigates the
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resiliency of Iranian humanitarian assistance in catastrophe situations. Social
Support was the last category in their study. The participants thought that if a
person had the support of their family, community, and friends, they would be
able to deal effectively with the difficulties that arise at a catastrophe site. These
conclusions are backed up by the findings of earlier investigations (Comoretto &
Albery, 2015; Quivellon et al., 2016; Walsh, 2009). The most essential
components of Humanitarian Assistances' resiliency are good social support,
support from friends throughout the mission, and support from the team leader.
Along with this, another study assessed the resilience framework of individuals
with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and explored their resilience experiences.
The participants emphasized that family and friends are the most external support
for them. While environmental factors played a vital role in building resilience, a
protective environment helped participants to ignore negative information that
may damage their mental health (Li et al., 2018).
A study conducted by Ang and Diaz (2017) found the perception and
resilience of Filipinos Amidst Disasters. It showed that participants rely on
historical facts that calamities are normal and are part of the Filipino experience.
While faith, Sense of humour, positivity, familial support, Bayanihan Spirit and
flexibility were exhibited by the participants. Moreover, in the study of
Nicomedes et al., (2020) explored the Filipino Resilience of Young Adults in 21th
Century. The result of their study revealed that when adversities arise, individuals
often see these influences negatively and blame it for what happened to them.
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While some individuals tend to developed healthier resilience despite these
adversities, they cope positively together with their family relation, religion-
spirituality and community. In the phenomenological qualitative study of Dela
Cruz and Villanueva (2014), the research described how social class affects the
resiliency of Filipinos. Results showed that family support, religion, and
cultivation of emotional strength are the main strengths of Filipinos during natural
calamities. After determining the processes and effects of resilience, the results
demonstrated that there is no substantial difference between how individuals from
the different socioeconomic classes behave during times of adversity and how
they are affected by the adversity.
Camitan & Bajin (2021) identified the elements of well-being on
resiliency of Filipino adults during the covid-19 enhanced community quarantine.
Positive emotions, meaning, and accomplishment were significant and necessary
conditions of resiliency. Their findings claimed that positive feelings like interest,
joy, contentment, pursuing daily purpose and experiencing a sense of
accomplishment are vital role in quarantined individual’s ability to thrive in
present crisis. Further, another study conducted in Mindanao captured the
resilience of M’ranao evacuees during pandemic. It was found that they had
developed survival mindset even prior the pandemic, due to the old century
conflict in Mindanao. They have learned strategies such as intergenerational
resilience, this means that they have acquired skills for survival from the stories of
their elders, and ability of adaptation wherein they became used to violence,
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conflicts and mandatory restriction that they already developed mechanisms to
creatively adapt in the situation.
THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF RESILIENCE
Studies about resiliency have been extensively examined by psychologists
and psychiatrists in recent years in which it is found that even though the negative
experience may cause mental health problems, however, there is a possibility for
individuals to recover in their life despite the negative experienced they have been
through (Shean, 2015; O’Dowd et al., 2018; Yildirim & Arslan, 2020). But is
resilience always flexible and successful, or does it have the potential to be
ineffective in instances where it hides vulnerability or precludes effective risk
management? This question affirms perceptions about the harmful elements of
resilience by distinguishing between functional and less functional adaptation
(Mahdiani & Ungar, 2021). Initially, resilience was defined as good development
under stress instead of vulnerability; hence it became synonymous with
invulnerability (Anthony, 1987). For instance, a child with a disability may
receive all of the support she requires to succeed academically while also
suffering with a toxic social situation that jeopardizes her mental and physical
health (Mahdiani & Ungar, 2021).
Kuhlicke (2013) looked at the dark side of resilience regarding power abuses,
allowing individuals in positions of privilege to define what is wrong and what is
right. This study could illuminate what is lacking in resilience research and warn
us that what we believed was a good resilience might not be as good as we think.
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Shaw and colleagues (2014) made similar observations in the context of natural
disasters like floods. Too much reliance on one's ability to cope was a source of
fragility, as residents of the Solomon Islands in 2002 showed perceptions of self
that the researchers refer to as negative resilience. Because it produces resilience
that is impossible to execute. In the same sense, a too resilient person may
become overly accepting of adversity. This can lead to setting with bland or
unsatisfying jobs, in particular, bad employers — for long periods at work
(Treglown et al., 2016)
According to numerous studies, bold leaders are oblivious of their limitations
and overestimate their current leadership qualities and performance, preventing
them from adapting their interpersonal style to the situation. Corrupt government
officials, for example, may sit idly and do nothing to solve society’s issues while
pretending they are doing something when in fact, they aren't. In addition,
Bonanno et al. (2005) investigated self-improvement's role in predicting resilience
among New York City 9/11 survivors. They discovered that self-enhancers
responded to stress better than non-self-enhancers, according to Taylor et al.
(2003).
In summary, resilience is a valuable trait that an individual possesses,
especially when facing traumatic events. However, there is a limit to it. It gives
people the kind of power that makes them think they are invincible and sets
unrealistic goals, and unnecessarily accept unpleasant circumstances. Thereby
forgetting they are also humans who could break anytime and anywhere.
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SYNTHESIS
Being solo parents in time of pandemic may bring numerous challenges in
raising families. Since the Covid-19 rapidly strikes globally, the Philippines is
greatly affected by the pandemic, with its first case distinguished on January 20,
2020 (Department of Health, 2020). With the expanding number of COVID-19
cases and the downslope of the economy, most of the individuals who have
endured most are solo parents (World Health Organization, 2020). Following the
widespread, solo parents facing unemployment (Young & Haggan, 2020),
financial difficulties, lack of emotional support (Garcia et al., 2021), and
challenges in home-schooling for their children (Maisel, 2021). In addition to this,
Lindholm (2020) mentioned that the strike of COVID-19 incorporates a negative
effect on the mental health of single mothers and their children. On the other
hand, in other studies and perspectives, solo parents are also capable of
developing strategies and positive adaptation to confront challenges (Greeff &
Fillis, 2009; Cheeseman, 2010; Broussard et al., 2012).
In the photo voice study conducted by Cleofas et al. (2021), it explores
how single mothering is shaped by work-from-home (WFH) during the COVID-
19 pandemic. The findings show how the meanings, roles, and performances of
single motherhood have changed over time. Increased presence at home, shared
motherhood during confinement, work and work management as an act of
mothering were seen to have improved during the pandemic. As expressed in the
phenomenological study of Del Mundo et al. (2019), the aim is to trace the
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challenges faced by solo mothers and identify the coping strategies they employ
through understanding their lived experiences. Absence of a partner, conflicting
responsibilities and child care are challenges experienced by solo parents during
pandemic, while social support, wilful endurance, spiritual guidance, and self-care
were seen as coping strategies. Additionally, another study revealed that the
COVID-19 Pandemic caused solo mothers to empower and developed various
strategies. Solo mothers from middle class families started managing their money
and became selective in buying products in the market. While solo mothers from
lower class families did various survival mechanism, such as opening small food
stall, online shop, working overtime and empowered their children to help with
work (Febrianto, 2021).
The above mentioned studies presented how the pandemic affected the
lives of solo parents. Many of them suffered emotionally, financially and
psychologically. In terms of adaption strategies, it was presented how these solo
parents handled their situation. Some started to work-from home, opened business
and sought various source of money to fulfil their family needs. Limited studies
were conducted particularly in presenting different challenges of Filipino solo
parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. How these individuals were able to
adapt to the new normal particularly the strategies they use which gave them
opportunities to learn, empowered, and become resourceful. The setting of this
study will be conducted in the Philippines, particularly among the Kapampangan
marginalized solo parents.

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OBJECTIVE OF THE PROBLEM
(1) What challenges do marginalized solo parents experiences due to the
COVID-19 Pandemic?
(2) How marginalized solo parents manage to survive the challenges
brought by the pandemic? Particularly the strategies they used.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study may help the government continue to develop current
legislation and initiatives to help single parents cope with the epidemic. The study
will be able to inform people about the present services provided by single parents
and ensure that the community is aware of the challenges they encounter.
Future researchers may find this study valuable as a guide for data
collection and as a starting point for a more extensive investigation. The findings
of this study will help student researchers become more aware of what it means to
be a solo parent. It will help students become better analyzers and will serve as a
springboard for further their future research.
School could also gain knowledge from this research by learning the state
of students who is being raised by solo parents. It could inspire them to give
considerations and schedule adjustments for students.
The solo parents will benefit significantly from this research in sharing
their initial COVID-19 resiliency. As a result, understanding and potential
solutions in the face of pandemic will be improved.

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DEFINITION OF TERMS
Risk of contracting the virus – Some people have a higher chance of acquiring a
serious infection if they encounter the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Risk of physical exhaustion – Physical exhaustion is the feeling of being
extremely tired for an extended period of time. It's a type of exhaustion that leaves
us completely drained. We lack energy, motivation, focus, and engagement when
we are physically exhausted. Mental exhaustion and stress are frequently linked to
physical exhaustion.
Feeling of worriedness - mentally troubled or concerned: feeling or showing
concern or anxiety about what is happening or might happen
Feeling of depression - Is a mood illness that causes you to feel unhappy or
uninterested in life on a regular basis. Most people experience sadness or
depression from time to time. It's a natural reaction to grief or life's difficulties.
Challenge of homeschooling - The practice of educating your child at home
rather than in a school is known as home schooling. The most common issue with
homeschooling is a lack of motivation to complete assignments. Sometimes it's
difficult for homeschoolers to stay motivated at home, especially if their
curriculum includes too much busywork or if the curriculum doesn't suit them for
other reasons.
Challenges of Parenthood - any difficulties or concerns that parents have when
raising their children are referred to as parenting issues. Childcare, schooling,

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discipline, household chores, daily routines, finances, work-family balance, and
other issues are among them.
Positivity - The condition or quality of being cheerful: a cheerfulness that accepts
the world as it is.
Strengthening inner self - inner strength means the possession of willpower,
self-discipline and staying power. It is resilience, perseverance, and tenacity. It
means inner fortitude. It expresses itself as assertiveness, courage, and the ability
to withstand difficulties and obstacles.
Increasing Self Reliance – it is a quality of depending on yourself for things
instead of relying on others. You might decide to prove your self-reliance by
hiking the Appalachian Train on your own.
Being Resourceful - able to meet situations: capable of devising ways and means.
Strong Faith in God - to have faith in God is to make a practical commitment—
the kind involved in trusting God, or, trusting in God.
Emotional support - the verbal and nonverbal processes by which one
communicates care and concern for another, offering reassurance, empathy,
comfort, and acceptance.
Financial Support - The providing of monetary resources, such as money or
capital, as well as credit; getting or furnishing money or capital for a purchase or
business, as well as the funds obtained.

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Children as a source of inspiration - Inspiration is a feeling of elation you get
from someone or something that prompts you to be positive and get through with
your life.
Solo Parent - a person who has a dependent child or dependent children and who
is widowed, divorced, or unmarried.
Covid-19 - is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The philosophical principles and methodology of the descriptive
phenomenological approach are well-suited for the research study. This method
leads to the description and interpretation of the selected population's lived
experiences. This method also assesses daily experiences that are difficult to be
accessed using other research methods (Guillen & Elida, 2019). This research
pattern is used to investigate cases that are aware of concepts but do not have in-
depth knowledge about them (Creswell, 2017), such as the experiences of
Marginalized Solo Parents with dependent children during the pandemic.
Selection
The researchers used two-sampling technique to uncover the resiliency
development process among the selected 10 marginalized solo parent with
dependent children in Pampanga to find qualified participants for the study. The
number of participants is based on the study of Bobby (2016) stating that sample
size of ten in qualitative research is adequate sampling among homogenous
population. Researchers used a purposive sampling technique, in which
individuals are chosen based on a set of criteria. With a combination of
exponential non-discriminative snowball technique, researchers started with a
small population of known individuals and increased the sample by asking those
initial participants to indicate others interested in participating in the study.
The inclusion criteria for the participants include:

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(1) must be a solo parent – separated (cease to live together as a married couple),
abandoned (left without protection, care, or support), widowed (has lost her
spouse by death and has not remarried), unmarried (has never been married or
whose marriage is annulled);
(2) have dependent child/children (1-year-old – 12 years old);
(3) age of 18-55 years old; and
(4) monthly income must be below 10,957 pesos (falls underneath the NEDA's
poverty threshold).
Exclusion Criteria:
(1) Solo parents who have 15 years old dependent children and above
(2) Solo parents who have live in partner or is in a relationship
(3) Solo parents who still receive financial support from the former spouse or
have received support in the past 6 months
Data Measure
The researchers used robotfoto to gather demographic information of the
participants and a semi-structured interview consisting of open-ended questions.
This was utilized to gather responses of the participants based on their personal
experiences and for them to have the freedom to share their personal views about
the phenomenon without being limited by the questions asked.
Ethical Consideration
Some ethical considerations were followed to guarantee that the research
was conducted in a proper manner. To comply with the ethical considerations in

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conducting research, all participants were approached through Messenger and
willingly participated in the interview after they were presented a letter of
consent. The participants also gave their permission for the interview to be
recorded. It was further discussed to the participants that their personal data and
information will remain secured and confidential in compliance to the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
After the interview, both the participants and the researcher debriefed by
talking about the interview process itself and the impact of the interview that aims
to ensure that the participants were not left emotionally harmed from the
interview. None of the participants requested psychological intervention
following the research. The participants appeared to engage in the dialogues
freely, signaling that the interview process allowed them to share their
experiences in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment.
At the end of the interview, the researchers offered a compensation that
serves as a token of appreciation to the time and inconvenience in participating in
the interview.
Data Collection
In the collection of data for the study, the qualified participants were
identified through referral system. The researchers used robotfoto to collect
demographic information and conducted a semi-structured interview with 10
participants and had a one-on-one discussion on Meta Messenger. Some
participants did not have internet access, hence, the researchers provided a fifty-
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peso worth data for them. Before performing the actual interview, the researchers
asked advised from their research adviser and conducted a practice interview
session with them in order to familiarize the rapport building, actual interview
session and clarificatory phase.
The saturation approach, which is an important feature of qualitative
research, was used to determine the number of individuals interviewed. Reaching
saturation is a point in which obtaining more data will not lead to more
information related to research questions (Lowe et al., 2018). Thus, the gathered
data from the participants were sufficient, opinions and judgments were expressed
and no more additional data were yielded.
The interview was done in an environment away from distractions, such as
a quiet place or in the comfort of their own home. Also, the Researchers made
sure that ethical issues were properly followed before conducting the actual semi-
structured interview. They used ethical principles from the American
Psychological Association (2006) as guideline. Rapport building is such an
important part of the interview process (Bloom and Crabtree, 2006). The
researchers asked the participants, how was their day, if they were fine, and if
they had bothered them on the day of interview. Consequently, when the
participants became comfortable in talking and their trust was earned, the
researchers proceed on providing informed consent with the purpose, objective
process, and sufficient information of the study. Risks factors that may cause
emotional distress, benefits in participating in the study and procedures were also
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elaborated. Also, a permission for video recording was asked from the
interviewees before proceeding to the interview.
During the actual interview, a semi-structured interview with open-ended
questions was conducted to elicit responses from participants based on their
personal experiences and to allow them to freely share their personal perspectives
on the phenomenon without being constrained by the questions posed. When the
participants feel uneasy or became emotional during the interview, specifically on
the questions about their struggles and children, the interviewer then stop the
interview for a while, and they performed the breathing exercise to calm the
participant. Following the interview, the researchers asked the participants if they
were satisfied with the questions they had been asked. The researchers ensured
that all the information that were obtained from the participants will remain
confidential, unless mandated by the law.
The transcriptions were sent to the participants through Messenger a
second time to ensure that their experiences were fully documented. The findings
of the study were likewise validated by three experts in the fields of psychology
and qualitative research.
Mode of Analysis
The researchers focused on the information gathered through interviews
with the individuals. They repeatedly listened to the collected recorded audio
from the interview and transcribed the data verbatim. The collected data were
content analysed using the cool and warm analysis which consisted of the
38
participant’s statements, phrases and sentences relevant to the experiences from
the phenomenon. This was the basis in the conduct of warm analysis in which the
data were categorized and formulated into themes to identify similar and
dissimilar statements (de Guzman & Tan, 2007).
In cool analysis, the transcribed data were read and re-read repeatedly to
extract significant statements that provide description of the experiences of the
participants. The significant answers were further analyzed by identifying
statements that may be clustered together to identify categories that reflect the
participant’s common experiences. In warm analysis, these categories were
subjected to thematic analysis by examining similarities and relationships among
them in order to extract themes that provide a collective description of the
participants’ view and experiences.
To ensure the trustworthiness, credibility and validity of the findings, peer
checking was executed and validation done by professionals in the field of
psychology and qualitative research.

