The Role and Coping Mechanisms of Poor Families in Northern Samar

Abstract

This study analyzed the roles and coping mechanisms of poor families in the province of Northern Samar considering the 4Ps recipients as the representatives of the poor families. It described the socio-demographic characteristics of the poor families in the selected communities in the Northern Samar. It analyzed the emergent roles of families in relation to income generation, provision of basic needs and family spending. The power patterns among poor families were also examined. It also discussed the coping mechanisms of poor families in terms of income generation, provision of basic needs and family spending. This study considered the heads of poor families in the drawing out area. The recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) were basically the subjects of the study. They were drawn through purposive sampling technique. The findings revealed that a majority of the parents of the poor families of Northern Samar were elementary graduates, with a monthly income of one thousand or less which were generally earned from farming as the major sources of income and were found to spend much for their “food”. A majority of the poor families had nuclear structure, with carpentry and “others” as their special skills; had single houses type with light materials that need minor repair; however, a majority owned their respective dwelling places but these were used to be attacked by typhoons. In terms of income generation, family coping mechanisms of poor families in Northern Samar, the frequently practiced mechanisms was generally, the culture of sharing is observed in the family while the seldom practiced was a member of the family has to stop schooling and work to augment the income of the family. It further illustrated that the profile of the poor families such as educational attainment and monthly income was significant predictors in generating income, in the provision of basic needs and family spending.