Lessons From The Past: Rural Philippines Various Sectors’ Difficulty, Coping Mechanisms And Strategies For Survival During Pandemic

Abstract

This explanatory-sequential research aimed to determine the various sectors’ difficulties and coping mechanisms during pandemic. Quantitative (Survey) and Qualitative (Narrative Inquiry) Research Designs were used in the study. The respondents of the study were the 105 randomly and conveniently selected individuals from health, agricultural, business, private, government, and local residents. The quantitative data were gathered through a researcher-made survey questionnaire and the qualitative data were gathered through interviews with the use of semi-structured interview guide. Mean and standard deviations were used in quantitative data analysis, while narrative analysis was used in qualitative data analysis. The difficulties encountered by various sectors were challenge in travelling due to restrictions, limited mobility outside the house, limitations in meeting with friends, living with seniors and infants inside the house, prohibition in celebrating special occasions and economic adversities. The coping mechanisms of the various sectors included cultivating hobbies such as meditation, playing online games, exercising, and doing recreational activities; praying, worshipping, and studying the bible; following strict personal protective measures; and avoiding public places. The qualitative results revealed lessons from the experiences of these various sectors which included: creating budgetary plan to surpass unfavorable situations; believing and strengthening trust towards government protocols; complying to health safety protocols; accepting the necessity of vaccination; and being resilient and adaptable to the sudden change in times of adversities.