38
FINDINGS
Table 1 presents the profile of the 10 Kapampangan marginalized solo
parents with dependent children as participants of the study. Participant’s year of
being a solo parents ranges from two to eight years. In terms of age, their age
ranges from twentyone to 50 years old. Most of the participants have job and
small business while two of them are still dependent on their parents. Likewise,
six of the participants are not living with their parents and four are still living with
their parents. Nine of the participants have attained high school and one who have
only attained grade school. All of the participant’s salary is 10, 000 Pesos below
and four of the participants only have one child and the rest have two and more
children.
38
Table 1. Demographic Profile
Participants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Occupation Lab Fish Lab N/A Man N/A Man Bread Vend Mass
and ven and icuri icuri packe or age
era dor era sta sta r Ther
Ven apist
dor
Month Bel Bel Bel Bel Bel Bel Belo Belo Belo
income/salary ow ow ow ow ow ow w w w
10, 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,0 10,00 10,0 10,0
000 00 00 00 00 00 0 00 00
pes peso peso peso peso peso pesos peso pesos
os s s s s s s
Year of being 8 5 5 6 3 4 2 5 3 5
solo parent
Number of Tw Two Two Two One One One Two Two One
children o and and and and and
and mor mor mor more more
mor e e e
e
Educational Hig Hig Gra Hig Hig Hig Hig High High High
Attainment h h de h h h h schoo scho scho
sch scho scho scho scho scho scho l ol ol
ool ol ol ol ol ol ol gradu grad grad
gra grad grad grad grad grad grad ate uate uate
duat uate uate uate uate uate uate
e
38
CHALLENGES
Health Risk.
The covid-19 virus put us all in health risk. Solo parents especially, feared
in contacting the virus. They think what will happen to their children if they
caught the virus. Being scared also means that they cannot go out to look for jobs
and food to feed their families. They also worried that being infected with the
virus leaves them no money to pay medical bills. So they thought it was better to
just stay home and be safe, rather than be out there with the virus.
The risk of contracting the virus. The COVID-19 Virus is contagious, it spreads
quickly in crowded places by contact with any contaminated person or object.
This bought fear and worries to some participants which stops them from going
outside of their homes, albeit they want to. As one of the participant’s child
became sick during the pandemic, the mother did not get her son hospitalize,
because she was afraid that they might catch the virus. While other participants
said that they restricted the number of customers every day to protect themselves
from being infected by the virus.
“Yun nga po ung iniiwasan ka ng mga tao, hindi ka man lang nila
tatawagin- uh di katulad ng day na kapag nakita ka sa kalsada binabate
ka, ngayun talagang ilag na ilag sa isa’t isa.” P1 (“People avoid you,
they won’t even call you- uh unlike the day when they see you on the
street they greet you, now they really avoid each other.” P1)
“Nung nagkasakit sya (anak) iniiwasan ko mapunta sa ano, sa hospital

dahil nga kung dadalhin ko sya that time baka sakali ganon ang
mangyayari (mahawa ng covid-19).” P10 (“When he (son) got sick, I
avoided going to anything, to the hospital because if I took him at that
time, maybe that would happen (he might be infected with covid-
19).”P10)
38
Risk of Physical Exhaustion. When a person uses their body in various works
without taking a proper care of themselves, they might end up experiencing
physical health issue. As solo parents, being a father and mother is hard enough in
nurturing children. Now that the pandemic has affected the economy, thus making
earning money difficult, solo parents are now doing extra works every day just so
they can provide their daily necessities. One of the participant did not have a time
to sleep because she has multiple jobs and works every day. While another
participant have to multi-task in working, doing household chores and teaching
her child on her modules. Such chores lead some of the solo parents to physical
exhaustion.
“Yung pagbabago yung kulang nalang hindi kana matulog.” P2 (“The

change is that you can't sleep.” P2)
“Lahat kumbaga yung katawan mo, yung kamay mo dalawa, magiging

walo kasi kumbaga multi-tasking ang kailangang gawin.” P9
(“Everything seems to be your body, your two hands, it will be eight
because it seems that multi-tasking is needed do.” P9)
Financial Risk.
Pandemic puts a lot of solo parents in the brink of bankruptcy; not only in
terms of business but also in terms of income. There's a big risk of finance when
lockdowns are being implied or businesses being closed. Not to mention the
inflation of basic necessities. With all of this, solo parents are in a risk of having
stable income, therefore, also putting the children in risk of hunger and better life
in general.
38
Lack of Income. Pandemic causes many solo parents to lose their jobs due to
lockdown and heightened restriction of the government. Some participant’s
experiences difficulty in finding a new job because some employers are afraid of
contracting the virus when hiring a new people. Other participants who are self-
employed loss their customers hence affecting their own income. To some
participants, pandemic make earning money more difficult than before.
“Iisipin mo saan ka kukuha ng pagkain yung araw araw niyang

ginagamit na diaper gatas yung mga gusto niyang pabili sa tindahan
hindi mo mabili kasi wala ka ngang trabaho, pandemic, wala kang
income.” P6 (“You will think about where you will get food, the
diapers he uses every day, milk, the things he wants to buy in the
store, you can't buy because you don't have a job, pandemic, you don't
have income.” P6)
“Kagaya ko, tindera ako, yung mga customer mo wala ding trabaho,
hindi ka rin maka benta so yung puhunan mo natutulog lang, hindi sya
lumalago, yung tubo lang sana pantawid mo na sa maghapon, kaso
wala pa din.” P9 (“Like me, I'm a seller, your customers also don't
have jobs, you also can't sell so your investment is just sleeping, it's
not growing, I hope you can only make a profit during the day, in case
you still don't have it.” P9)
Food Insecurity. Participants who are unemployed are often more susceptible to
several challenges, including difficulty in finding new employment and lower
income. Some participants mentioned that due to lack of finances, they struggle to
provide food for the family in a daily basis. Other participants told that they are
forced to settle on what is available just to survive the day.

38
“Tapos syempre minsan kapag wala kayong pagkain, wala ka pang

maisasaeng. Yun talaga napakahirap talaga lalo na yung mga anak ko
ngayon meron pa kong nine years old tsaka eight years old- na hindi
mo masasabi sakanila na “wala pa tayong bigas, wala pa tayong
pagkain” syempre pagka yung bata eh nagugutom na di-hindi mo
masasabing “pigilan mo muna yung gutom mo wala pa tayong
masasaing” ganun.” P1 (“Then of course sometimes when you don't
have food, you don't have anything to eat. That's really very difficult,
especially my children now, my nine years old and eight years old- you
can't tell them "we don't have rice yet, we don't have food" of course
when the child is hungry you can't say "Stop your hunger first, we
have nothing to eat yet " like that.” P1)
Limited Job Opportunities. Many participants struggled in the government’s
implementation of measures and restrictions to lower the transmission of the
virus. Several establishments and company are forced to shut down and reduce
manpower thus, affecting the availability of jobs. Due to this reason, some of the
participants mentioned that they will grab any available jobs for the sake of
earning money. Other participants mentioned that the need of being vaccinated
and undergoing certain tests as a requirement before applying for the job hinders
them to do so.
“Yung ano po mam yung…ah sobrang higpit po, yung dumating na po

sa nagsara na po lahat mam- eh diba dahil sa sobrang higpit at selan po.
Syempre po mam yun nga po sa bakery lang po ako, nangyari na po
kasi yung hindi na po sila tumatanggap ng trabahador dahil po iniisip
nila baka saan- san po ako nga pupunta.” P8 (“What, mam, it's too tight,
everything is closed, isn't it because it's too tight and dangerous. Of
course, I'm just at the bakery, it's already happened that they don't
accept workers anymore because they think maybe I'm going
somewhere.” P8)
38
Psychological Risk.
The pandemic doesn’t only affect us physically but also mentally. People
have fears of going out and they are worried how to bring food to their table. Solo
parents are being suffocated with the problems such as, paying bills and house
rents, how to eat, the education of children and more. Their psychological
well-being are being neglected because the sound of their stomachs is louder than
their minds. These never-ending problems puts their mental health on risks as
they keep on fighting.
Feelings of worriedness. The pandemic placed the participants in a life of
uncertainty. Negative outcomes such as feelings of sadness and worriedness were
some of the negative emotions evidently felt by the participants. One of the
participants was seen to be concerned about their future, not only for herself but
especially for her children. Another participant was worried for her daughter
because she does not live with her, anxious that her daughter is not eating well or
get sick because of the virus.
“Nag woworry din ako sa future namin hindi lang para sa akin pati
sa anak ko kung ano bang mangyayari sa amin.” P4 (“I also worry
about our future not only for me but also for my son, if what will
happen to us.” P4)
Feelings of depression. Another impact of pandemic to the solo parents is the
challenge in their psychological well-being. A lot of problems and challenges
arise since the outbreak of pandemic, and solo parents were not exempted from
38
this. As the participant stated, she was stressed, anxious, and on the verge of a
mental breakdown because of the various problems she had to deal with,
specifically financial problem.
“Anxiety, depressed sometimes, muntikan na akong mag mental

breakdown. Patong patong na yung problema, syempre lalo na
mahirap yung financial.” P6 (“Anxiety, depressed sometimes, I
almost had a mental breakdown. The problem is compounded, of
course the financial is especially difficult.” P6)
Challenges of Having Children.
Children are not easy to raise, let alone when you are a solo parent. It
takes courage and strong will to have them. Solo parents with children in the
midst of pandemic really challenged the solo parents. Raising them when they
don’t have jobs and stable income; teaching them to do their modules while some
of the parents didn’t even finish their school; providing them care and love and at
the same time feeling scared for themselves; are some of the challenges that the
solo parents faced in this crisis.
Challenge in Home-Schooling. To continue the education of the students, the
Department of Education announced that the school will re-open again with the
use of Long Distance Learning during pandemic. This new educational system
have given the parents a huge responsibility in their children’s learning outcome.
Consequently, one of the participants said to had difficulty because of her child’s
online class. She had to learn how to use the application for her child’s online
class. Another participant said that she had to be patient in teaching her kid since
38
her son is still in kindergarten. While one of the participant said she had a hard
time in managing her time for work and helping her son on his module.
“Ang hirap talaga kasi from traditional way biglang online lahat,
kailangan advance kana sa mga apps ngayon.” P4 (“It's very
difficult because from the traditional way everything is suddenly
online, you need to advance to the apps now.” P4)
“So far naman natuturuan ko siya medyo magaling din ako siguro
magturo pero maano din patient kailangan mahaba patience mo
mahirap ituro yung mga bata kasi at lalo na ganon yung age niya
nasa kinder.” 6 (“So far, I've been teaching him, I'm also pretty
good at teaching, but I'm also a patient, you need a lot of patience,
because it's hard to teach the children and especially at that age,
he's in kindergarten.” P6)
“Ngayon kasi nagstart sya ng last year ng kinder medyo hirap kasi
sa module sila noh. Kasi pag ako yung time ko maaga ako aalis ng
bahay tapos uuwi nalang ako ng gabi. Bali doon ko nalang sya
tutulungan or sisisngit ko lang yung oras pag dumating ako sa
bahay.” 10 (“Now because he started last year of kinder, it's a bit
difficult because they are in the module. Because when I have my
time, I leave the house early and then I just go home at night. I'll
just help him there or I'll just insert the time when I get home.”
P10)
Challenge in parenthood. One of the biggest challenge of being a solo parents is
having to raise the child/children alone. Especially in the midst of pandemic;
battling to obtain work, while still caring for their children. One of the participant
said that, the hardship in raising and providing for her children was doubled when
the pandemic happened. And another participant could not find a job because
there was no one to take care of her baby, because she still breastfeeding it.
38
“Mahirap po. Kasi po bilang solo parent po wala po kayong ka

antabay sa pagpapalaki po ng mga bata. Tapos wala pa po kayong
trabaho ganon, kaya po mahirap po para sa mga solo parent.” P5
(“It’s Hard. Because as a solo parent, you have no one to help
raise children. Then you still don't have a job, so it's difficult for
solo parents.” P5)
RESILIENCE
Ego Resilience
Being able to adapt with the rapid change of the world is an important
factor for individuals to recover adversity brought by the COVID-19
Pandemic. Ego resilience is a personality trait that can be inherited and influenced
by one's early life events. (Block and Block, 1980 cited by Liu, 2021). This
enable individuals to quickly take an action to get through immediately to a
difficult circumstances. They can recover and respond to a situation positively and
flexibly.
Optimism. As mentioned by the participants, having a positive outlook helps
them see the brighter side of every experience. They do not think their situation is
difficult because they know they can solve all problems and overcome all trials as
long as they are always positive. In comparison, other find their lives easier when
they think positively, and some participants choose to be positive for their
children and to be able to go on with their life.

38
“Siguro ahh hindi ko nalang iniisip na mahirap kasi sanay naman

din ako sa araw-araw nalang tsaka wala naman problema na hindi
nasosolusyonan, pagsubok na hindi nalalagpasan isa lang iniisip
ko maging positive lagi.”P4 “[Maybe ahh I just don't think it's
difficult because I'm also used to it every day and there are no
problems that can't be solved, a test that can't be passed, I just
always think positively.” P4]
Increasing self-reliance. The idea that one can rely on his or her own judgment
and choices. As such, it was exhibited that one the participant was unprepared to
the pandemic, trusting and relying on herself that she can overcome the
challenges she faced was seen as one of the way of overcoming the crisis. It is
better to trust yourself and your abilities to get through the challenges of life.
“Kailangan mo maging matatag sa buhay, lahat ng pagsubok

kakayanin mo.” 9 [“You have to be strong in life, you can handle
all the trials.” 9]
Cultivating inner strength. You will have more control over your life if you
cultivate and build inner strength. It makes it simpler to make decisions and
follow them. As mentioned by the participants, cultivating inner strength had its
advantage during the pandemic. Instead of giving up, the participants realized that
they have to be strong and tough to overcome life challenges because their selves
is the only source of strength they could muster from.
“Kailangan mo maging matatag sa buhay, lahat ng pagsubok

kakayanin mo.” 9 [“You have to be strong in life, you can handle
all the trials.” 9]
38
“Kailangan mong magtiwala sa sarili ko, kase alam ko

kakayanin ko, iisipin ko kaya ko para kayanin ko. Walang
makakatulong sakin kundi ang sarili ko.” P1 [“I have to trust
myself, because I know I can do it, I will think I can do it. No one
can help me but myself. ” P1]
Being resourceful. Several of the participants became unemployed because of the
COVID-19 Pandemic. Hence, they became creative and resourceful. They
decided on different businesses, such as online selling, since this platform is
prevalent in social media. One participant sold clothed facemasks because these
are in demand at present. Others mentioned they sought various sources of
money. They had multiple jobs and worked as part-timers to provide for their
families.
“Ginawa ko po eh-uuh nangangalakal po. Nagpupulot po ako ng

mga plastic na bote tapos ibebenta ko po.” [“I did eh-uuh trade. I
pick up plastic bottles and then I sell them.” P1]
“Nung una dahil wala pang mga surgical facemask dahil

nagkaubusan, nakakuha akong manahi ng mga facemask at tininda
ko yun sa mga palengke at baryo, yun ung unang naging negosyo
ko nun. Maganda lang non is kahit pumasok yung pandemic at
hindi na maitinda yung dating tinitinda, gumawa ako ng paraan
kung ano yung mabili, gumawa ako ng facemask at iyon ay
nakatulong saakin.” P2 [“At first because there were no surgical
facemasks because they ran out, I was able to sew facemasks and I
sold them in the market. That was my first business then. It's good
that even if the pandemic enters and the ones that used to be sold
can no longer be sold, I made a way for what to buy, I made a
facemask and that helped me.” P2]
“Naging online seller ako, nagtitinda ako. Lahat kailangan gawin.”

