Schedule

Nov. 28, 2024 | 4:40–6:10 PM

Room

Rm 5, Emerald-Citrine

Moderator

TBA

G5.1

Pangabuhian Sa Binit Baybay: The Motivations of Budbud Makers in the Traditional Salt-making Industry in Iloilo, Philippines

Arvin John L. Lauresta

University of the Philippines Visayas

Budbud makers are among those whose livelihoods were affected by industrialization. Despite the significant decline of their livelihood, budbud-making, throughout the years, there are budbud makers who decided to continue the tradition. This study explored the motivations of budbud makers in continuing the said livelihood amidst its decline. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews with six budbud makers in the coastal communities of Miagao, Iloilo, and were analyzed through Colaizzi’s Descriptive Phenomenological method. Their narratives highlight the rationale of why they chose to continue and, at the same time, preserve the traditional salt-making livelihood. These include the physical and financial benefits they gained from their livelihood in order to provide for their needs and families. They also found sentimental value in the livelihood since it has been part of Miagao’s culture, hence they wanted to share their knowledge regarding the tradition in the hopes of reviving the dying industry of budbud-making. Moreover, budbud-making is a male-dominated activity since the livelihood is a strenuous job which is why female budbud makers are motivated to continue with the adoption of innovations that allowed them to be part of the totality of the process and manage the salt farm as well. This study emphasizes that the need to sustain the lives of budbud makers and their livelihood resulted in their motivations to continue budbud-making. Thus, this study proposes that there should be more national and local policies inclusive of livelihood such as traditional salt-making industries in the Philippines. 

G5.2

Baak Monologues: A Narrative Case Study on the Life Satisfaction of Non-Married and Childless Senior Citizens in Ilocos Norte

Maria Alyssa P. Castillejos and Jhay Luiz C. Arquinez

Mariano Marcos State University

Although the value of marriage and building of families in the Filipino community—also to  Ilocanos—is common (Medina 2005), Not all individuals have the experience of romance and procreativity during adulthood or during old age. In Iloco terms, individual adults who are non-married and childless  are labeled as “Baak”. Furthermore, the singlehood may affect their life satisfaction as Senior Citizens focus on the past experience (Feist, 2018). Utilizing a Narrative Case Study approach  and using Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development as a framework, we interviewed  six key informants aging 60 years old and above, non-married and childless, from Batac City,  Laoag City, and Currimao, focusing on their life stories and satisfaction as baaks. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the key informants, field notes written and taken down  into notes by the researchers, and audio recordings that were transcribed and then analyzed using thematic and conversational analysis. Major findings reveal that being baak is a result of life  circumstances rather than a choice, with significant factors including poverty, heartbreak, career  priorities, and familial responsibilities. Life satisfaction of these baaks is closely tied to educational  attainment, work, and the support they provide to extended family members like their niblings. However, themes such as societal stigma, regrets over not having their own families, and limited  economic opportunities were also prominent. These findings highlight the need for supportive policies  and societal acceptance to improve the well-being of baaks.

G5.3

Sorrows to Silvers: A Descriptive Phenomenological Research on the Lived Experiences of Funeral Home Workers in Ilocos Norte

Ivy L. Roxas and Ryan A. Polendey

Mariano Marcos State University

From death, a living is made. This study focuses on the lived experiences of Funeral Home Workers in Ilocos Norte, which took place in Bacarra and Laoag City. Purposive sampling was utilized in selecting key informants, which include: owners, licensed embalmers, drivers, make-up artists, decorators, and maintenance staff. Descriptive Phenomenology was incorporated as the main qualitative approach of the study, with fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and naturalistic observation as data collection tools. The study discovered that funeral workers are professional workers, however, they perceive themselves at the lowest level of the medical field. Despite this, they claim that they still find honor, pride, and enjoyment in this profession. They perceive death as a normal phenomenon and no one can ever escape it. Being in this kind of work has caused them serious Psychological traumas; however, they still decided on pursuing the path further regardless of the serious stigma and work hazards they have inside the workplace. The positive regard from people fueled them, and they considered those as the fruits of their labor. 

G5.4

The Carer’s Dance with Death: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Nurses Caring for Critical, Terminal, or Palliative Care Patients in Ilocos Norte

Moyrah F. Colobong and Wincy T. Ayunon

Mariano Marcos State University

Nurses straddle the line between life and death on a constant basis—almost acting as gatekeepers. But as the gates rust and wear away over time due to various forces, so do its keepers; especially without proper intervention. This study explores the lived experiences of nurses in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, as they navigate the emotional challenges and complexities following patient death. A descriptive phenomenological approach using thematic analysis was used. Interviews and observations with seven professional nurses across various healthcare settings in the province yielded three themes: (a) death as a multilayered occupational hazard, (b) desensitization, and (c) staying afloat in the limbo of life and death. A key finding was the concept of progressive desensitization. The study uncovers the profound impact of nurses’ first encounters with death and how their perspectives evolve. The dichotomies of care they balance between empathy-sympathy and attachment-detachment nurses navigate to provide optimal care while also considering their well-being, and the coping mechanisms they employ to stay afloat. Data reveals that the nurses’ first encounter of death in the profession lingers psychologically, whether or not they were prepared for it. Further, while desensitization is a common adaptive response, it is a deliberate, gradual process shaped by repeated exposure. Despite the systemic challenges they face, including unhealthy work distribution, inadequate resources, and the heightened stress brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses continue to demonstrate resilience, drawing from the brighter aspects of their profession. The study highlights the importance of support systems, self-care practices, and institutional interventions to mitigate these challenges. By highlighting their experiences, we aim to instill better understanding and empathy for nurses, spark policy improvements to better support and equip nurses with knowledge they can use to face the complexities of their roles. 

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