P9 [“I became an online seller, I sell. Everything has to be done.”
P9]
36
Faith-based Resilience
Religious people tend to turn to God when they face problem, seeking
help to the higher being gives them the assurance to overcome hardships. People
use such theology to cope with the difficult situation around them. Resilience that
is based on faith such as Praying to a God, provides them the answers on how to
solve their pending problems. Others uses God as a companion and guidance in
their stressful journeys so that they won't feel alone and lonely during this
pandemic.
Strong faith in God. The participants expressed faith and trust in a superior being
that made them stronger and gave them the will to face their problems. They
believe that God is always in their side and is ready to help them when they ask
for help through prayer. Other participants prayed for their family to be safe from
the COVID-19 Virus and drew strength from God when they feel helpless.
“Alam ko ginagabayan Niya kami (Tinutukoy ang Diyos). Palagi

kaming nagpapasalamat sa kanya sa lahat ng oras at sa mga
biyayang ipinagkakaloob sa amin.”P1 [I know He guides us
(Refers to God). We are always grateful to him at all times and for
the blessings bestowed upon us.” P1]
“Unang una po syempre dasal at kapit lang po talaga sa Panginoon

po mam, kase po naniniwala po talaga ako na wala pong ibang
tutulong sayo kung hindi po talaga siya (Diyos) mam.” P8 [First
of all, of course, pray and just really cling to the Lord, mam,
because I really believe that there is no one else to help you if he
(God) is not really there.” P3]
38
Support System
Having a support system in the middle of pandemic is necessary for the
solo parents to overcome their daily struggles. Support system like Emotional
Support, Financial Support, and Children as Source of Inspiration were utilized by
solo parents. Solo parents are often alone in raising their families and therefore
have no one to ask help from, thus being able to create and rely on other’s support
allows them to be stronger and made their lives more manageable.
Emotional support. Filipinos are not reluctant to ask help from others, especially
from their relatives during a difficult situation. Solo parents bear solely the
responsibilities of their children. And for them to continue supporting their
families, they needed emotional support that adds to their strength to do
everything. Emotional support from friends gave them advices they used every
day and friends acted as their back bone mentioned by a participant, really helped
them handle their current situation. This kind of action could be referred as
bayanihan, which is very popular in the Philippines.

“Maraming nagaadvise saakin marami na raw na solo parent ang

nakalagpas, yun nga doon din ako humuhugot ng lakas sa mga
advise nila hindi lang daw ako ang nag-iisang solo parent,
kumbaga nakakabigay din sila ng magagandang payo sakin para
ipagpatuloy ko yung laban naming na mag-iina.” P2 [“Many have
advised me that many solo parents have overcome, that's also
where I draw strength from their advice. I'm not the only single
parent, they also seem to be able to give me good advice so that I
can continue our fight.” P2]
“Friends din tsaka ate ko kasi teacher ate ko so yun sila naging
sandalan ko pag time na down na down stress nako.” P4
[“Friends are also my sister because my sister is a teacher, so
they became my backbone when it was time to stress me down.
P4]
P9: “Mahahandle mo naman yung problema sa tulong ng mga

kaibigan mo, masasabi mo lahat. Mga kapit bahay mo, kamag
anak mo, nasasabi lahat yung problema mo na in case na di mo
makayanan nandyan sila sa tabi mo upang tulungan ka nila.” P9
[“You can handle the problem with the help of your friends, you
can say everything. Your neighbors, relatives of your children, all
your problems can be told in case you can't handle them, they are
there next to you to help you.” P9]
Financial support. In this pandemic many Filipinos, particularly the solo parents,
struggled monetarily due to the fact of being unemployed and at the same time
lockdowns prevents them to go out to find jobs. However, there are programs and
organizations that helps people such as the marginalized solo parents to overcome
their financial difficulties. Participants mentioned that they received monetary
funds from their friends who are also struggling but still decided to give them
money or at least lend them some. Others mentioned

38
monetary help from their neighbours who has more than enough, while others
received help from their employers. Financial support from others helped them to
sought food and bills to survive the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“Mga kapit bahaynagbibigay, yung mga may kaya. Yung mga boss ko
sa paglalaba nagsusupport din sila sa pagkain, groceries.” P2 [My
neighbors give, those who can afford it. My laundry bosses also
support food, groceries.” P2]
“Oo naman, 4P’S member ako. Nakakatanggap ako ng ayuda. Kasi

yung SAP automatic lahat ng 4P’s member kasama po doon.” P8
[“Sure, I’m 1 4P’s member. I am receiving help. Because SAP
automatically includes all 4P’s members.” P8]
Children as sources of inspiration. Children are one of the reasons behind
parent’s perseverance. Having children in the middle of pandemic is more
difficult than the previous years, but it did not stop the solo parents from pursuing
a better life for their family. A simple words like “we can do this” said by their
children, made it somehow ease their worries and pains. They did all this because
their children trusted them. These children acted as a beacon of hope that lit their
little homes. Children are the new foundation who keeps the solo parents standing
from the bruising punches of life.

38
“Sa ngayon sa mga anak ko, sila yung kalakasan ko. Sila yung
nagbibigay ng lakas sa buhay ko kung paano ko ipagpatuloy yung
buhay ko sa pandemic na ito.” P2 [“So far with my children, they are
my strength. They are the ones who give strength to my life how I can
continue my life in this pandemic.” P2]
“Nagpakatatag ako para sa mga anak ko. Yung simpleng pagsabi nya
(anak) sa akin na “kaya natin ito” parang lumalakas ako.” P3 [“I
have established myself for my children. The simple fact that he (son)
told me that "we can do this" seemed to make me stronger.” P3]
“Tapos siya yung nagiging sandalan ko or siya po yung nagiging

reason para maging malakas po ako, kasi po siya lagi kasama ko eh.
Hindi po niya ko iiwan ganon, kaya po siya yung nagpapalakas
saken. Siya po yung stress reliever ko.” P5 [“He is the one I lean on
or he is the reason for me to be strong, because he is always with me.
He won't leave me like that, that's why he's the one who strengthens
me. He is my stress reliever.” P5]
38
Categories, Themes and No. of Participants
Table 2: Summary of Findings
Categories Themes No. of Responses
CHALLENGES
Health Risk
Risk of Contracting the Virus 2
Risk of Physical Exhaustion 2
Financial Risk 16
Limited Job Opportunities 5

No Source of Income 7
Food Insecurity 4
Psychological Risk 5
Feelings of Worriness 3
Feelings of Depression 2
Challenges of having 10
Dependent children
Challenge of Homeschooling 7
Challenge of Parenthood 3
38
RESILIENCE
Ego Resilience 20
Optimism 3
Increasing self-reliance 2
Cultivating inner strength 8
Being resourceful 7
Faith- based Resilience 7

Strong Faith in God 7
Support System 22
Emotional Support 5
Financial Support 9
Children as source of inspiration 8
43
DISCUSSION
This study sought to explore the marginalized solo parents' lived
experiences amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. To elaborate on this matter, it was
sorted into major themes and subthemes: for the challenges; health risk, financial
risk, psychological risk, and challenges of having dependent children were
formulated as themes. While in resiliency experiences; ego resilience, faith-based
resilience and support system were developed.
Health Risk
According to studies, being outside have a high risk of exposure to the
COVID-19, hence, lack down and social distancing were implemented. Our
findings showed that the participants uncovered that they dreaded going outside
their homes as a result of being afraid of the virus. This fear likewise accompanies
avoidance of others. One said that individuals she used to know stay away from
her in the street and will not approach her to say “hello”. This unexpected change
in individuals' behavior is sudden and huge to be overlooked. In the comparative
setting, Rahman et al., (2020) expressed that fear is maybe the most regular
behavior related with the Coronavirus pandemic. Mistry et al., (2021) likewise
noticed that more settled adults who work less right now are undoubtedly fearful.
This occasion could add to the impressions of rejection and detachment among
individuals (Robb et al., 2020; Pietrabissa et al., 2020). Further, our findings
showed that solo parents saw the adjustment of their sleep routine. Solo parents
every now and again convey strains of parenting all alone. Similarly to our
44
findings, Kwon et al., (2013) found the undeniable degrees of stress for mothers,
for example, making and keeping up with work/home balance and overseeing
every day parenting hassles. In 2018, Roskam and her associates fostered a
parental burnout assessment and they tracked down four components of burnout;
exhaustion in one's parental work, distinction between past parental self,
sensations of being tired in one's parental work, and emotional partition from
one's child. This is practically indistinguishable from the experience of a solo
parent who said everything is by all accounts her body. Her two hands became
eight since she really wants to perform various tasks for her children. This
outcome isn't stunning, reasoning that guardians are not permitted to resign from
their commitments.
Financial Risk
Additionally, financial problem is one of the major challenge during the
Pandemic. Many have lost their job, businesses went bankrupt and vendors are
not allowed to sell. This phenomenon have greatly impacted the financial security
of marginalized solo parent. Our findings showed that during the Coronavirus
pandemic, solo parents invested a large portion of their energy considering where
to get their regular necessities, for example, diaper for the child, milk, and food.
Regardless of whether they need to get it, they can't, due to the absence of pay
which is the impact of having no jobs. This peculiarity is additionally being
experience by different countries like the United States. Chen and colleagues
expressed in their findings that, the Covid-19 pandemic uncovered biased results
45
for low and middle income families which propose more unfriendly monetary
difficulties, decreased pay, and employment misfortune. Likewise, low paying
families were deprived to have opportunity to work from their own home (Chen et
al., 2020). This implies that solo parents, who have no source of income, could
increase the risk of their exposure to the virus because they lack the choice but to
go outside and look for jobs in order to earn money.
Moreover, with the economy recuperations easing back, the standpoint for
food and nourishment security for some low pay families is a concern. Finding of
this study displayed groups of solo parents are struggling to have sufficient
nourishment for their children. One said that she can't advise her child to quit
being hungry on the grounds that they don't have food to prepare yet. The World
Bank directed fast phone surveys in 72 nations and they discovered there's
countless individuals running out of food. Ongoing information likewise affirms
huge expansions in individuals confronting Acute Food Insecurity in 2020-2021.
Acute Food Insecurity is “depicted as restricted or unsure accessibility of
healthfully food sources" (Bickel et al., 2000). During this encounters, solo
parents take on a progression of coping methods like buying less favoured food,
diminishing meal size, devouring just rice, and skipping meals (Maxwell, 1996;
Fintrac INC., 2014; Gundersen, 2014). Moreover, our study showed solo parents
find it challenging to search for work. Some portrayed it as excessively tight and
risky because of the Covid 19 infection. Kochhar (2020), mentioned the quantity
of individuals who are jobless has increased. Likewise, Kochhar (2020), indicated
46
that being unemployed addresses true financial worries with sweeping
ramifications like hopelessness. Likewise, the idea of work additionally changes
with the innovation today, making work accessible from home. People find it
difficult to stay updated of the quick development of innovation explicitly those in
lower class regions. Carrying out new innovation overall is known to significantly
affect occupations attributes (Morris and Venkatesh, 2010). This proves the
struggles of solo parents to find jobs in the middle of pandemic due to the fact that
they are naive in using modern technology, lack of proper equipment to work at
home and the necessary degree needed in the job.
Psychological Risk
On the other hand, the mental health crisis is likewise one of the significant
challenges of COVID-19, affecting individuals, families, and the entire
community. Also, the pandemic has placed a higher burden on families with
children, especially on low-income families (Alonzo, 2021). Our study found that
marginalized solo parents have experienced depression, stress, anxiety, and
conflicting responsibilities with work, home, and home-schooling, because of the
COVID-19 Pandemic (Dawes et al., 2021). They expressed the fear of the virus
for themselves and their loved ones, uncertainties about the duration of the
pandemic, and financial insecurity. Moreover, home-quarantine-related issues
have a negative influence on the mood of adult parents. Therefore, it is expected
that the COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdown would have an increase in a negative
effect on the parent's mental health in general (Janssen et al., 2020).

47
Challenges of Having Dependent Children
Furthermore, our study also observed the hardship in parenthood during
the pandemic. Our participants expressed that raising and nurturing children alone
during the pandemic doubled. Unlike having two parents who share the burdens
of raising and taking care of the children, solo parents struggle to fulfill the
obligation alone (Iztayeva, 2021). Also, another challenge that arises to solo
parents during the pandemic is home-schooling. After the announcement of the
reopening of class with the use of home-schooling, the parents were given an
enormous responsibility for their children’s education (Nayir &Sasi, 2021). Our
participants experienced difficulties in teaching their kids on their modules. Given
that they did not have the proper training to assist their kids due to the lack of
high education, they also struggled in learning new technology for their kid’s
online classes (Kintanar et al., 2021; Olivo, 2021). Further, the participants
experience difficulties managing their time to help their children’s education
while working (Cahapay, 2021). Therefore, this pandemic has highly affected the
lives of marginalized solo parents, dealing with physical and psychological health,
financial problems, and taking care of their children’s well-being and education.
Resilience was noted to influence individuals’ mental health and wellbeing
(Coulombe, 2020). Findings of the study showed how the COVID-19 crisis could
impact on individual’s social, occupational, and financial situation. However, in
times of crisis, there could be several intervention strategies can be applied or
practices in order to handle the negative impact of the pandemic. In the current
38
study, ego resilience, faith-based resilience and support system were applied by
the participants. For the ego resilience, it was expressed that optimism, increasing
self-reliance, cultivating inner strength, and being resourceful were seen as
strategies that helped them recover throughout the pandemic. In faith-based
resilience, strong faith in God guide participant to believe that there is a superior
being that is there for them in times of hardship. While in support system,
emotional support, financial support, and children as a source of inspiration aids
participants to received help and rely on others.
Ego Resilience
Our study found how resiliency helped our participants to get through the
difficulties of life during pandemic. Firstly, they expressed optimism during those
difficult times. It helped them to see the brighter side of their experiences.
Optimism has a positive outcome with greater physical and psychological well-
being (Hanssen et al., 2015). They indicate that there is no problem that cannot be
solve and being optimistic helped them to cope up with their hardships during
pandemic (Kleiman et al., 2020). Moreover, our study found that our participants
expressed self-reliance and cultivating inner strength, they believe and trust their
selves that they can overcome the challenges. They also expressed that they had to
be strong and tough in order to face and solve their problems. This was seen as
one of their ways to pass their challenges in life. Lastly, our participants exhibited
being resourceful, they took an action after the outbreak of COVID-19. They
49
sought different sources of money and adapted in working in the midst of
pandemic and built small business (Cleofas et al., 2021).
Faith-based Resilience
In addition, faith-based resilience is one of the pillar that helped
marginalized solo parent to overcome challenges. Strong faith in God is a source
of comfort and support because it instills the idea of a sense of belonging and
existential connection (Gray, 2000 cited by Alorani & Alradaydeh, 2017). In
recent years, previous studies showed that religious belief and practices have a
significant outcome in one’s health, such as recovery from disease, coping in
adversity, protection of well-being and recover from trauma (Peprah et al., 2018;
Manning et al., 2018; Ozcan et al., 2021). Our participants expressed how the
power of faith and prayer helped them a lot during the pandemic crisis. Although
the life in poverty during COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for them, they still
believe that God is in control in their lives and will help them survive the
pandemic. Thus, strong faith in God allows an individual to find peace,
connection, and support in the face of life challenges (Clark, 2019).
Emotional Support
Our study shows that solo parents received emotional support in the form
of companionship, love, attention, care, and affection from variety of individuals,
including their family, friends, and sometimes even neighbors. Accessible
emotional support could set them up to confront the difficulties of life. As
expressed by Atoum and Al Shoboul, 2018, emotional support is fundamental in

38
testing circumstances since individuals who get more prominent emotional
support are happier, healthier and better prepared to acclimate to life troubles.
Emotional support could likewise guard them against the adverse outcomes
among their children. Same exploration done by McLanahan et al., 2015; Herwig
et al., 2015; Jackson, 2014, found that when mothers have emotional support, they
are less inclined to encounter stress and more likely to exhibit confidence to be
composed and utilize discipline techniques. Thus making their lives more
straightforward for everybody in the family. Likewise, the finding of this study
showed that solo parents battled financially during the pandemic. In any case,
some received government assistance and monetary help from their family and
friend. Having money during this crisis is advantageous for the solo parents who
are indeed unemployed.
Financial Support
Findings of this study showed that solo parents’ problem regarding the
lack of financial resources was somehow ease by financial support from several
organization such as government programs (Social Amelioration Program or SAP
and Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD). Omar & Inaba,
(2020), have found that providing financial inclusion helps reduce poverty rates
and unequal income in developing countries. Also solo parents received financial
aids from several groups such as their friends and their own families. Such
financial grants from other people in this time of pandemic, specifically for
marginalized solo parents who are deprived from having jobs, was seen as
38
beneficial as it helps them with their expenses. Furthermore, the overall welfare of
the society’s marginalized sectors, was maximized with the promotion of
accessibility and usage of financial services (Omar & Inaba, 2020).
Children as Source of Inspiration
Result showed that greater part of the solo parents derived their strength
from their children. Parents drawing strength from their children improves well-
being by expanding self-esteem, permitting them to have all the more better
attitude toward themselves, giving them the fuel to defeat any obstacles
throughout everyday life. Such dynamic in the family could upgrade parent-child
and family relationship. As indicated by the Family System Theory by Bowen
(1978), people encountering hardships are best served by evaluations that
incorporate different individuals from the member of the family. This propose that
every individual from the family is better working together in the face of
difficulties, rather than only one member solving the problem.. Moreover,
Hammond et al., 2015, states that every individual from the family has known
goal and function. In this study, it's the child that goes about as the inspiration for
the solo parents and consequently, solo parents are inspired by their child to work.
Therefore, completing the dynamic of parent-child relationship.

38
EMERGING FRAMEWORK
The figure 1 summarizes the lived experiences of marginalized solo
parents during COVID-19 Pandemic. The picture represent the COVID-19
Pandemic, the challenges and resilience of Solo Parents. The red colored circle
shows the challenges of solo parents in the middle of pandemic such as Health
Risk; Risk of contracting the virus, Risk of physical exhaustion, Financial risk;
Limited job opportunities, Lack of Income, Food Insecurity, Psychological risk,
Feelings of worriedness, Feelings of depression, and Challenges of having
Dependent Children; Challenge of homeschooling, Challenge of parenthood. The
green circle are the resilience of Solo Parents in facing the pandemic are the Ego
resilience; Positivity, Strengthening inner self, Increasing self-reliance, Being
resourceful, Faith-based resilience (Strong faith in God) and Support system;

38
Emotional support, Financial Support, Children as source of inspiration that
helped them gain strength and survive the pandemic.
CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION, IMPLICATION
The study's findings showed the different challenges experienced by
marginalized solo parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. Due to the quarantine
and the rapid spread of the virus, the majority of the participants lost their jobs,
had financial difficulties, health concerns, and experienced depression and
anxiety. At the same time, Ego resilience, Faith-based resilience, and Support
systems were utilized by the participants to overcome the challenges they faced in
terms of resilience. Ego resilience, self-resilience, optimism, cultivating the inner
self, and resourcefulness were beneficial in overcoming difficulties and
recovering from financial challenges. They were able to acclimate and adjust to
the new normal. In terms of the support system, emotional support, financial
support, and children as a source of inspiration motivate them to keep going in
their life. No matter how hard their situation was, they had their children, friends,
and family as their support system for their financial, everyday needs, and
emotional challenges. Finally, faith-based resilience is one of the reasons why
solo parents never give up. Prayer, for them, is a powerful weapon that helps them
become stronger during the most difficult times of their lives as well as in their
emotional well-being.
For the recommendation, we suggest conducting quantitative analysis to
measure Solo Parents' resilience in the middle of the epidemic. That more
38
attention be devoted to pandemic-affected areas outside of Pampanga. Include
additional people with children under the age of 10 to learn more about their life
problems. Specifically, the changes, rewards, and emotions they experience
during the pandemic.
For the implication, the study's findings can be beneficial in future
research that is outside the focus of the study. Observing marginalized solo
parent's lived experiences and challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be
fascinating. For solo parents, financial and social resources may be limited.
Concerning lower educational attainment, low-paying professions with less
autonomy or promotion potential, and lower self-esteem are all factors
(Marcdante, 2019). That connects to the government assistance they received, the
resourcefulness of parents, and raising awareness about the situation of solo
parents in Pampanga are all covered. Furthermore, we are confident that the
findings of this study will be used to improve and build additional policies and
laws relating to the welfare of solo parent in Pampanga.

55
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
CERTIFICATION FOR GRAMMARIAN
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that the research study t entitled “Lived Experiences of
Marginalized Solo Parents during Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study”
authored by Albao, John, Alfaro, Mark Lowel, Andrade, Jasmin, Baluyut,
Michaela, Batac, Aliza and Bonus Javie, Annehas been reviewed and edited by
the undersigned.
This certification is issued upon the request of the researcher this 4th day of
January, 2022.
Peter D. Vengano, RN, LPT, MAN
Grammarian/Editor
APPENDIX II
PlagScan Certificate
This is to certify that this thesis final manuscript entitled “Lived
Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents during Pandemic: A Phenomenological
Study” prepared by Albao John, Alfaro Mark Lowel, Andrade Jasmin, Baluyut
Michaela, Batac Aliza and Bonus Javie Anne has passed the originality check by
Turnitin software.
Sherna G. Bangalan, MA, RPsy

Name and Signature of the Person in Charge
Faculty, Department of Psychology

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Don Honorio Ventura State University Affiliation
__________________
Contact Number
March 24, 2022

Date of Completion
APPENDIX III
Informed Consent
Title of Research:
“Lived Experiences of Solo Parents with Dependent Children during
COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study”
Researchers:
Mark Lowe P. Alfaro, John A. Albao, Jasmin A. Andrade, Michaela N.
Baluyut, Aliza L. Batac, Javie Ann B. Bonus
Purpose:
The purpose of the research is to know different challenges Solo parents
faces amidst pandemic and how they cope up with the phenomena.
Procedures:
Participation in this study will require answering questions that will be
asked by the researchers and providing some demographic information. The
interview will take about one hour. Proceedings in the interview will be screen –
recorded and transcribed.
Risks:
As the interview will be conducted, you may encounter a question that you
may find uncomfortable, which may cause you to think about negative emotional
states. Rest assured that the researchers will perform relaxation therapy for serious
adjustment regarding emotional or developmental needs.

Benefits:
The participants may obtain potential benefits from joining the research
study. Benefits may include the satisfaction of the participants knowing that they
have contributed to a study that gives other solo parents a better understanding of
themselves.
Data Collection and Storage:
All results that will be obtained from the study will be secured and will
remain confidential. Only the researcher will see the data, unless mandated by the
law.
Contact Information:
For related problems or queries concerning your rights as a subject and
questions about the study, you can contact the researchers or email them through
the information below:
Mark Lowe P. Alfaro 09266943805 marklowelalfaro16@gmail.com
John, A. Albao 09260043433 albaojohn79@gmail.com
Jasmin A. Andrade 09274619887 jasminandrade32@gmail.com
Michaela N. Baluyut 09399170205 baluyutmichaelan@gmail.com
Aliza L. Batac 09758269004 alizabatac.06@gmail.com
Javie Ann, B. Bonus 09363440896 javieannbbonus@gmail.com
Content Statement:
I have read and understood the study described above. I freely consent to
participate. I understand that I am free to withdraw from the study at any time. A
copy of this consent is being provided for me.

Participant 1: __________________ Participant 6:_________________
Participant 2: __________________ Participant 7:_________________
Participant 3: __________________ Participant 8: _________________
Participant 4: __________________ Participant 9: _________________
Participant 5: __________________ Participant 10: ________________

APPENDIX IV
Letter for Participants

Date:
Greetings!
We are students at Don Honorio Ventura State University pursuing a Bachelor of
Science with a major in Psychology. Presently, we are conducting a study entitled
"Lived Experiences of Solo Parents During Covid-19 Pandemic: A
Phenomenological Study".
In this regard, we are asking for your precious time and effort to participate in our
virtual interview via Google meet to answer all the questions that are important
and helpful for the completion of the study. Rest assured that all data gathered
from you will be kept at the highest level of confidentiality.
Your positive response in this request will make a significant contribution to the
study’s success and will highly appreciate it.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Respectfully Yours,
John A. Albao Jasmin A. Andrade Aliza L. Batac
Mark Lowel P. Alfaro Michaela N. Baluyut Javie Ann B. Bonus
Noted By:
ROSALIE G. LARIN
Adviser
APPENDIX V
Robotfoto
Participant
Age: _________ Birthday: ______________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Nationality: _____________________
Religion: _______________________
Occupation: ____________________
1. Family Arrangements
____ living with parents.
____ Not living with parents.
2. Socio Economic Status/Salary/Income Monthly

___ BelowP10, 000
___ P11, 000 -P20, 000
___ P21, 000 -30, 000
3. Educational Attainment
___ College graduate
___ High school graduate
___ Grade school graduate
4. Years of being solo parent

___ 1 year
___ 2 years
___ 3 years
___ 4 years
___ 5 years & up
5. Number of children
___ Only one
___ Two and more
6. Employment Status
___ Employed
___ Self-employed
___ Unemployed
APPENDIX VI
Certificate of Validation
This is to certify that research instrument used by the researchers namely:

John Albao, Marko Lowel Alfaro, Jasmin Andrade, Michaela Baluyut, Aliza
Batac and Javie Ann of the study “LIVED EXPERIENCES OF
MARGINALIZED SOLO PARENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A
PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY” was validated by the undersigned. I hereby
attest that I have carefully examined the composition and grammar of the
instrument and have proven significantly appropriate for the study.
Validated by:
GLAIZA ANN D. PANGAN, MAGC, RGC
MA. AGATHA ANNE D. DIZON, RGC
JOSEVEY A. TAGUIBAO, LPT, RGC, PhD (Cand)

APPENDIX VII
LETTER FOR VALIDATOR
Date:
Dear Ma’am /Sir,
We are the undergraduate students of the BS Psychology Department of the
Social Science and Philosophy at Don Honorio Ventura State University. We are
conducting a research study dealing with the lived experiences of Marginalized
Solo Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
With your expertise, we humbly ask for your time to rate the attached themes we
had made from the responses of our participants. We are looking forward that our
request would merit your positive response.
Sincerely,
Albao, John Baluyut, Michaela
Alfaro Mark Lowel Batac, Aliza
Andrade, Jasmin Bonus, Javie Anne

ROSALIE G. LARIN
Research Adviser
Validated by:
GLAIZA ANN D. PANGAN, MAGC, RGC

Validator
MA. AGATHA ANNE D. DIZON, RGC

Validator
JOSEVEY A. TAGUIBAO, LPT, RGC, PhD (Cand)

Validator
APPENDIX VIII
ENDORSEMENT LETTER FROM THE ADVISER
This is to certify that the research study entitled “Lived Experiences of
Marginalized Solo Parents during Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study” is
original work and does not contain any material that has been previously written
or published by another person or that has been accepted for the award of any
degree or diploma at Don Honorio Ventura State University or other educational
institutions, except where appropriate acknowledgment is made on the thesis. The
thesis expressly acknowledges any contribution to the research made by others
with whom I have collaborated at Don Honorio Ventura State University or
elsewhere.
This certification is being issued at the researchers' request on this 10th
day of January 2022.
ROSALIE G. LARIN
Research Adviser
APPENDIX IX
APPROVAL LETTER
This study entitled “Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

during Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study” prepared and submitted by
Albao, John A., Alfaro, Mark Lowel P., Andrade, Jasmin A., Baluyut, Michaela
N., Batac, Aliza L., Bonus, Javie Anne B., has been approved and accepted as
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Psychology.
ROSALIE G. LARIN
Research Adviser
PANEL OF EXAMINEES
Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination on January 18, 2022
SHERNA G. BANGALAN MA. RPsy

Panelist
JAYVIE VILLAZOR RPm, Ph.D (c)

Panelist
LIEZEL MOISES-ABREA RP, RPsy

Panelist
NELLY N. PILAO Ph.D

Dean
APPENDIX X
Validated Research Questionnaire
Title: Resiliency Experienced of Marginalized Solo Parent with dependent

children during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Objective of the study:

to explore and understand the resilience experienced by the marginalized parents
with dependent children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Semi-structured Questionnaires:
2 How would you define your life as a solo parent before this pandemic hit
us?
3 What were your experiences during the pandemic?
4 What are the struggles you encountered this pandemic?
5 How did you face these challenges? (Relate the answer to number3)
6 As a solo parent how this pandemic change your views in life?
7 How these challenges affect you? How did you face it?
8 What are the strategies you have used to get you through the trials you are
facing today because of the pandemic? How did it help you?
9 Who or what are your motivations in life? In what way did they help you?
10 Based from the challenges you are facing this day, how do you see
yourself this pandemic?
11 What are the positive sides happens into your life despite of this
pandemic?
12 What did you learn from your experiences this pandemic as a solo parent?
Validated by:
ANDREA BUAN, RPm
JURELYN B. LUSTRIA, RPm
SHIELA MARIE D. MANJARES, RPm, MA Psy

APPENDIX XI
Transcribed Interview
PARTICIPANT 1
1. Paano mo mailalarawan ang iyong buhay bilang isang solo parent bago
ang COVID-19 pandemic?
Ang hirap po. Napakahirap po talaga. Dahil pito po yung anak ko uh-
nakikipaglabada po ako. Yung regular ko po talagang pinagkikitaan yung
pakikipag labada tas kapag meron namang nakitang- nagsabi sakin na “pakilinis
yung bahay naming” tinatanggap ko rin. Basta naman po marangal na trabaho
tinatanggap ko po.
2. Ano-ano ang iyong mga naging karanasan sa panahon ng pandemya?
Nung bago-bago palang ung pandemya eh-napakahirap talaga para saken.
Umaasa nalang po kami sa relief na binibigay dahil nga pu walang gustong
magpalaba kase syempre iniisip nila may covid ka kaya ang ginawa ko po eh-uuh
nangangalakal po. Nagpupulot po ako ng mga plastic na bote tapos ibebenta ko po
kasi nga po walang gusto magpalaba. Tapos po bumibili po agad ako ng bigas.
Tsaka po kapag may nagpalaba ng isang beses sa isang lingo ung kinikita ko po
sinesave ko talaga para sa bigas- yun ung pinakaimportante yung bigas.
3. Ano ang mga hamon na kinaharap mo sa panahon ng pandemikong ito?
Yun nga po ung iniiwasan ka ng mga tao, hindi ka man lang nila
tatawagin- uh di katulad ng date na kapag nakita ka sa kalsada binabate ka,
ngayun talagang ilag na ilag sa isa’t isa. Yun po mahirap. Tapos syempre minsan
kapag wala kayong pagkain, wala ka pang maisasaeng. Yun. Yun talaga
napakahirap talaga lalo na yung mga anak ko ngayon meron pa kong nine years
old tsaka eight years old- na hindi mo masasabi sakanila na “wala pa tayong bigas
wala pa tayong pagkain” syempre pagka yung bata eh nagugutom na di-hindi mo
masasabing pigilan mo muna yung gutom mo wala pa tayong masasaing... ganun.
Sub q: Kamusta pagaaral ng mga anak mo?
Masipag naman mag-aral yung mga anak ko. Bali ako yung kumukuha ng
module nila. Syempre lagi kong sinasabi sakanila na magpursige sa pag-aaral nila
kase wala akong maiiwang pamana sakanila kundi yung makapagtapos sila sa
pag-aaral, tsaka yung pangarap ko sakanila makapagtapos sila.
Sub q: Paano sinasagot ng mga anak niyo ung module nila?
Sila lang po kase minsan hindi ko sila natuturuan pero yung mga grade-
senior high po- yung mga nakakabatang kapatid nila tinuturuan po nila bago nila
gawin yung sakanila. Nagtutulungan po sila. Yun lang po ang swerte ko sa mga
anak ko yung nakakabatang kaptid nila inaalagaan nila di katulad ng ibang bata na
laging nasa kalsada kilala sa buong baryo. Kahit na magtatanong po kayo ditto
tungkol sa mga anak ko hindi po sila halos kilala. Lagi lang po sila dito sa bahay.
May mga barkada sila pero limitado lang yung pakikipagbarkada nila- alam nila
yung limitasyon nila dahil nakikita nila yung kahirapan ko-kahirapan ng buong
pamilya.
4. Sa kabila ng mga hamong ito, paano mo ito nalampasan?

Sa lakas ng loob, pananalig sa Diyos at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa. Palagi
kong iniisip ang mga anak ku lalo na ako lang ang kanilang inaasahan.
Nagtutulungan kami at may unawaaan sa isat isa. Palagi kaming nagpapasalamat
sa kanya sa lahat ng oras at sa mga biyayang ipinagkakaloob sa amin.
5. Anu-ano ang mga naging pagbabago sa iyong buhay bilang isang solo
parent ngayong pandemiko?
Ano po bali nakakapagod po. Syempre kahit gusto mo nang magpahinga,
tumigil hindi mo magawa kase kailangan mong magtrabaho para sa mga anak mo.
ganon po. Tsaka napakahirap po sobrang hirap. Di katulad nung walang
pandemya kapag nilapitan mo yung tao na “kung gusto mong pong magpalinis ng
bahay o magpalaba pwede niyo kong tawagin” ganon nung wala pang pandemya.
Pero ngayong pandemya talagang mahirap, napakahirap.
6. Paano ito nakaapekto sayo? Paano mo ito nalampasan?
Nakaapekto po kase ahh nabawasan yung kita. Tapos ngayon po
nalampasan din namen kase kung ano yung kinita ko yun nalang po yung
pinagkakasya naming sa araw-araw. Nakaraos naman po kami at walang
nagkasakit samin kahit kalat na kalat yung covid.
7.Ano-ano ang mga pamamaraan na iyong ginawa upang malagpasan mo
ang mga pagsubok na iyong kinaharap ngayong pandemya?
Yun nga nangongolekta ako ng mga plastic na bote tas ibebenta ko.
TaposPuro pagkain lang po binibili ko ng kanin basta lagi po yung bigas inuuna
ko.
Sub: Ano-ano yung nakuha niyong ayuda?
Nung nakaraang taon, dalawang beses tig 2000, 5000. Bale bumili ako ng
tatlong sakong bigas yung una tapos delata, kape, asukal, noodles. Yung binili ko
kasi talagang sabi ko kailangan yung perang to mapapabili ko ng maraming bigas.
8. Sino o kanino ka naman humuhugot ng lakas upang magpatuloy sa
buhay?
Sa mga anak ko tsaka pananalig sa Diyos
9. Sa paanong pamamaraan sila nakatulong sayo?
Yung syempre po kahit ganito buhay namin, kahit hirap kami, pinapakita
nila pursigido sila. Nakikikita ko sa kanila pursigido sila makapag aral yun ang
nagiging inspirasyon ko sa buhay ko para magpatuloy. Tsaka alam ko
ginagabayan niya kami (Tinutukoy ang Diyos).
10. Batay sa mga pagsubok na kinakaharap mo ngayon, paano mo nakikita
ang iyong kasalukuyang sitwasyon ngayong pandemiko?
Ngayon po Ma’am mabuti naman po kaysa nakaraang taon ayun lalo na
ngayon karamahin naka vaccine na tayo, meron na pong gamut kaya yung ibang
nilalapitan ko po talagang tinatawag na po nila ako. Tinatanong nila ako kung
kailan ang libring araw ko para mapaglinis ko sila.
11. Anu-ano naman ang mga positibong nangyari sa iyo sa kabila ng
pandemikong ito?
Ano po mam, yung kahit po may covid ngayon ah kasalukuyang meron
pang covid masaya po ako Ma’am kasi kahit isa po Ma’am sa mga anak ay
walang sakit. Yung kumakaen sila… Yung di baleng walang pera basta walang
sakit.
12. Ano ang pinakamahalagang aral na natutunan mo mula sa iyong
karanasan bilang isang solo parent sa panahon ng pandemya?
Pagmamahal sa isat-isa, tsaka yung tiwala sa sarili. Yung kahit na wala
kaming pera sama-sama parin kami, naiintidihan nila ung sitwasyon naming lalo
na ung panganay ko. Tsaka alam nila na mahal ko sila eh, ganun din ako. Kase
wala namang magulang na hindi mahal yung mga anak eh. Tsaka tiwala, kase
alam ko kakayanin ko, iisipin ko kaya ko para kayanin ko, ganon.
Bago kase ung covid-19 medyo ok pa. Hindi kami nahihirapan masyado
kase ok kaming lumabas lahat, nakakatulong ung mga anak ko sa hanap buhay
ngayon magisa nalang kase minor pa sila.
Sobrang hirap kase unang una dahil vendor lamang ako ayaw na kaming
papasukin doon sa area na hindi naming baryo or hindi namin lugar. Tapos ang
hirap pa sa isang pamilya isa lamang pedeng lumabas, imbis na na dalawa kaming
naghahanap buhay ng anak ko ako na lang ngayon. Ang hirap kitain ng pera
ngayong pandemic kase kumbaga sa pera naging one fourth nalang ako.

Unang naging hamon sakin nung last year pandemic sabi ni president
Duterte one month lang yung quarantine natin nawalan ng sasakyan, bawal
lumabas. Ako naman bilang vendor tinitiis kong maglakad na maglakad mula dito
sa apalit hanggang minalin makapaghanap buhay lang ako at tinitiis ko din ung
mga checkpoint na pakiusapan na magtitinda lang dahil nga walang maghahanap
buhay para sa mga anak ko. Ako lang.
Bilang nanay, bilang ako, yung pagaaral nilang modular okay lang kase sa
hirap nga ng buhay ngayon konti lang yung kita, nabawas ng hirap sa pamasahe,
yung baon araw araw pero ung pagaaral nila okay lang kase natutustusan ko
naman kunin ung module nila on time, natutulungan ko naman sila sa pagsagot sa
module.
Sa apat na anak ko ung isang senior high school at junior high school kaya
na nilang mag-isa yun eh. Yung dalawa nalang, yung elementary nalang at grade
eight, sila nalang ginaguide ko.
Kapit lang, unang una dasal sa Paginoon, kumapit lang talaga ako sa
Panginoon dahil sa buhay natin ngayon kanya-kanya eh wala kang malalapitan na
hingan ng tulong dahil pare-pareho lang sitwasyon yung mga tao ngayon, kaya
ang ginawa ko nagtyaga ako, double time, sa umaga nakikipag laba sa hapon
nagtitinda, ginawa kong hati ung panahon ko para matustusan ko yung
pangangailangan naming mag-iina.
Mahirap, napakahirap. Yung pagbabago yung kulang nalang hindi kana
matulog, dahil yun nga unang-una nga ako lang yung naghahanap buhay walang
sustentong dumarating sa Ama nila tapos lahat pa sila nag-aaral, wala pakong
makatuwang na maghanap-buhay sa mga anak ko pero yung maganda dito is
nagkaroon kami ng bonding, nagkasama-sama kami dito sa bahay. Nagkaroon
kami ng oras na mapag-usapan yung kahirapan. Nakita ng mga anak ko yung
sakripisyo ko, yun lang yung maganda sa pandemic nakita nila kung gaano
kahirap yung mag-isa lang yung naghahanap buhay. Yun lang yung masayang
nakita ko sakanila
Nakaapekto samin yung kita, date kase kumikita kami- kumikita ako na
kaya kong tustusan yung pangangailangan namin sa pagkain, kuryente, tubig,
ngayong nagkapandemic apektado lahat, unang-unang apektado yung kinikita ko
limit lang yung pagtitinda, medyo maselan pa kase at yung mga tao ayaw pa
magtiwala minsan kahit na kakilala ayaw magtiwala dahil nga yung sakit na
Covid-19 iniiwasan, kahit na alam nilang wala kang sakit umiiwas parin sila,
nakafacemask at faceshield kana nagiingat parin sila. Yung lang yung impact.
7. Ano-ano ang mga pamamaraan na iyong ginawa upang malagpasan mo
Nung una dahil wala pang mga surgical facemask dahil nagkaubusan,
nakakuha akong manahi ng mga facemask at tininda ko yun sa mga palengke at
baryo, yun ung unang nagging negosyo ko nun dahil yung mga isda nun hindi sila
pwedeng itravel bawal ipasok dito saatin dahil sa bulacan pa kami kumukuha nun.
Pero ang maganda lang non is kahit pumasok yung pandemic at hindi na maitinda
yung dating tinitinda, gumawa ako ng paraan kung ano yung mabili, gumawa ako
ng facemask at iyon ay nakatulong saakin.
Oo sa SAF, yung first SAF naming hati yung pangalawang SAF hati din.
Bale 6, 500 lahat nakuha namin. Sa barangay amin may mga relief good naman na
nabigay saamin, mga kapitbahay nagbibigay, yung mga may kaya. Yung mga
boss ko sa paglalaba nagsupport din sila sila sa pagkain, groceries. Malaki rin ang
naitulong
buhay?
Anak at kaibigan
Sa ngayon sa mga anak ko, sila yung kalakasan ko. Sila yung nagbibigay
ng inspirasyon sa buhay ko ung paano ko ipagpatuloy yung buhay ko sa pandemic
na ito. Wala akong makuhang suporta sa papa nila wala din akong makuhang
suporta sa side ko. Kaibigan, maraming nagaadvise saakin marami na raw na solo
parent ang nakalagpas, yun nga doon din ako humuhugot ng lakas sa mga advise
nila hindi lang daw ako ang nag-iisang solo parent, kumbaga nakakabigay din sila
ng magagandang payo sakin para ipagpatuloy ko yung laban naming na mag-iina.
Mahirap, sobrang hirap kase yun nga nasabi ko na nga ako lang yung
naghahanap buhay. Madalas kaming magiina kung ano lang yung meron na lang
yun nalang ung pinagkakasyahan naming. Yung nakikita ko yung katatagan, yung
pagkakaisa naming na magunawaan sa bawat isa samamin. Yung katatagan sa
bawat –isa saamin.
pandemikong ito?
May maganda rin nangyari naman. Kase Maraming opportunities na
nagbigay saakin ng trabaho, yun nga sa hapon nagtitinda ako, di katulad date na
sa hapon nagtitinda lang ako, pero ngayon may nagbigay ng opportunity sakin na
magtrabaho sa umaga, half day lang. kumbaga hindi lang pagtitinda ko yung
inaasahan ko ngayon kundi ang pagtatrabaho ko din sa umaga. Yun lang yung
magandang epekto. Malaki ang naitulong din sa akin.
Pagmamahalan, pagkakaisa at pagkakaunawaan.

Kase nung time ng pandemic ung apat kong anak kase lahat sila
nagkasakit, dun ko nakita ung pagmamahalan na sinaabi ko na may
nakikisimpatya sa sitwasyon ko. May mga kaibigan na nagsasabi na “sige akong
bahala kung wala kang pera, dalhin natin siya sa hospital, sasamahan ka naming
huwag mo kaming intindihin” minsan syempre nahihiya ako pero nandyan parin
yung suporta na nakita ko sa mga kaibigan ko na kahit gamut lang, pagkain may
nagbibigay sakin. Yung di ko naranasan o naradmaman nung date na nagkasakit
yung anak ko, na nagiisa lang ako walang nagmamahal saakin, meron pala.
Pagkakaisa, yung pagsinabi ko sa mga anak ko na yun lang tapos
nagkakaisa kami na kung ano lang meron yun nalang din saamin. Hindi sila
naghahanap ng marami di sila naghahanap ng mabuti. Kung anong meron lang
dun kami nagkakaisa.
Yung pagkakaunawaan kase nakita ko rin yun sa loob ng pamilya namin,
unang una sa mga anak ko. Pagnakita nilang pagod ako at alam nilang wala akong
kinita o kulang ang kinita ko, wala akong maririnig sakanila na nasaan ano pa.
Yung alam kong inuunawa nila ako at lalo na pag pagod ako nararamdaman ko sa
mga anak ko ung pagunawa nila kase sila sila nalang yung nagtutulungan
inuunawa nalang nila na magpahinga nalang ako, na kailangan ko ding
magpahinga dahil nagiisa nga lang ako para buhayin sila.
PARTICIPANT 2

Bilang isang solo parent, doble paghihirap ang pagpapalaki sa mga anak
bago dumating ang pandemic sa bansa. Sa awa ng Diyos, nakakaluwag luwag
naman po kami kahit papaano. Nakakaraos sa araw araw na gastusin sa bahay.
Tina- ah tinaguyod ko ang aking tatlong anak ng mag isa. Sobrang hirap pero
kinaya ko para sa mga anak ko, naging matatag ako at lumaban sa hamon ng
buhay (inaudible at 13:25)
Nung dumating na ang pandemic sa ating bansa, marami akong naging
karanasan, pumasok ako bilang labandera, namasukan din ako bilang kasambahay
at nakipag tinda dito sa aking kapatid bilang fish vendor, Ma’am. Tapos umasa sa
mga relief goods para sa ibang pangangailangan. Pero yon ano ah walang
natanggap na ayuda, yung SAF ba yun. Tapos walang trabaho ang panganay ko
Maraming hamon ang dumating sa aking buhay sa panahon ng pandemic.
Una dito ang pag-aalala sa dalawa kong anak dahil malayo sa akin (kapag
nagtitinda ng sampaguita). Pangalawa, iniisip ko paano na namin malalampasan
ang hamon na ito at pangkain po, Ma’am.
Nagpakatatag ako para sa mga anak ko at palaging nagdarasal sa Diyos.
Naging matatag ako at madiskarte sa buhay, yon, Yun talaga yon eh. Hindi sila
(mga hamon) naka apekto sakin dahil mas lalo akong titibay at maging malakas.
Basta una pagdarasal sa Diyos, pangalawa naging madiskarte, at pangatlo, tiwala
sa sarili. Sa Diyos at sa mga anak ko.”
Additional Questions
Researcher: Paano nyo po nasabi na nagkaroon kayo ng tiwala sa sarili?
Participant: Dati po hindi po ako nakikipag labada. Ngayon lang po maam.
Researcher: Kung hindi po kayo nakikipag labada noong una, ano po yong
pinagkakakitaan nyo po?
Participant: pagtitinda po ng isda
Researcher: So ganito po Maam, nauna po yung pagtitinda ng isda noon nung
wala pa poong pandemic?
Participant: Yes po maam.
Nagtitinda ng isda noon. Ngayong nagkapandemic, nakikipaglabada.
Sobrang hirap po ng buhay ngayon maam, kung hindi ka makikipaglabada, hindi
kami makakaraos, hindi kami makakakain. Minsan kapag konti ang huli nya
(anak) ako nalang po magtitinda para meron po kami. Nagbibigay naman po.
Minsan 50, minsan 100 sa isang araw. Basta may bigas, kahit toyo at mantika
lang ayos na. Basta makaraos lang po mga anak ko.
buhay?
Sa Diyos at sa mga anak ko. Nagdarasal araw araw. Pinagdarasal ko din
ang mga anak ko at pamilya ko.
9.Sa paanong pamamaraan sila nakatulong sayo?
Sa simpleng pagsabi nya (anak) sa akin na “kaya namin ito” at syempre
dumidiskarte para maka tulong sa amin. Syempre po, dumidiskarte din sila.
Minsan nakikipagtinda din sila ng bulaklak. Kumukuha po sila sa Gagua tapos
ititinda dito sa amin.
Balisa, laging nag aalala. Laging inaalala ang mga anak dahil malayo sila
(Kapag nagtitinda). Balisa dahil sa problema sa pangkain, pera, kung paano
makakaraos.
pandemikong ito?
Naging mas matatag at naging mas madiskarte.
Huwag panghinaan ng loob. Magdasal sa Diyos, magtiwala sa sarili at
maging matatag sa hamon ng buhay. Sa Diyos humugot ng lakas.
PARTICIPANT 3

Bago of COVID-19 pandemic uh ok naman uhm yung nakapag-aral
naman sila sa tulong ng kapatid ko financially, walang problema nag aaral naman
ang mga anak ko, ayun ok naman.
So yun nga noh nung pagputok ng pandemya nahirapan din ako syempre
first yung mga kapatid ko nahirapan din sa trabaho yung time na yon pandemic
nga tapos nag woworry din ako sa future namin hindi lang para sa akin pati sa
anak ko kung ano bang mangyayari sa amin ako man nakaramdam din ako ng
stress and depress.
So yun mga hamon naman kinaharap ko this pandemic is kailangan kong
maging matatag syempre bilang isa, isa nakong parent kailangan para sa mga
anak ko so hmm kinakaya naman mga hamon sa pang araw araw sa tulong at
suporta ng mga kaibigan (hindi ko na marinig).
Oo yes sobra kasi uhm from traditional way syempre yung course ko
education noh general, ang hirap talaga kasi from traditional way bigla online
lahat noh, kailangan advance kana sa mga apps ngayon so (hindi na malinaw).
Sub q: Financial?
Wala naman (hindi malinaw) since nung nag start akong mag aral noh...

Sa mga anak ko uhm tinuruan ko kasi silang maging independent sabi ko
sa pag aaral nila noh, pag kaya nilang sagutin wag na nila akong tatanungin kasi
kaya naman na nila, pero pag may hindi sila naiintindihan, yon doon lang sila mag
tatanong sa akin so ganun ko sila pinalaki yung paghindi na nila maintindihan
doon sila lumalapit sa akin tsaka pala malaki na sila 13 na panganay ko then 12
yung isa 11.
Sub q: Sa school ng mga bata?
Ok naman sila walang problema, nahihirapan din sila syempre nakikita ko
yun as a parent noh nag struggle din sila noh sa module kasi minsan talaga sa
isang week ang dami daming kailangan sagutin so.
Siguro ahh hindi ko nalang iniisip na mahirap kasi sanay naman din ako sa
araw-araw nalang tsaka wala naman problema na hindi nasosolusyonan, pag
subok na hindi nalalagpasan isa lang iniisip ko maging positive lagi.
Sa tingin ko naman is mas naging stronger ako kasi, aminin ko talaga noh
konting ano lang problema talagang para down na down nako pero ngayon so
narealize ko na hindi dapat maging ganon dapat positive nga lagi para yung mga
anak ko pag nakikita kang ganon hindi sila maging hindi nila makitang down ka
hindi nila maaadopt yung energy na yun ganon.

Parang wala din, parang walang pag kakaiba Oo kasi sabi ko nga sa araw
araw may pag subok tayong dinadaanan so parang wala same same lang sya.
Friends din tsaka ate ko kasi teacher ate ko so pag may hindi talaga ako
naiintindihan tinatanong ko sya friends ko and ate ko so yun sila naging sandalan
ko pag time na down na down stress nako.
Ahh yes doon sa DSWD.
buhay?
Pwera sa kanila mama ko tsaka isang anak ko syempre, nangyayari kasi sa
akin ahm... Nadisappoint ko sila nung bata pa ako so heto na yung time na babawi
ako sa kanila.
( Friends) Oo nakatulong sila, malaking tulong sila lalo na close friends
ko talaga kilala talaga yung, yung alam talaga nangyari sa akin simula't sapul.
Emotional support nila nag papalakas ng loob ko kapag i feel so down.

Kasalukuyan kong sitwasyon ngayon is feeling ko hindi na sya mabigat
kakayanin ko na kasi ahh I learn from the past naman, so positive outlook nalang
talaga.
pandemikong ito?
Ahh ok madami, naging matatag ako dina ako nag papastress sa mga
maliit na bagay.
So yun sabi ko nga kanina paulit ulit kahit anong hirap ng dadanasin mo
kailangan mong maging matatag kasi bilang ikaw ang umaasa sa mga anak mo,
umaasa sila sayo so kailangan maging positive lang lagi.
Sub q: nakatulong ba ang pagiging Roman Catholic?
Oo naman pero, personally wala naman sa religion yan nasa sayo pa rin
yan kung paano mo mapapadali ang pag subok na kinakaharap mo.
PARTICIPANT 4
Mahirap po. Kasi po bilang solo parent po wala po kayong ka antabay sa
pagpapalaki po ng mga bata. Tapos wala pa po kayong trabaho ganon, kaya po
mahirap po para sa mga solo parent.

Siguro po yung una kong karanasan yung time po na pandemic is yung
na..anong tawag don, na ano…yung pong nag trabaho kahit ano po yung para po
sa income namin. Yung kahit po nag manicure, sa pag ma-manicure pedicure po
para po may pambili ng gatas. Kasi po sa isang client po 70 pesos.
Yun nga po yung wala pong ano yung wala pong, tawag don… Yung wala
pong umaasa sa yung income, yung wala pong umaasa sa pera. Yun po ganon po,
yung wala pong panggastos ganon. Lalo na po yung hindi naman po agad-agad
makakapagtrabaho po lalo na po wala naman pong magbabantay sa baby.
Sub q: Kamusta ang pagaalaga sa anak mo?
Pagpapalaki: Mahirap po, lalo na po wala po yung nagbibigay ng income.
Lalo na wala naman po akong trabaho.”
Una po yung pagdarasal, first po iyon eh. Pangalawa po yun nga po yung
nag ma-manicure pedicure. Doon lang po kami na survived, na makabili po ng
needs namin.Yun lang po tapos yung ano po wag po mag isip ng negative, dapat
lagi po positive.
Yung ngayon po, yung hindi na po mahigpit. Ah okay naman po, kase
nung ano po yung mga nagpapalinis po ng kuko hindi na po sila lumalabas. Pero
ngayon po pwede na pong pagkakitaan lalo na pwede na po silang lumabas kaya

pwede na po yung income namin sa pag ma-manicure. Nabibili ko na po yung
needs nung baby ko.
Yun nga po yung mas lalo po dumami yung client ko ganon. Hindi po
katulad dati hindi nga po sila maka labas dahil nga po pandemic, lalo na
quarantine po, ecq tapos yun nga po ngayon mas lalo ng dumami.
Yun nga po yung ano syempre inuuna ko po pangangailangan ng baby ko,
tapos po yung always pray po, always pray then ah yung always nga po ano,
always positive then bawal po yung negative kasi yun po yung nakakaano eh,
yung parang nakaka stress yung mag-iisip ka po ng negative so dapat po lagi pong
positive kase po magiging magaan po yung buhay natin.
Opo, cash po relief goods din po.
Pagbigay sa ayuda: Siguro 1 and half month po siguro or 1 month po
ganon (relief goods)
Siguro matagal tagal na po yun, 3 months po yata. Pero mas maganda na
po yung relief goods kase, makakaen naman po naming yun. (cash)
buhay?
Una po yung baby ko.

Kase araw-araw ko po siyang kasama tapos siya yung nakakapag pagaan
ng loob ko lagi lalo na kapag may problema. Tapos siya yung nagiging sandalan
ko or siya po yung nagiging reason para maging malakas po ako, kasi po siya lagi
kasama ko eh. Hindi po niya ko iiwan ganon, kaya po siya yung nagpapalakas
saken. Siya po yung stress reliever ko.
9.Batay sa mga pagsubok na kinakaharap mo ngayon, paano mo nakikita
Okay naman po, yun nga po yung may natatanggap naman po akong extra
income.
10.Anu-ano naman ang mga positibong nangyari sa iyo sa kabila ng
pandemikong ito?
Yun nga po yung may dumarating na extra income kahit konti lang po
pero pede na po. Mahirap nga po yung ecq, marami pong walang trabaho, yun po.
Yung maging brave po yung maging strong sa araw-araw lalo na may
baby po ako tapos solo parent po.Tapos maging positive lang po sa buhay, yung
wag po kayo mag pa stress yung ganon kase mas importante po kasi yung baby
lalo na siya po yung nagpapalakas ng loob sayo, siya po yung stress reliever mo.
PARTICIPANT 5
“Strong oo strong kasi mas ano eh um you know wala kang ano hindi
dapat magawa lalo na solo parent ka para sa anak mo yun lang.
Sobrang mahirap kumpara bago mag pandemic kasi syempre before mag
pandemic andaming job offers na mapapasukan mo ngayon kung wala kang
vaccine wala kang rapid walang swab no entry kaya mahirap.
Anxiety depressed sometimes muntikan ng mag mental breakdown patong
patong na yung problema syempre lalo na mahirap yung financial yun siguro.
SUB Q: Ano po yung problema na yon?
Mentality like iisipin mo saan ka kukuha ng pagkain yung araw araw
niyang ginagamit na diaper gatas yung mga gusto niyang pabili sa tindahan hindi
mo mabili kasi wala ka ngan trabaho pandemic wala kang income siguro.
SUB Q: Nag-aaral po ba yung anak niyo?
Oo kinder.
SUB Q: Paano po nasasagot niya yung mga module?
So far naman natuturuan ko siya medyo magaling din ako siguro magturo
pero maano din patient kailangan mahaba patience mo mahirap ituro yung mga
bata kasi at lalo na ganon yung age niya nasa kinder siya pero so far so good
naman kasi nakakasagot siya nakakasulat naman siya.

By family siguro kasi kung mag pag naghingi naman ako sa tatay niya
wala din wala minsan pera yung tatay niya sinu-support nalang ng aking ng mama
ko family namin ng lola ko ganon.
parent ngayong pandemya?
Kung may job offer na kahit ano kahit taga hugas ng pwet ga-grab ko na
siguro ganun kasi mahirap talaga lalo na financially promise.
Yun nga praying to God tapos support na rin ng family medyo nakayanan
ko naman and naiintindihan naman ng anak ko pag sinabi kong wala akong
pambili ng mga gusto niyang bilhin.
Ah pag may nagbibigay naman sakin ng tulong like kunwari yung lola ko
mama ko binibigyan ako ng konting financial pera tinitipid ko nalang ganon para
mag kasya if ever na may darating man sakin ganon.
SUB Q: Nakakuha ba kayo ng ayuda?
Hindi di daw ako belong.
SUB Q: Wala kahit isa?
Wala mga parents ko lang.

buhay?
Syempre sa anak ko he need me the most tsaka sa ano sarili ko na rin
ganon tsaka kay god ganon.
9. Sa paanong paraan nakatulong yung anak mo?
Um mukha nga ng sinasabi nila lagi mga ibang parents mahirap magka
anak pero masaya so yun yung saya lang niya hindi siya nagkakasakit okay na
napapawi naman yung pagod yung ganon.
Paano ko nakikita sarili ko siguro mas ano nalang ah mas nagiging
matatag ako yon atsaka tinatatag pa yung sarili ginagawang stronger ganon.
pandemikong ito?
Yun nga hindi naman nagkakasakit yung anak ko although mild
magkakasakit man siya ah sabi ko nga sa una kong sagot nandiyan naman yung
parents ko para may pambili ng gamot dahil nga mahirap yung financial walang
trabaho yun.
Always prepared dapat always ready ka if ever na may trabaho ka before
may pandemic or malagay na naman sa ganitong sitwasyondapat may ipon ka

financially yun lang pero more on strong ka talaga nare-ready ka na na ready mo
yung sarili mo sa parating na pandemya mga ganitong ano lang bagay ganon.
PARTICIPANT 6
Ayun po mam, syempre po solo parent lang ako… sobrang hirap, mahirap
po talaga lalo na po yun po wala po talaga akong trabaho pangtustos sa
pangangailangan po naming- yung ano po mam sa araw-araw… lalo na po sa
baby ko po dahil 2 yrs old palang siya. Mahirap po talaga kasi po umaasa lang po
ako sa papa ko, mahirap din po maghanap ng trabaho mam lalo na po ngayon
covid pandemic po, yun po mam iniisip ko din po wala din pong magbabantay sa
baby ko.
Marami po mam kasi po ayun nga po solo parent po ako ganon tapos
andyan na po yung hindi ko na nga po alam kung paano ko po mabibili
pangangailangan po ng baby ko, sa gatas lang po mam-., mahirap po kasi po ayun
nga po sa bahay lang po ako ngayon umaasa nga lang po ako sa papa ko na alam
ko po hindi rin po sapat sa amin yung kita ng papa ko dahil po barangay tanod
lang din po siya ganon. Sobrang hirap po talaga.
Yun nga po yung hirap po talaga sa financial mam, lalo na nga po yung
baby ko po eh dumedede pa. Naging mahirap po talaga lalo na po nung last year
po dahil sobrang higpit po talaga… yun po hindi ka po talaga makalaba, mahirap
po maghanap ng pagkakakitaan na para man lang po makaraos po sa araw-araw.
Mahirap po… tiis tiis lang po talaga at laban lang po sa buhay para na rin po sa
baby ko.
Yun nga pong sabi ko po kanina tiis tiis lang po talaga. Kapit at laban lang
po, dasal lang po sa Panginoon… at yung paniniwala lang po talaga na
malalagpasan po naming yung pandemic na to kahit sobrang hirap po talaga ng
buhay dahil yun po si papa lang po talaga sumusuporta samin at sa baby ko po.
Laban lang po talaga kasi po minsan lang din po ako magkaroon ng extra income
po ganon hindi naman din po lagi mam.
Mahirap po talaga mam, sobrang hirap po. Yun po mam kasi po yung nasa
isip ko nalang po ngayon yung baby ko po, inaalagaan ko nalang po talaga siya
dahil wala naman din po akong trabaho. Sakanya po talaga buong oras ko po
simula po nung nagkaroon po ng pandemic mam. Kasi po mam noon po wala
naman po akong ibang iniisip kung hindi po gumala mam yun po, pero nung
nagka baby po ako, don- doon ko po talaga nakita yung hirap po ng buhay lalo na
po mas dumoble hirap po nung nagka pandemic po mam. Yun po mam.

Siguro po mam yung nakaapekto po talaga yung income po, yung ano po
mam wala nga po kami talagang pangtustos sa araw-araw lalo na po sa baby ko
po. Mahirap po- napakahirap po dahil nga po hindi rin po makalabas at hindi po
ako makahanap po ng trabaho po. Tsaka Malaki po talaga epekto po ng covid
ayun po dahil wala na nga po akong trabaho… mas nahirapan pa po ako
maghanap ng pwede po naming maging income sa araw araw. Minsan po
nakakaraos po dahil ayun po sa extra nga po minsan, nakikipaglabada po ako, sa
kapatid ko po ako nakikipagtrabaho po mam dati po… wala naman po kasi
tumatanggap ngayon sa iba po dahil nga po sa covid. Ayun po, mahirap po talaga
mam.
Ano po mam… ayun nga po mam nagsubok po talaga ako ng part time job
nun mam. Kahit ano pong extra para lang po magkaroon po ako ng pangtustos po
sa araw-araw po ginagawa ko po mam. Yung ano po mam, naglilinis po ako ng
kuko minsan ganon. Tsaka po ano nagbabantay din po ako ng bata pero
pamangkin ko lang din po mam. Tiis at diskarte lang po talaga mam para na din
po makatulong po sa papa ko po kahit mahirap po.
Opo mam, nakakuha po sa DSWD po… Actually, hati lang po talaga kami
ng pinsan ko po mam kasi bawal daw po yung magka mag-anak. Yung nakukuha
po namin eh 6,500 po mam tapos po ayun hati po kami… tag 3,250 po kami mam.
buhay?
Sa baby ko po.
Siya po yung nagiging lakas ko po simula po nung dumating po siya sa
buhay ko mam. Yun po mam siya po yung kalakasan ko po, siya po yung
inspirasyon ko po mam para lumaban po at magpatuloy po sa buhay lalo na po
ngayong pandemic kahit sobrang hirap na po mam. Tsaka po mam… Malaki po
natutulong po niya saken kasi po napapasaya niya po ako sa araw-araw kahit
sobrang lungkot at hirap na po ng buhay mam. Ayun po mam baby ko po talaga
rason kaya lumalaban po ako sa buhay.
Ayun nga po mam mahirap po talaga, sobrang hirap po. Unang una po
mam wala naman nga po akong trabaho ngayon, sa bahay lang po talaga ako mam
nagbabantay po sa baby ko po. Yun po mam… dumoble hirap po talaga nung
dumating po covid, dahil ano po mam yun nga po solo parent po ako, wala pong
pangtustos sa baby at sa araw-araw po… kay papa lang po talaga ako umaasa.
Yung nakita ko lang po talaga mam eh yung nagbago po talaga ako mula po nung
nagkababy po ako kasi po noon parang wala po talaga akong pakelam sa mundo
mam.
pandemikong ito?
Siguro po mam sa kabila po talaga ng hirap dahil sa covid… isang
pinagpapasalamat ko po yung baby ko po dahil yun po pinakamagandang
nangyari po sa buhay ko po mam binago po niya buhay ko. Naging matatag po
ako mam sa kabila po nung marami pong pumapasok sa isip ko dahil sa sobrang
hirap po nung walang pAngtustos po sa araw-araw. Marami pong magandang
nangyari mam, tsaka po andyan po yung pamilya ko na sumusuporta po samin ng
baby ko… sa needs po ni baby kahit sobrang hirap po ng buhay dahil sa covid
nakayanan po at syempre po mam ligtas po yung mga pamilya ko po mam…
hindi po kami pinabayaan ng Panginoon.
Siguro po mam kung para po sa mga katulad ko pong kababaihan na para
po hindi matulad sa akin po na solo parent, huwag po ibigay lahat at magtira po
para sa sarili mam. Kasi po sobrang hirap po ng buhay, iniwan lang po kami
bigla… bigla bigla lang po siyang umalis na parang walang nangyari po. Yung
papa po nung baby ko mam, ayun po yun po naging unang aral po sakin mam
dahil po sobrang hirap ng buhay po tapos dumating pa po yung pandemic po
mam. Tapos po mam, pangalawa po siguro po mam yung huwag po siguro
makampante sa buhay, siguro po mam habang maaga po mag-ipon na po para
may pangtustos po sa araw-araw kahit wala pa pong pandemic mam kasi po

mahirap na po yung buhay ngayon… di baleng ikaw nalang po mahirapan wag
nalang po yung mga anak. Tsaka tiis tiis lang po at lumaban po talaga sa buhay
mam. Mahirap po pero kailangan para po sa baby ko po… Kumapit lang po talaga
at magdasal sa Panginoon dahil sa panahon po ngayon wala pong ibang tutulong
sa atin kung hindi po siya. Yun lang po mam.
PARTICIPANT 7
Ano kase ahh… diba bago kasi mag pandemic medyo okay pa, yung okay
pa yung trabaho ko. Syempre bilang isang solo parent, sobrang hirap lalo na mag-
isa lang ako na ano ah... kumakayod ah para yung matustusan ko yung mga
pangangailangn namen, yung pangangailangan ng mga anak ko ganon...pero dahil
sa meron naman akong trabaho, eh hindi kami masyadong hirap kase okay pa
lahat nun eh, yung nakakalabas pa ganon. Ngayong may covid po kase mam, ano
siguro- ano okay naman po kase kahit sobrang hirap po nakakaraos naman kami
sa araw-araw kasi may trabaho naman po ako ganon kahit maliit lang po.
Sobrang dami ko ng naging karanasan eh, andyan na yung nawalan ako ng
trabaho nung- yung ano yung yung…marami na akong napasukan tapos
nawawala din dahil sa pandemic, ahhh yung pong ganon na minsan po ehh.. hindi
ko na po alam mam kung kanino po ako hihingi ng tulong dahil unang una po
mam nakiki tinda lang po ako ngayon sa bakery malapit samen, syempre po hindi
ko po alam kung paano ko pagkakasyahin yung pera na nakukuha ko po dahil eh
kaunti po iyon para samen, yung sa pang araw-araw na pagkain namin po at mga
bayaran na bills, yun po sobrang hirap po talaga mam.
Yun nga po mam ganon. Yung ano po mam yung…ah sobrang higpit po,
yung dumating na po sa nagsara na po lahat mam- eh diba dahil sa sobrang higpit
at selan po. Syempre po mam yun nga po sa bakery lang po ako, nangyari na po
kasi yung hindi na po sila tumatanggap ng trabahador dahil po iniisip nila baka
saan- san po ako nga pupunta ganon po dahil nga po sa naghahanap po pangtustos
po mam. Pero sa totoo po mam wala naman po akong nahanap dahil sa sobrang
higpit nga po ganun. Pero sa awa po ng Diyos nakakaraos pa rin po sa araw araw
mam. Syempre po mahirap talaga pero tyaga po talaga dapat ganon para po sa
mga anak ko.
“Hmm yun po…nakakapag-aral naman sila ng maayos dahil sa public
school lang naman po sila pumapasok. At medyo ok po ngayon lalo na po module
lang po at hindi po sila pumapasok talaga sa school po ganon, medyo yun po
nabawas po yun sa mga bayarin po ganun.”
Sub q: Paano sinasagot ng mga anak niyo yung module nila?
Yung anak ko po kasi mam dalawa lang po, hmm... yung panganay po 16
yrs old na po siya na po mag-isa nagsasagot sa module niya po pero minsan po
yung pag hindi po niya alam ganon nagtatanong po siya saken ganun. Tapos po
mam yung isa po mam yung bunso ko po mam tinutulungan ko po talga siya sa
pag sagot ng mga module niya lalo na po at nahihiarapan pa po siya minsan at 11
palang po siya mam. Nakakatulong po ako sakanila ganon mam lalo na po hindi
pa naman regular ang trabaho ko.
Kailangan po talaga maging matatag sa tulad kong solo parent, yung dapat
kailangan gumawa ng paraan para sa mga anak ko. Tapos po kahit mahirap po
ang buhay kapit lang po, magpatuloy lang po lalo na po para sa mga anak ko.
Ayaw ko din po kasi mam yung- yung pinapakita po na hirap ako sakanila mam.
Hmm. tsaka po mam, unang una po syempre dasal at kapit lang po talaga sa
Panginoon po mam, kase po naniniwala po talaga ako na wala pong ibang
tutulong sayo kung hindi po talaga siya mam. Tiyaga lang din po talaga mam…
kahit po mahirap.
Hmm…. Mahirap po talaga mam, sobrang hirap po. Marami pong
nagbago mula po nung nag pandemic, kasi po mam nung wala pa pong pandemic
may regular pa po ako na trabaho po bilang crew po sa isang Japanese restaurant
po sa angeles, yung- yun po mam masasabi ko po talaga na kaya po naming
makaraos sa pang araw araw po namin ganon. Hindi po tulad ngayong may
pandemic po na minsan po hindi kami nakakain sa oras kase minsan wala pambili
ng pagkain…tapos po andyan na ung mapuputulan ka ng kuryente tsaka tubig kasi

pasideline sideline lang trabaho ko- kailangan talaga magtiis mam yung minsan
po andyan na lang yung kandila nalang gamit naming para sa ilaw at nakikiigib
nalang po kami ng tubig ganon sa kapitbahay po naming kahit po nakakahiya po
mam. Sobrang hirap po…
Malaki po naging epekto sakin lalo na sa araw araw na panggastos po
naming, tapos po nakipaglaba na din po ako at yun nga po ngayon nakikibalot at
taga gawa o tinda po minsan sa isang bakery para lang po may makain lang po
kami. Malaking epekto po yung ano yung kita po ganon, kase nga po mam sabi ko
nga po kanina ano po, hmm noon po may regular po ako na trabaho sa Angeles po
masasabi ko po Malaki po sweldo ko po don kasi po regular po ganon nasa 10k po
pero yun nga po mam nung pong nagpandemic nagsara… sobrang hirap po
napunta po ako sa paextra extra nga po na dati pong nakukuha ko sa isang buwa
10k po pero ngayon po mam 3k po buwan po minsan po di man po aabot don
dahil di nga po regular. Mahirap lang po talaga ngayun mam sobra po, pero
nalalampasan naman po dahil nga po sa pa extra extra po nakakaraos po sa araw
araw po.
Hmm… siguro po yung ano andyan na po yung kailangan naming kumain
ng dalawang beses po sa isang araw lang ganon po imbes na tatlo po kasi kulang
po kami sa pambili. Buti nalang po andayan po mga kaibigan ko ganon po kapag

po may alam po sila na raket po ganon may magpapalaba po ganon papatusin ko
na po. Yun po siguro yung pamamaraan po na ginawa ko po ganon para lang po
makaraos po kami.
Opo, pero isa o dalawang beses lang po siguro ganon. Yun po sa barangay
po ganon tsaka po minsan inaabutan po ako pera po nung mga pinagtra-trabauhan
ko po ganon mam tulad po sa bakery o kaya po mga iilang kaibigan ko po minsan
po binibigyan po ako grocery.
buhay?
Sa mga anak ko po.
Sa mga anak ko po, sila po yung nagiging lakas ko para lumaban po
ganon, magpatuloy po sa buhay. Tapos po sila po yung nagiging inspirasyon ko
upang magpatuloy lang po sa hamon ng buhay lalong lalo na po nung dumating
po covid. Tsaka po mam masaya naman po ako dahil kapag po wala ako sa bahay
ganun, gumagawa po sila Gawaing bahay… yun po imbis po naglalaro sila
nakakatulong pa po sila saken sa bahay po mam.
Yun nga po, sobrang hirap po talaga. Tapos ayun po yung ano po ganon
ako lang po talaga naghahanap buhay po, nagtataguyod po upang makaraos po

kami sa araw-araw po ganun. Mahirap na po buhay naming nung bago mag
pandemic po dahil solo parent nga po kami pero mas lalo pong humirap dahil sa
pandemic po. Pero po ano hmm… natutuwa naman po ako dahil kahit bata pa
lang po mga anak ko nauunawaan naman po nila sitwasyon namin.
pandemikong ito?
Siguro po mam kahit sobrang hirap po ng naging sitwasyon po naming,
marami pa rin po yung maganda at positibong nangyari… hmm, kasi po unang
una kahit gaano po kahirap nalampasan at nalalampasan po naming dahil po may
mga trabaho pa po ako na natatanggap kahit pandemic po. Kailangan lang po
talaga maging matatag po sa hamon po ng buhay kahit anong pandemic pa po
yung dumating ganon po mam.
Marami po akong natutunan ngayong pandemic po. Unang una po,
kailangan po yung marunong ka mag-ipon habang may trabaho pa po ganon para
po kahit anong hamon pa po sa buahy yung dumating, hmm yung hindi na po
mahirapan lalo na po yung mga anak ko sa araw araw po. Tapos po yung tiyaga
lang po talaga sa araw araw at yung ano po mam maging positibo lang po sa
buhay lalo na po may mga anak po ako at solo parent lang po ako. Mahirap po
kasi nga po ayun, naiiyak nalang po ako minsan ganon po kasi po yung hindi ko
po nabibigay po yung kailangan po nila ganon po…tsaka tiis tiis lang po talaga
kahit po mahirap. Malaki po pasasalamat ko po mam sa mga anak ko po dahil
kahit bata pa lang po sila malawak na po pangunawa po nila sa sitwasyon po
naming ganon. Ayun po mam.
PARTICIPANT 8
Ganon pa din. Kailangan mo lang mag tiyaga. Magtiis kung ano ang
meron.
Mahirap kasi pandemic nga, walang trabaho. Yung source of income mo
mahirap kitain yung ano dahil umaasa ka lang sa mga- eh diba kagaya ko, tindera
ako, yung mga customer mo wala ding trabaho, hindi ka rin maka benta so yung
puhunan mo natutulog lang, hindi sya lumalago, yung tubo lang sana pantawid
mo na sa maghapon, kaso wala pa din parang ganon.
Ayun, kagaya ng online learning nila, kailangan mo rin pag aralan kung
ano yung sa social media diba? Minsan kailangan mong pag-aralan para sa mga
bata.
Masipag naman mag-aral yung mga anak ko. Bali ako yung kumukuha ng
module nila. Syempre lagi kong sinasabi sakanila na magpursige sa pag-aaral nila
kase wala akong maiiwang pamana sakanila kundi yung makapagtapos sila sa
pag-aaral, tsaka yung pangarap ko sakanila makapagtapos sila.
Sila lang po kase minsan hindi ko sila natuturuan pero yung mga grade-
senior high po- yung mga nakakabatang kapatid nila tinuturuan po nila bago nila
gawin yung sakanila. Nagtutulungan po sila. Yun lang po ang swerte ko sa mga
anak ko yung nakakabatang kaaptid nila inaalagaan nila di katulad ng ibang bata
na laging nasa kalsada kilala sa buong baryo. Kahit na magtatanong po kayo ditto
tungkol sa mga anak ko hindi po sila halos kilala. Lagi lang po sila dito sa bahay.
May mga barkada sila pero limitado lang yung pakikipagbarkada nila- alam nila
yung limitasyon nila dahil nakikita nila yung kahirapan ko-kahirapan ng buong
pamilya.
Syempre malalampasan mo yun. Kailangan mo mag survive. Kailangan
mo mag hanap buhay, kailangan mo mag sideline. Tsaka kahit paano, meron pa
din tulong yung mga magulang, mga lolo’t lola. Yung sa side mo.
Kagaya nung diba nagkapandemic, nag online selling. Naging online
seller ako, nagtitinda ako. Lahat kailangan gawin.
Matatag kasi kailangan mong maging matatag dahil ikaw nalang mag
isang ina, magiging ama. Lahat kumbaga yung katawan mo, yung kamay mo
dalawa, magiging walo kasi kumbaga multi tasking ang kailangang gawin.
Naging tindera ako, nagtitinda ako ng mga, diba nagcacanteen ako, habang nagka
canteen, nag oonline selling. Diba nagsarado ang school, walang canteen.
Nakaapekto, malaki ang epekto syempre. Yung pang araw-araw na gastos,
yung mga imbes na makakabili ka ng mga luho ng mga bata, hindi mo magagawa
yun kasi nabawasan yung income mo gawa ng pandemic.
7.Ano-ano ang mga pamamaraan na iyong ginawa upang malagpasan mo
Yun nga, kailangan dumiskarte.
Oo naman, 4P’s member ako. Nakakatanggap ako ng ayuda. kasi yung
SAP automatic lahat ng 4P’s member kasama po doon.
buhay?
Syempre, sa mga anak ko, kailangan mo lumaban.
Kailangan mong magpursige, kailangan mong magtiyaga, diskarte para sa
lahat ng gusto nilang makamit sa buhay, gagawin mo lahat para magawa nila
yung gusto nilang gawin na maachieve nila yung parangarap sa buhay. Tapos
Yung lolo’t lola nakatulong, malaking bagay yung nandyan sila na nakapaligid
sakin para kahit papaano, kung wala ka man, sila yung tutulong. Sila yung
malalapitan mo sa oras ng pangangailangan.
Ayun mahirap, mahirap talagang kaharapin lahat ng problema pero
kailangan mong ipakita sa mga anak mo na kaya mong lutasin lahay
ngbproblemang yan na dumarating sa buhay natin.
pandemikong ito?
Ano po mam, yung kahit po may covid ngayon ah kasalukuyang meron
pang covid masaya po ako Yung mga positibo na nangyari kagaya nung maging
sa akin no, nagbonding kayo ng mga anak mo, kase kayo lang naman lagi
magkasama kasi nga naka quarantine kayo, lahat ng mga gusto mong gawin sa
bahay, magagawa mo yung ganong bagay. Yung mga positive na ano na
kumakain kayo ng sabay sabay ganon.
Yung mahalaga ano, kailangan mo maging matatag sa buhay, lahat ng
pagsubok kakayanin mo. Yun nga, kailangan mong dumiskarte ng triple kasi tatlo
kayong kailanganabuhay ganon.
Sub: Paano nyo po nahandle yung mga naranasan nyong problema sa araw-
araw?
Mahahandle mo naman yung problema sa tulong ng mga kaibigan mo,
masasabi mo lahat. Mga kapit bahay mo, kamag anak mo, nasasabi lahat yung
problema mo na in case na di mo makayanan nandyan sila sa tabi mo upang
tulungan ka nila. Ganyan.
Sa pagiging online seller, ano po naging challenge nito sa inyo ngayong may
pandemic?
Naging challenge ngayong pag oonline kasi kailangan mong, kagaya ko,
kasama ko yung anak ko sa pag oonline. Yung pagdedeliver namin halimbawa,
mahdedeliver kami sa malayo, yung anak ko yung magsasakrepisyo para don.
Mahirap po dahil madami ka maeencounter na customer na syempre di natin
maiiwasan na may mga baratilyo, mga bwisit. Nag eenjoy naman kahit paano.
PARTICIPANT 9
Nung before yung pandemic ok lang yung buhay, regular naman kasi yung
kita. Naghohome service. Okay lang yung life. Kumbaga nakakaya mo kahit
anong bagay nalalagpasan mo. Ok ok naman.
Yung time na kasi dahil limit lang yung pwede kong tanggapin na
customer dahil nga sa for safety po na kailangan alamin ko muna status ng
customer ko. Hindi kasi katulad nung normal life na wala yung pandemic kahit na
nilalagnat yung isang tao pwede mo siya puntahan. Pero nung time na ano na pag
may cases na ganito na yung nararamdaman mo hindi ko sila pupuntahan. Kasi
kahit na makaka ano naman sa family ko di ko pupuntahan. Kumbaga nilimit ko
talaga yung pagkuha ng customer. Yung di lang talaga ang nagtetherapy din kasi
ang course ko. So mula, nung time na pandemic normal massage limit lang yung
inaaccept ko. Yung mga therapist book lang ina-accept ko.
Sub: So kayo nalang po mismo umiwas para sa safety po din po and family?
Yung anak ko kasi madali maka ano ng ano dahil lalo na nung time na
yun. Ahh nagkasakit na sya. Nung nagkasakit sya iniiwasan ko mapunta sa ano, sa
hospital dahil nga kung dadalhin ko sya that time baka sakali ganon ang
mangyayari.
Yun yung nagkasakit yung anak ko. Kumbaga, kasi ano yun ehh. Hindi
umiistop yung lagnat! Talagang ano sya need ng hospital nun pero dahil sa
sitwasyon di ko talaga sya dinala sa hospital.
Sub: Kaya po nung nagkasakit po anak nyo po kaya po medyo naglimit sa
pagmamassage nyo po?
Kahit di nako tumanggap ganon.
Sub: Bastasa safety po ang baby nyo po?
Dito kasi sa bahay magkakasama kaming magkakapatid eh, kumbaga six
families kami. Tatlong solo parents tapos yung magulang ko tapos yung tatlong
kapatid ko. Maapektuhan makakakuha ako ng…. Kasi ako kasi usually di lang
ganon trabaho ko kasi isa rin ako sa mga volunteer sa may mga may sakit, Wala
ako nun before wala ako katungkulan sa barangay. Isa palang ako sa mga… nung
nagkasakit yung panganay namin eh dahil nahirapan kami sa paghingi ng tulong.
Nakita ko mga tao kung paano nahihirapan sila. So ako dahil marami akong
kakilala sa government sa Mexico kilala ako. Nagstart akong tumulong para yung
mga pag aasikaso ng papeles nila so, nagvolunteer ako ng ganon hanggang naging
president ako ng solo parents so lalong nadagdagan yung obligasyon ko.
Sub: NaKakatuwa naman po na despite ng ganyan nyo nagagawa nyo pong
tumulong.
(Before Pandemic ito)
Yung time kasi yung kapatid 2018 is nadiagnose siya ng kidney failure
and heart failure bali may taning na sya nun. Bali inano ko sa ano, kahit bigyan pa
kami ng ilang years pa makasama sya. Yung ano kasi di ako ano, yung naghihilot
ako ayoko muna accept nun na nanghihilot ako. Kumbaga dinadala saakin na may
bata mga matanda na pinapahilot tapos nagiging ok. Noon panahon kasi samin ng
Pandacaqui noon, mother barangay is miracle grace. So mga manggagamot noon
dito na sinasaniban sila so ako di naman ako sinasaniban bakit ako magaganon.
So challenge saakin yun and noon nagpanata talaga ako. Kaya nakasama pa
naming yung kapatid ko. Kumabaga pumasok sa buhay naming yung miracle.
Nung maaksidente tatay ko muntik na namatay tas pero sa tulong ng nasa taas
gumaling and humaba pa buhay nya before sya namatay. Tapos po ako na
paralized ako abroad tas di ako pinauwi ko ng boss ko tinulungan nila ako
hanggang sa gumaling ako. Miracle talaga! Ginawa na lahat ng therapist and

doctors lahat saakin nun tas diba manghihilot ako tas pinadaan ni God sa katawan
ko lahat ng dapat kong gawin pag gising ko nakalakad ako.
Sub: Kumusta ang pag aaral ng mga anak?
Ngayon kasi nagstart sya ng last year ng kinder medyo hirap kasi sa
module sila noh. Kasi pag ako yung time ko maaga ako aalis ng bahay tapos uuwi
nalang ako ng gabi. Bali doon ko nalang sya tutulungan or sisisngit ko lang yung
oras pag dumating ako sa bahay. ‘Oh tapusin mo na module mo.’ Minsan need pa
sya na ivideo call tapos wala ako.
Sub: Sino tumutulong sakanya?
Yung pamangkin ko.
Sub: Bali gabi lang natutukan module?
Mula nung nagtulung tulong akong sa mga may sakit. Lagi na ako
nakakauwi ng gabi.
Ano ahhh through friends din. Nung time na alam nilang ano ako ahh.
Yung mga natulungan ko before sa ano sa abroad. Sila din yung mgaa ahh nag
ano sakin kumbaga tinulungan din ako.
Sub: Nalagpasan nyo rin po dahil sa mga natulungan nyo po?
Nung time nung pandemic di naman ganon kahirap kasi dumating yung
mga blessings na di ko inaasahan. Parang nagaw ako before sa mga anon a
dumating ang time na napakahirap.Paano nalagpasan? Yung mga galling sa
kaibigan ko minsan may darating na kalahating kaban ng bigas pati mga nasa
kaibigan ko abroad pinapadalhan po ako. Pati narin po yung mga konsehal na may
tumutulong rin po saakin.
Nagbago? Hindi yungg… Nung kasing mas lalo kasi ako tumulong nung
pandemic nagvolunteer ako mga relief, so mas lalong dumami yung kaibigan ko.
Tapos yung pakikipag ano sa anak ko. Yung anak ko kasi di katulad dati
nailalabas mo sya ngayon maano sya naging aware din kasi sya na baka lumabas
sya mahawa ako. Baka kasi ano kuna independent so kahit ano kaya nan yang
gawin.
Yung apekto lang yung ahh… nung namatay yung kapatid ko kasi na ano
kami lahat. Kasi yung time nayun sya lang parent lahat ng mga bata. Kaya
mahirap sila I move on. Namatay sya… Nung time kasi nung pandemic kasi
tinanggihan sya sa mga hospital.
Nung nag accept ako ng kakilala kasi nagluluto din ako kasi yung massage
ang hirap kasi minsan mag lagnat na yung customer. Nagahanap po ako ng ibang
trabaho. Nakatanggap din naman po ng ayuda sa DSWD.
Sub: Magkano?
6500 po yung unang wave po.

Family and anak ko. Nanay ko tsaka mga pamangkin ko.
Like yung mga pamangkin ko sila ngagaguide pag wala ako sa anak ko. Si
mama lahat sa pagluluto tsaka kumbaga kung aalis ako di ako mag aalala na
mapapabyaan ang anak ko. Madadatanan ko nalang na natutulog sya kasama ang
lola nya.
pandemikong ito?
Yung ahhh kumabaga sana nga matapos na diba para bumalik nayung dati.
Sayang yung mga ahhh mga kinikita. Kasi medyo maluwag ng konti ano kapa ehh
kontrolado kapa.
Sub: Pero ngayon po ba sa sitwasyon nyo po ngayon mas nag ok na po ba?
Kesa last year
Oo naging ok na may mga tao narin kasi tumulong din saakin na like ahhh
kasi may monthly injection din po kasi ako ehh…may sakit ako sa spine and life
time nayun. Lifetime yung sakit ko.
Yung ano sakin nun. Ahh dahil nga yung pagwowork ko atsaka yung
pagvovolunteer ko. Na ahhh before kasi mas nahihirapan ako sa sitwasyon ko

ahhh dati laging sumusumpong po yung sakit ko. Pag sumumpong sakit ko two
weeks ako di makalakad. Ahhh Siguro yung pagkaintindi saakin ni God sakin
yung pagtulong nakakakaa ano ko. Kung di ako nainject susumpong sakit ko kaya
dalwa sa konsehal sa bayan sila tumutulong saakin kaya nalagpasan ko ang lahat.
Yung aral na natutunan ko nung time nayun. ahhhh ano ehh ahhh… ngayong
pandemic…. Unang una talaga kulang ako sa time sa anak ko. Kung di ko naman
gagawin yung mga ginagawa ko di ko naman mabibigay ang gusto nya. Kasi
habang lumalaki ang bata ang gastos is lumalaki rin. Yung part kasi ng pagiging
solo parent ko kasi parang sa ano di ako nahihirapan kasi yung anak ko kahit di ko
laging nakakasama is madaling mag pick up. Kasi ang isip nya is matured.
Malawak ang pag iisip nya. Bago ako umalis ng bahay tatanungin nya ako “Ma
gagabihin kaba?” Tapos gagawin na nya yung kanya. Kakain sya mag isa tapos
makikipag laro sya. Pagkatapos naman nya maglaro maghihilamos sya. Panjama
na tas kain na sya. Pag nagising sya pag dating ko sasabihin nya “Ma pahinga
kana kasi pagod ka” Tapos yung naeencounter ko na ano ko na maraming bata
ang namamatay tapos naisip ko na napakadali lang pala ng buhay. Ngayon ko
lang naisip na bigyan ko ng panahon yung anak ko kasi mas marami akong time
sa ibang tao kesa sakanya. Ang focus ko kasi talaga is sa mga solo parents din ehh
kaya bago ko aaskiasuhin yung sarili ko yung iba muna. May nagsasabi na ang
galing kong tumulong sa iba to pero yung sa sarili ko ang hirap. Ganon talaga.
May naeencounter ako na pinag iisipan ako ng mga nanunungkulan na ahhh…
nag pupursiyento ako sa mga tinutulungan ko. Pero alam naman ni God kung
anong ginagawa ko. Hindi lang si God pati yung mga tao. Naging marami naman
ang kapalit kasi maraming blessings ang dumadating sa buhay ko…

APPENDIX XII
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John A. Albao was born on April 02, 2000,
and lives in San Fernando, Pampanga with his family,
his five cats and his only dog named Vivi. He has a
collection of unpublished poems written in a small
sketchbook which revolves around everyday life and
just random things. John is a quiet person, a funny friend and also an introvert
who loves nature and wildlife. He is planning to enter the world of teaching as a
college instructor after his graduation, while figuring out the rest of his dreams
such as being a farmer. During leisure time, you can found him watching Marvel
films, reading fan-fiction off the internet and listening to indie and pop rock
music.
Personal information:
E-mail: albaojohn79@gmail.com
Mobile no.: 0926 004 3433

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Lowel Alfaro was born on August 16,
1999 in the Province of Bulacan and raised in the
Municipality of Apalit, Pampanga. He is studying
Psychology and currently enrolled in Don Honorio
Ventura State University. He plans to finish
Psychology and pursue law in the coming years.
Mr. Alfaro is one of the member of Sangguniang Kabataan in his barangay.
Ironically with his position in the barangay, he was a quiet person and hates any
kind of social gatherings. He spend most of his time reading manga, playing
mobile games like Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends and he is also fascinated
in watching anime and foreign films especially Marvel films.
E-mail: marklowelalfaro16@gmail.com
Mobile No.: 0926 694 3805

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasmin A. Andrade is a diligent person who
put all her effort into making sure her work is done
correctly. She is an alumnus of St. Augustine
Institute of Pampanga and currently studying in
Don Honorio Ventura State University. For her, it
is not wanting to win makes you a winner, it is refusing to fail. Thus, if you feel
like you’re going to crash you must accelerate more. After graduation, she is
planning to take the board exam and work in a company as an HR Manager.
Jasmin is particularly interested in humanistic perspective, she believes that
people are innately good.
Personal Information:
E-mail: Jasminandrade32@gmail.com
Mobile no: 09274619887

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliza L. Batac was born on February 06,
1999, and lives in Apalit, Pampanga with her
family, her two dogs named brownie and
kangkang. She loves to read books about
science, romance and history. Aliza is a quiet
type of person, a good listener, and also she loves nature and space, but she
preferred to be at home than outside. She is planning to enter the Industry of
business as a Human Resource employee after graduation, while figuring out what
other job she wants like being a teacher. During the rest day you found her
reading books, watching videos about nature or foods, and listening to music. She
believe that everything happens for a reason so go on live your life to the fullest.
E-mail: alizabatac.06@gmail.com
Mobile No.: 0975 826 9004

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Baluyut enjoys interacting
with others; she’s a people-person. She enjoys
meeting new people and finding out about their
lives and backgrounds. She can almost always
find common ground with strangers, and she
enjoys making others feel at ease. Michaela
graduated from Bulacan State University and is currently studying at Don
Honorio Ventura State University. For her, the first thing you need to turn a
dream into a reality is determination. She plans to take a board exam after
graduation, and she keeps hoping that all her dreams and goals in life will come
true. According to her, we can say that dreaming of a goal is far easier than
achieving it. And in order to realize your dream, you will need to make many
sacrifices. Above all, to achieve your goals, make a plan and stick to it because it
will guide you in the right direction. And don't forget to dream big because it will
help you overcome any obstacles in life.
E-mail: baluyutmichaelan@gmail.com
Mobile No.: 0939 917 0205

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Javie Ann B. Bonus is a twenty-nine-year-
old 4th year BS Psychology student at Don
Honorio Ventura State University, born on
December 29, 1992. She is really determined to
finish her study because she believes that
education is really important. She wanted to
become a Bachelor Degree because she is the only one who pursue college among
her siblings. Her dream is to make her mother and father proud of her. She is
doing double jobs so that she is able to continue her studies and provide for all
their needs together with her oldest brother. She also wanted to inspired the new
generation to continue and to not give up their study no matter what happen. One
of her ambitions in life is to be a successful psychologist so she can help people
who suffer with mental health problems.
E-mail: javieannbbonus@gmail.com
Mobile No.: 0936 344 0896

Curriculum Vitae
JOHN A. ALBAO
0886 Mercury Street, Brgy. Santo Niño,
City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
0926-004-3433
albaojohn79@gmail.com
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Tertiary: : Don Honorio Ventura State University
Secondary : Pampanga High School
Primary : Sto. Niño Elementary School
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth : April 02, 2000
Place of Birth : San Fernando, Pampanga
Gender : Male
Nationality : Filipino
Civil Status : Single
Religion : Roman Catholic

MARK LOWEL P. ALFARO
7-027 Sucad, Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines
0926-694-3805
marklowel.alfaro16@gmail.com
Secondary : Sucad National High School
Primary : San Vicente Ferrer Elementary School
Date of Birth : August 16, 1999
Place of Birth : Calumpit, Bulacan
Gender : Male

JASMIN A. ANDRADE
016-C Purok 1, Sampaloc, Apalit Pampanga,
Philippines
0927-461-9887
Jasminandarde32@gmail.com
Secondary : St. Augustine Institute of Pampanga
Primary : Sampaloc Elementary School
Date of Birth : August 23, 1999
Place of Birth : Asccom Hospital
Gender : Female
Religion : Born Again Christian

MICHAELA N. BALUYUT
31 Sitio Centro 1, Colgante, Apalit
Pampanga, Philippines
0939-917-0205
baluyutmichaelan@gmail.com
Secondary : Bulacan State University
Primary : Fausto Gonzales Sioco Memorial School
Date of Birth : May 30, 2000
Place of Birth : Apalit, Pampanga
Gender : Female

ALIZA L. BATAC
Purok 4 Sucad, Apalit ,Pampanga, Philippines
0975-826-9004
alizabatac.06@gmail.com
Secondary : Sucad National High School
Primary : Sta. Lucia Elementary School
Date of Birth : February 06, 1999
Place of Birth : Dinalupihan, Bataan
Gender : Female

JAVIE ANN B. BONUS
Apartment 2, Paraiso Subdivision, San Matias, Sto
Tomas, Pampanga, Philippines
0936-344-0896
javieannbbonus@gmail.com
Tertiary: : Fulgencio Matias Elementary School
Secondary : Diosdado Macapagal High School
Primary : Don Honorio Ventura State University
Date of Birth : December 26, 1992
Place of Birth : San Nicolas, San Fernando
Gender : Female
Religion : Born Again Christian

Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

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Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

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DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy i

LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARGNALIZED SOLO PARENTS DURING

This study entitled “Lived Experiences of Marginalized Solo Parents

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination on January 18, 2022

SHERNA G. BANGALAN MA. RPsy

JAYVIE VILLAZOR RPm, Ph.D (c)

LIEZEL MOISES-ABREA RP, RPsy

NELLY N. PILAO Ph.D

This Descriptive Phenomenological study aims to explore lived

Objective of the Problem 14

Significance of the Study 14

Data Collection Procedure 20

And Implication of the Study 54

Appendix I: Certificate for Grammarian 69

Appendix II: Plagiarism Certificate 70

Appendix III: Informed Consent 71

Appendix IV: Letter for Participant 74

Appendix VI: Certificate for Validated Guide Question 76

Appendix VII: Letter for Validator 77

Appendix VIII: Endorsement Letter from Adviser 79

Appendix IX: Approval Letter 80

Appendix X: Research Questions 81

Appendix XI: Transcribed Interview 83

Appendix XII: About the Author 128

Curriculum Vitae 134

experiences childhood in single-parent families’ cause by division, passing a

them from forfeiting money. Accordingly, living as a solo parent in a lower-pay

According to Del Monte et al., (2014) many of the single parent

time management, money management, and self-image perception, solo parents

They believed that difficulties in terms of earning money and maintaining

which they viewed as a failure (Haudar & Rodriguez, 2016).

outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines on January 2020, many

to the increasing number of Covid cases.

On October 06, 2020, the Department of Education announced the

role of parents in the implementation of various distance learning modalities. In a

study conducted in Mindanao, they investigated the involvement of parents in

from-home while teaching their children (Cahapay, 2021). In another

investigation, parents were bothered in a lack of social relation with friends,

exhibited financial insecurity, fear of infection, and uncertainty (Janssen et al.,

Furthermore, government programs had been established, for example, the

assistance, parent efficacy services, stress debriefing, counselling services, etc.

A highly contagious respiratory illness detected in Wuhan, China was

virus pandemic on March 2020, which became a Public Health Emergency of

International Concern (WHO, 2020). Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as

caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It causes modest symptoms in the majority of

According to Akter R. (2020), the impacts of crises are never gender-

increases the vulnerability of the public people especially to those individuals

to isolate themselves most especially among the high risk’s individuals.

classified as a pandemic as a result of the situation. Because of the major

pandemic, some countries are experiencing capacity issues, scarcity of resources,

the loss of social relations. (Shang et al., 2021)

In the event of a major pandemic, all sectors of the economy—agriculture,

industry, and services—will be disrupted, potentially resulting in shortages, rapid

governments. Despite the tremendous advancements in the healthcare industry,

infectious disease spread is increasing as a result of globalization, increasing

travel and commerce, urbanization, crowded cities, changes in human behavior,

and long-term economic consequence. Various health protocols were

implemented globally. Worldwide lockdown is one of the tactics used by several

to another and from one country to another. According to Department Of Health

(2020), The Philippines' first case of COVID-19 distinguished on January 2020,

quarantine, prohibiting mobility and business activities on March 2020. While

these measures slowed the development of COVID-19, they had huge

as a process of adaptation or personal growth that follows an adversity, trauma,